airboat tour get your guide

The Original Everglades National Park Airboat Tour

Everglades safari t-shirt, experience the beauty of everglades national park while riding an airboat, discover the next level of family fun while our captains navigate through the pristine waters of everglades national park aboard our world-famous airboat tours. you can bet it is one of the safest social distancing options to explore your nature™..

The Original Eco-Experience Airboat Tour

Take an unforgettable journey on an airboat ride through florida's everglades national park, join our expert captains for 30 to 40 minutes of educational family fun in the florida everglades. learn about the unique plants and animals that live in your very own backyard..

Travel Deeper into Everglades National Park Aboard A Private Tour

Go off the beaten path as we journey deeper into florida's everglades national park, as expert guides, our captains have unparalleled knowledge of the trails, plants, and animals. join us for a truly unique and unforgettable experience today.

So much fun!! We did a private tour with LOU, and had an absolute blast!! Thanks to all the staff for being so friendly and knowledgeable! Make sure you go to the alligator show!

Wonderful place, excellent your guide and really awesome Alligator show. Highly recommend!!! Will definitely be back

Wondering What to Do When Visiting the Everglades?

From airboats to camping, we've listed our top picks in our latest article: Top 7 Things to Do in the Everglades!

On Vacation & Need A Ride? We Can Help!

We recommend Xpedition Tours! They provide reliable service to and from our park, from select locations.

So fun!  Beautiful tour flying around the everglades on an airboat!  Wear the ear buds they give you. And you can hold Snappy!

This place is awesome!  We saw a Snail Kite, momma alligator and her nest. The boat ride was sooo much fun. We actually drove by it and turned around just to see the place.

Planning Your Visit? Woo!

Find out everything you can do during your visit to the florida everglades, from airboats to nature walks, wildlife shows to gator bites, we offer family fun in the warm florida sun all year long. we're sure your experience will be unforgettable., ever wonder what that alligator is doing.

Top 7 Things to do in the Everglades

If you ask anyone about the Everglades, they will most probably say that it is the greatest swamp in Florida. They are close but not exactly right! It is a slow-running river that entails around nine contrasting, elegant ecosystems.

History of Airboats

In 1930, airboats started becoming popular in the United States. Many Floridians made them famously known when they began to invent them independently, these Floridians mostly lived in or near the Florida Everglades.

Ultimate Guide: Animals of the Everglades

Did you know the Florida Everglades sustains a unique environment that provides safe refuge to the wildlife that inhabits the wetlands, some of which are not found anywhere else in the world? This guide tells you all about them!

The Ultimate Guide to Everglades National Park

With so much to do in South Florida, it’s easy to miss the adventure that can be found in our very own backyard. In this article, we will shed light on one of the hidden gems often overlooked by visitors and residents alike; the Florida Everglades.

Searching For The Perfect Deal? Look no further!

We offer various discounts to make your Everglades National Park experience more memorable and less stressful on your wallet.

We recommend Xpedition Tours! transportation companies in Miami to provide you reliable service to and from our park, from select locations.

Traveling With A Group? Group Rates & Arrangements Are Available.

Group tours of all sizes are welcome to enjoy the adventure, together! Our custom made, twin rotor airboats are the largest in the industy, holding a whopping 45 visitors each!

Meet Our Partners

Park Information

Tour information, things to do in miami, navigation & more, want safari deals.

Everglades Tours

Animal encounters, alligator shows, and much more, everglades airboat tours, everglades vip tour, animal encounters, alligator shows, group tours & events, everglades holiday park airboat tours & rides in fort lauderdale, fl.

Welcome to Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tours & Rides! We are located in sunny South Florida, just outside of Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Our world-famous airboat ride and alligator park is a top attraction for locals and visitors alike. It’s perfect for kids and adults of all ages.

Climb aboard one of our state-of-the-art vessels for an unforgettable Everglades airboat tour . Then, experience a live alligator show featuring the Gator Boys Alligator Rescue team in our world-famous Gator Pit! Even get an opportunity to hold a baby alligator. With miles of wetlands and mangrove tunnels, you’ll journey deep into the Florida Everglades, zipping across the “River of Grass” at top speeds with an expert airboat tour guide.

Our fleet of airboats are spacious safe, offers comfort, and covered protection from all weather conditions. Lock eyes with an American alligator and snap amazing pictures as you come face-to-face with some of the most unusual and exciting animals. Don’t forget to upgrade your boat ride experience with an animal encounter. There’s only one Everglades and only one way to see it. 

AIRBOAT TOURS & ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

Exciting tours.

Experience a tour as stunning as it is intriguing. Our tours of the ‘Glades are unlike any other—packed with facts, history, and educational tidbits about this distinct Florida region filled with unparalleled wildlife; our exclusive fan boat tours offer you an exhilarating thrill like never before. The following are included.

• *60-Minute Everglades Airboat Tours
• 20-Minute Live Alligator Show
• 1 Premium Group Photo for Your Party
• Unmatched Family Fun for All Members

VIP TOUR WITH TRANSPORTATION

Your tour should be the very best—that’s why we make it more seamless than ever to ensure your visit is exhilarating, streamlined, and as memorable as can be. In other words, leave the round-trip transportation planning to us. Our tour transportation packages offer you a ride from our park. Includes: 

• Round-Trip Transportation Included
• *60-Minute, Fully Narrated Airboat Tour
• 20-Minute Live Alligator Show 

Wildlife & Animal Encounters Experience

Discover the thrill of interacting in a private setting with up to 5 exciting and unique, uncaged animals during our private tour. Listen and learn as our professional animal handlers dive into deep, detailed explanations, fun facts, and intriguing information about some of the most interesting and distinctive wildlife.

• 45-minute Animal Encounter Experience 
• Stories and Fun Facts About the Animals
• Professional Photos Included
• Special Packages Available

EXOTIC, EDUCATIONAL FUN

Our thrilling airboat rides through the Florida Everglades offer both education and entertainment (we call it edutainment) —with experienced captains, cutting-edge performers, and exceptionally talented wildlife handlers on our team, we’re proud to offer an experience unlike any other.

join us in Fort Lauderdale for a thrilling experience, and also available with round-trip transportation included!

Adrenaline Packed

60-minute airboat tour.

Glide through the wetlands of the Everglades at top speeds for amazing views, unparalleled thrills, and a thoroughly stunning experience! Our expert guides will take you on an enthralling tour of this distinctive habitat while imparting their vast knowledge of the plants and animals that call it home. Get ready to see alligators, rare birds, and other amazing creatures up close.

Leave the transportation up to us for an effortless vacation. When you book an airboat tour with transportation, we’ll handle the to-and-from accommodations—you handle the 1-hour airboat tour, exclusive live alligator show, and 1 free premium group photo per party. This VIP experience is created to satisfy the needs of explorers who seek both the excitement of exploration and the comfort and convenience of seamless transportation. With our VIP Tour, you can take your journey to the next level and make memories that will last a lifetime.

OUR EXCITING WILDLIFE

Our animal encounters offer you the chance to experience exciting and interesting wildlife as up close and personal as possible. Meet our uncaged animals courtesy of our expert wildlife handlers—learn about their diet, lifestyle, habitat, and much more

OUR GROUP TOURS & ADVENTURES

From school field trips to corporate team building activities, our group tours make for epic, fun-sized adventures. No matter what your event—a family gathering, birthday party, or a summer camp field trip—we can accommodate your party in style.

Stop by The

Gator bites café & gift shop.

If you’ve worked up an alligator-sized appetite while here at our park, you can chomp on some delicious treats from our full-service café and deli. From tasty breakfast and lunch options, we’re proud to offer both kid-friendly delights as well as some more exotic delicacies (an order of frog legs, please). Don’t forget a souvenir from our gift shop to remember your once-in-a-lifetime experience. Gator Bites Café & Gift Shop is more than just a pit stop.

A PRIVATE AIRBOAT TOUR

Climb aboard for a personalized experience just for you and your party. You tell us where you’d like to go how fast to do it, and your wish is our command. Enjoy the wetlands at top speeds for a thrilling adventure, or take a moment to slow down and savor the scenery. You have the freedom to explore, whether they be close encounters with wildlife or peaceful periods in unspoiled wilderness. Our guides will offer a fully narrated experience at your preferred pace.

THE GATOR BOYS IN ACTION

Live shows at the world-famous Gator Pit.

High-octane performances and captivating education about alligators.

Witness a mind-blowing, up-close-and-personal look at the antics and demeanor of rescued American alligators.

Our tour is loaded with excitement and maximum entertainment in mind—that’s why each tour includes an action-packed live alligator show. Our 20-minute gator shows offer heart-pumping stunts peppered with tons of educational facts—all brought to you by the Gator Boys Alligator Rescue team from Animal Planet’s hit TV series.

NEWS & ARTICLES

Visiting everglades national park.

Everglades National Park wasn’t established until 1947, and by then, the damage to the Everglades was already noticeable.

Decades Of Restoration Work – The Everglades Bridge That Changed it All

10 surprising facts about the everglades.

Do you know the Florida Everglades? You might be surprised to learn that America’s wetland is actually a river. Here are 5 surprising facts about the Everglades.

EVERGLADES TOURS, ALLIGATOR SHOWS, AND ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS EXPERIENCE

Our cutting-edge airboats provide a smooth and secure ride, allowing you to concentrate on taking in the surrounding natural beauty.

After your *60-minute Everglades airboat adventure concludes, take in an exciting and educational alligator presentation where you’ll learn all about the American alligator! As part of the airboat tour experience, you’ll receive 1 free group photo per party to remember your fun-filled day at the park! If that’s not enough, GO WILD with our animal encounters experience, where you’ll meet, interact with, and learn about five different animals within a private area inside our park.

No matter where your interests lie, you’ll find something to enjoy during your stay with us. Just ask the locals: they know Everglades Holiday Park is a great place to host a birthday party or a corporate event. Our private airboat tours cater to parties of 2 or more. You can also customize unique shore excursions for your entire group.

As you soar over the glassy waters near Everglades National Park, our designated coast guard will reveal secret information about this unique ecosystem as you soar over the glassy waters. The lush mangroves provide a welcoming aura, and the chirping sounds of animals affirm that you are truly experiencing the purest form of nature.

for News & Deals

By using this form you agree with the Data & Privacy Policy of this website.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

• WordPress.org
• Documentation
• Learn WordPress

19 Best Everglades Airboat Tours 2024 (local approved!)

Ready to book the best Everglades airboat tours?

You’re in the right place because the top 19 Everglades boat tours are all featured here.

How do I know?

As a native Floridian, I’ve been to the Everglades countless times so I know what to look out for (and what to avoid) when it comes to the best Everglades boat tours.

If you’ve never been on an airboat tour before, you should know that it’s such a uniquely fun experience, cruising over the water with nothing but air in between you and the creatures below – it’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s the best way to see the Everglades due to its swampy nature.

If you’re like, just cut to the chase already, don’t worry: the best Everglades airboat tour is this Florida Everglades airboat adventure.

It has a high rating with 1,000+ reviews, so you can’t go wrong.

⏳Don’t have time to read the whole list?

The best Everglades tour is this Florida Everglades airboat adventure.

Click here to check prices and availability.

But if you want to see what your other options are for the tours around the Everglades, Everglades sightseeing tours and more, here are more tours of the Everglades that are definitely worth your time and what I love about each.

PS – booking in advance is always highly recommended so you don’t miss out.

Easy Guide: Best Everglades Airboat Tours

1. florida everglades airboat adventure and wildlife encounter.

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 1100+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Looking for the best airboat rides in the Everglades?

Embark on an exciting adventure to the Florida Everglades with a thrilling airboat ride and wildlife encounter at Sawgrass Recreation Park .

Experience the unique subtropical ecosystem of the Everglades as you zoom across the grassy waters at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour, keeping an eye out for alligators, fish, turtles, and wading birds.

This guided tour grants you access to Sawgrass Recreation Park, along with admission to the animal exhibit and a guided airboat tour.

Discover the beauty and diversity of this fascinating environment, and get up close to native and exotic animal species, including alligators and tortoises.

Learn about the park’s important conservation efforts and enjoy access to the Reptile and Exotic Wildlife exhibits for a truly immersive experience.

Need-to-knows about this tour :

• 40 minute guided airboat ride
• Admission to Sawgrass Recreation Park
• Access to the park’s Alligator and Reptile Exhibit

2. 3 – 4 hours Everglades Tour from Miami

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 770+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3-7 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Looking for a wild adventure?

Head to the Everglades from Miami on this cool 3-4 hour small-group tour , one of the best Everglades airboat tours from Miami.

Hop on an awesome airboat ride and cruise through the Florida Everglades’ unique ecosystem.

It’s like a nature rollercoaster!

Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, crocodiles, birds, fish, and even exotic snakes – they’re all hangin’ out in their natural habitat.

And guess what? This tour is totally family-friendly, so bring everyone along for the fun!

They keep it chill with small groups, so it’s not overcrowded and you get the best experience.

Plus, they’ve got options for different departure times throughout the day, so you can pick what works for you.

• Free time exploring Everglades included
• Hotel-pick up included
• Live commentary on board

3. Everglades Airboat Tour in Fort Lauderdale

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 1300+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Looking for a fun day out in the Everglades?

Look no further than this epic 1-Hour Narrated Airboat Tour .

Hop on their speedy airboat and zip across the grassy waters at up to 40 miles per hour on one of the best everglades airboat tours from Fort Lauderdale.

Keep your eyes peeled for alligators, wading birds, and a whole bunch of amazing flora and fauna in their natural habitats.

Their guide knows their stuff and will fill you in on the fascinating history of the Everglades and why it’s so important to preserve this unique ecosystem.

The adventure starts at 9 AM and keeps going rain or shine until 4 PM, with the last tour departing at 3:30 PM.

And don’t worry about waiting forever—tours depart every 20 minutes or less.

• 1-Hour Narrated Everglades Airboat Tour from Fort Lauderdale
• Live Narration during your Airboat Tour by Expert Glademen
• See Alligators and other wildlife up close from your Everglades Airboat Tour

4. 90-min Everglades Airboat Tour in Central Florida : best everglades tour in Florida

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 750+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Staying in Orlando or the Central Florida area and want to see the Everglades?

Join this exhilarating guided airboat tour of the Florida Everglades and experience the thrill of encountering alligators and other wildlife up close and personal, all while feeling safe and secure with an expert guide by your side.

The Everglades can be an intimidating place to venture alone, but with this guided tour, you can explore this unique ecosystem with confidence.

Relax in the comfort of their stadium-like seating as you take in breathtaking views of the swamps and spot fascinating wildlife in their natural habitat.

Throughout the journey, your knowledgeable guide will provide live commentary and with a maximum of 15 travelers, you’ll have a personalized experience and ample opportunity to ask questions.

Choose from two tour duration times and multiple start times, allowing you to find the perfect fit for your schedule.

• Local driver guide
• Life jackets

5. Everglades VIP Airboat Tour with Transportation Included

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 340+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Get ready for an action-packed adventure in the mesmerizing Everglades with an experienced guide leading the way on this amazing Everglades boat trip.

Race through the “River of Grass” on an exhilarating airboat tour , and immerse yourself in the captivating world of alligators, snakes, wading birds, and unique vegetation.

With in-depth commentary throughout the tour, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the local environment and wildlife.

Your expert captains at Everglades Holiday Park know all the best spots to explore, ensuring you don’t miss a single magical moment in this pristine ecosystem.

To make your experience seamless, they offer convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Ft. Lauderdale, so you can fully focus on the adventure ahead.

Plus, as a special memento, you’ll take home two free professional grade group photos to cherish the memories.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• 60-minute, fully narrated airboat tour of the Everglades
• 2 free professional grade group photos

6. Central Florida Everglades Airboat Tour from Orlando

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 120+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Embark on an unforgettable 4-hour adventure as you escape to the untamed wilderness of the Central Florida Everglades from Orlando – an Everglades boat ride to remember!

Feel the thrill of Florida’s natural beauty with your choice of a 30-minute or upgraded 1-hour airboat ride, whisking you across the grassy water for an up-close encounter with the local wildlife, including alligators and birds, amidst lush vegetation.

But the excitement doesn’t end there!

Get ready for an exhilarating 20-minute alligator handling demonstration that will leave you in awe.

Watch in amazement as skilled handlers showcase their bond with these incredible creatures.

This action-packed tour is perfect for the entire family, promising fun and wonder for all ages.

They even offer convenient pick-up from select Orlando locations, making your journey hassle-free from start to finish.

• Airboat Ride through the Central Florida Everglades (length dependent upon option booked)
• Pickup and drop-off from Orlando -Disney – Kissimmee Meeting Point Locations
• Stop at ONE airboat park – tour day depends on which facility

7. Western Everglades Adventure Tour : Everglades airboat tours

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 130+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Experience the wonders of the Florida Everglades on a thrilling guided airboat adventure with Everglades Day Safari, departing from the Greater Fort Myers area.

Keep your eyes peeled for fascinating wildlife, including majestic birds and awe-inspiring alligators.

Did you know that there are more alligators per acre here than anywhere else in the world?

Prepare for an up-close encounter with these incredible creatures.

This half-day family adventure offers an unforgettable one-hour airboat ride, where you’ll get to know the Everglades’ diverse ecosystems and the incredible animals that call it home.

To top it all off, the tour includes an interactive reptile show, where you can get up close and personal with snakes and alligators.

• Expert naturalist or biologist guide
• 1-hour airboat ride
• 1-hour reptile educational program

8. Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale : best Everglades tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 390+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  10 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Get ready to escape to the wild side with an epic full-day adventure to Florida’s Everglades from Fort Lauderdale!

This small-group tour has all the ingredients for an action-packed day in nature that you won’t forget.

Hop aboard an airboat and zip through Everglades National Park like a pro, spotting alligators and other cool critters along the way.

You’ll also cruise through the stunning Big Cypress National Preserve, taking in the breathtaking sights as we go.

But that’s not all!

Get your adventure on with a nature walk through a cypress forest, where ancient trees stand tall and wildlife roams freely.

Your expert guide will share fascinating stories about the surroundings, so you’ll be a nature expert in no time!

With lunch provided and hotel pickup/drop-off in Fort Lauderdale, you don’t have to worry about a thing.

This is a small-group tour, so we keep it intimate and personal, making sure everyone has a blast.

• Transport by air-conditioned 13-passenger van
• Pickup and drop-off from select locations

9. Ultimate Everglades Experience MORNING or AFTERNOON

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1-4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Experience the untamed wonders of the Florida Everglades on this thrilling excursion from Miami , one of the best Everglades boat tours.

Hop on board an open-air, flat-bottomed airboat and zoom over the legendary ‘River of Grass,’ all while your expert guide reveals the secrets of this incredible swamp ecosystem.

Wander through the jungle trails of the farm and get up close with awe-inspiring alligators in their natural habitat.

Plus, if you choose the option, enjoy the convenience of round-trip transportation from your Miami hotel.

• guided airboat tour with a local park ranger
• round trip transportation from select starting points
• leisure to explore Everglades park, restrooms, gift shop and snack bar

10. 60 min Everglades Airboat Tour Small Group : Everglades boat trip

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 17+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the Everglades with this 1-hour small group airboat tour!

Cruise through these legendary wetlands, where you’ll encounter alligators and discover rare plant life.

Your expert guides will provide fascinating insights into the diverse ecosystems and habitats of this remarkable place.

Whether it’s your first time in South Florida or not, this airboat ride will surely become a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Come join them for an hour of pure Everglades magic!

• Bottled water included
• Maximum of 7 travelers
• Infants must sit on laps

11. Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Ride

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 19+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  5 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Head to Everglades Vacation Park in Fort Lauderdale and embark on a thrilling 45-minute narrated airboat tour , as you enjoy a boat tour of Everglades National Park.

Get ready to explore the one-of-a-kind subtropical ecosystem of the Everglades, gliding across the grassy waters at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.

Keep your eyes peeled for the diverse flora and fauna that call this place home.

It’s a fantastic opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Everglades in all its glory.

Don’t miss out on this exciting adventure at Everglades Vacation Park, the home of The Gator Boys!

• round trip transportation
• 45-minute narrated airboat tour of the Everglades from Fort Lauderdale
• Live narration during your airboat tour by Expert Glademen

12. Everglades Tour with Professional Tour Guide including Pickup

⭐️  RATING:  4.5 out of 5 Stars, 30+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  4 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Hop on an exciting Everglades airboat tour right from Miami and get ready for an adventure through South Florida’s captivating swamps.

Your expert guide is a true Everglades specialist who’ll share the rich history and significance of this unique ecosystem.

As you glide through the River of Grass, keep your eyes peeled for the incredible wildlife that calls this place home – from snakes and alligators to turtles and more!

This quick and smooth 60-minute tour of Everglades National Park will leave you with a deep appreciation for this remarkable habitat.

Plus, you’ll enjoy the convenience of a small group tour with experienced guidance throughout.

13. Private 1-Hour Airboat Tour of Miami Everglades

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 29+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Step beyond Miami’s boundaries and embark on an exclusive private airboat tour of the incredible Everglades.

Your personal guide will lead you through the winding waterways, teeming with alligators, allowing you to learn about the fascinating wildlife and the unique ecosystem in the utmost privacy.

Encounter a diverse array of wildlife up close during this intimate small boat tour.

Embrace the tranquility of the Everglades and make the most of your time with a tailored private experience.

14. Everglades Airboat Adventure with Transport from Miami

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  5 hours 45 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Experience the enchanting wonders of the Florida Everglades on this thrilling airboat adventure and nature tour .

They’ll pick you up from your Miami hotel and whisk you away to the breathtaking 1.5-million-acre wetlands preserve.

With the National Park entrance fee already included, there are no hidden fees to worry about.

Your experienced captain will guide you through this unique subtropical ecosystem, sharing fascinating facts along the way.

Glide effortlessly along the grassy water, keeping your eyes peeled for a delightful array of wildlife, from playful alligators and graceful wading birds to curious fish and turtles in their natural habitat.

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Minimum age is 3 years
• Pick-up transportation is mandatory

15. Private River Of Grass Everglades Airboat Adventure : Everglades National Park boat tour

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 75+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Embark on a truly unique and memorable Everglades adventure with this company !

Their custom small airboats, guided by experienced naturalist Captains, ensure an unforgettable journey through the majestic River of Grass.

Designed to be comfortable and suitable for all ages, their airboats offer a relaxing yet thrilling ride through the vast expanse of America’s largest wetlands.

As you glide along, your knowledgeable captain will make strategic stops to share fascinating insights about the Everglades’ intricate ecosystems.

Prepare to be amazed by the diverse wildlife that calls this pristine habitat home, including alligators, crocodiles, exotic birds, panthers, and even black bears.

• Ice cold bottle waters, cooler, light weight headsets, adult and children life vest all included

16. Private 1.5-Hour Airboat Tour of Miami Everglades

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 27+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  1 hour 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Get ready for an unforgettable wildlife encounter in the Everglades on one of the best Everglades airboat tours.

Known for its incredible array of creatures, from alligators to turtles, fish, and a variety of birds, this tour offers a safe and thrilling way to get up close to the unique ecosystems of the area.

With just your party and the driver on the airboat, you’ll relish the intimacy of this private adventure.

Learn fascinating tidbits about the flora and fauna from our knowledgeable guide, uncovering hidden gems of information that you won’t find elsewhere.

Unlike crowded boat trips, this exclusive tour ensures a personalized experience, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an up-close encounter with alligators and other creatures.

Stay refreshed throughout the journey as drinks are included, so you can focus on soaking in the beauty of the Everglades.

• Confirmation will be received at time of booking, unless booked within 4 hours of travel. In this case confirmation will be received as soon as possible, subject to availability
• Service animals allowed

17. Everglades Air Boat Ride + Alligator Show

⭐️  RATING:  5 out of 5 Stars, 5+ reviews | ⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  3 hours 30 minutes | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Get the most out of your Miami adventure with this thrilling half-day tour to the Everglades National Park.

Hop aboard a comfortable coach for a scenic ride to the Everglades, where breathtaking views await.

Feel the excitement build as you embark on an adrenaline-pumping airboat ride through this incredible wilderness, keeping your eyes peeled for sightings of majestic alligators.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there!

Get ready for an alligator show that will leave you in awe as you learn fascinating facts about these incredible reptiles.

This tour takes you beyond the bustling city of Miami, giving you the chance to explore the natural wonders of the Everglades.

18. Everglades Airboat Safari

⏳  TOUR LENGTH:  5 hours | ✔️  BOOK NOW

Get ready for an exciting half-day adventure as you get taken on a thrilling airboat ride through the captivating Everglades National Park.

Feel the rush as you cruise under the majestic mangrove tunnels and skim through the lush marsh grass, surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Keep your eyes peeled for incredible wildlife moments as you spot alligators, turtles, deer, and a variety of birds in their natural habitat.

The Everglades is teeming with life, and this airboat ride will give you the perfect opportunity to witness it up close.

After the exhilarating ride, you’ll have some free time to explore the fascinating alligator exhibits.

Learn more about these incredible creatures and deepen your understanding of their behavior and habitat.

• Transportation to the Everglades
• Park Entrance
• Airboat Ride

19. Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Ride with Roundtrip Transfer

Hop aboard a state-of-the-art vessel for an exhilarating and unforgettable Everglades airboat ride.

Prepare to be amazed as you glide across miles of wetlands, venturing deep into the heart of the Everglades, and racing across the famous “River of Grass” at top speeds, all guided by our expert tour guide.

Safety and comfort are our top priorities, which is why your spacious airboat comes with covered protection, ensuring you have a fantastic experience regardless of the weather conditions.

Soak in the breathtaking views and immerse yourself in the beauty of this unique ecosystem.

During your hour-long Everglades airboat tour, keep your eyes wide open as you might catch a glimpse of some of the most exotic and unforgettable wildlife the Everglades has to offer.

From alligators to rare bird species, this adventure promises thrilling encounters with nature’s most captivating inhabitants.

Get the All-American Travel Secrets!

Don't miss out on America's hidden gems!

I agree to receive email updates and promotions.

About The Author

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

create unforgettable Everglades memories at captain jack's!

Zip through Everglades City on airboat tours

Venture through a cypress forest on a swamp buggy

Get a chance to see wild alligators, birds & more

Stay safe and comfortable 

See alligators & animals up close

Hold a baby alligator

Take home gifts and memories

Everglades National Park Boat Tour

Mangrove Tunnel & National Park Combo

Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

Mangrove maze airboat tours.

Race through a maze of Everglades mangroves on an airboat, away from other traffic.

• Mangrove Maze Ultimate Combo

• Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour

Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Combos

• Total Everglades Combo

Mangrove Tunnel & Grassland Combo

Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo

Private Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo

Mangrove tunnel airboat tours.

Take a high-speed tour of Everglades City's signature mangrove tunnels!

• Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour

• Private Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour

Grassland airboat Tours

Grassland & Buggy Combo

• Grassland Airboat Tour

4 Attractions Included with All Our Tours

When you book direct.

Animal Sanctuary

Alligator Show

Hug an Alligator

Why Choose Captain Jack’s?

Local Roots

Safety & Experience

Two-Way Headsets

Alligators & Animals

Quietest & Comfiest

Personal & Popular

Refreshments & Gifts

Guests love us.

“There is something about flying down narrow alleys of mangrove trees that is just a rush. I could never get tired of it. The guides always give more than just a ride. You learn so much about the Everglades and the total ecosystem that it is. We most certainly will be back!

—C. from Florida

“The mangrove tour was so much fun! We saw a family of dolphins swimming along the boat, several alligators, and a few fish jumping out of the water. Riding through the mangroves was beautiful and a fun way to see the Everglades. I would recommend to anyone.”

—J. from Massachusetts

“We really enjoyed seeing the alligators. The captain of the airboat gave a lot of information about the Everglades and habitat. The addition of the two-way headsets let us all communicate during the tour. This was really a highlight of having friends down visiting us new Florida residents. Plan to bring other guests."

—K. from Florida

“We did the combo package and it was amazing! Great way to experience all 3 ways to 'see' the Everglades! Would highly recommend. All the captains for each segment were fantastic! Had a great time!"

—J.T.

• Mangrove Tunnel & National Park Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel & Grassland Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo
• Private Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo
• Grassland & Buggy Combo
• Lodging Nearby
• Total Everglades Stay & Play
• Online Gift Shop
• Animals & Alligator Show
• Everglades City Boardwalk

Protect Your Trip »

The 9 best everglades airboat and swamp tours.

See much more than alligators during one of these exciting trips.

The Top Everglades Airboat & Swamp Tours

Getty Images

If you're planning a trip to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida , visiting Everglades National Park should be on your to-do list. The South Florida national park is known for its expansive beauty, as well as its varied population of wildlife that includes everything from bobcats to alligators.

To see all the Everglades has to offer, sign up for a guided tour. U.S. News consulted both traveler sentiment and expert opinion to identify the top Everglades tours. Before you go, make sure you read through the National Park Service's Wildlife Viewing Ethics to keep both yourself and the animals safe during your time in the park. When choosing the best Everglades tours, we avoided recommending operators that promote wildlife shows or encourage feeding or holding the animals for photo-ops.

Visitors should plan to pay a fee to enter the park, as it may not be included in the price of the tour ticket. You should also keep in mind that many of these tour operators are located at least 30 miles west of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Tours that run on airboats – open-air vessels with huge fans at the back that propel the boat – can be very loud. Companies will generally offer ear protection, but if you or your companions are sensitive to loud noises, contact the tour provider to discuss options before you book.

The Best Everglades Airboat and Swamp Tours

Everglades swamp tours – one hour group tour.

Price: Adults from $60; kids from $30 Duration: 1 hour

This sightseeing trip takes you out on an airboat to cruise through the Everglades' main waterways in search of alligators, birds and interesting vegetation. Throughout the ride, knowledgeable guides share facts about the area's history and ecology. Many travelers recommend booking this tour, describing it as fun and informative, with plenty of wildlife sightings. Departures generally take place daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., but availability may vary by month.

Children 5 and younger can ride for free, but still require a reserved seats. Also check out Everglades Swamp Tours for private airboat tours that last up to two hours.

Check prices & availability on:

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures – 30-Minute Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $30 Duration: 30 minutes

Located at the headwaters of the Everglades in Kissimmee, Florida (about 40 miles south of Orlando), Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures earns praise from reviewers for its personable, experienced staff and the family-friendly environment. On the airboat ride, you and up to 16 other passengers will glide through the tall grass in search of eagles, alligators, raccoons and more. In addition to airboat rides, the site houses a replica of a Jororo Tribe village, as well as a gem and fossil mining activity for kids.

Tours depart throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 5 pm. You can buy your tickets online, but there are no reservations for this tour. For a longer adventure, consider the company's hourlong airboat ride. There are also sunset and night tours, if you're hoping to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

Marsh Landing Adventures – 90-Minute Everglades Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $60 Duration: 1.5 hours

For wildlife lovers who want more than half an hour to experience the Everglades, this 1.5-hour airboat ride from Marsh Landing Adventures is an excellent experience. Located in Kissimmee on Lake Tohopekaliga, Marsh Landing Adventures promises travelers an in-depth look at the headwaters of the Everglades and the plants and animals that inhabit its waters. What's more, the company says it can reach areas of the Everglades that are inaccessible to larger boats because of its small crafts. Travelers give kudos to the boat captain for their educational and entertaining delivery. Many call the experience the highlight of their Florida vacation.

Tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are required, and there is a 1% fuel surcharge added to each ticket. Marsh Landing Adventures also offers hourlong, two-hour and four-hour airboat rides.

Everglades City Airboat Tours

Price: Adults from $47; kids from $31 Duration: 1 hour

Everglades City Airboat Tours sets itself apart from other companies by offering participants two-way headsets, which allow passengers and guides to better engage with one another throughout the hourlong ride. As you navigate through narrow creeks and shallow bays, you may spot alligators, manatees and birds. Tourists enjoy the ride and appreciate the headsets. Reviewers are also complimentary of the boat captains, who they describe as entertaining and knowledgeable.

Tours depart multiple times Monday through Saturday, although timing may be modified based on the season. It's a good idea to reserve your tour in advance. Everglades City Airboat Tours is located approximately 85 miles west of Miami and 35 miles southeast of Naples, Florida.

Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours – 45-Minute Standard Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $27.50 Duration: 45 minutes

For an excursion that combines cultural immersion and wildlife viewing, consider this outing from Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours. The Miccosukee family-owned company's standard tour focuses on introducing visitors to the homelands of the Miccosukee people: an American Indian tribe that migrated to Florida before it became a state. During the tour, you'll not only see local wildlife, but also will get to see a Miccosukee Indian camp and take a nature walk. Visitors recommend the tour, describing it as an amazing experience thanks to the small, intimate group size.

Tours run daily at multiple times between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The company also offers private outings.

Everglades River of Grass Adventures – Semi-Private River of Grass Airboat Tours Everglades

Price: Adults from $85; kids from $45 Duration: 1.5 hours

One perk of this tour is that it is capped at six to eight travelers per boat. During the excursion, you'll get the chance to see the famous flora and fauna of the Everglades, including herons and alligators. Visitors say this is a family-friendly tour and call the trip "memorable" and "amazing."

These tours run seven days a week; since they're semiprivate, you must call or email to find out the best times to depart. River of Grass Adventures also offers sunset tours of the Everglades.

Other Popular Everglades Tours

Shurr Adventures Everglades – Three Hour Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour Small Group Adventure

Price: Adults from $109; kids from $99 Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Enjoy an up-close view of animals and nature, and get some exercise in too, on this kayak tour of the Everglades' mangroves. As you paddle your way through the mangrove tunnels, you may spot orchids, birds and, of course, alligators. Kayakers say this tour is excellent and appreciate the patient, experienced guides who share a wealth of information about the plants and animals that reside in this unique ecosystem. What's more, reviewers appreciate that the tours are limited to just eight participants.

Tours are available Monday through Saturday from August to April; times vary by season. Children must be at least 7 years old to participate. Tourgoers will enjoy three to 3.5 hours out on the water but should plan to spend a total of four hours on-site from start to finish. Shurr Adventures Everglades also offers a full-day tour of the mangrove tunnels, as well as a motorboat tour in the Ten Thousand Islands region of Everglades National Park, among other options.

Shark Valley Tram Tours

Price: Adults from $31; kids from $16 Duration: 2 hours

These naturalist-led excursions not only include a tour around Everglades National Park in an open-air tram, they also give tourgoers the chance to explore on foot. Halfway through the tour, participants can climb a 45-foot-tall observation deck to see sweeping views of the surrounding vegetation. During the two-hour tour, travelers also have the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife. Tourgoers enjoy learning about the Everglades from the expert guides and say riding the tram is part of the fun. Many also recommended taking a morning tour to avoid the midday heat.

From mid-December through late April, tours depart on the hour daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From May through mid-December, tours depart at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. Shark Valley Tram Tours also offers self-guided bike tours. (Note that you'll have to pay a separate fee to enter Everglades National Park for any tour.)

Everglades Florida Adventures – Ten Thousand Islands Tour

Price: Adults from $59; kids from $29 Duration: 3 hours

If you're hoping to see the Everglades by boat, but want something a little quieter than an airboat ride, consider this cruise. Departing from Port of the Islands Marina in Naples, this 45-foot passenger catamaran glides across the Faka Union Canal while guides share information about the history and ecology of the area. Tourgoers report spotting lots of birds, turtles, dolphins and manatees. They also call out the insightful crew and clean, comfortable boat as highlights.

Cruises are offered Monday to Friday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Everglades Florida Adventures also offers kayak and canoe rentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Like any other form of transportation, riding an airboat may come with some risks. To stay safe on your Everglades airboat tour, be sure to choose a company run by experienced, professional boaters (most of which undergo special training and are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard) and adhere to all rules set forth by your guide. Parents should keep a close eye on children and be sure they are properly fitted for their life jackets, and all passengers should protect against the heat by wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated. Commercial airboats typically do not exceed speeds of 30 to 40 mph to ensure a safe, smooth ride, and most operators will reschedule your tour in the event of lightning or other inclement weather. Tour companies will also generally provide riders with proper ear protection, as the boats are quite loud.

Typically, passengers will feel the most comfortable in lightweight, sleeveless clothing and shorts while on an Everglades airboat tour. If you are taking a wintertime tour, keep an eye on the weather – pants and long sleeves may be a better option, but you likely won't need a heavy jacket. Be sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and water to protect yourself from the effects of the sun; you may also want a hat to provide further shade and keep hair in place. Passengers with long hair are advised to wear it in a ponytail or bun to keep it from becoming knotted in the wind. Tourgoers may also wish to apply some bug spray prior to embarking on their adventure.

Airboat tours last about an hour, though duration will depend on the tour company.

An airboat's top speed is about 30 mph.

Not normally, but you run a small risk of getting misted with water. If you take a tour when it is raining, expect to get wet.

In winter, you'll want to time your visit for midday, when it warms up. In summer, you'll want to visit in the morning or later afternoon when it's coolest. Visiting at these times can increase your chances of seeing wildlife, but you'll likely see all kinds of critters no matter when you visit year-round.

You might also be interested in:

• Best Miami Tours
• Best Miami Boat Tours
• The Top Museums in Miami
• The Top Things to Do in Florida
• The Best Medical Travel Insurance

Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida

Tags: Tours , Vacations , Travel , Florida

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Top adults-only cruises.

Gwen Pratesi May 6, 2024

Top-Rated Newport Mansion Tours

Andrea McHugh May 6, 2024

The 9 New York City Boat Tours

Lyn Mettler May 6, 2024

The 13 Best Key West Tours of 2024

Gwen Pratesi May 3, 2024

Essentials to Pack for a Cruise

Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross May 2, 2024

Swimming With Pigs in the Bahamas

Amanda Norcross May 2, 2024

The 15 Best Chicago Tours for 2024

John Rodwan May 1, 2024

The 10 Best Harry Potter Tours in London

Marisa Méndez April 30, 2024

12 Cheap Fourth of July Getaways

April 29, 2024

The Best Tours of Buckingham Palace

Laura French April 29, 2024

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar

Additional menu

The Family Vacation Guide

12 of the Best Airboat Tours in Florida

posted by James Brockbank on August 12, 2021 // last updated on August 16, 2021

Although airboats were invented in Canada about 100 years ago , they have become a crucial staple in the tourism industry of sunny Florida . 

Airboats are small boats with flat bottoms that cruise through mostly inland, shallow waters. These unique boats come equipped with giant fans that serve as a propeller, driving these contraptions through the water. 

Sounds like fun, right? 

Today we’re going to talk about 12 of the best airboat tours in Florida for you to check out while you’re on the vacation of a lifetime. 

Wild Florida

Everglades holiday park airboat tours and rides .

• Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures 

Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours 

Gator park airboat tours .

• Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours 

Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours 

Airboat rides at midway , sawgrass recreation park , coopertown airboats , airboat rides melbourne , jungle erv’s airboat tours, reasons to head out on an airboat tour during your vacation.

If you’ve never heard of an airboat tour, you’re missing out! 

Traditionally, many airboats are used for recreational and even military purposes. The US Coast Guard implements them into their boat fleets, while the average, everyday person often uses them for fishing and hunting. 

But the tourism industry noticed these boats and recognized that their large size, open concept, and smooth ride were perfect for showing visitors all the aquatic wildlife and views. 

When you go on an airboat tour, your guide directs the boat through portions of calm and usually shallow waters in an effort to get you the best views of the nature around you. And naturally, there are many pros to taking an airboat tour during your Florida vacation:

• Airboats have flat bottoms, which make for a smooth, comfortable ride
• Most commercial airboats travel around 40 mph, which can be very fun and exciting
• Airboat tours give you access to shallow and narrow waterways, which you couldn’t otherwise see
• Airboat tours give you an up-close view of nature and aquatic beauty
• Airboat tours are very informative and educational, making them perfect for family outings

If you’ve got a gap in your plans for your Florida vacation, consider filling that time with an airboat tour. You and your loved ones can learn a lot about the area’s waterways and hopefully see tons of wildlife like gators, eagles, fish, birds, and more. 

You can find locations that offer airboat tours throughout the entire state of Florida, which can be pretty overwhelming. So, we’ve put together a list of our 12 favorite airboat tours in the state below. 

Wild Florida is a highly popular Orlando airboat tour that lets visitors and locals alike explore the famous Everglades. With experienced captains on board and in charge, guests have a real chance to see exciting wildlife like gators and eagles. 

One of the reasons we love Wild Florida is because all of its airboats are US Coast Guard approved. The location also provides jackets and ear protection for all of its guests, leaving you with one less thing to worry about. 

So, if you’re traveling with little ones or simply get nervous around boats, there’s nothing to fear; you’re safe with this team. 

Wild Florida is more than happy to discuss its airboat tours over the phone with you. You can book via phone call or online, and the location offers discounts for groups of 10 or more.

For an additional cost, guests can also book an animal encounter. You can choose from one of their current animal options: sloths, giraffes, gators, porcupines, and more. 

Wild Florida also offers a safari experience where you can ride through their grounds in a van and experience real Florida wildlife.  

Located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the Everglades Holiday Park airboat tours are some of the best the state has to offer. 

When you book your adventure with Everglades Holiday Park, you sign up for a unique experience with the Everglades, alligators, and nature. 

These tours are 60 minutes long and come fully equipped with experts who narrate the whole journey. The airboats peak at speeds of almost 60 mph for an exciting and fun ride that you won’t soon forget. 

In the case of the Holiday Park, education is anything but boring. Whether you’re a child or an adult, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Everglades while learning a little something along the way. 

One of the stand-out features of Everglades Holiday Park airboat tours is that the company offers one of the only covered airboat experiences in the area. The premium boats are not only safe but comfortable as they protect you from the hot Florida sun. 

The park is always running group deals and special events, so you should check out their website before settling on your adventure. 

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures  

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is famous for its airboat tours in Orlando. This location offers both half-hour and one-hour tours, along with VIP private tours. The half-hour ride lets you quickly explore Florida’s marshy wildlife, while the hour-long ride lets you get even deeper. 

In addition to these options, you can also book a sunset tour or a night tour. The first gives you a front-row seat to the beautiful sunset over the water. This exciting tour gets you up close and personal with both daytime and nighttime wildlife.

The latter tour brings you through the water at nighttime, introducing you to an adrenaline-pumping world and taking you deep into the unknown. Many of the wildlife in Florida’s water are nocturnal, such as the American Alligator, so a night tour may just show you something you won’t see during the day. 

We’re not sure what we love more: the US Coast Guard inspected airboats of the all-inclusive ticket bundles that include your ride, lunch, a gem mine, and admission to the Boggy Creek Park. 

No one offers you a more interactive airboat ride than Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours. 

The Mangrove tours offer an exciting glimpse through the Everglades, where riders wear headsets so they can hear their tour guide even better. 

When you book a tour with Captain Jack’s, you also get free admission into the Animal Sanctuary, where you can explore wildlife even further. Current packages also include free alligator hugs and a trip to the alligator show. 

Captain Jack’s runs its airboat tours 365 days a year, so no matter when your vacation is, you will always have a chance to visit. Each captain of the safe and smooth airboats has tons of knowledge about history, folklore, and wildlife, keeping you entertained and educated. 

These tours focus particularly on the Mangrove tunnels in addition to zipping through water and plants. You will always have a captain who is licensed by the US Coast Guard, as well as highly maintained boats and a close-up view of Florida’s coolest creatures. 

Gator Park is a reputable airboat tour that works directly with the Everglades National Park. In fact, you can book your reservations directly through the national park’s website, so you know it’s a location you can trust. 

Gator Park is all-around just an awesome business to work with. Its staff is always friendly and knowledgeable, with excellent customer service and approachable workers. 

You can expect your tour with Gator Park to begin by following the canal down to the rivers of grass. The expert tour guides are very intelligent and experienced; they will even give you tips on how to spot alligators, turtles, birds, and more. 

Your tour will explore the vast wetlands of the Everglades, using high-performing airplane propellers to keep the boats moving quickly. You can hop on a tour with others or book a private trip – the choice is yours! 

In addition to these tours, this Miami-based business also has a fun souvenir shop, dining options, and wildlife shows for a full day of fun and learning. 

Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours  

Orlando beaches and city life are fun for a while; the Wild Willy’s focuses on offering an escape from manmade adventures with an all-natural experience. 

Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours offers standard and private tours in either a 6-person airboat or its newly added 14-passenger boat. All of its captains are fully insured and fully licensed, giving you a worry-free adventure from start to finish. 

Wild Willy’s has accumulated over 6,000 positive reviews online. Its one-hour tours are affordable and provide the perfect way to connect with nature. 

On the tour with Wild Willy, you’re likely to see alligators, snakes, bald eagles, snails, and more. The tour guides will tell you all about the area while keeping an eye out for the resident gators: Sergio, Blue, Cricket, and Splash. 

You can count on your guides to be not only knowledgeable but funny, personable, and above all, safe. The whole crew at Wild Willy’s makes every guest feel at home, and the extensive online photo gallery gives you an idea of what this experience is like. 

If you’re looking for some of the best touring of the Everglades, you won’t want to miss out on a day of adventure with Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours. Located in sunny Ochopee, Wooten’s has been operating since 1953 and offers a wide range of experiences. 

The business has 259 acres of private property, including large portions of the Everglades. It provides guests with standard airboat tours along with private experiences and extended tours. The animal sanctuary is home to over 100 alligators as well as tigers, lions, otters, and other animals.

Wrap up your trip with some refreshments and a trip to the gift shop, or extend your visit with the live alligator show. The experts at Wooten’s show you what it’s like to hug an alligator in a safe and exciting experience. 

Wooten’s knows what every group needs, so be sure to check out its website for more information. The tours are surprisingly affordable, and you can find options for an exclusive small tour and discounts for large groups. 

This tour business even offers options for educational field trips, making it perfect for students. Just ask the friendly staff at Wooten’s, and they’ll help you find the best package for your plans. 

Airboat Rides at Midway delivers the perfect experience, where you come for the airboats, but you stay for the animals. The features offered at this location will have you signing up faster than you can say “airboat!”

At Midway, all of the airboats are captained by US Coast Guard Master Captains. These professionals have military-grade experience and knowledge, so they truly know what they’re doing. 

Additionally, the boats at Midway are all a part of a custom fleet – all of which have been thoroughly inspected and certified by the Coast Guard, too. 

Every guest on board one of Midway’s airboats gets their own set of two-way communication headsets. You can clearly hear your guide’s instructions and narration, and you can ask questions along the way. 

Stadium seating in the boats ensures that everyone has the best seat in the house. They are engineered for visibility, and they guarantee you don’t miss a thing. 

You can finish off your trip to Midway with a free alligator encounter. Everyone who wants to can hold an alligator and capture a once-in-a-lifetime picture, and that sounds like an adventure that you don’t want to miss. 

Fort Lauderdale has tons of access to the Everglades; the Sawgrass Recreation is the perfect avenue into those wetlands. Named Travelers’ Choice by Tripadvisor in 2020, this location has a strong reputation and tons of packages to back it up. 

Sawgrass has six main packages available for purchase: Everglades Airboat Adventure, Gator Nights, the Annual Pass, the Adventure Package, the Deluxe Adventure Package, and the South Florida Adventure Pass. 

These packages offer a wide range of inclusions, such as the Adventure Pass, which includes an airboat ride and access to the animal exhibit. 

One of the most popular bookings is the Everglades Airboat Adventure. This airboat tour takes you on a ride hitting speeds of 40 mph through the Everglades. Following this exciting ride, guests can explore the exhibit to see over 100 reptiles and mammals – and even meet a baby alligator. 

Sawgrass also has food for purchase, but even more exciting than that is the Gator Nights Airboat Rides. You can take a walk on the wild side and explore the Everglades at night when all the wildlife truly comes to life. 

Miami is so much more than parties and beaches, and Coopertown Airboats knows that. The small, friendly town of Coopertown is home to only eight residents, but it offers the perfect entry point to Florida’s Everglades. 

Though small, Coopertown Airboats is mighty and has a lot to be proud of. This business has been used in several TV and film productions over the years and has hosted numerous magazine photoshoots.  

It’s also been rated #1 for airboat tours by the Miami Herald over the last 60 years. 

Coopertown has seven airboats, but the largest of the group can seat a whopping 24 people. Its smallest boat seats just two people and is perfect for private tours or professional work. 

Coopertown Airboat tours cover about 9 miles of wetlands, getting you close to the Coopertown gators and other wildlife. The location also features an exciting restaurant with tasty delicacies like gator tails, catfish, frog legs, and more. 

Airboat Rides Melbourne is a great tourist spot located in Melbourne, FL. Having been featured in several magazines, including Space Coast Living, Florida Travel, and Outdoor Life, you can bet it’s worth a visit. 

These airboat rides let you experience the natural beauty of Central Florida. It includes views of the gorgeous waterways, beautiful sunsets, and even full moons. But best of all, Melbourne rides get you close to wildlife that you’ve never seen up close before, such as the frightening and exciting alligator. 

No matter the size of your group, Airboat Rides Melbourne makes it work. In fact, they can even handle groups as large as 50 people! Its sunset and night rides are exceedingly popular. Sunset rides show you the same areas as the sun sheds incredible colors over the water.

Night rides really get your adrenaline pumping, as you can see gators waking up, deer swimming in lakes, and other nocturnal creatures. 

Melbourne’s certified boats can hold up to 15 people. The private rides are no-rush, personalized affairs that guarantee personal attention to your small group. At Melbourne, you are in charge. Simply tell your guide what you want to see and where you want to go, and he will get you there. 

In the heart of Everglades City, Florida, you can find our last (but not least) great airboat touring adventure: Jungle Erv’s. Jungle Erv’s Airboats gives you full access to the Florida Everglades by airboat, allowing you to see the subtropical wilderness up close. 

Erv’s captains are all natives of the area, so they can give guests an insider’s view of the Everglades. They know where all the best spots are, and their experience lets them share the best spots to see the wildlife. 

The Mangrove small airboat tour fits a group of six and includes a speedy ride with a Coast Guard licensed captain, as well as Jungle Erv’s boardwalk and an educational alligator show. The show is filled with fun stories and educational tidbits, and it wraps up with an up-close photo with a live alligator. 

Erv’s Airboat Tours consistently scores high reviews on Tripadvisor and gets extra points from us for its affordable prices.

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

A seasoned traveller, Dad, and avid sports tourist, James foundered The Family Vacation Guide to share his expert vacation experiences- especially when it comes to being a travelling family man.

Featured in Travel articles such as Travel + Leisure, TripSavvy and SFGate, you know you're reading some of the best vacation tips online.

Experience more of the Everglades at Wooten's!

Glide across 259 private acres on a grassland airboat tour

Get a chance to see wild alligators, birds & more

Stay safe and comfortable 

See alligators & animals up close

Hold a baby alligator

Have fun learning with friends & family

Take home gifts and memories

Everglades National Park Boat Tours

Grassland & National Park Combo

Ten thousand islands boat tour, popular airboat combos.

Combine multiple tours for a complete Everglades experience!

• Original Combo

• Extended Combo

• Total Everglades Combo

Popular Airboat Tours

Book a tour and get our Animal Sanctuary & Alligator Park included!

• Grassland Airboat Tour

• Extended Airboat Tour

• Private Airboat Tour

3 Attractions Included with All Our Tours

When you book direct.

Animal Sanctuary

Alligator Show

Hug an Alligator

Why choose wooten's.

Local Roots

Most of our team grew up in the Everglades and they all look forward to sharing their passion for the water and wildlife with you!

Safety & Experience

Our safe, experienced captains are licensed by the Coast Guard, and our boats are regularly maintained.

Alligators & Animals

You'll definitely see alligators and other animals in our sanctuary, and you might even see wild ones on your tour!

Quietest & Comfiest

Our custom airboats are the quietest and most comfortable they've ever been, with a ride just as thrilling.

A Timeless Classic

Wooten's has a long history of delighting customers since 1953!

Refreshments & Gifts

Buy refreshments and take Everglades gifts and souvenirs home with you.

Guests Love Us!

"What an amazing day! Airboat ride and swamp buggy were so great! Got to see the Everglades, a lot of gators, bear tracks, birds and vultures. Staff was friendly and accommodating. They knew a great deal about the animals in the area and answered a lot of questions. I highly recommend!"

—S. from North Carolina

"The airboat was a thrilling ride and we saw a lot of alligators! The swamp buggy was fun and fascinating. This is definitely the place to go to check off your bucket list. Everyone working there was friendly and gave us a great time! I would definitely do this again."

—L. from Florida

—C.Z.

"We sat in the front row for the airboat tour and it was so much fun. The captain was very knowledgeable with a sense of humor. Seeing the alligators and holding them was something I never thought I would get to do!"

—S. from Massachusetts

• Grassland & National Park Combo
• Private Combo
• Kayak Airboat Combo
• Swamp Buggy Tour
• Animal Sanctuary & Alligator Park
• Lodging Nearby
• Stay & Play Adventure
• Large Group Grassland Airboat Tour
• Large Group Original Combo
• Students & Field Trips
• Online Gift Shop
• Gift Cards for Tours
• Shipping, Tax & Returns