best everglades national park tours

THE 10 BEST Everglades National Park Tours & Excursions

Tours in everglades national park.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Walking Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Private Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Helicopter Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Photography Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 60 min. Everglades Airboat ride & pick-up ,small group +pro guide

2. Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Kayak Tour

3. 10000 Islands Everglades Boat Tour

4. Small Group Motorboat Eco Tour of the Everglades

5. Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Experience with roundtrip transfer

6. 1-Hour Air boat Ride and Nature Walk with Naturalist in Everglades National Park

7. Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours

8. Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour

9. Everglades Kayak Safari Adventure Through Mangrove Tunnels

10. Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat

11. Everglades National Park Biologist Led Hike, 2 boat trips + lunch

12. Dolphin and Manatee Boat Tour in 10,000 Islands NWR

13. Everglades National Park Boat Tour

14. Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale

15. Everglades National Park Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

16. Miami Combo: City Tour, Biscayne Bay Cruise and Everglades Airboat Ride

17. Boat Ride in 10,000 Islands + Biologist Led Walk in the Everglades Small Group

18. Everglades Tour in Miami

19. Manatee, Dolphin and 10,000 Islands Sunset Cruise!

20. Everglades Express Small Group Tour from Miami with Airboat Ride

21. Full Day Everglades: Biologist Led WET walk + 2 boat trips + lunch small group

22. Full-Day Kayak Adventure in the Everglades

23. Small-Group Everglades Boating Kayaking and Walking Eco Tour

24. Ultimate Florida Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle

25. 2Hour Everglades Kayak Safari Adventure Through Mangrove Tunnels

26. Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 hours)

27. Everglades Airboat with or without pick-up

28. Everglades National Park Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition

29. Everglades Kayak & Canoe Rentals

30. 1/2 Day Morning Charter Fishing Naples Marco Everglades Sanibel

What travellers are saying.

• Amber M 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Serene and educational tour of Mangrove Tunnels We had our tour with Justin and he was really fantastic. Justin was knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming. He reassured us that our abilities were just right; Gave us space and also made us feel secure. I would highly recommend this tour to understand more about the amazing mangroves, and their role in the Florida ecosystem. I also appreciated Justin’s visible care for the land he travels and those that have travelled before him. Read more Review of: Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Kayak Tour Written 22 April 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• 60 min. Everglades Airboat ride & pick-up ,small group +pro guide
• 10000 Islands Everglades Boat Tour
• 1-Hour Air boat Ride and Nature Walk with Naturalist in Everglades National Park
• Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Kayak Tour
• Everglades National Park Self Guided Driving Audio Tour
• Florida Outdoor Adventures - Guided Everglades Kayak Tours
• German Tours Everglades LLC
• Everglades Birding

The best way to see the Everglades – Tips and tours to make your visit successful

• Posted by by Elle-Rose
• February 8, 2020
• 4 minute read

Are you looking for the best ways to see the Everglades National Park?

If you’re looking to visit the Everglades National Park, you might be wondering what the best way to see the Everglades is? Should you visit the national park yourself, should you drive there, or take a tour?

The Everglades is a really unique National Park in the USA, and it’s unlike anywhere else you’ll visit. There are stunning lakes, surrounded by mysterious mangroves. In the water you’ll find herons, egrets, stilts, ducks, wood storks, spoonbills, alligators, otters, and a variety of fish too. It’s a hub of nature and animals – and when you visit the Everglades National Park, you’ll get a chance to see all of these.

Airboat Tour

First on my list of the best way to see the Everglades… An airboat tour!

An airboat tour is the classic Everglades experience and it’s something you definitely HAVE to do if you’re visiting. An airboat tour is how you’ll see the Gators up close in the wild (as well as lots of other wildlife), and a good airboat tour guide will make sure you spot those gators, so make sure you choose a good tour. During your airboat ride you’ll zoom through the open air amongst the Everglades, through the water itself. It’s fun filled and adrenaline filled too!

It really is the most popular and one of the best way to see the Everglades and I really recommend this one  as it’s not only won awards, but has loads of positive reviews too. I always look at the reviews when it comes to Everglades tours, because that’s how you know you’ve found a good tour operator.

Below are some of the other best reviewed tours I found:

Walk the Anhinga Trail

Next on my list of the best way to see the Everglades, walking the Anhinga Trail .

If you want to do some walking around the Everglades National Park, you can actually walk as well as do a boat tour. If you’re spending a couple of days in the area, or if you want to pack your day full of activities, you can do the Anhinga Trail as well as a boat tour. The trail isn’t too difficult, and it’s only a mile long (just under actually).

The trail starts at the Royal Palm Visitor Centre , which is really easy to find, and there are toilets and refreshments available there too – for after you finish your walk! There are loads of amazing views along the walk and you’ll get the chance to spot animals and birds too.

Take a walking tour

Next on my list of the best way to see the Everglades, is taking a walking tour with a professional tour guide.

If you want to take a slightly more ‘guided’ approach to the Everglades, but you still want to explore the Everglades by foot – taking a walking tour is a great idea and means you get to see the landscape with a professional tour guide on hand to point out anything notable and interesting.

This walking tour includes a 2 hour guided walk, taking you completely off the “tourist” map – and giving you an insight into the local area, the nature, the eco-systems and the animals too. You’ll have you guide on hand to spot anything interesting, and they’ll also be able to give you loads of interesting information along the way too.

Go kayaking

Kayaking is one of the best way to see the Everglades, and one of the most memorable too. It’s one of the most amazing ways to see the everglades and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. When you’re kayaking in the Everglades you’re not just watching the wildlife, you’re part of it. You’re so close to everything, and it’s a real rush! It’s also one of the most eco-friendly ways to explore the Everglades too – so if you’re trying to be more conscious of the environment, this is definitely the tour you should go for.

I recommend this tour , as you get comfortable kayaks (more important than you think!), and you also get a really lengthy time exploring (3 hours!). The tour guide who takes you out is also a Florida Master Naturalist guide, certified by the National Park and licensed by the US Coast Guard – so you know you’re in safe hands. It also has a review score of  4.9 / 5  and that’s from 126 Reviews (which is pretty amazing). You can click here to book tickets. 

Do a photography safari

If you love photography and you want to make sure you capture some incredible shots during your time in the Everglades, take a photo safari! There are so many stunning things to capture photos of in the Everglades , and a photo safari is a tour specifically designed to give you the best possible photo opportunities. If you love taking photos, this is probably the best way to see the Everglades for you.

I recommend this photo safari tour , it’s a private tour, in a small boat too – which means you can gain access to areas larger boats aren’t allowed, or can’t reach. It’s also 2.5 hours long – which means you have loads of time to take incredible images, and don’t feel rushed!

Find a tour that does everything

If you can’t decide between all of the above, book yourself onto a tour that includes a boat tour, a safari, an animal show and a walking tour. This is the best option I found when I was looking for all-inclusive options. The tour lasts 9.5 hours, and lets you really explore everything this area has to offer. You’ll have an expert nature guide with you all day, and you’ll experience a wildlife drive, a nature walk, a delicious lunch, an airboat ride and a boat cruise all in the ticket price. Click here to book tickets!

Take the trolley

Last on my list of the best way to see the Everglades… Take the Trolley!

If you heading into the Everglades National Park from Homestead (in the south), you can actually take the trolley in. The Homestead National Parks Trolley is a free way to see the Everglades and it’s a guided tour too (for free!) so you really can’t lose.  The free trolley ride is only offered at weekends, and it’s available from late November through early May.

I hope this list of the best way to see the Everglades has been helpful! There are a few more tour suggestions below!

Elle-Rose is the owner and editor of The World and Then Some! She has been a professional travel writer for over 12 years, writing for many different publications, including this one. Elle-Rose is a city break expert, and she specializes in popular locations such as NYC, London, Las Vegas and Dubai, regularly visiting to stay on top of new attractions, restaurants and hotels. Elle-Rose is super active on TikTok (@theworldandthensome), and loves filming video content in the cities she visits - so go and say hello!

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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.

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Wild Lime Adventures

Wild Lime Adventures ™

Find the real florida ™, featured tours.

Part Day: 1-Hour Air Boat Ride & Nature Walk w/ a Naturalist in Everglades National Park Tour

Full Day: Everglades Adventure Tour w/ dry hike led by an experienced naturalist

Full Day: Everglades Adventure Tour w/ wet walk led by an experienced naturalist

View other popular tours.

Florida Keys Marine Eco Adventure

One Hour Air Boat Ride and Little Havana Walking and Driving Tour w/ time for lunch

Southern Region of Everglades National Park: Wet walk, dry walk, kayak, boat trip and more – Shape your perfect adventure!

Taste of the Tropics: Tantalizing Flavors and Cultural History of Homestead and Florida City

Birding and Photography Tour

Dynamic Group Team Building Tours / Events

Why choose wild lime adventures.

AUTHENTIC & IMMERSIVE

Avoid the touristy and escape the crowds. Become immersed in the real places and natural areas. Find the Real Florida!

TRANSPORTATION PROVIDED

We will pick you up! (Some location restrictions apply.) Or we can also provide a convenient meet up location, where it is free and safe to leave your car.

PERSONALIZED / SMALL GROUPS

Small groups allow us to truly get to know our guests and for everyone to experience the most rewarding adventures. Carpe diem!

Latest Post

Tropical Hardwood Hammock

One of the special habitats of the Everglades is the tropical hardwood hammock. And one of the easiest ones to get to and explore is right in Shark … Read More about Tropical Hardwood Hammock

Tour Reviews

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New! Buggy Combo »

Explore the Ten Thousand Islands of Everglades National Park!

Help protect the Everglades

Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour 

• Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

49-seat boat

90–120 min tour, 2 attractions.

Ten Thousand Islands & Buggy Combo

120–150 min of tours, 3 attractions, 4–5 hour visit.

• Everglades City Boardwalk

Included with all tours

Why Choose Everglades National Park Adventures?

• Environmental Commitment

Exclusive Nature & Culture

Comfortable & accessible boat.

Meet the Animals of Everglades National Park!

• 10K & Buggy Tour Combo
• Meet the Animals
• Nature & Culture
• About the Tour Boat
• Everglades National Park Passes
• Accessibility

THE 10 BEST Everglades National Park Nature & Wildlife Tours

Nature & wildlife tours in everglades national park.

• Hiking Trails
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Biking Trails
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chokoloskee Bay
• Smallwood Store
• Big Cypress National Preserve
• Miccosukee Indian Village
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 60 min. Everglades Airboat ride & pick-up ,small group +pro guide

2. Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Kayak Tour

3. Small Group Motorboat Eco Tour of the Everglades

4. Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Experience with roundtrip transfer

5. 1-Hour Air boat Ride and Nature Walk with Naturalist in Everglades National Park

6. Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour

7. Everglades Kayak Safari Adventure Through Mangrove Tunnels

8. Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat

9. Everglades National Park Biologist Led Hike, 2 boat trips + lunch

10. Guided Airboat Ride & Tram Tour in Everglades

11. Dolphin and Manatee Boat Tour in 10,000 Islands NWR

12. Everglades National Park Boat Tour

13. Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale

14. Boat Ride in 10,000 Islands + Biologist Led Walk in the Everglades Small Group

15. Manatee, Dolphin and 10,000 Islands Sunset Cruise!

16. Everglades Express Small Group Tour from Miami with Airboat Ride

17. Full Day Everglades: Biologist Led WET walk + 2 boat trips + lunch small group

18. Small-Group Everglades Boating Kayaking and Walking Eco Tour

19. 2Hour Everglades Kayak Safari Adventure Through Mangrove Tunnels

20. Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 hours)

21. Everglades Airboat with or without pick-up

22. Everglades National Park Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition

23. Private 4-Hour Exciting Everglades Tour

24. 6 Hour Everglades Mangroves Kayak Tour

25. Everglades Airboat Ride & Guided Hike

26. MIAMI Key West ultimate experience

27. The Ultimate Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show and Transfer

28. 7-Day Tour in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Key West and Orlando

29. Full-Day Hiking and Kayaking Tour in Everglades National Park

30. Private Everglades Tour: Explore the Beauty of the Everglades

What travellers are saying.

• Amber M 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Serene and educational tour of Mangrove Tunnels We had our tour with Justin and he was really fantastic. Justin was knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming. He reassured us that our abilities were just right; Gave us space and also made us feel secure. I would highly recommend this tour to understand more about the amazing mangroves, and their role in the Florida ecosystem. I also appreciated Justin’s visible care for the land he travels and those that have travelled before him. Read more Review of: Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Kayak Tour Written April 22, 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• 60 min. Everglades Airboat ride & pick-up ,small group +pro guide
• 10000 Islands Everglades Boat Tour
• 1-Hour Air boat Ride and Nature Walk with Naturalist in Everglades National Park
• Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Kayak Tour
• Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat

Everglades Tours & Airboat Rides Near Miami, Florida

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• Most Popular
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• Clock 1 - 2 hours

Private & Semi-Private Airboat Tours

On this custom tour, you see and hear remarkable stories of the history of the Everglades while experiencing Florida wildlife.

• Clock 1.5 - 2 hours

Take a Walk Tour

This vastly preserved ecosystem is sure to surprise even the most educated biologist/naturalist. Prepare to be in awe as you venture into the Everglades.

• Clock 2 - 4 hours
• User All ages

Everglades Swamp Buggy Mud Tour

This is the perfect high-seat adventure through the landmass of what is known by many as the North American Amazon.

We are an educational thriller affiliated with the National Park Service (NPS). We are a true eco-naturalist company exploring in the raw Everglades, sharing its natural beauty and teaching along the way. We take you on many different venues that venture into different sides of the Everglades. We offer airboat, swamp buggy, canoe, kayak, pole boat, flat-bottom boats, fan boats, game trail hikes, swamp walking tours, as well as guided hunting and fishing excursions in the everglades and big cypress. Join us on a nature tour!

Fantastic Experience

Very enjoyable and unique boat tour. Knowledgeable tour guide with a great ability to interact with, and embrace nature. Some of the experiences you get on this tour are things you will not experience with any other. They run on a smaller boat, making you feel more connected to your surroundings, and allows you to interact with the guide all the more. It’s also on a route not used by other companies so you can be sure the nature you see is unspoiled and will give you the best experience of the Everglades!

-BDuggan123 | TripAdvisor

Incredible Tour

If you prefer an authentic and more intimate experience, this is the company for you. We had a fantastic trip! It was both exhilarating and educational. Our guide was very knowledgeable and keen to show off the Everglades for what it truly is – a wondrous ecosystem that we need to treasure and protect. We saw frogs, baby alligators, and birds. The scenery is breathtaking. Even our normally sulky teens were raving about it. An experience we’ll never forget, which was made all that more special by a considerate and professional guide. I recommend wholeheartedly!

-Georgina T. | TripAdvisor

Vacation Highlight

My wife, 8-year old daughter and I booked a 90-minute tour. Our guide was very engaging and knowledgable. Along the way, we stopped many times and saw all sorts of animals and plants up close including turtles and alligators (never felt dangerous). The whole experience from start to finish was stellar. Felt personal, ecologically focused, and loads of fun. It’s as wonderful as you’d expect zooming through the glorious Everglades. Will do again next time we visit and will be sure to book with these folks again. Highly recommended!

-RobinH011 | TripAdvisor

THE 10 BEST Everglades National Park Boat Tours

Boat tours in everglades national park.

• Hiking Trails
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Biking Trails
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Miccosukee Indian Village
• US2U Travel
• Big Cypress National Preserve
• Soflo Water Adventures
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 60 min. Everglades Airboat ride & pick-up ,small group +pro guide

2. Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Experience with roundtrip transfer

3. 1-Hour Air boat Ride and Nature Walk with Naturalist in Everglades National Park

4. Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours

5. Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat

6. Everglades National Park Biologist Led Hike, 2 boat trips + lunch

7. Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale

8. Miami Combo: City Tour, Biscayne Bay Cruise and Everglades Airboat Ride

9. Everglades Tour in Miami

10. Everglades Express Small Group Tour from Miami with Airboat Ride

11. Guided Airboat Ride & Tram Tour in Everglades

12. Everglades Airboat with or without pick-up

13. Private 4-Hour Exciting Everglades Tour

14. Everglades Airboat Ride & Guided Hike

15. Miami Full Day Self-Guided Sightseeing Tour w/ Cruise and Everglades Airboat

16. Depart from Miami to discover the Everglades with Airboat tour included!

17. The Ultimate Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show and Transfer

18. Miami: Everglades Airboat Ride with City Tour and Cruise Add on

19. Full-Day Private Everglades and Miami City Tour

20. Private Tour of Everglades National Park

Keep the fun going with other experiences in the area.

Key Largo Coral Reef Glass Bottom Boat Adventure

Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tour

Marco Island 2 hour Dolphin, Birding and Shelling tour

Marco Island Wildlife Sightseeing and Shelling Tour

Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour up to 12 people

Everglades Airboat Tour in Fort Lauderdale

Kayak Tour Adventure Marco Island and Naples Florida

Sightseeing and Sunset Catamaran Sailing Excursion

Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Adventure in Key Largo

Best of Marco Island Tour

What travelers are saying.

• 60 min. Everglades Airboat ride & pick-up ,small group +pro guide
• 1-Hour Air boat Ride and Nature Walk with Naturalist in Everglades National Park
• Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours
• Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat
• Miami Combo: City Tour, Biscayne Bay Cruise and Everglades Airboat Ride

Everglades National Park Itinerary: Explore the Wild!

Everglades National Park is huge. It covers 1.5 million acres with miles upon miles of rivers and coastlines. As you plan your Everglades National Park itinerary, you’ll find it’s near impossible to explore the whole park in one day. But have no fear! We are here to help you create a vacation plan that will provide an amazing Florida Everglades experience rather you only have one day in the Everglades or if you have 2 to 3 days.

Crossing much of Southern Florida, the Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in North America. We usually picture it as the land of swamps and alligators. But there is so much more to this diverse park. There are actually 9 different ecosystems here and each is home to unique plants and wildlife.

The Everglades is known for its slow-moving, shallow river system, fed by the Kissimmee River and Lake Okeechobee, draining into Florida Bay. These waterways are endangered as water has been diverted away from Southern Florida for other use.

This post contains affiliate links to make it easier for you to find the products I have mentioned. You don’t pay any extra and in some cases I could earn a small commission.

About the Four Areas in Everglades National Park

To help you get a lay of the land and prioritize your adventure here’s a quick overview of the 4 major areas of the Everglades.

This area of Everglades National Park is located on the western side of the park and is characterized by its coastal ecosystems. Here you’ll find beaches, mangrove forests, and saltwater marshes. 

In this area, the most popular activity is to explore by boat or kayak . The Ten Thousand Islands are mangrove islands that are home to a plethora of wildlife. Or you can travel down the Wilderness Waterway and backcountry camp your way to Florida Bay.  

Sadly the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City was so damaged by Hurricane Ian that it is not currently open. A temporary station has been set up to assist you as needed, but you’ll not find much else. The parking lot and the canoe and kayak launch are open. And Everglades Florida Adventures continues to offer boat tours and rent canoes and kayaks from this location.

Shark Valley

Located in the northern section of the park, Shark Valley is a unique area comprised of extensive sawgrass prairies. This area along the Tamiami Trail is also home to a large population of alligators.

The Shark Valley Visitor Center is a busy place, filled with great educational displays. It is the hub for many popular activities. Visitors can explore this area by hiking or biking on a 15-mile loop trail, with ample opportunities for wildlife viewing along the way. You’ll also find the infamous airboat tours in this area of the Everglades.

The Royal Palm area is located in the northeastern section of the park and is home to some of the most popular hiking trails in Everglades National Park. This area is also home to the park’s main visitor center, the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, where you can watch a short film about the park’s flora and fauna, and browse through exhibits that highlight the park’s ecology.

Visitors can explore one of the most popular trails, the Anhinga Trail, which winds through a sawgrass marsh and provides ample opportunities to view wildlife such as alligators, herons, and turtles.

The Flamingo area is located on the southern tip of the park and is known for its diverse marine ecosystems, including seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and shallow bays. 

Visitors can enjoy activities such as kayaking, fishing, and camping in this area, and can also take a boat tour to see dolphins, manatees, and other marine life. This area is also a popular spot for birdwatching.

The Flamingo Visitor’s Center, as well as a lodge and campground, is home in the Flamingo area of the Everglades. 

One Day in Everglades National Park Itineraries

Because the Everglades are so big, it’s impossible to see the whole park in one day even if you are willing to exhaust every minute of the day. So we’ve created 2 different 1-day itineraries for you based on where you are spending the night. After that, you’ll find our 2 and 3-day itineraries for those of you who want to explore every inch of The Everglades.

Here’s a quick glance at the Everglades itinerary. You’ll find detailed descriptions of each item in the itinerary below. 

One Day Itinerary: From the East including Homestead, Florida City, Miami

During our first trip to the Everglades, we were based out of Miami. It’s crazy how easy it is to get from that robust city to the wilderness of the Everglades in under an hour.

Here’s the perfect one-day itinerary from the Homestead Entrance to Everglades National Park. You’ll have an experience to remember. You’ll find detailed descriptions of each of these things to do below.

• Start at Ernest F Coe Visitor Center
• Walk Long Pine Key Trail
• Lunch at Long Pine Key Picnic Area
• Pa-hay-okee Overlook (Trail)
• Explore Nine Mile Pond (canoe rental Dec 1- April 15)
• Boat on Florida Bay: Canoe or Kayak, Boat Tours, Rent Boats
• Picnic Dinner at Flamingo
• Wrap up with a Gorgeous Sunset over the Bay

Note, it will take you about an hour to drive the 40 miles back out of the park when you end your day. After a full day exploring the Everglades, that drive back to Miami (a total of 2 hours) felt really long. There is a hotel and campground at Flamingo if you want to extend your stay and enjoy that gorgeous sunset. 

One Day Itinerary: From the West including Everglades City, Naples, Fort Myers, Tampa

Our second trip to Everglades National Park was a day trip from Fort Myers. It’s an easy drive to explore the Western and Northern edges of the park.

• Start at the Shark Valley Visitor Center
• Explore the Shark Valley Bicycle and Tram Trail, including the 45-foot observation tower.
• Walk Nature Trails near Visitor Center: Bobcat Boardwalk and Otter Cave Hammock
• Take an Airboat Ride and Explore Wildlife Park
• Lunch – Restaurants at the Airboat Park or Picnic at Shark Valley
• Head back to Everglades City for an afternoon on the water: Rent Kayak or take Boat Tour through Thousand Islands
• If time allows, stop at Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk on your way home. It’s managed by Florida State Parks and a great boardwalk experience through the Everglades.

Note, during the spring break season the Shark Valley Visitor Center is overwhelmed with visitors between 10 am and 3 pm so plan to arrive early.

Two-Day Itinerary for Everglades National Park

If you have two days in the Everglades, you’ll be able to cover a lot of ground. Our two-day itinerary is a combination of both of those listed above, just slightly modified to make sense for travel time.

Two-Day Itinerary Starting on the East Side of Everglades

It’s very easy to combine the one-day itineraries for an incredible two days. 

• Start with the eastern day 1 above with no need to modify that day. 
• For your second day start your day at the farthest point in Everglades City with an early boating adventure. Then work your way back to Shark Valley and end with your incredible airboat ride.

Two-Day Itinerary Starting on the West Side of the Everglades

If you are starting from Western Cities, you can make a few changes to the one-day itinerary for an amazing trip:

• On the first day, drive the longest part first which is to go all the way to Flamingo. Then work the Day 1 itinerary in reverse. That way if you are having too much fun and fall behind, you can cut short some of the nature hikes on your way back. 
• Then on the second day, enjoy Shark Valley and your airboat ride in the morning. Then go boating through the Thousand Islands in the afternoon.

Three-Day Itinerary for Everglades National Park

This is my favorite itinerary. If you have 3 days in the Everglades you will have the best trip of all. The only significant modification is to add a one-night stay at Flamingo and combine it with both of the one-day itineraries. You have your choice of camping or staying at the lodge. This itinerary works well no matter which side of the park you start your adventure.

Top Things to Do in Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park, located in Florida, is a vast and diverse ecosystem with many different and unique opportunities for exploration and adventure. When planning your itinerary, here are some things to do in the park that you should not miss:

Visitor Centers

There are 4 visitor’s centers in Everglades National Park. One for each area of the park. The most interesting centers are the one at Shark Valley and Ernest F Coe Visitor Center at the Homestead entrance. Here you’ll find videos and interactive displays about the Everglades wildlife and eco-systems. Unless you need ranger assistance, I’d suggest skipping the visitor center at Gulf Coast and Flamingo.

Airboat Rides

Taking an airboat ride might sound a little cheesy, perhaps more of a goofy theme park ride than a real-life experience. However, it was our favorite thing to do when we visited the Everglades. In fact, we did the airboat tour 2 different times! 

A tour with an authorized guide company is the best way to kick off your itinerary for the Everglades. You’ll explore the park’s expansive marshland and see a variety of wildlife, including alligators and wading birds.

Authorized Airboat Tour Companies

The tours listed below are the only ones authorized to enter Everglades National Park. The other tours you see advertised may operate on private property or may tour into Big Cypress National Preserve.

All three of these tours companies are pretty amazing. They’ve been selected to partner with the park because they go above and beyond in respecting the Everglades while providing a fun experience for visitors. You’ll also find restaurants and live wildlife exhibits at all three tour companies.

• Coopertown Airboats : 22700 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, FL 33194
• Everglades Safari Park : 26700 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, FL 33194
• Gator Park 24050 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, FL 33194

Nature Walks: 

The park has over a dozen short nature walks that offer up-close views of the wildlife and plants that thrive in the Everglades. Many of these walks have educational signs that provide information about the flora and fauna visitors encounter along the way. For example, while walking on one of the nature trails, we felt child-like delight as we watched a turtle laying eggs under one of the walkways. These small events make a trip to the park truly memorable.

When planning your itinerary, these short walks are perfect for adding flexibility to your day. Since they are usually a 15-45 minute experience you can add and subtract them as your day progresses. However, don’t stop at just one walk and think you’re done. There’s always something different at each stop so cram in as many as you can. Here’s a list of the Interpretive Nature Walks in the Everglades:

Royal Palm/Pine Islands Area Nature Walks

• Anhinga Trail
• Gumbo Limbo Trail
• Pinelands Trail
• Pahayokee Overlook
• Mahogany Hammock Trail

Shark Valley Nature Trails

• Otter Cave Hammock  
• Bobcat Boardwalk  

Flamingo Area Nature Walks

• West Lake Trail
• Snake Bight Trail
• Rowdy Bend Trail
• Christian Point Trail
• Bear Lake Trail
• Eco Pond Trail
• Guy Bradley Trail
• Bayshore Trail
• Coastal Prairie Trail

The only nature trail in the Gulf Coast area is on Sandfly Island which can only be reached by boat.

Canoeing/Kayaking: 

Canoeing or kayaking through the Everglades is one of the best ways to see the park’s beauty. And the Everglades waterways are the only way you can explore deep into the park. Feel free to bring your own or rent one at either the Flamingo Visitor Center or the Gulf Coast Visitor Center. It’s a good idea to make a rental reservation.

In the Flamingo area , Nine Mile Pond Canoe Trail is a popular loop trail for beginners. December through April you can rent canoes and kayaks at this location (reservations suggested). Or you can join a naturalist on a guided tour along this trail.

And on days when the winds are mild, paddling around on Florida Bay is a lot of fun. There are several more challenging canoe trails in the Flamingo area if you want to take your adventure up a step. Rentals are available from Flamingo Adventures

In the Gulf Coast area , novice paddlers can try the Sandfly Loop which takes you to a small island with a nature trail. However, for most trips beyond that you are paddling through the Ten Thousand Islands and some experience with nautical maps is critical. Rentals are available from  Everglades Florida Adventures .

For those of us who don’t have a lot of experience with nautical maps or if you have little to none kayaking experience I’d highly recommend you go out with a tour guide. In addition to the risk of getting lost or stuck, there are a lot of scary things in the swamp for the first time visitor.

There are several very family friendly tours where not only do you get the safety of an experienced guide, you’ll get the inside scoop about the Everglades. One of the highest rated for people with no kayak experience is the Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco-Tour that takes off near Everglades City.

Backcountry Kayaking and Camping

Going backcountry in the Everglades is incredibly different than the National Parks in the mountain states! Here you need a canoe and a waterways map instead of a hiking map. If you want to include backcountry adventure in your Everglades National Park itinerary it’s important to review the detailed wilderness information available and plan your trip carefully including making advance reservations.

For a beginner’s level guided tour, the Everglades Institute offers an overnight educational program for school groups and clubs.

The park offers a 15-mile tram tour through Shark Valley, where you can walk up a tower that has views of up to 20 miles in all directions. The tower provides a bird’s-eye view of the park’s expansive marshland and diverse wildlife.

Everglades National Park has five bike trails, each through a different area of the park and ranging from three to 16 miles long. The Shark Valley trail is the most popular for families because it is easy to access the paved trail. You can join a ranger-led bike tour, or explore the trails on your own. Bike rentals are available at Shark Valley and at Flamingo.

Bird Watching:

With over 350 species of birds in the park, bird watching is a must-do activity. Even if you’re not an avid bird watcher, you’ll be amazed by the sheer number of birds in the park. From the Homestead entrance, almost any pond will provide ample opportunities to observe interesting birds. And Shark Valley is always a busy birding location.

Most mornings there is a ranger led walk along the Anhinga Trail where he’ll help you spot the birds that thrive here. If you want to do something really cool, join a photography birding tour . It will take you via boat through the ten thousand islands where you’ll get some amazing pictures.

Boat Tours:

Flamingo Marina offers boat tours that take you through the park’s waterways. We took a wildlife tour of the bay and saw a variety of marine life, including manatees and dolphins. Boat tours of the Ten Thousand Islands are available from Everglades City.

Fishing is a popular activity in the Everglades, with 1/3 of the park covered with salt water and most of the rest consisting of freshwater streams and rivers.

Geocaching:

Geocaching is a fun and educational activity that is popular in the park. Park rangers manage the geocaching program to ensure it is an educational opportunity for visitors. (Note – Private geocaching isn’t allowed in National Parks.)

Nearby Places to Visit

Southern Florida is an interesting place with many other things to do. It’s easy to fill a week or two exploring all the unusual places.

Biscayne National Park

Don’t miss an afternoon at Biscayne National Park while you are so close. It’s located a few miles from the Everglades outside of Homestead, Florida. Biscayne is almost completely underwater and one of the best places to snorkel the Florida Coral Reef. We combined our visit to the Everglades with a day in Biscayne.

Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress is one of the 11 National Park Sites in Florida . It sits just North of the Everglades and is full of wildlife and opportunities to explore. It adds almost 800 acres to the swamps that have been preserved in Southern Florida.

Where to Stay When Visiting the Everglades

Everglades lodging, in park hotels.

In 2005, two hurricanes destroyed the Flamingo Lodge in Everglades National Park. Since that time construction has been underway to build new lodging in the Flamingo area. At the time of this writing, the new lodge wasn’t open yet but you can check here for updates . It’s a pretty cool complex that is utilizing recycled shipping containers turned into hotel rooms.

Hotels Near Everglades National Park

If your goal is to follow the 2 or 3 day itinerary for the Everglades, then you’ll find staying near Homestead the most convenient. Homestead offers a wide variety of lodging choices from major brand motels to adorable rentals. Just watch out for race weekends when Homestead fills up with fans and hotel prices jump. You can check availability and prices for Homestead Lodging here . Some people enjoy staying in Miami with access to the airport and more nightlife. That only adds an hour to your drive to the park.

Or if you are a Gulf Coast aficionado, there are several waterfront options in Everglades City . Naples and Fort Myers are also close enough to make a day trip to the Everglades.

Everglades Camping

There are a variety of camping options for visitors to Everglades National Park

In Park Front Country Campgrounds

In Everglades National Park you’ll find 2 campgrounds, both accessible through the Homestead Entrance to the park.

• Long Pine Key Campground is just a few miles into the park, near the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center. It’s a beautiful wooded campground without many amenities and is only open November 1st through April 30th.
• Flamingo Campground is about 20 miles into the park near the Flamingo Visitor Center. It offers a variety of campsites, from full hookups to rustic so make sure you check your campsite details before you book. It’s open all year.

Both of these campgrounds are managed through a concessionaire, Flamingo Adventures , and reservations are suggested.

In Park Backcountry Camping (Wilderness Camping)

For a camping adventure that can’t be duplicated anywhere, go backcountry in the Everglades. The only way to access these campsites is to canoe or kayak to them on the Wilderness Waterway . It takes a bit of planning to put together this type of trip, so if it’s your first time make sure you read through all the info on the NPS website and book your campsites on Recreation.gov .

Campgrounds Near Everglades National Park

Nearby you’ll find 8 campgrounds in the Big Cypress National Preserve that offer a variety of front country services. You’ll also discover private RV campgrounds near Everglades City and Homestead.

Tips for Your Everglades Itinerary

Best time to visit the everglades.

The best time to visit Everglades National Park is in the Winter when it’s fairly dry. The winter season runs from December to Mid-May with temperatures in the 70s during the day and 50s at night. You’ll also find the most activities scheduled in the park during the winter months.

Summer, which is from June through November brings a lot of rain to the Everglades. Summer is also hurricane season and the Everglades are right in the path of many of these storms. Temperatures tend to be in the 90s with high humidity. Our first trip to the Everglades was in mid June and even though it was hot and humid, we found it a great time to visit. Crowds are down and we often had the place to ourselves. Just be prepared with plenty of water and plan to take it slow when visiting in the summer months.

How Long Should you Plan to Stay

While a 3 day Everglades Itinerary is ideal, it’s worth exploring the park even if you only have 1/2 day to visit. If you have the flexibility, I’d suggest you plan at minimum a day and a half.

Packing List for Your Everglades Itinerary

Keep in mind that the park is huge and access to resources is very limited so pack everything you will need for your time in the park. That would include:

• One Gallon of Water per person per day
• Sun Protection, including a wide brimmed sun hat and sunscreen
• Long sleeves and long pants are recommended for both sun and mosquito protection. Look at REI’s sun protected clothing line for ideas.
• Mosquito Repellent – this is not the time for whimpy solutions. The mosquitoes are fierce in the summer.
• Food and Snacks – You’ll find a couple snack bars in the park but they have limited hours and selection so pack a cooler and plan to picnic.

Frequently Asked Questions about Everglades National Park

Yes, it’s safe to visit the Everglades. However there are dangerous and aggressive wildlife in the park, especially alligators. You need to always be aware of your surroundings and give wildlife plenty of space.

Even though it will be warm in the Everglades, you should wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt to protect yourself from insects and sun. Look for lightweight SPF clothing. You’ll also need a hat for sun protection.

There are 2 main roads through Everglades National Park. Tamiami Trail (highway 41) crosses the top of the park East to West. And the drive inside the park from the Homestead Entrance to Flamingo. Each is a beautiful drive with opportunities to stop and explore.

Dogs are only allowed in parking lots or in the campground of Everglades National Park. They are not allowed on any of the nature trails or backcountry. The biggest concern is that alligators can’t tell the difference between your pet and their dinner. And that’s not the only danger in Everglades to dogs.

A few last thoughts about your Everglades National Park Itinerary

A visit to the Everglades should be on the bucket list of everyone who loves being outdoors. A visit from a few hours to a few days will leave you amazed at the elements of nature in a swamp. Using our Everglades National Park Itinerary as your guide, you are on your way to discovering more than you expected!

The Authors: Hey, we are Ladona and Brad, avid campers and hikers. We are crazy about getting outdoors at every possible moment and have decades of experience exploring nature. Our current goal is to visit all 63 US National Parks and just completed #42. WooHoo! Our mission is to help you plan your own adventures and create memories beyond your imagination!

Experience the Best Everglades Airboat Tours

*60-minute narrated airboat ride through the florida everglades, tour pricing.

Ready for a unique airboat tour through the Florida Everglades?

Adults (12 years and older)

$38.99 plus tax

Children (Ages 3-11)

$26.99 plus tax

Tour Length

Our exciting, narrated tours are the longest in the Everglades!

Airboat tour

*60-Minutes

Live Alligator Show

Hours of operation.

We open at 9:00 AM and our last airboat departs at 5:00 PM SHARP. 7 Days a week, rain or shine!

You should arrive at the park by 4:30 PM to enjoy the full tour experience. Airboat tour tickets are first-come, first-served – no reservations necessary!

Everglades Boat Tours for All Ages

Who says learning has to be boring? This is not the case when it comes to our tours. In fact, there’s so much to learn about the history of the Everglades; it’s nearly impossible to discover everything in one visit! Visitors who experience what it’s like to explore the ecosystem are always eager to come back for more. For parents looking for something that is educational and fun, our Everglades boat ride offers the best of both, lead by an awesome tour guide. This exhilarating ride provides passengers with an intimate look into one of the most diverse and unique environments in the world. Experience the subtropical ecosystem of the cypress forest and see wild alligators and rare birds. Not only will you have a once-in-a-lifetime ride across a river of grass surrounded by wild animals, but the covered vessel will make it a more comfortable experience.

Welcome to Everglades Holiday Park! Home of the Gator Boys Alligator Rescue and family fun destination in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

What your airboat tour includes:.

• A *60-minute, fully narrated heart-thumping tour that zips through the Florida Everglades, right on the border of the Everglades National Park boundary.
• A 20-minute LIVE alligator show that will leave you awestruck, performed by the renowned Gator Boys Alligator Rescue team.
• 1 FREE professional-grade group photo per party to capture your adventure forever.
• Access to our charming gift shop, cozy cafe, and well-stocked general store. Buy gifts and souvenirs to take your experience home with you.

YOUR TICKETS NOW!

For more information, call us at 954-434-8111

MORE TOUR DETAILS

• Perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages
• We can host adventurers in groups of all sizes
• Tiny explorers under 2 years of age are always our guests

Get more information about our group discounts.

For Pricing and More Information – Call Us at 954-434-8111

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And airboat tour gallery, journey deep into the everglades on the best *1-hour narrated airboat tours in florida.

Every one of our tours provides you with an in-depth, thrilling experience that’s fully narrated by our professional airboat captains. Our rides are the perfect activity for everyone—no matter what age they are! So, be sure to invite your friends! When hitting top speeds, our state-of-the-art twin-engine airboats provide everyone with an exhilarating, once-in-a-lifetime adventure that you’re bound to remember forever!

An Educational Everglades Boat Tour for All Ages

Our airboat tours are great for kids and people of all ages. On your tour, our expert airboat captains will guide you, while using entertaining naraative to teach you all about the plants and animals that live in this amazing wetland environment.

AUTHENTIC, CUSTOM, STATE-OF-THE-ART AIRBOATS

All of our airboats are custom-built here at the park in our mechanic shop and have twin automobile engines that produce enough gator-power to get the airboats zipping across the River of Grass! Most of our airboats have covered roofs which will protect you from the sun and rains that we get down here in South Florida. The covered tops also act as a sound barrier that shield your ears from the roar of the airboat engines by about 65%.

The Most Experienced Airboat Captains In the Business

All of our captains are expert Gladesmen and women! This means they are extremely knowledgeable about the history and delicate ecosystem. They will guide you on your fully narrated tour while teaching you all about the Everglades, its lush sub-tropical vegetation and the wildlife that inhabit the Glades.

Group Discounts

Want to bring an entire group, class, camp, or collection of colleagues or family members to enjoy our airboat tours? Give us a call for group discounts at 954-434-8111

Safety on your journey

Learn the best ways to be safe during your epic adventure in the Everglades.

For Pricing and More Information

Call Us 954-434-8111

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Visiting the everglades.

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.

we’ve got the answers

How long are the airboat rides.

We fill our tours with *1-hour of pure excitement and thrills-that’s longer than any other airboat ride in the area. Plan for about a full hour out on the water to explore the wetlands and see the amazing sights.

How long is the alligator presentation show?

Our in-demand alligator show courtesy of the Gator Boys Alligator Rescue lasts anywhere between 15-25 minutes. You’ll experience tricks, demonstrations, stunts, and more—plus, you’ll learn a ton of interesting facts about wild alligators.

Can I touch a LIVE gator?

We’ll do you one better than that—you can actually hold a baby alligator (and get a picture as proof!) Once the alligator presentation is over, you and your party can pose for a picture with a baby alligator and take home the photo as a keepsake. Of course, this process is totally safe (the alligator’s mouth will be taped shut for protection)—but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel the power and strength of the alligator in your hands.

Are airboat tours dangerous for kids and the elderly?

Airboat rides are a perfectly safe and fun way to tour the Everglades—especially because at the park, we pride ourselves on safety as our top priority. That, and creating a family-fun day of excitement for people of all ages. We proudly employ experienced boat captains who are the most highly skilled navigators who are licensed by the Coast Guard—and in fact, have been exploring the Everglades for a huge portion of their lives. What about our airboats? Well, that’s another point of pride—we have the most impressive fleet in the Everglades, each one more equipped and state-of-the-art than the last. At our park, airboat tours and rides are a safe activity for everyone!

Are alligators forced to perform in alligator shows?

Actually, it’s pretty much the opposite. Our alligators are rescued and cared for by The Gator Boys Alligator Rescue team—which means they feed them, care for them, and create a beautiful, natural environment to live in. Every one of our gator shows is animal friendly and truly, many of them are total hams for the audience—something tells us they just really like the spotlight.

Can I bring my baby?

Please do! It's fun for the whole family. We always encourage parents to bring their little ones aboard the boats to experience the park and enjoy the wildlife. The best part? Children under 3 years old are always free. As an added bonus, your baby will be safe from the sun’s rays—our custom airboats are covered to protect from the hot South Florida sun. If your baby is sensitive to louder sounds, no problem, we sell earplugs in the General Store, which will protect them from the noise of the airboat engines.

@evergladesholidaypark

Strap in for high speeds, fresh air, and endless excitement, as our tours keep the whole family buzzing with some of the best sightseeing in Florida. These adrenaline-pumping rides offer rapid-paced fun – the kind that keeps everyone on the edge of their seats! Keep your eyes wide open, so you don’t miss a second of the fantastic wildlife, including Florida’s own living fossil, the American alligator. But of course, you’ll get to see live alligators along your ride as well. So, whether this is a bucket list item, or maybe you’re just wanting to enjoy the great views, you can’t go wrong choosing this as one of your activities during your vacation.

With thrilling speeds, our park takes precautions to make safety a priority. You’ll get the chance to marvel at the marsh’s most amazing creatures, all from the comfort of our amazing watercraft. A tour at Holiday Park is a treasure chest of memories and a fun rush for everyone! Let the sights and sounds of nature engulf you during a *60-minute narrated tour through the history of the everglades. With top speeds reaching nearly 60 mph, our airboats skim across the River of Grass, offering you and your family a once-in-a-lifetime escapade to enjoy South Florida’s most riveting natural spectacle – the unforgettable Florida Everglades!

AUTHENTIC, CUSTOM, STATE-OF-THE-ART AIR BOATS

South Florida is teeming with Airboat Tours ; however, the best experiences are marked by comfort and performance. Boasting the only covered airboats in the area, we provides guests with the choice of exploring the sunny landscape under a closed canopy. Comfort is key; our superior airboats assure that your experience will surpass your expectations – guaranteed. Our park boasts the finest fleet in South Florida, taking pride in offering authentic, high-performing fan boats. All of our equipment is regularly maintained for a care-free vacation experience.

THE MOST EXPERIENCED CAPTAINS LOCATED NEAR EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK

You’ll learn all about South Florida’s diverse ecosystem firsthand from the experts. Our captains highlight unique flora, fauna, and all kinds of amazing sights throughout your entire ride.

FOR NATURE BUFFS AND THRILL CHASERS ALIKE

For nature buffs, breathing in the fresh air and absorbing the scenery of the mangrove forest is pure bliss. The sights and sounds of the Everglades wildlife are absolutely captivating.

If you’re more of a thrill-chaser, the heart-racing experience and the thrill of getting up close and personal with live alligators in the wild is beyond words. Lock eyes with a formidable 14-foot reptile and wander through the wetlands teeming with wildlife for more! While our airboat tours are completely safe, remember the golden rule: keep your extremities inside the boat at all times.

We are the only place in South Florida with both covered and open-air airboats for the custom-tailored experience you deserve as the thrill-seeker you are!

THRILLING EDUCATIONAL BOAT TOURS FOR ALL AGES

We believe that learning can be a thrilling adventure! Our attractions are meticulously designed to be immersive, educational, and most importantly, fun. Our grassland airboat tour exemplifies this ethos perfectly, which is why we have become a ‘go-to’ attraction for school field trips in Florida.

Our tours are a fantastic choice for parents seeking out-of-the-box fun activities for kids or companies looking for a unique team-building experience.

As you skim across the “River of Grass”, you’ll be surrounded by wild animals in their natural habitat. Our passionate and knowledgeable guides will share fun facts about alligators, fascinating things you may not know, insights about the ecosystem’s flora and fauna, and share stories about the indigenous Everglades tribes, enriching your experience and deepening your appreciation for this incredible landscape.

Our airboats were designed from local roots, and take into account the hot Florida sun. They are fitted with a covered seating area that provides protection from the elements while still allowing for an immersive, up-close encounter with animals. So, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned explorer, our airboat tours promise a thrilling, educational, and unforgettable adventure for everyone.

It should be noted, though, that this is not a swamp tour. Generally, people tend to think of New Orleans or the Louisiana Swamps, which tend to be quite a bit different! We are a clean aquifer; it is not muddy or brackish. It’s so much fun! Plus, the clear waters allow you to see even the smallest baby alligator, as well as wading birds, frogs, and more! Because of this, we don’t have a swamp buggy tour, instead, we use custom airboats that are shaded from the sun for a comfortable ride. Want something more unique? Try our Private Tour for small groups .

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Everything you need to know about Everglades National Park

Plan your trip to the southern tip of Florida to visit the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.

Why you should go to Everglades National Park

Sprawling between South Florida’s Lake Okeechobee and the Gulf of Mexico, the Everglades is one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands. About 20 percent of the region is protected within the confines of Everglades National Park , the third largest national park after Death Valley and Yellowstone in the lower 48 states. While the park’s main purpose is preserving wilderness, Everglades also provides plenty of scope for outdoor adventure.

Although technically a wetland , perhaps it’s best to think of the Everglades as the nation’s slowest, widest river—a constant stream of freshwater roughly 60 miles wide, moving at a speed of around 2.5 miles per day as it makes its way south to Florida Bay. The Seminole people called the region Okeechobee (“river of grass”). And while a large part of the Everglades is covered in razor-sharp sawgrass, the region also encompasses mangroves , tropical hardwood hammocks (island forests), pine and cypress forests, freshwater prairie, and various marine and estuarine habitats.

(This ambitious new trail will someday connect South Florida’s two national parks.)

“A visitor with an untrained eye—especially one used to the dramatic vistas of some western national parks—might arrive at Everglades National Park and think ‘What's the big deal?’” says Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades. “It's a park that requires you to really train your eye and be mindful and be present. When you do that, you can experience some really incredible and subtle nature.”

Where to find the best views in the park

With elevation ranging between sea level and eight feet, it’s not easy to snatch a lofty view of the park anywhere other than the 70-foot-high Shark Valley Observation Tower . Opened in 1984, the futuristic spiral renders views of up to 20 miles across the Everglades.

Fourteen miles west of Coe Visitor Center along the Main Park Road, the Pa-Hay-Okee boardwalk and elevated shade shelter provides another wide view across the river of grass.

One of the best coastal views is from the second-floor breezeway of the Guy Bradley Visitor Center in Flamingo.

Where to find the park’s best trails

Located near Coe Visitor Center, the Gumbo Limbo Trail (0.4 mile) and Anhinga Trail (0.8 mile) meander through Royal Palm hammock, while the 22-mile Long Pine Key Trails   penetrate the park’s largest stand of native pines.

Dead flat and paved, the 15-mile Shark Valley Trail varies between sawgrass marsh and tropical hardwood hammocks. Despite the name, there aren’t any sharks, just snoozing gators to step around (at a safe distance, of course).

Where to spot wildlife

Flamingo village is surprisingly good for wildlife. Osprey hatch and raise their young on nesting towers beside the marina, while manatees and American crocodile are sometimes spotted in the bay and nearby mangrove channels.

Alligators   routinely emerge from the swamp and sun themselves on or beside the Shark Valley Trail . It’s also a primo bird habitat for creepy-looking wood storks, gorgeous roseate spoonbills, and anhinga “snakebirds.”

Other places to watch gators and birdlife are the Anhinga Trail and Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk   in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park adjacent to the national park.

(Go on a wildlife odyssey through the Everglades and Key West.)

How to visit the park like a Nat Geo Explorer

National Geographic Young Explorer and conservation biologist Gabriela Tejeda has guided visitors along the park’s Florida Bay coast in boats, kayaks, and on paddleboards.

Her favorite way to explore inland areas is "slough slogging." It entails hiking in knee-to-waist-high water through sawgrass to reach secluded hardwood hammocks   or cypress domes —flora and fauna rich arboreal islands in the sawgrass.

When viewed from above, the domes form a rough circle around a pond. “What I didn’t know the first time I explored a dome,” Tejeda recalls, “is that the water in the middle is an ‘alligator hole’—a place where they hang out in the winter when the rest of the Everglades is drying out.”

“[The cypress domes] are unlike anything I had ever seen,” Tejeda continues. “I like to equate them to a fairy tale—a little fairy dome where you just feel like there’s going to be something magical flying around.” No fairy sightings so far. “But I always see owls and alligators and snakes.”

She highly recommends joining a ranger-led slough slog to Double Dome or other cypress domes along the Main Park Road.

Notable activities and excursions

Driving:   The Main Park Road runs through a variety of Everglades ecosystems—freshwater prairie, cypress forest, mangrove, and coastal marsh — on a 38-mile journey between the Coe Visitor Center and Flamingo . Along the way are sideroads to the Royal Palm trails, Historic Nike Missile Site , the   Mahogany Hammock boardwalk trail, and West Lake Boardwalk .

Tours:   Shark Valley offers two-hour narrated tram tours that stop at the Shark Valley Observation Tower. January through April, rangers lead Full Moon/New Moon Bike Rides and other activities.

Narrated boat tours depart from Flamingo and Everglades City . The latter is also homebase for private outfitters offering airboat tours, including Everglades City Airboat Tours. History buffs should visit the town’s small but interesting Museum of the Everglades .

Paddling:   Flamingo and Everglades City bookend the Everglades’ ultimate kayak/canoe experience —the Wilderness Waterway —a 99-mile meander through mangroves and marshes with raised platform “chickee hut” campsites along the way. Everglades City is also the starting point for self-guided paddles along the Turner River Canoe Trails .

Best things to do for families

Bikes & boats:   If keeping kids active is your mission, rent bikes and dodge snoozing alligators along the Shark Valley Tram Trail or explore Florida Bay and the mangroves by boat. Flamingo Adventures   offers canoe and kayak rentals in two-hour increments, as well as full-day pontoon boat rentals.

Tours:   Hop aboard a narrated boat tour of Florida Bay (from Flamingo Marina) or the Ten Thousand Islands (from Port Everglades); or feel the wind in your face during an adrenaline-pumping airboat ride from outfitters around the periphery of the park.

Junior Rangers:   Offered in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, the park’s Junior Ranger Booklet features hands-on and self-guided activities including a scavenger hunt to spot wild animals that call the park home.

The park also participates in the Every Kid Outdoors program that provides vouchers for fourth graders and their families in the U.S. to visit the Everglades (and other national parks) free of charge for an entire year.

Where to stay

Hotels: Destroyed by a hurricane in 2005, Flaming Lodge is open again with new waterview rooms. Outside the park, the closest hotels are in Homestead and Doral (on the eastern edge of the park) and Everglades City, Marco Island, and Naples (beyond the western edge).

Houseboats: Modern, six-person, 42-foot houseboats at Flamingo Marina are equipped with a bathroom (and with shower), an indoor galley, outside grill, air conditioning, bedding, and fish-cutting tables.

Camping: Long Pine Key Campground is open November 1 to April 30. Flamingo Campground is open year-round. Both feature bath houses, dump stations, and potable water. Reservations highly recommended. For camping with the comforts of home, Winter Glamping Tents are available November-April in Flamingo.

Wilderness camping is allowed on certain ground or beach sites or “chickees” (elevated camping platforms). Most sites are accessible only by water and all require wilderness permits. Reservations at Recreation.gov .

Here’s what else you need to know

Access: Although the entire coast is open to exploration via watercraft, land-bound visitors have three options for entering the park: Everglades Homestead in the east, Shark Valley in the north, and Gulf Coast in the northwest.

When to visit:   The dry season (December to March) is when most ranger programs and park concessions are available. This is also the best time to see wading birds and other wildlife. The wet season (April to November) is hot, humid, buggy, and has fewer park services.

“Many people prefer the winter for the terrific weather,” says ranger Allyson Gantt. “But each season offers something special. The shoulder seasons of fall and spring are less busy and may offer more solitude. Summer is especially great for boating and other water activities.”

Closures: A multi-year construction project to raise the level of the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) often features delays. Shark Valley parking is often full by 10 a.m. Check out the latest road, trail, and parking lot conditions, plus weather and prescribed burning alerts at the park’s   conditions page.  

Fishing: Unless you’re under 16 or a Florida resident 65 or older, a state fishing license is required. Anglers casting south of Nine Mile Pond need a saltwater fishing license; from Nine Mile Pond northwards, a freshwater fishing license is mandatory.

Swimming: Swimming and snorkeling are forbidden anywhere inside the park.

Remote control aircraft: Drones, model airplanes, and similar unmanned aircraft are not allowed in the park.

Read before you go:   Originally published in 1947, the definitive Everglades book remains The Everglades: River of Grass ,   by Florida writer and conservationist Marjory Stoneman Douglas.

Are pets allowed?  

Because of the park’s wildlife-rich environment—and the potential threat that it poses to both pets and wild animals—pets and service animals are only allowed in parking lots, on boats, and in the campgrounds and picnic areas at Flamingo and Long Pine Key.

How accessible is Everglades?

Among the accessible sites and services are seven trails, all four visitors centers, two developed campgrounds and one backcountry campsite, narrated boat tours, and the Shark Valley Tram Tour. Visitor information via TDD is available at (305) 242-7740.

Related Topics

• NATIONAL PARKS
• BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING

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The 5 best road trips to Everglades National Park

Jan 31, 2023 • 5 min read

Roads within and leading to Everglades National Park are few and far between © Posnov / Getty Images

As Everglades National Park primarily consists of an intricate network of wetlands and canals, roads within and leading to the Florida preserve are few and far between. In fact, amid its mammoth 1.5 million acres of swampy terrain, there are only four total entrances and two principal roads serving motor vehicles.

So beyond cruising on the 39-mile-long Main Park Rd (Florida Rte 9336), which connects the Ernest F Coe Visitor Center and Cape Sable, or spotting alligators along the Tamiami Trail (US 41), the question becomes: in which Florida city should I begin my trek to Everglades National Park? 

Fortunately, in Florida you have road-trip options that touch cosmopolitan cities, additional national parks and orange-grove-draped country roads. Here are the five best ways to get to Everglades National Park. 

1. The Tamiami Trail

Best road trip for history lovers Miami-Everglades National Park; 64km (40 miles)

The closest major airport to Everglades National Park is Miami International Airport, some 35 miles east of the Shark Valley Visitor Center. Spend some time in Miami taking in the turquoise Atlantic vistas in Miami Beach, watching the boats zip around Biscayne Bay and snacking on croquetas and cafecitos (Cuban coffee) along Calle Ocho,  Little Havana 's main thoroughfare.  

After Miami, head west along the Tamiami Trail. As you visibly transition from suburbia to swampland, note the numerous attractions that the Miccosukee tribe operates along the trail, including airboat rides and the Miccosukee Indian Village  museum. Within the museum, you can see beadwork, patchwork and photography that sheds life on the tribal community, dating back to the early 19th century.

2. The Overseas Highway

Best road trip for water vistas Key West-Everglades National Park; 216km (134 miles)

Start this three-hour road trip by exploring the coral-reef-surrounded and party-filled downtown of Key West , which is the southernmost city in the continental US. Mallory Square is known for its daily sunset celebrations, but it's really a place to gather all day, with the raucous Hog's Breath Saloon and a nearby Ron Jon Surf Shop outpost.

From there, you’ll find only one road leading through the Florida Keys  to mainland Florida: the Overseas Highway, which weaves through numerous cozy, art-gallery-draped confines, including Marathon, Islamorada and Key Largo . Along your drive, snag a reservation at  the Fish House in Key Largo for regional delights, like fresh mahi mahi and conch salad.

For a bonus park en route to the Everglades, Bahia Honda State Park has the clearest of waters and rentable snorkeling equipment on-site.

Detour: Dry Tortugas National Park and Biscayne National Park are both detour options with this road trip. Book reservations months in advance, and note that you’ll need a boat – or access to one – to make the most of them.

3. US Route 41

Best road trip for parks and wildlife in a small stretch Naples-Everglades National Park; 117km (73 miles)  

It doesn’t get much easier than this. From Downtown Naples ’ boutiques and upscale eateries, hop on US Rte 41 and take it directly to the Shark Valley Visitor Center for an Everglades adventure. But you’ll want to make some stops along the way.

Among them are the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve , which has a 110,000-acre waterway with boat and kayak rentals for navigating the lush mangroves.  Fakahatchee Strand Preserve  makes for a nice pause as well. Its Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk spans more than half a mile and winds through a swamp, culminating in an alligator pond.

Planning tip: The Gulf Coast Visitor Center – located in Everglades City – is the closest Everglades visitor access area to Naples. Keep an eye on its reopening schedule, following damage sustained from Hurricane Ian.

4. US Route 17

Best road trip for Central Florida charm Tampa-Everglades National Park; 407km (253 miles)

With vast white-sand beaches and an increasingly hip bar and nightclub district in the form of Ybor City, Tampa is officially a place to be. After touring the Florida Aquarium or getting your thrills at Busch Gardens theme park, the easy way out of town and en route to Everglades National Park is the Interstate 75 straight-shot, but resist temptation and opt for a more rural trek south along US Route 17.

On your way to Shark Valley Visitor Center, make a pit stop in Haines City at Ridge Island Groves for some farm-grown oranges and blueberries. Wauchula has a quaint downtown that’s home to a handful of antique shops, like Heritage Park . Once Rte 17 connects with Interstate 74, Fort Myers and Naples are both seamless detours within 10 minutes of the highway. 

5. Orlando to the Everglades

Best road trip for a bonus National Park experience  Orlando-Everglades National Park; 410km (255 miles)

For those Walt Disney World –goers seeking a nature-infused reprieve, Everglades National Park is doable in approximately five hours. From Central Florida , the quickest route is Interstate 95 through West Palm Beach , Boca Raton  and Fort Lauderdale . However, traffic on I-95 is totally unpredictable, and the road gets particularly congested during snowbird season (October through April).

You'll find a quieter way south via US Route 98/27. Memorable stops include Immokalee, which is home to the Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch . The operation sheds light on the cowmen, ranchers and pioneers who settled the swamp-adjacent farmland in the late 1800s. Before arriving at Shark Valley Visitor Center, Big Cypress National Preserve is also on the way, and it has swamp tours and eight campgrounds.

Planning tip: As this trip can easily evolve into a multi-day affair , consider lodging well in advance. If all else fails, you can try your luck in Everglades City, but you'll find fewer than a dozen hotel options there.

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11 Best Things To Do In Everglades National Park

October 20, 2020 //  by  Florida Trippers

Florida has some of the best national parks in the country, but do you know about all the cool things to do in the Everglades? If you’ve never braved the swamps, mangrove forests, and trails of the Everglades, you’re in luck.

With over two million acres to explore, the Everglades provide endless recreation in Florida’s most beautiful ecological feature. So grab your bug spray, we’re here to help you take on one of the best national parks in Florida !

What Are The Everglades?

A subtropical ecosystem that spans over two million acres, the Everglades are an expansive set of wetlands and sawgrass marshes. During the wet season, Lake Okeechobee overflows, which releases water into a shallow river known as the “river of grass.”

As the water passes southward, it passes through several habitats. The slow trickle of water moves through cypress swamps, wet praries, and mangroves down to the Florida Bay.

Experiencing a wide range of weather patterns, the Everglades sees frequent flooding in the wet season as well as drought in the dry season. As the largest remaining subtropical wilderness in the country, the area is unmatched in its beauty.

Human life dates back to 15,000 years ago when Native American tribes inhabited the swampland. Its main inhabitants were the Seminoles as well as fugitive slaves. After the First Seminole War, exploration began in the area, as well as construction and maintaining passable trails.

Home to hundreds of animal species, you can find many of Florida’s native animals in the Everglades today. It is not uncommon to see the endangered leatherback turtle, Florida panther, and Burmese pythons. The Everglades are also home to Florida’s alligators and manatees as well!

Where Are The Everglades Located? 

You can find the Florida Everglades at the southern tip of the state. Taking up the entire southern third of the peninsula, the area is largely depopulated. Instead of residents, you’ll find three national parks.

Originating just south of Orlando, the Everglades extends down the Kissimmee River all the way to the Florida Bay at the tip of the peninsula. Also technically included in the Everglades are the Ten Thousand Islands near Naples and parts of the Florida Keys !

How To Get From Miami To The Everglades

There are three entrances to the Everglades: the north entrance at Shark Valley, the south entrance at Florida City near Homestead, or the northwest entrance at Everglades City on the Gulf Coast.

If you’re traveling from downtown Miami, you can expect only a forty-minute drive! You’ll want to go to the Shark Valley entrance! For the quickest route, simply take I-95 North to exit 3A (FL-836 W to FL-825). From there, turn right onto US-41 West until you hit swamp!

For a more scenic route, you can actually just take SW 8th Street through downtown Miami! You’ll pass through Little Havana and see all of the best Miami attractions . While this route takes longer, it is more scenic. This is perfect if you don’t want to take the expressway.

How To Get Around The Everglades

The easiest way to get around the Everglades is definitely by car. In a vehicle, you can cover the most ground in the least amount of time. Most drivers can explore the entire park in one to two days!

Before you go, make sure to pick up a national park pass. It only costs $25 dollars per vehicle for an entire consecutive week!

Many people will tell you boating is the best way to explore the beauty of the ecosystem, but if you’re not an experienced boater, you might run into problems.

Only the most prepared boaters should attempt to navigate the waterways as a recreational activity. It can be easy to become lost or run aground in park waters! If you don’t use navigational aids and marked channels, you can do a lot of damage to your boat and the ecosystem itself.

How Long To Spend In The Everglades

Of course, any stay in the Everglades will depend on how much of the park you want to see. For a quick pass just to see everything, a driver could easily accomplish this feat in one to two days.

However many locals will tell you that simply will not cut it! Especially if you want to tackle the hiking trails, experience an airboat tour, or paddle through the waterways on a kayak, you will need more time.

If you really want to fully explore the park, we recommend a full week to see everything. Depending on your activities planned, you can easily spend three to four days on each coast of the park.

Best Everglades Tours

The Everglades are a big place, and it’s very easy to get overwhelmed. If you’re having trouble deciding what to do in the Everglades, consider checking out a tour, whether it be by foot, by car, or by boat!

Now you don’t have to do any planning of your own! The best part? You’ll still see the best of the beauty of the park in a timely, organized fashion! Taking a tour is certainly one of the best things to do in the Everglades if the idea of going it alone seems daunting.

Everglades Holiday Park

An hour-long narrated boat tour, you’ll learn about the variety of wildlife that inhabits Florida’s famous wetlands. In addition to the boat ride, you will also see a live alligator show and have the opportunity to hold a baby gator!

This is a great comprehensive option, but we recommend attending early in the day, as crowds can dampen the experience! One of the best Everglades tours from Miami, your guide will cover a lot of ground.

Tours operate seven days a week! Boats leave from the park every 20 minutes from 9 AM – 4 PM. Adult tickets cost $35, children’s tickets cost $20, and kids two years and under ride for free!

Shurr Adventures Everglades

If you really want to get the blood pumping, then this three-hour kayak tour of the mangroves of the Everglades is for you! You can spot orchids, birds, and of course alligators as you paddle your way through the mangrove tunnels!

You’ll be led by patient, experienced guides who take the time to educate guests about the ecosystem. Tours depart every day at sunrise, 7:30 and 8:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and sunset. Tickets are $109 for adults and $99 for children.

Shurr Adventures Everglades also offers full-day tours of the mangrove tunnels. You can also take a motorboat tour through the Ten Thousand Islands, among other options.

11 Best Things To Do In The Everglades

Lucky cole’s speakeasy.

The last thing you think about in the Everglades is a bar or restaurant. But for weary travelers willing to do into the depths of the swamps, Lucky Cole is waiting to greet you with open arms.

One of the best things to do in the Everglades, stop by Lucky Cole’s personal home. Off of US 41, about 40 miles from Miami, you’ll eventually see a red mailbox next to old motorcycles and a Lucky Strike sign. You have arrived.

A famed Florida photographer, Cole photographs women with the Everglades as the exotic backdrop. All shoots are directed by his loving wife of many years, Maureen. Together, they advocate women’s empowerment by creating glamorous and sensual photographs of everyday women in various states of undress.

When you visit Lucky Cole and Maureen, expect to be greeted with a smile. You’ll be welcomed with astonishing hospitality, serving cheep beer and homemade venison chili.

Their guests range from locals, Everglades lifers, and anybody that dares to venture this deep into the swamps. Be warned, Lucky only welcomes guests on the weekends. Check his Facebook page to make sure he and Maureen aren’t out on a photoshoot!

Shark Valley

Off of the Tamiami Trail, Shark Valley is one of the best things to do in the Everglades! In the very heart of the Everglades freshwater marks, this is one of the best places to observe Florida wildlife in its natural habitat.

To get there, start at the Shark Valley Visitor Center. Here you’ll find educational displays, a park video, and you can pick up an informational brochure. Inside you’ll find what plants and animals you’re most likely to see!

Next door, you will also find a gift shop where you can pick up essentials and souvenirs. We recommend grabbing bug spray before you head to Shark Valley, and then visiting upon your return. That way you don’t have to lug your souvenirs as you hike!

From the Visitor Center, you can walk or bike along a 15-mile loop trail that leads into Shark River Slough. Halfway up the loop trail is a 65-foot high observation tower!

From the concrete observation tower, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the sawgrass marsh. See the untouched grounds as it appeared to natives over 300 years ago.

Make sure to bring your binoculars. If you look down, you’ll be sure to see baby alligators learning to walk as well as Red-bellied Turtles! Keep your eyes to the skies to catch glimpses of Red-winged Blackbirds and Double Crested Cormorants.

Wilderness Waterway

Calling all kayakers! If you want a paddling challenge, then the Wilderness Waterway is for you, one of the best things to do in the Everglades!

Over 99 miles long, in Wilderness Waterway, you’ll find a navigable recreational waterway, also known as the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness. With many interconnecting creeks, rivers, lakes, and inner bays, only the most experienced paddlers should tread these waters.

There are many shallow waterways that are only passable at high tide. One pass known as “the Nightmare” is especially difficult to navigate without damaging submerged natural features.

While difficult, the Wilderness Waterway has its merits. You can see shell mounds build by the Calusa people! You can also see Nauti Buoy Chickee, the last remaining private property within the park.

A full trip along the Wilderness Waterway takes an experienced paddler around eight days to complete. Travelers can however use additional route options to extend or shorten their trip.

Around the banks of the waterway, you’ll find beach, ground, and chickee campsites. Permits are required and may be obtained at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.

Because many hurricanes have passed through the Everglades in recent years, you should always talk with an experienced ranger before embarking on a trip. They will have the most up-to-date information about best routes for your paddling skill level!

Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center

When you first arrive at the Everglades, you may become overwhelmed by your options. Instead of embarking blindly into the park, make your first stop at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, one of the best things to do in the Everglades to orient yourself.

Here you’ll get an overview of the extensive offerings in the park. Check the map to get a detailed look at what to do and where to go! A wildlife chronology details the native Florida animals you may see that day.

Inside you’ll find educational displays and informational brochures. Special collections by local artists are usually on display. Don’t forget to stay for River of Life, a 15-minute documentary detailing the ecosystems of the park.

Next door you’ll find the bookstore and a small gift shop to pick up essentials and souvenirs! Here you can buy books, guides, camera film, postcards, and of course, insect repellent.

The Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center also provides guided tours by park rangers. Your guides will have a deep understanding of science and a love of the South Florida area. A ranger’s expertise of the animals, birds, and trees will become the highlight of your trip!

Anhinga Trail

For most visitors, the Anhinga Trail is one of the first glimpses they’ll get of the Everglades National Park. Very close to the Royal Palm Visitor Center, the Anhinga Trail is one of the Everglades’ best attractions.

Just short of a mile, the Anhinga Trail is one of the most accessible in the Everglades, even for novice hikers. Children and dogs are permitted, but parents are encouraged to keep a close eye as predators are nearby.

The Anhinga Trail is one of the best places to see wild alligators . A haven for all Everglades wildlife, you’ll find cormorants, egrets, herons, and roseate spoonbills along the stone wall and trees.

Look for odd-looking clusters of trees! These are pond apple trees that bear fruit. Don’t eat the apples though. They taste like turpentine. If you visit during the summer months, you might see sprays of orchids in the branches.

The path will eventually turn into a boardwalk and later into a larger observation area over the slough. You’ll see alligators drifting through the inky water as well as miles of sawgrass prairies.

Flamingo Visitor Center

At the southern tip of the Everglades, you’ll find a wide asymmetrical building featuring a long breezeway. This breezeway connects two buildings that overlook the Florida Bay.

This is the Flamingo Visitor Center, one of the best things to do when traveling from Miami to the Everglades. Next door, you’ll find a marina. Here you’ll find a great place to see wild manatees playing and sleeping in the water.

If you’re more of the adventurous sort, you can also rent kayaks and boats here. Spray on your bug spray and take to the water!

Open daily from mid-November through mid-April, you can find rangers to provide you with maps and advice should you need it. This is also where you can obtain camping permits as well.

The center itself is currently under construction due to extensive hurricane damage. When the Flamingo Visitor Center reopens completely, you’ll find updated exhibits and even a new restaurant and lodging!

Ten Thousand Islands

One of Florida’s hidden gems , the Ten Thousand Islands are a chain of islands and mangrove islets that can be found near Naples between Cape Romano and the mouth of the Lostman’s River.

Here you’ll find over 230 square miles at the northwest-most corner of the Everglades National Park. With endless swimming and kayaking, a visit to the Ten Thousand Islands is one of the best things to do in the Everglades.

One of the world’s largest mangrove systems, this national wildlife refuge is a paradise for those seeking some peace and quiet. Perfect for experienced paddlers and easy-going tourists, there’s something to do for everyone!

Take a narrated boat tour at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center to learn the islands’ unique environment. The guides will direct your attention to wildlife like bald eagles, hawks, and dolphins playing in the water.

If you love the great outdoors, plan an overnight kayak trip. Choose between Tiger Key or Picnic Key for a view of the brilliant night sky from your own private beach! Sites at the island are limited and must be reserved in advance.

For a more relaxed approach, check out Tigertail Beach on Marco Island, one of the best beaches in Naples. From here, you’ll get a great view of Sand Dollar Island to spy on terns, black skimmers, and sand pipers.

Eat Stone Crabs at Everglades City

At the northwest tip of Everglades National Park, you’ll find a small town of only 500 people. Congratulations, you’ve stumbled across Everglades City, one of the great Florida oddities.

Everglades City was once a popular hub in the late 1970s as part of the marijuana trade. Over the years, after nearly the entire town was indicted in court, the town has found a new item to peddle.

Everglades City is proudly now the Stone Crab Fishing Capital of the world, a much more legitimate way to make a living. Instead of spending a pretty penny on Claws at expensive restaurants in Miami , head to Everglades City for a more casual and authentic experience.

At Grimm’s Stone Crab or Triad Seafood Market, you’ll get stone crabs freshly-fished out of the water. As you dine with the waterfront views of the Everglades, strike up a conversation with a local. We promise you’ll get a great old Florida story.

Especially if you’re visiting the Everglades from the northwest part of Florida, stop off at Everglades City. This is one of the best things to do in the Everglades, especially if you want an authentic meal!

Big Cypress National Preserve

During the rainy season, an expansive canopy of Big Cypress trees covers the Tamiami Trail. This will be the most scenic highlight of your drive through the park! The Big Cypress National Preserve is one of the best things to do in the Everglades.

For those that don’t want to get hot and sticky in the swamp and avoid mosquito bites, you’re in luck. The Big Cypress National Preserve is one of the best places to see the Everglades National Park from the comfort of your own vehicle.

As you drive, you’re likely to see egrets and herons soaring through the sky. Completely untouched, you’ll drive through an old Florida wonderland, seeing firsthand what indigenous people who made there home here once saw.

To get a closer look at the flora and fauna, stop at the Big Cypress Visitor Center. On a boardwalk along a large canal, you’ll see gators sunning and birds flying overhead. Remember never to feed the alligators, lest you want to lose a limb!

Snake Bight Trail

For a true walk on the wild side, brave the Snake Bight Trail. Don’t let the name fool you, while snakes like Burmese pythons and poisonous trees are found in this area, you will be safe as long as you stick to the trail.

We’re warning you now, the five mile trip from Main Park Road to Snake Bight has the worst mosquitos in the park. So make sure to wear lots of bug spray. We warned you!

But no risk, no reward, right? To get there drive north from the Flamingo Visitor Center to park on the grass after the “Rowdy Bend Road” sign. Start at the trailhead to walk or bike through a lush tropical forest.

The trail is very tight as it travels through a tunnel of Cypress trees. Don’t veer from the path as there are poisonous manchineel trees and Burmese pythons lurking in the forest nearby.

The air smells salty from the coast as the path changes into a boardwalk. Look out for the Bromeliads clinging to the buttonwoods!

After two miles, you’ll have reached your destination and reward. At the observation platform, you’ll have a sweeping view of all of Snake Bight and the Florida Bay. If you look closely, you’ll see flamingos perching in the mud if you visit during winter.

Pa-Hay-Okee Lookout Tower

To truly get up close and personal with the marshy ecosystem, try the very accessible trail at Pa-Hay-Okee. Named after the Seminole word for River of Grass, you’ll find a short boardwalk leading to a tall observation tower.

To get there, follow Main Park Road from the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center for 21 miles. Enjoy the scenic drive before turning right at the sign for Mahogany Hammock to reach the trailhead.

Because the entire trail is aboardwalk, Pa-Hay-Okee is very kid-friendly. While the mosquito situation isn’t as bad as other areas like Snake Bight, you’re still going to want to protect yourself. As you walk down the boardwalk, you’ll walk over the gorgeous sawgrass prarie.

When you climb the staircase to the Observation Tower, you’ll ascend past Cypress trees on a small island. From your shaded perch, you will be able to see the incredible vistas across the prarie.

If you look down, you’ll see the only water source for much of the wildlife in the dry season. To get back to your car, simply follow the boardwalk ramp through the Cypress canopy down to the forest floor.

Did You Find This Post Helpful?

If so, we would love to keep in touch! We enjoy seeing photos and comments about your experiences in Florida! You can follow us on Instagram and we will repost your photos on our feed and comment too! Just tag us at @floridatrippers and hashtag #floridatrippers. We can’t wait to see your travels!

Visiting the Everglades with Kids: Ultimate Family Guide to Everglades National Park

Visiting the Everglades with kids is definitely a bucket list trip. It has the unique status of being a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance – all with good reason. Both the incredible landscape and the diverse wildlife (including alligators, American crocodile, manatee, hundreds of species of birds, and more) create a unique environment that create tons of things to do in the Everglades.

We loved exploring the park with our 5 kids, and want to share some tips, tricks, and things to do in Everglades National Park with kids whether you’re taking a day trip to Everglades or spending a longer time.

Whether you’re  camp ing , picnicking, hiking, or taking a tour in the Everglades, or even just learning about the history of the park from home, I hope this Everglades National Park guide is helpful and informative. You’ll find info on Everglades activities, lodging, and food, as well as indigenous history of the lands, book recommendations, and more – perfect whether you’ve never visited or whether you’ve been 100 times.

I hope you enjoy this Everglades travel guide!

Table of Contents

Learn About Everglades National Park

Before we visit a national park, our family loves learning about it! It helps us enjoy it more and appreciate the people who have stewarded it well before us. We love learning about the indigenous history, as well as about wildlife and ecosystems.

Here are a few ways to learn about the park either before a visit or as part of an Everglades virtual tour!

Everglades National Park History & Natural Features

• Everglades National Park spans 1.5 million acres across Southern Florida.
• 36 protected threatened or protected species inhabit Everglades National Park.
• Nearly 350 species of birds, 300 species of fresh and saltwater fish, 40 species of mammals, and 50 species of reptiles also call the Everglades home.
• Everglades is the third largest national park in the United States after Death Valley and Yellowstone .
• In 1976, UNESCO declared the Everglades and Dry Tortugas Biosphere Reserve, in 1979 they made the park a World Heritage Site, and in 1987, the park was named to the list of Wetlands of International Importance. Everglades is one of only three locations in the world to appear on all three lists.

Everglades Indigenous History

• The Miccosukee Tribe has called the Everglades home for hundreds of years and the Seminole Tribe of Florida can trace their history in the area back thousands of years. ( Source )
• The Calusa tribe occupied the southwest region, while the Tequesta, Jega, and Ais tribes were located along the southeast region of Florida. The Calusa may have been the dominant tribe, according to Spanish accounts.
• By 1763 when the English took control of Florida, the Tequesta and Calusa tribes had been largely destroyed by European diseases. The indigenous communities that were left retreated deeper into the Everglades, while others migrated to Cuba.
• The 1800s saw a fight between the Spanish and the United States to colonize Florida, the latter of whom was led by Andrew Jackson. The Seminole of the area lived in small bands and were able to escape into into the wilderness, leaving the colonizers confused and disoriented.
• Over the course of 3 Seminole Wars, the native people relinquished millions of acres of land. Some remained in the area as ranchers and farmers. ( Source )

Featured Everglades Picture Book: Marjory Saves the Everglades: The Story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas

Available on Amazon , Bookshop , Target , Walmart

Everglades Packing List: What to Pack For a Everglades Family Vacation

Everglades National Park weather tends to be relatively mild throughout the year, with a subtropical climate. This means that it can get quite humid, you’ll want to plan for rain, and you’ll definitely want to pack clothing to explore the water! Here are some of my favorite essentials to pack when traveling to Everglades National Park with kids.

Everglades National Park Packing List

• Carry-all backpack
• Definitely pack a rain jacket! I love this long and waterproof  rain jacket for women , this  men’s rain jacket , and this  kids rain jacket . Or these cheap ponchos are also great for travel, especially if the weather is warm.
• Everglades doesn’t have a lot of super intense or rocky trails, so regular sneakers are likely just fine. I was able to easily walk boardwalk trails and participate in most activities in my favorite casual sneakers . My kids wore either hiking sandals or regular sneakers. (I like these and these for kids because they’re also waterproof.)
• First aid kit and my favorite bandages
• I LOVE this kind and it smells amazing! I also love this kind for kids – it’s great for sensitive skin. This is my favorite facial sunscreen for myself.
• It can definitely get buggy around here. We like this bug repellent in areas that don’t have a high prevalence of disease-carrying mosquitos (we use Deet in Zika/dengue/malarial areas).
• We like to have one of these quick-dry towels on hand in case of rain or any spills.
• This is my favorite hiking hat and my favorite hat for babies
• Camera equipment (see below)
• We love this water bottle and this water bottle for adults.
• This hydration backpack for kids is a favorite. (Also available here .)
• My older kids LOVE this water bottle .
• This and this are our favorite water bottles for toddlers.

How To Get to Everglades National Park

Getting to Everglades National park is unique in that it has three entrances from three different cities! There is no public transportation within the park so a car is definitely needed.

• The closest airport is Miami International Airport (airport code: MIA).
• If flying, you will need to rent a car and drive to the Everglades entrances. The main entrance to Everglades National Park is the Homestead entrance. This is 43 miles from MIA airport.

Where to Stay When Visiting Everglades National Park with Kids: Everglades Lodging for Families

Camping in everglades national park.

There are two front country campgrounds at Everglades National Park. These are both accessible and drive-in from the Homestead Entrance to the park. Both campgrounds can accommodate tents and RVs.

• Flamingo Campground
• Long Pine Key Campground

In addition to the two drive-in campgrounds, there are a number of places for wilderness camping . Most wilderness sites are reachable by canoe, kayak, or motorboat. Though a few are reachable by hiking. All overnight wilderness camping requires you to pay the park entrance fees for a pass, as well as, a permit.

Miami, FL Lodging with Kids

Here are some of the best Miami hotels for families:

• Holiday Inn Express Doral Miami
• Residence Inn Doral Mall Area
• Holiday Inn Express and Suites Kendall
• Courtyard by Marriott Miami Homestead
• Hilton Garden Inn Homestead
• Best Western Plus Kendall Hotel and Suites

Additionally, here are a few lovely VRBO properties we considered:

Where to Eat in Everglades

There are many places near the main Homestead entrance to Everglades National Park. Most have plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. There are very limited snack and beverage options inside the park at the visitor centers and campgrounds.

Here’s where to eat near Everglades National Park:

• Robert Is Here Fruit Stand (a great place to stop of fruit and snacks before heading to the park)
• White Lion Cafe

How to Get Around Miami: Everglades Transportation

You will need a car to get around Everglades National Park. While you can fly directly to Miami, it may be cheaper to fly into Fort Lauderdale and drive down.

Best Time of Year to Visit Everglades National Park

As I mentioned before, the summer in Everglades National Park tends to be hot & humid with frequent afternoon storms. Winter in Everglades tends to be cool and pleasant – December to April is the dry season and tends to have fewer mosquitoes. It’s a great time when planning when to visit Everglades National Park, but keep in mind that it will likely get crowded during these months, as well. Spring in Everglades National Park can get especially busy with spring breaks around the country.

Day Trip to Everglades: Top Everglades Checklist

If you have limited time and are wondering about what to see in Everglades National Park, here are some of our favorites for a day trip to Everglades. These would all be wonderful as part of an Everglades National Park itinerary.

• Hike the Anhinga Trail
• Take a Tram Tour of Shark Valley
• Junior Ranger

These two activities will give you a wonderful overview of the beauties of the Everglades, including its wildlife and ecosystems, in a short period of time. If you have longer, be sure to drive the full road out to the Flamingo Marina and explore there!

Best Things to Do in Everglades National Park with Kids: Everglades National Park Itinerary

If you’re still not convinced and are wondering, “Is Everglades National Park kid friendly,” here’s more detail on activities at Everglades for a family vacation:

1. Hike An Everglades Trail

Everglades has a number of flat and short trails that are great for a variety of abilities. The Anhinga Trail is especially fantastic for wildlife viewing, and the boardwalk makes it wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, and the nearby Gumbo Limbo Trail is another great option.

Here are a bunch of other options for wonderful hiking trails in the Everglades whether you have plenty of time or one day in Everglades National Park!

2. Take A Tram Tour

The Shark Valley Tram Tour is a fantastic way to explore the beauty of the flora and fauna of the area. We saw tons of alligators on this tour (this is the best place for them), along with a huge variety of birds and other wildlife. The narration is also top-notch from the Park-trained naturalists. I highly recommend this tour to explore one of the most beautiful areas of Everglades National Park! It’s also a great option to see a lot of wildlife on a day trip to the Everglades.

If you’d prefer to explore on your own, you can also consider biking the 15-mile trail.

3. Everglades National Park Airboat Tour

An airboat tour is such a unique and fun way to explore the Everglades. So much of the park is based and dependent on water, so it’s exciting to get out on the water to view so much of the wildlife.

We had fun on this airboat tour with Everglades Safari Park , and enjoyed the short nature show and Jungle Trail after. (It’s one of 3 airboat tours that operates within the National Park, along with Coopertown and Gator Park .) That said, this was decidedly not the best Everglades activity in our minds – the airboat tour is actually quite loud (so children under 6 months of age aren’t allowed) and it certainly doesn’t feel very natural. There was more disturbance to the ecosystem than I expected. So while it’s definitely unique and takes you out in a new way, it definitely didn’t feel like the best way to either experience the wildlife or the peace of the area.

4. Take A Guided Canoe Trip

This was something we didn’t get to experience this time around – we just didn’t have quite long enough and with several younger kids, we thought other activities would better suit us for with that limited time. But we’re really looking forward to returning and canoeing through some of the mangroves and swamps. The Florida Everglades are actually the only place on earth where alligators and crocodiles co-exist, so we’d love to have the chance to explore this special ecosystem!

Tours are available both in the Flamingo District and the Gulf Coast area of the park.

5. Narrated Everglades National Park Boat Tour on the Gulf

If you’re not up for canoeing yourself, consider a narrated catamaran or other larger boat tour on the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll learn all about the wildlife and birds you find along the way, as well as get to explore the mangroves from the comfort of being far above the water. Some tours go out to the 10,000 Islands area of the park, one of the most diverse and beautiful.

6. Take A Driving Tour of the Park

The road to Flamingo is especially diverse and gives a great overview of various Everglades ecosystems. If you’re short on time or don’t want to do too much walking around, this is a great way to see a fair bit of the park from the comfort of your vehicle.

7. Everglades Junior Ranger & Ranger Guided Tours

Junior Ranger is always one of the first things we do when visiting a national park with kids. It’s not only a great way to learn about the park and its ecosystems, but it helps all of us (including the adults!) plan out our time while there.

The ranger guided tours are also excellent and are offered in several areas of the park. You’ll find everything from manatee talks to osprey demonstrations to nighttime programs.

8. Photography in Everglades National Park

Everglades is a photographer’s dream! With the abundance of birds and wildlife and the beautiful light on marshy lands, it makes for some pretty spectacular photography opportunities.

Here’s the photography equipment we bring along:

Photo equipment

• 70-200mm lens (for wildlife)
• 24-70mm lens

9. Picnicking in the Everglades with Kids

There are plenty of spots to sit on a bench and enjoy some snacks or a meal. Just try to not eat too slowly or the bugs tend to flock to you!

10. Wildlife Viewing & Birding

I mean, this is sort of built into all the other activities but it’s such a quintessential part of planning an Everglades trip that I had to include it separately. The wildlife around is unique and so fun to see, and the birds especially are so diverse (there are over 300 species of them here!). And it’s amazing to see so many gators!!

11. Biking in Everglades National Park

While the Shark Valley Tram Road is a great place to bike in the Everglades, there are several other trails that are great for families. The Lone Pine Key Nature Trail, Rowdy Bend Trail, and Snake Bight are all good options. There are even some ranger-led bike tours during the dry season!

12. Purchase Fry Bread & Support the Indigenous Village

One of the neat things about this area of southern Florida is there is that the indigenous community is pretty visible. There are a number of spots that are selling fry bread, especially near Shark Valley, so be sure to stop and pick some up.

The Miccosukee Indian Village is an especially wonderful place to visit to learn about and support indigenous culture and peoples. In addition to the cafe, you’ll find a gift shop, museum, and seasonal demonstrations. (Note: the village is currently closed until further notice.)

Everglades National Park Video

Here’s a fantastic video of Everglades National Park. It’s a great way to learn about the animals native to Everglades before visiting.

Enjoy Your Visit to the Everglades with Kids!

We’ve loved putting together this Everglades National Park travel guide to take an in person or virtual visit to the Everglades with kids. We’d love to hear if you do any of these activities on a family trip to Everglades!

We hope to inspire curiosity and connection through exploring and learning, and we hope this guide helps you and your families. Please share any activities you do with us over on our  Instagram . And we’d be delighted if you passed this guide to Everglades with kids along to others, as well!

IF YOU LIKED THIS POST ABOUT VISITING EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK WITH KIDS, YOU MIGHT LIKE THESE POSTS TOO:

• Best Hikes in the Everglades
• Ultimate Guide to Dry Tortugas National Park
• Ultimate Family Guide To Yosemite National Park

DON’T NEED A LIST OF THINGS TO DO IN EVERGLADES NATIONAL PARK QUITE YET? PIN THIS POST FOR LATER!

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[…] Ultimate Guide to Everglades National Park with Kids […]

I have on my bucket list to see EVERY national park. I am looking into a trip to the Everglades, and I wanted the best information for myself and my husband. We are seniors. I saw your post about visiting the Everglades with children, and thought that is not for me. Was I wrong!!! This had the most information, best needed information on the general Everglades than ANY other place I had clicked on! Thank you!

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THE 10 BEST Everglades National Park Nature & Wildlife Tours

Nature & wildlife tours in everglades national park.

• Hiking Trails
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Nature & Wildlife Tours
• Hiking & Camping Tours
• Biking Trails
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Chokoloskee Bay
• Smallwood Store
• Big Cypress National Preserve
• Miccosukee Indian Village
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 60 min. Everglades Airboat ride & pick-up ,small group +pro guide

2. Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Kayak Tour

3. Small Group Motorboat Eco Tour of the Everglades

4. Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Experience with roundtrip transfer

5. 1-Hour Air boat Ride and Nature Walk with Naturalist in Everglades National Park

6. Two-Hour Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour

7. Everglades Kayak Safari Adventure Through Mangrove Tunnels

8. Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat

9. Everglades National Park Biologist Led Hike, 2 boat trips + lunch

10. Everglades Airboat Ride & Guided Hike

11. Dolphin and Manatee Boat Tour in 10,000 Islands NWR

12. Everglades National Park Boat Tour

13. Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale

14. Boat Ride in 10,000 Islands + Biologist Led Walk in the Everglades Small Group

15. Manatee, Dolphin and 10,000 Islands Sunset Cruise!

16. 2 Hour Chokoloskee Island Kayak Tour

17. Everglades Express Small Group Tour from Miami with Airboat Ride

18. Full Day Everglades: Biologist Led WET walk + 2 boat trips + lunch small group

19. Small-Group Everglades Boating Kayaking and Walking Eco Tour

20. 2Hour Everglades Kayak Safari Adventure Through Mangrove Tunnels

21. Everglades National Park Dolphin, Birding and Wildlife Boat Tour (2 hours)

22. Everglades Airboat with or without pick-up

23. Everglades National Park Small Group Guided Boating and Walking Expedition

24. Private 4-Hour Exciting Everglades Tour

25. MIAMI Key West ultimate experience

26. The Ultimate Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Show and Transfer

27. 7-Day Tour in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Key West and Orlando

28. Full-Day Hiking and Kayaking Tour in Everglades National Park

29. Private Everglades Tour: Explore the Beauty of the Everglades

30. Guided Airboat Ride & Tram Tour in Everglades

What travellers are saying.

• Amber M 1 contribution 0 5.0 of 5 bubbles Serene and educational tour of Mangrove Tunnels We had our tour with Justin and he was really fantastic. Justin was knowledgeable, friendly and welcoming. He reassured us that our abilities were just right; Gave us space and also made us feel secure. I would highly recommend this tour to understand more about the amazing mangroves, and their role in the Florida ecosystem. I also appreciated Justin’s visible care for the land he travels and those that have travelled before him. Read more Review of: Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Kayak Tour Written 22 April 2024 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

• 60 min. Everglades Airboat ride & pick-up ,small group +pro guide
• 10000 Islands Everglades Boat Tour
• 1-Hour Air boat Ride and Nature Walk with Naturalist in Everglades National Park
• Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Kayak Tour
• Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat

Tamiami Trail: Scenic drive exploring Everglades

By: Author Bonnie Gross

Posted on Last updated: April 10, 2024

There are two ways to cross the bottom of the Florida peninsula — the fast four-lane Alligator Alley (I-75), or the more scenic two-lane Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41).

Both roads will take you through miles of Everglades scenery with glimpses of alligators sunning along the waterways and Everglades birds in the trees.

But the Tamiami Trail gets you closer to the scenery, and it offers several outstanding stops along the way.  (You’ll also drive across 3.5 miles of bridges designed to return natural water flow to Everglades National Park. The bridges, opened in 2013 and 2019, are part of the largest construction project in the history of the National Park Service. See below for more on this.) 

If you’re visiting South Florida and want an Everglades experience, a day exploring along the Tamiami Trail is a suitable substitute for a day in Everglades National Park, as long you take your time, walk the boardwalks and visit a state park or Big Cypress National Preserve visitor center along the way. 

How to make the most of driving the scenic Tamiami Trail

The Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) begins in downtown Miami at Brickell Avenue and for many miles it is Calle Ocho, running through the heart of Miami’s historic Cuban community.

About 20 miles west of downtown, at Krome Avenue, the city is behind you and the road heads into the Glades. (The corner of U.S. 41 and Krome is home to the casino operated by the Miccosukee Indians. )

Beyond the casino, the road passes several opportunities for air boat tours . The National Park Service authorizes three airboat tour companies inside Everglades National Park:  Coopertown , 22700 SW 8th St., Miami, (305) 226-6048;  Everglades Safari Park , 26700 SW 8th St., Miami, (305)226-6923; and  Gator Park , 24050 SW 8th St., Miami, (305) 559-2255. Coming from Miami, these are all before you come to the Everglades National Park entrance.

Travel west about 20 miles and you come to the one of the real “must do” stops on the Tamiami Trail,   Shark Valley , one of several entrances to Everglades National park. It is a reliably wonderful outing in winter, where you can can walk, bike or take a tram on a 15-mile paved trail and see many alligators and wading birds. We think it’s the best biking trail in South Florida.

The parking lot at Shark Valley cannot accommodate all the visitors on winter weekends, but cars can park on the shoulder of the Tamiami Trail and visitors can walk in. In winter 2024, there have been long lines of cars waiting entry at Shark Valley on many days. If you reserve a tram tour, arrive at least an hour in advance.

Note: Admission to Everglades National Park is $35 per car and is good for seven days.

If you choose not to pay that hefty national park admission for a short visit, you can have an excellent Everglades experience along the Tamiami Trail by taking advantage of several free or inexpensive areas detailed below.

Just west of Shark Valley are two Miccosukee Indian attractions. The restaurant on the north side of the road offers a varied menu, including some native American favorites, such as fry bread.

The Miccosukee Indian Village and Gift Shop, also just west of Shark Valley on the south side of the road, is a commercial attraction. See what folks say here.

Your next opportunity for a side trip is Loop Road , a 26-mile road through the Big Cypress National Preserve that will take at an hour or two hours to explore. It’s an old gravel road with a colorful history; it has always attracted folks averse to civilization and its rules. For many years it was Florida’s version of the wild west.

Today, people travel Loop Road for a different kind of wild life — it’s a great place to spot alligators, birds, deer and even otter in a wild off-the-beaten-track setting. Here’s more from Florida Rambler on Loop Road .

A few miles west of the entrance to Loop Road is Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery , 52388 Tamiami Trail. Butcher is a renowned photographer whose large-scale black-and-white photos are designed to make viewers feel like they are at the center of the photo, surrounded by the amazing beauty of the Everglades. Butcher’s studio overlooks a scenic pond, where alligators and wading birds frequently appear, seeming to pose for pictures.

A stop at the studio is a great opportunity to view Butcher’s work in the setting that inspired it. While his original photographs are expensive, his gallery offers affordable calendars and posters. You can also take a five-minute walk through a pretty cypress forest behind the studio.

This stretch of Tamiami Trail that runs through the Big Cypress National Preserve is designated as a scenic highway. The thick cypress swamp hugs the highway’s edges and, if you don’t have somebody driving on your bumper, it’s worthwhile to slow down and take it in. We’ve seen an otter cross the road here, humping across the highway with its weird gait.

A few miles west,  Big Cypress National Preserve Visitor Center offers exhibits, an introductory film and national park staff available to answer questions. The boardwalk out front overlooks a pond that attracts gators in winter and rangers periodically give informative talks here.

If you want to take a hike at this point, watch for the turn south where Loop Road rejoins the Tamiami Trail.  Two miles up this dirt road is Gator Hook picnic area and trail . There’s an easy-to-hike 1.5 mile trail through dwarf cypress trees on an old logging road. Gator Hook has restrooms and shaded picnic sites.

(This corner had been the site of Monroe Station, a historic building that burned down in 2016. Back when driving the Tamiami Trail was one of the most remote stretches of road in Florida, this was a service station and general store serving passing tourists. Here’s a picture of it then .)

Back on Tamiami Trail, continuing west, you’ll pass Monument Lake campground on your right and then, on your left, the Kirby Storter boardwalk and picnic area , another good stop along the trail. The half-mile boardwalk is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers and takes you into the cypress swamp. There are picnic tables and restrooms.

A few more miles and on your right you’ll come to H.P. Williams Picnic Area , with tables and a viewing area where alligators and wading birds are often seen. The park is located at the intersection where Turner River Road  heads north.

Turner River Road is a dirt road that takes you through open prairie along canals are at times full of birds and alligators. There is also a restroom here. If you want to add a back-country drive, consider driving this 17 mile loop: Turner River Road to Upper Wagonwheel Road to Birdon Road . The National Park Service created this informative guide   to the route. It’s a PDF you can print out and bring along.

Back on Tamiami, a half mile west of Turner River Road, you come to the Turner River Canoe Access site , which provides parking and a boat launch for this popular canoeing and kayaking river. Kayaks and canoes can paddle upstream or downstream and back or use a livery service to make the all-day trip downstream to Chokoloskee and Everglades City.

This may be the most popular paddling trail in the region and for good reason: The scenery is spectacular and the wildlife abundant. Several outfitters run tours here and individuals bring kayaks from around Florida to put in here. Here’s our story about paddling the Turner River .  (You can also stop at this site to use the picnic tables and restrooms.)

A few miles west of here at the Big Cypress Welcome Center, 33000 Tamiami Trail East, there’s a trailhead for another popular kayak trail, Halfway Creek. Here are details about it.

Continuing west, while you’ll see a few mailboxes along the road, you will rightly conclude that not many people live in these parts. So you may be surprised when the next landmark you see is the post office in downtown Ochopee . Of course, the post office IS the sole building in downtown Ochopee, and it’s the tiniest post office in the country — and, I’d maintain, the cutest. Go ahead: Stop and take a photo. Here’s more on the Ochopee post office.

A bit west of the post office is an opportunity to stop for lunch: the historic and funky eatery, Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe, 39395 Tamiami Trail, Ochopee. Joanie’s specializes in local foods, including frog legs, catfish, alligator, blue crab and grouper.

The atmospheric  building, crammed with all sorts of memorabilia and oddities, dates to 1928, the year the Tamiami Trail was completed, and the spot attracts all sorts of folks, from bikers to European tourists. Here’s what TripAdvisor visitors says about it.

Joanie’s is 36 miles west of Shark Valley and you’re only a few miles from the Gulf Coast now.

Just west of the Big Cypress headquarters you come to State Road 29, which is the road to Everglades City , a mile further south. It’s an interesting stop well worth exploring. There are informal waterside restaurants that specialize in fresh seafood and stone crabs   and the historic town is full of charm.

If you go north on State Road 29, in about two miles you come to the entrance to Fakahatchee Preserve State Park . If you have time and want to explore and hike into a wild environment, here’s the place. The park offers miles and miles of hiking, including dry, easy-to-walk trails through a vast and beautiful cypress forest filled with air plants and wild orchids. Admission is $3. 

Fakahatchee is the orchid and bromeliad capital of the continent with 44 native orchids and 14 native bromeliad species. It’s where the ghost orchid, topic of a book by Susan Orleans and a movie starring Meryl Streep, lives, along with the equally elusive Florida Panther.

Just west on State Road 29 on the Tamiami Trail is another feature of Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk . If you’ve visited this area before, you might recall the old boardwalk, which was destroyed by a hurricane. It led you through a lush cypress swamp teeming with wildlife and it was one of my favorites. Its replacement (for now) goes through a sunny prairie that is not quite as special. The upside: A spectacular open air pavilion over the prairie with a breeze and rocking chairs. Also: This boardwalk features restrooms.

Before the Tamiami Trail reaches Marco Island and then Naples, you pass Collier-Seminole State Park , which draws people for camping, hiking and paddling. It’s also home to the 1924 Bay City Walking Dredge, which is the contraption that helped construct the Tamiami Trail. How often do you get to visit a “National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark”? I was surprised how interesting I found this spot.

After this park, the Tamiami Trail leaves the Everglades and becomes the major link between cities on the Gulf Coast.

Tamiami Trail: An environmental mistake we’re still fixing

When the Tamiami Trail was completed in 1928, it was an engineering marvel. Huge “walking dredges” helped forge the way and the road was an economic boon for Florida.  

But the road was also an environmental disaster. It cut off the natural flow of water in the Everglades, famously called “a river of grass” by environmentalist Marjory Stoneman Douglas. 

After the road was built, the Everglades south of the bridge was a dying ecosystem. After years of adding small culverts and bridges, the federal government finally went big. Congress appropriated money for a one-mile bridge completed in 2013 and then 2.3 miles of bridging completed in 2019. 

The extensive bridging increased water flow into Everglades National Park by 80 percent. Additional culverts and smaller bridges are being built to help distribute the water. The whole project will be completed in 2024. Here’s an interesting article from the National Park Service about the history of the Tamiami Trail.

Links to help you plan your Tamiami Trail roadtrip

• Casino operated by the Miccosukee Indians
• Shark Valley
• Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery
• Ochopee Post Office
• Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe
• Big Cypress National Preserve
• Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk
• Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

Visiting nearby Everglades City and Chokoloskee:  

• Historic Smallwood Store  in Chokoloskee
• Everglades National Park Gulf Coast Visitor Center :  This visitor center is being rebuilt to repair hurricane damage. Its popular (and recommended) boat trips and kayak rentals will not be available until the end of 2024 or early 2025.
• Camping and kayaking  in the Ten Thousand Islands 
• Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Interesting Everglades City places to stay and eat: 

• Ivey House Adventure Hotel , an eco-tour business.
• The historic Everlgades City Rod and Gun Club
• Camellia Street Grill  (on Yelp)
• Triad Seafood
• City Seafood

All articles on FloridaRambler.com are original, produced exclusively for our readers and protected by U.S. Copyright law. Any use or re-publication without written permission is against the law.

This page contains affiliate links from which Florida Rambler may earn a sall commission when a purchase is made. This revenue supports our mission to produce quality stories about Florida at no cost to you.

The author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. Florida Rambler was founded in 2010 by Bonnie and fellow journalist Bob Rountree, two long-time Florida residents who have spent decades exploring the Florida outdoors. Their articles have been published in the Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, The Guardian and Visit Florida.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Debbie Senecal

Saturday 5th of August 2023

Can you cross Florida on the trail in a motorhome pulling a Jeep wrangler in late August.

Bob Rountree

Yes. Tamiami Trail is a paved, two-lane highway. But if all you are doing is crossing Florida, I-75 (Alligator Alley) is probably safer.

Miller Mary L.

Tuesday 14th of February 2023

Thanks for all your research and suggestions. So much to do and learn!

Florida Road Trip: 10 Days in Tampa, Miami, the Everglades & the Keys – the xenophile life

Tuesday 5th of July 2022

[…] next day had us entering The Everglades en route to our next hotel in Florida City. This post about the Tamiami Trail from Florida Rambler has some great tips for things to see along the way. Our first stop was to Big Cypress Bend […]

Wednesday 26th of January 2022

The road to Everglades City is FL-29 aka SR-29. It is not a US Highway.

Thursday 27th of January 2022

Thank you for the correction! :-)

Terry Reinhardt

Tuesday 31st of January 2017

Thank you for this wonderful article. We plan do camp the east coast next year then head to the west coast. What a great way to go across fla. I can't wait. Thank you again

Airboat Tours

Everglades Airboat Tours:  Imagine yourself gliding through the paradise of swamps, marshes, and implausible wildlife. Take a break from your hectic work schedule and try out something adventurous this summer. For instance, you can take an airboat ride and get an up-close look at the Florida Alligator. The Everglades is an outstanding place where you as well as your family can head for an enthralling boat ride. Everglades Airboat Park has the best airboat tours here in Miami.

Florida Alligator Airboat Tour:  Get ready for the most exciting ride of your life! The Everglades is known for its extensive wildlife and rare species that is difficult to find anywhere else. The vivid marine life includes more than 200,000 alligators, and with that said you can certainly spy on quite a few on your Everglades airboat tours! The tour takes you to the best Florida outdoors, outstanding wildlife and beautiful scenery. The experienced guides will help you spot tropical birds, soft-shelled turtles and alligators. All you need to do is ride the airboat and make your way to the open wetlands that seems superb for aquatic creatures. Gliding through the shallow waters allows you to get an up-close look at the wild creatures and tall grass. The airboat tours depart at routine intervals of twenty to thirty minutes, hence you don’t have to make prior reservations. And if you are interested in private tours, then there is provision for that as well.

Learning about the Everglades on an Airboat Tour:  Take an airboat tour and watch Miccosukee Indians deeply engrossed in beadwork, doll making, patchwork and basket weaving. On your airboat trip, the experienced guides make it a point to update you about the lifestyle, culture, and history of this American Indian tribe. The live alligator shows and airboat are an icing on the cake. Besides, you may also stop by any hammock-style Indian Camp, visit a nearby gift emporium or taste authentic local cuisines at the Everglades restaurant.

Everglades VIP Airboat Tours:  The joys of exploring the beauty of the Everglades the VIP way is no less. You may take a round-trip transportation to and from the park and see the treasures of this eco-wonderland. The well- narrated tour lasts for about one hour and takes you across the River of Grass. And then, don’t forget to double your joys by seeing live alligator show and shooting professional pictures to treasure the moments forever. Airboat tours are a simple yet different way to explore the marshlands. If you have plans to make it to the Everglades sometime soon, then now is the time. The tours take you past the River of Grass and ensure you have a good time on your vacation. The joy of watching alligators or other wildlife varieties is something that you cannot always express in words. And for amazing tours and packages to the Everglades, we are only a call away. Bank on our packages and obtain marvelous deals. Our tours have been crafted keeping in mind the different tastes of vacationers.

Everglades Airboat Tour + Transportation + Park Ticket

One day in the Everglades National Park Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in the Everglades, Florida

Florida has so much to offer – no matter if you’re looking for a place to party, a way to explore different cultures, or just good clean family fun, this state has it all. And that goes for incredible feats of nature, too. In fact, the Everglades hide a true gem, one of the most famous national parks in the whole US. That’s why spending one day here will be a dream come true for every nature lover, and this itinerary will show you how best to spend your time here and which places you shouldn’t miss for the world. Let’s get going!

What’s the best time to visit the Everglades?

You can easily visit the Everglades whenever you want because it’s a great place to visit all year round, but if you can choose, you should come here somewhere between December and April .

This is what is known as the dry season in this part of the world, and given the nature of the environment here, you will certainly appreciate the fact that the humidity is low during this time.

Of course, since this is South Florida we’re talking about, you don’t have to worry about low temperatures: they range from the 50s to the 70s (which is from about 12 to 25 degrees in Celsius), which is more than enough for a lovely day out in nature.

The wet season has a big advantage that far fewer people come to visit this wonderful place, so you can easily have the feeling of having the place all to yourself. Do keep in mind, though, that there will be more bugs flying around, and the humidity can be quite a challenge.

A few facts about the Everglades

The Everglades is the region that covers the southern tip of Florida, and the environment that has formed here is unique in the world – there is literally nothing like it anywhere else across the globe.

During the wet season, the water leaving Lake Okeechobee (about halfway between Miami and Orlando) creates an immense river that is almost 100 kilometers (60 miles) wide and more than 100 (160 km) miles long. The water here flows very slowly towards the southern tip of the peninsula.

The southernmost 20% of the region comprises Everglades National Park, which is the destination of many tourists that come visit this enchanting region.

Interestingly, there is evidence here of human habitation that goes back 15,000 years into the past. In fact, UNESCO has designated the Everglades to be a wetland area of global importance.

So, when you’re coming here, you are coming to visit a very special place indeed.

One day in the Everglades itinerary

So, you’re about to spend one day in the Everglades National Park? Well, you have a lot of great places to choose from! Keep in mind, though, that the area is huge, so to make things easier for you, this itinerary has chosen the route that is easiest to get to from Miami . That way you can reach your accommodation in a reasonable amount of time and spend more time in the park . This is important if you only have one day here.

Start at the alligator farm

Right at the entrance to the national is the Everglades Alligator Farm, and this is the perfect way to start your day. It’s exciting, it’s fun, and it’s so typical for this part of the US.

The farm allows you to see some truly spectacular animals. These include alligators, caymans, crocodiles and various kinds of snakes. But the best thing about this is that you can hop on an airboat and go for an amazing ride, which is bound to be one of the highlights of the whole visit.

It’s a quintessentially Everglades thing to do, and you are going to love every minute of it!

Move on to the visitor center

It is very much recommended you get an early start when visiting the Everglades National Park , especially if you want to avoid the crowds.

And the best place to start your visit is the visitor center which has been named after Ernest F. Coe. There are exhibits here and plenty of information that will show you what to expect from your one day here, so it’s the best way to prepare yourself for the exciting things ahead.

Spending some time here will be very much worth it.

Walk the Anhinga Trail

The first thing you do after the visitor center is a walk along the Anhinga Trail. There are two main reasons for that: alligators and Anhingas, fascinating birds whose neck resembles a snake.

The trail, i.e. the boardwalk, is just one mile from the visitor center and is less than a mile in length, so this is a great way to stretch your legs and enjoy the wonderful nature. With the typical Everglades scenery surrounding you, you will quickly see what makes this place so enchanting and interesting.

True, you may need a bit of luck to spot the alligators, so keep your fingers crossed and your eyes open.

Get some lunch

If you don’t have lunch with you, go to the nearby Homestead and find a place where you can sit down for a bite. Gator’s Grill is a great choice if you fancy something exotic because here you can try alligator meat and many other interesting dishes. Plus, it’s very close to the entrance to the national park.

On the other hand, Rosita’s is an excellent choice if you’re looking for some Mexican food, and you really won’t be sorry if you choose this place as your lunch destination. Oh, and they have mariachis here, too!

Drive to Shark Valley

Once you’re done with your lunch, you will want to drive to Shark Valley. Yes, it’s takes well over an hour, but this drive will be very much worth it because Shark Valley is teeming with various animals you can see.

There are airboat rides here too if you don’t treat yourself to this experience in the morning, and you will see that there are plenty of other things you can do and enjoy here. Keep reading and you will get quite a few ideas!

Hop on the tram

If you’re looking to see as much as possible of this part of the Everglades, you should hop on the tram ride that is offered here. It will take you on a wonderful two-hour journey that will show you all the best places in the area around Shark Valley.

Do keep in mind that the number of tickets for the tram is limited, so it would be smart to book them in advance. Other than that, though, you can rent out a bike and enjoy a ride like no other in the world on the same route.

Stop at Miccosukee Indian Village

Before you finish your one day in the Everglades, you should definitely stop at Miccosukee Indian Village. Yes, this area is home to a tribe of Native Americans, and it would really be a shame to miss this opportunity to get to know their culture.

So, if you have the time, go and explore this village. There is plenty to do and see here, from various shows and presentations concerning alligators to basket weaving, archery, and many other things. A great place to pick up a souvenir or two.

Where to stay in the Everglades?

Courtyard by Marriot Miami Homestead

2905 North East 9th Street, Homestead, FL 33033

If you want a quality stay close to the Everglades National Park, Courtyard by Marriot Miami Homestead is just the place for that. It has an outdoor pool and extremely well-equipeed rooms with everything from a microwave to coffee machines. Furthermore, you will have access to the hotel’s fitness centre and launderette. The hotel is perfectly positioned, so you can definitely count on a great stay.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Hampton Inn and Suites Miami-South/Homestead

2855 Northeast 9th Street, Homestead, FL 33033

A great place to stay if you’re looking for accommodation close to the national park. Hampton Inn and Suites Miami-South/Homestead is just 11 miles from the Everglades, so you’ll be there in a jiffy. The hotel has an outdoor pool, very comfortable rooms and serves a great breakfast, and you can be in Miami in about half an hour. You can’t go wrong with this place!

Holiday Inn Express Doral

1691 NW 107th Ave, Doral, Doral, FL 33172

If you’re looking for accommodation near the Everglades that provides great value for your money, Holiday Inn Express Doral is your best bet. It is closer to Miami downtown, but you can still get from there to the park in a reasonable amount of time. And the hotel itself is gorgeous, clean, and very comfortable, plus they serve a great breakfast.

TownePlace Suites by Mariott Miami Homestead

935 NE 30th Terrace, Homestead, FL 33033

TownePlace Suites by Mariott Miami Homestead allows you to bring your pet over, but that’s just the beginning. It has an outdoor pool, very well-equipped suites with absolutely everything you need, and they serve a complimentary breakfast here, too. In addition, there are many activities you can partake in, like table tennis, for example. All of that is topped off with extremely friendly service.

Extra tips for visiting Everglades

– As you’re driving along the road, especially past the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, you will see a lot of places where you can stop and enjoy the view or do some sightseeing and exploring. Don’t miss those opportunities.

– You can plan to visit the national park accompanied by a park ranger. It certainly wouldn’t be bad having an experienced guide with you, and there are loads of programs that offer this during peak season. Check what’s available and you could have an even better time in the park.

– Fishing is allowed in the park! So, if you’re a fishing enthusiast, this will be an opportunity you won’t want to miss! Just make sure you find the right fishing spot. You can ask a ranger to point you in the right direction.

– Another thing that is allowed within the limits of the park is camping. That’s right, you can spend a magical night outdoors here! Flamingo and Long Pine Key camps have the necessary facilities. Likewise, you can camp on some beaches, too. Find the right spot and you’ll have a great time!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Related posts:

Anca is a travel writer and the founder of One Day Itinerary - the biggest collection of travel itineraries for those who are time-limited or just want to maximize their time while traveling. Although she easily becomes homesick for Croatia, she thinks travel is essential to her happiness. She has traveled to more countries than she is years old and doesn’t plan on changing that fact. In her travel guides she aims to inspire people to travel whenever they have a spare day (or two).

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Everglades National Park: Best Boat Tours and Activities with Kids

By: Author Rob Taylor

Posted on Published: February 16, 2022  - Last updated: March 30, 2024

Bucket list item: Everglades National Park. Done. Can’t wait to go back again and again.  Must explore more. The end.

Just kidding, we have much more to say.  So, the Everglades as a whole is the coolest area and we’ve never been anyplace else like it.  Everglades National Park and the surrounding area will leave you saying wow and itching to return. And itching from the mosquitoes. Directly next to Big Cypress National Preserve , Everglades NP is a collection of some of Florida’s most wild expanses.

With three distinctly different areas to visit and more than a few options for how to experience Everglades National Park, you can easily spend four or five days there seeing an abundance of wildlife and some of the most beautiful marshlands on earth.  Here are our ideas on getting the most bang for your time in the Everglades.

Where is Everglades National Park?

So, almost all of southern Florida is some type of swamp or marshland.  Everglades National Park is the whole southwestern tip of the state.  While we believe that Everglades National park should be the main focus of a Florida trip, it can easily be added to a vacation to Miami or Naples to be sure you get to experience a different side of Florida nature. It’s also perfect for before or after a Florida Keys road trip .

Driving from Miami, it’s about an hour and a half to the Flamingo or one hour to the Shark Valley Visitors Centers.  From Naples or Marco Island , it’s about 40 minutes to the Gulf Coast Visitors Center and about an hour and a half to Shark Valley.  Totally doable no matter what your initial vacation plan is.

Tip :  you can also easily add a trip to Biscayne National Park to a Miami based vacation.  Just sayin’…

How to Visit Everglades National Park

With several very different Vistiors Centers, you can plan three totally different escapes into Everglades National Park.  Depending on how much time you want to spend and what’s important to you, crossing some wildlife off your bucket list should be an easy task on your trip. Easy tip :  Add a trip to the Everglades to a stay in Fort Lauderdale of Miami !

Prepping for a day in the swamp

A swamp is similar to a marsh or maybe even a wetland.  Everglades National Park has waterways cutting across grasslands and mangroves, rising and falling with the tides even far inland.  With this fluctuating water level and the natural flow of streams from the north and east, the Everglades are a haven for mosquitoes.  While not every step you take is going to be a mosquito buffet, you need to be prepared.

Here is how we prepared and remained comfortable during a visit to Everglades National Park:

• Wear pants or shorts, up to you;  Short sleeve shirts are fine
• Apply a hearty amount of bug repellent to skin AND clothes  *we prefer Repel Natural or Repel Plant Based .
• Keep moving

There is no 100% bug-proof method, but we have great success with our clothing/bug repellant combo.  Also, applying sunblock BEFORE bug spray is preferred, that way you’re protected from the sun and then the active ingredients of the bug spray can still have an impact.

Tip : if you’re already exploring and hiking around Fort Lauderdale/Miami/Palm Beach County , pay attention to bugs and how bad they are. Expect more mosquitoes in the Everglades than other hiking trails.

Planning your trip to Everglades National Park

So you’re going to Everglades National Park finally. How exciting!!! Which sights and activities are your priorities?  Do you just want to experience the swamp or are you looking to spot alligators and flamingos? Are you just coming back from the Florida Keys and just want to see something different?

South Side: Flamingo Visitors Center

There’s a reason the southeastern Visitors Center is called “Flamingo”.  While it’s true that Everglades National Park is one of the few places in the USA where you can see flamingos, they don’t inhabit the entire park, and their presence in Everglades National Park is inconsistent / rare .  With trail heads at Snake Bight and out of the actual Visitors Center area , you stand a small chance of seeing this amazing, iconic bird in the area.  There is more to Flamingo than the birds though. I repeat though, IT’S RARE TO ACTUALLY SEE FLAMINGOS IN THE EVERGLADES.

Out of the Flamingo Visitors Center you can also do some nature walks as well as head out via canoe or kayak.  You’re kind of in that perfect place where civilization ends and it’s just pure nature beyond. Exploring the Everglades to seek out flamingos, American crocodiles and alligators all begins at this Visitors Center.  Everglades National Park is one of the few spots on earth where both gators and crocs can be found together, so be wise and enjoy the sights of these awesome creatures… from afar.

Tip :  visiting the Flamingo area is your chance to add Biscayne National Park like we mentioned.  The two areas are reasonably close to each other. 🙂

Paddling in Everglades National Park from Flamingo

A bucket list activity among all the things to do in National Parks, kayaking in Everglades National Park is very special. R ent a canoe or kayak at the marina store.  If you’re heading out on your own, take a few minutes to talk to a Park Ranger or rental staff for routes and safety tips since there’s such abundant wildlife in Everglades National Park.

Camping at Flamingo in Everglades National Park

Did you know that you can actually camp in the Everglades? It’s true! The Flamingo area has two drive-in campgrounds with limited services: the Flamingo and Lone Pine Key campground. You can also book (IN ADVANCE) one of the Flamingo Eco-tents. There are few experiences in National Parks as unique as staying in the eco-tents.

You’ll need to plan for extreme weather and extreme bugs if you’re camping in Everglades National Park, so that means that you need animal proof food storage, bug repellent, and plenty of sun protection . It’ll be a fun experience, but when it comes to camping, it’s on the more extreme side of car camping options.

Central Everglades NP: Shark Valley Visitors Center

One of the truly amazing things about Yellowstone National Park is the wildlife .  You literally cross the border into the Park and there are bison and moose.  Same with Glacier National Park .  And it’s the same with Everglades National Park.  While waiting in line to enter the Park at the Shark Valley entrance there was an alligator in the creek right next to the car.  Just beyond that gator was another as well as some fascinating birds and a turtle, all just hanging out greeting visitors.

Tip :  visit the Shark Valley Visitors Center early in the day.  Parking is EXTREMELY limited and you may have to wait in the hot sun to be allowed into the Park.

Once parked, you have several options for what to do next.  The Visitors Center has some good exhibits about the different types of wildlife in the Park as well as the ecology of the area.  And you cannot forget to get your National Park Passport stamps here!

After the exhibits, you can easily head to the nature trail just off the Visitors Center.  It is mostly boardwalk and cuts through a grassland portion of the swamp.  This area is a great example of the islands of grass that may or may not be surrounded by water depending on rain and tide levels.

If you’re really up for a challenge, do the complete trail system leaving from the Visitors Center, which goes all of the way (7.5 miles) out to the Shark Valley Overlook.  This is also accessible by bike or Tram Tour.

How to Get to the Famous Shark Valley Observation Tower

The Shark Valley Tram Tour is the most efficient way to experience the northern area of Everglades National Park. The tour is two hours and will take you the entire loop, including to the Shark Valley Observation tower. YOU MUST BOOK THIS IN ADVANCE. Unless you are visiting alone, it’s very unlikely that you’ll be able to get a spot on a tram tour without booking in advance (2+ months before arrival). When booking, earlier in the day is better. (check out the Yosemite Tram Tour for a related experience)

Biking at Shark Valley in Everglades National Park

If you want a more physical option in the Everglades, Shark Valley also has bike rentals which are a more personal way to explore the area. You can also bring your own bike, and in fact, this is a faster way to enter the Shark Valley area of Everglades National Park, as you can bypass the car line and check in at the gatehouse.

Note :  you can hike/walk to the observation tower and past all of the different sights of Shark Valley, but it’s 14 miles round trip, which is crazy far in the heat with the mosquitoes…or with kids.

Eastern Everglades National Park: Gulf Coast Visitors Center

While we normally love all of the Park Rangers that we meet, the two manning the station at the Gulf Coast Visitors Center of Everglades National Park were the most awesome.  They were all about talking to the kids and helping them learn about and experience the environment and wildlife of the Everglades.  With lots of animal specimens and microscopes, for being a small Visitors Center, the Rangers made it a really fun, hands-on experience.  Thumbs up!

There is a short nature trail out of the Gulf Coast Visitors Center but it’s not the best the National Parks System has to offer, as it seems to be under a bit of rehabilitation or development. Also, the mosquito factor in this part of Everglades National Park is really intense.  We did get to see an amazing hawk (Coopers Hawk maybe) up close as it swooped and landed near us on the trail.

Tip : for the complete Everglades National Park experience out of the Gulf Coast Visitor Center, plan to do a naturalist led boating/paddling/walking tour of the area .

10K Islands Boat Tour on the Gulf

The boat tour leaving from the Gulf Coast Visitors Center takes guests to the 10,000 Islands area of Everglades National Park.  Here you’ll see where the swamp meets the Gulf of Mexico and your chances of spotting spoonbills, manatees and more are quite good.

Like with the Tram Tour, you’ll want to reserve your National Park Boat Tour in advance.  The National Park Service has a list of approved operators on its site for other types of guided experiences, but know that many are smaller companies with limited availability. You can find other airboat tours here !

Boat Assisted Kayaking recommendation: We went out with Everglades Area Adventures from Chokoloskee to do a boat-assisted kayaking tour in the 10,000 Islands area. It was amazing as we explored the mangroves and found enormous ancient shells on one of the remote islands.

Land Launch Kayaking recommendation :  There’s a really cool kayak company, Shurr Adventures , and they have a very conservation-forward approach to taking guests into Everglades National Park. Ever glades Area Adventures also does a 3.5 hour kayaking tour of the 10K Islands area that will take you into some beautiful parts of the National Park.

Book a 10K Islands Kayaking Tour here!

Experiencing the Everglades outside of the National Park

Everglades National Park isn’t the end of the Glades themselves.  The swamp extends north of the Park boundaries and it’s a totally different world/experience, including up into Big Cypress National Preserve .  If you want to have a little bit of an adventure in the Everglades you’ve got three different choices.

• Swamp buggy – like a monster truck going through the swamp on private land
• Airboat ride through grasslands – fan boats take you across the grass rivers looking for birds and gators, operating on private land
• Airboat ride through mangroves – fan boat doing through the mazes of mangroves and across hidden lakes

We’ve done both the mangrove and the River of Grass airboat tours and they were both really fun.  They were incredible actually.

Everglades Mangrove Airboat Tour

We started in Everglades City, Florida by heading into a small bay/lake area.  We did this very quietly and slowly, as our captain took us into manatee territory.  We were fortunate to spot two manatees almost immediately, the captain keeping us a safe distance away and telling us about their behaviors and why they come to the area.

After we had our manatee time, our Everglades adventure began.  Winding through tight mangrove tunnels and then rooster-tailing us across broad, open spaces, the captain made our ride quite a bit more thrilling than we expected.  Taking breaks to show us wildlife and teach us about the mangroves, we were buzzing through the Glades for about 40 minutes.  The kids loved it!  When we ended the captain asked if we had any questions and Oliver, our oldest, said “Are we done?  Can we go again?” #winning.

Everglades River of Grass Airboat Tours

As you drive on Highway 41 between Miami and Naples, you’ll pass lots of airboat tour operators. These tours focus on the River of Grass portion of the central Everglades, and several operate within the boundaries of Everglades National Park. You’ll see a “National Park Service Authorized Concessioner” badge if a tour operator is approved.

We most recently went out with Coopertown Airboats, the original airboat guide service in the Everglades, and had a great trip. Going through the designated waterways, we were taken through narrow passages and across what looked like grassy fields, but was actually part of the River of Grass. We saw alligators and amazing birds up close.

Check out and book Coopertown Airboats here!

Tips for airboats with kids

Taking younger kids on airboats is fun, but it’s a really weird experience for them.  Here’s how we made it go smoothly:

• Explain how the boat works
• Ensure safety with kids on the inside
• Pre-fit the noise-cancelling headsets so they’re ready
• Be ready to block the wind (airboats go up to 45 MPH) or have kids wear sunglasses
• Put headsets on the kids before they freak out about the noise

So yeah!  We loved visiting Everglades National Park and the surrounding area. Our next visit to South Florida will include a bit more time spent in the Park with a lengthy visit to the Flamingo area, for sure.  You ready to go? Want to take us with you?

Be sure to check out our other Florida National Parks picks, including the following:

• Dry Tortugas National Park
• Biscayne National Park
• Big Cypress National Preserve
• Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
• Fort Matanzas National Monument …and more!

Feel free to share more tips and experiences in the comment section below.  Who else LOVES Everglades National Park?! Please send us a note or leave a comment if you need help planning your trip to South Florida.

Tuesday 9th of March 2021

Hi! I have loved reading all of your posts about southern Florida - Everglades, biscayne, the keys, etc! Very helpful as we have young kids and love the outdoors! Question for you, (besides the type of boat of course) how different are the mangrove airboat tours from the 10,000 Islands boat tour? Just curious if it's really worth doing both or if they would be similar. Thanks!

Wednesday 20th of July 2022

@2td-admin, Which boat tour did you like more? Thinking of taking our 9, 5, and 2 year old to the Everglades for a day, so we will probably only have time for one boat tour.

Thursday 11th of March 2021

Great questions. The mangrove boat tours are in much tighter places and focus on the tidal mangrove forests. The 10000 islands explore mangrove areas and more of the waterways of the edge, including the grass islands. I think they're different enough that you could do both and enjoy both, particularly because the 10000 islands isn't via fan boat if you're doing the NPS tour.

Richard Chaikin

Thursday 17th of December 2020

Hi, do you remember which airboat tour company you used?

Tuesday 22nd of December 2020

We used Captain Jack's out of Everglades city. They did a good job and don't do the swamp-mobile thing. I recommend them.

Shaylee Packer

Tuesday 17th of December 2019

You mention to make sure that you are prepared to block the wind from the kids. I didn't realize that the airboats would go that fast. I will have to have my husband be in charge of that. I also didn't think about having the headsets on before they even have a chance to complain about the noise.

Monday 26th of February 2018

Hi! I appreciated the article. I’d like to know who you used for the airboat tour. I’d love to see manatees and mangroves! Thanks!

Wednesday 28th of March 2018

Same here. Planning a trip this April.

Monday 8th of May 2017

Each and every comments are giving the confident to the person who writes an article. So we all are in support of you.

Things To See And Do In The Everglades National Park

T he Everglades National Park is a unique and diverse ecosystem located in southern Florida, known for its vast wetlands, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Here are some of the top things to see and do in the Everglades National Park:

• Airboat Tours: Take an exhilarating airboat tour through the Everglades to explore the waterways and observe wildlife such as alligators, turtles, and various bird species.
• Anhinga Trail: This popular 0.8-mile trail offers a boardwalk that allows you to walk over the wetlands, providing an up-close view of alligators, herons, and other wildlife.
• Shark Valley: Visit Shark Valley, located in the northern region of the park, and take a tram tour or rent a bike to explore the 15-mile loop trail. This area offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including alligators, wading birds, and the iconic Everglades' “River of Grass.”
• Canoeing and Kayaking: Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle through the park's many water trails, such as the Nine Mile Pond or the Wilderness Waterway. These waterways provide a peaceful and immersive way to experience the Everglades' unique ecosystem.
• Flamingo Visitor Center: Head to the southernmost tip of the park to visit the Flamingo Visitor Center. Here, you can learn about the park's history, explore exhibits, rent boats, and embark on various hiking trails.
• Eco-Tours: Join an eco-tour led by experienced guides who will provide insight into the park's ecology and wildlife. These tours may involve hiking, canoeing, or kayaking and offer a more educational and in-depth experience.
• Wildlife Spotting: The Everglades is home to a wide variety of animals, including alligators, manatees, dolphins, panthers, and numerous bird species. Keep an eye out for these creatures as you explore the park, and consider visiting wildlife hotspots like Big Cypress National Preserve or the Anhinga Trail for the best chances of spotting wildlife.
• Photography: With its breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife, the Everglades National Park is a paradise for photographers. Capture the beauty of the marshes, mangroves, sunsets, and wildlife as you explore the park.
• Camping: Spend a night or two camping in the Everglades to fully immerse yourself in its natural beauty. The park offers several campgrounds where you can pitch a tent and enjoy a serene night under the stars.
• Ranger Programs: Participate in ranger-led programs, including guided walks, talks, and demonstrations. These programs provide valuable insights into the park's ecology, conservation efforts, and cultural heritage.

Remember to be respectful of the environment and wildlife while visiting the Everglades National Park. Follow park regulations and guidelines to help preserve this unique ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.

The post Things To See And Do In The Everglades National Park appeared first on Things That Make People Go Aww .

Environment | Bright Lit Place: The people who fight for —…

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Environment | bright lit place: the people who fight for — and depend on — everglades restoration.

Deep in the Everglades, in remote sawgrass marshes few people ever see, Michael Frank points to a faded white, red, black and gold Miccosukee flag that flies above the dock at his family’s tree island.

“We were told to never, ever leave the Everglades. You leave the Everglades, you lose your culture, you lose your language, you lose your identity,” Frank said. “You become just like the outside people.”

Today, unnaturally high water flows under the boardwalks that connect the island’s thatch-roofed chickees. Native plants fight for space with weedy elephant grass, Brazilian pepper and other invasive species.

The flag stays up, Frank said, because it represents the Miccosukee Tribe’s willingness to talk with those outside people to help save the marshes that hold his ancestral tree islands.

The new WLRN podcast  Bright Lit Place , part of the Pulitzer Center’s Connected Coastlines  reporting initiative, examines what happened to Florida’s promise to undo the damage killing the islands and restore the Everglades with a  massive plan  approved in 2000. Work was originally expected to cost just under $8 billion and take about 20 years. The price has now soared to $23 billion and fallen decades behind schedule. Meanwhile, the swamp keeps dying.

Half of the  Everglades tree islands  in Frank’s homeland are  now gone , washed away by high water stored in the marshes after the Everglades was dredged and drained to make way for development. Pig Jaw, Smallpox Tommy, Stinking Hammock and other islands where Frank lived and played as a child remain, but they’re chronically threatened by water.

Without freshwater from the Everglades, mangrove forests that protect the shoreline struggle to keep up with sea rise. Spongy peat soils and sawgrass marshes that help clean and recharge South Florida’s drinking water  continue to collapse . And a menagerie of wildlife, from scarlet-colored roseate spoonbills to marsh rabbits, disappear.

These are some of the people appearing in Bright Lit Place who’ve spent decades waiting for progress. Those hit hardest measure losses in their checkbooks and family businesses, or even their homelands. Others have devoted their careers to the science needed to get restoration done right, working long hours, often in inhospitable conditions, and sometimes, facing fierce opposition.

Fishing Guide Tim Klein

On a postcard perfect day in Florida Bay, fishing guide Tim Klein and his son, James, steer their boats around a small, horseshoe-shaped key crowded with squawking sea birds.

The water ripples with nervous mullet as a small pod of bottlenose dolphins swim nearby. Suddenly, a dolphin breaks the surface, belly up, with a mullet in its mouth.

“That was epic! Did you see that?” an astonished Klein shouted. “See, I give good eco tour.”

Klein, 62, is a champion flats guide with a long list of tournament victories. Years of poling clients to victory in his skiff kept his schedule booked nearly every day with anglers wanting to catch one of the Keys’ cherished sportfish — bonefish, permit or tarpon.

Fewer days get booked now. When they are, Klein usually suggests a day looking for sawfish or sightseeing around the emerald mangrove islands.

“I got all new clientele,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for 38 years now, and the people I’ve fished in the past are just not here anymore.”

That’s because it’s getting harder to find those champion sportfish in Florida Bay, where flood control has cut off freshwater and left water chronically salty. High salinity can damage seagrass meadows that harbor shrimp, crab and other prey for the fish.

The bay now gets about half of the freshwater it received a century ago.

“It’s never going to be like it used to be back in the days when my dad was guiding, especially with all the big bonefish and scores of red fish,” said James Klein, 23, the third generation of Kleins to captain a boat.

He does most of his guiding offshore, not the flats that brought his dad so much success. “We used to drive around on my little Hell’s Bay (skiff) and just find schools of hundreds of them.”

That rarely happens now, he said. And Tim Klein is getting tired of waiting.

“We need to change,” he said. “We keep doing the same thing, year after year after year. It’s always waiting for this project and that project — and nothing happens. We just need water some way or another. We need water in our bay before it dies again.”

To hear more from Klein, listen to  episode 1  of  Bright Lit Place .

The Gardeners: Eric Crawford and Tadese Adeagbo

Eric Crawford and Tadese Adeagbo work for the South Florida Water Management District tending to bulrush, lacy hydrilla and other plants that fill 57,000 acres of man-made wetlands where polluted water is cleaned before it flows into the Everglades.

“You didn’t think you’d enjoy sitting in the middle of an industrial wastewater treatment facility. But that’s where we are,” Crawford said as he throttled down on his airboat.

Under an early morning sun, the treatment marshes fill with birds as the brightening air wakes up bugs and ripples with a soft breeze. Alligators slink through the coffee-colored water.

“We are a farm, but we don’t have a crop. We’re the reverse of normal farming,” he said.

Instead of adding nutrients to help grow plants, they use plants to suck up and trap nutrient pollution in the water.

Crawford, 56, and Adeagbo, 34, spend their days on airboats skirting around the marshes. That often means wading into the water where crews hand plant the bulrush to inspect the work.

While the workers toil in water that can be waist-deep, crew chief Ismael Gerena keeps watch for gators from the controls of his airboat.

“You don’t know where they’re at because they stay underwater. So you got to constantly watch out for them,” he said.

There are also snakes, said Juan Hernandez, 60, who started working in the treatment marshes more than a decade ago.

“Some people quit,” he said. “They try it and [don’t] like it because [there are] snakes, alligators. And it’s hard to walk in here.”

Over the years, the hardworking stormwater treatment marshes have removed millions of tons of phosphorus, dramatically reducing what flows south. But they still consistently fail to reach the limit required under a court-ordered clean-up plan.

And managing them has been no easy task. During storms, they switch to flood control to store high water. That means the careful work Crawford and Adeagbo do on clean-up can get wiped out by a tropical storm.

“You don’t get two different teams,” Crawford said. “You get one piece of land to do both.”

To hear more from Crawford and Adeagbo, listen to  episode 3  of  Bright Lit Place .

Hydrologist Tom Van Lent

After more than four decades working on Everglades restoration, hydrologist Tom Van Lent is considered among the leading experts on how the swamp works.

“He’s absolutely one of the top hydrologists that’s ever studied the Everglades from a technical perspective,” said Robert Johnson, who retired as the director of the National Park Services’ science center where he helped steer restoration for 40 years. “People go to Tom to learn about the Everglades.”

A lawsuit filed by Van Lent’s former bosses at the Everglades Foundation in 2022 now threatens to undo that legacy and  send him to jail .

Van Lent began his Everglades career out of graduate school at the South Florida Water Management District, the state partner in restoration, then moved to the National Park Service’s science center, where he helped create the models that set the course for restoration work.

“My father and grandfather were very good carpenters and they said it’s not the tools that make a good carpenter. And it’s the same with models,” said Van Lent. “You have to kind of know how to use them.”

Van Lent’s models helped redefine restoration before the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration plan passed in 2000, when he argued that benefits to the park would not arrive for three decades. In 2005, the Everglades Foundation convinced him to join the nonprofit to build its science team.

“I was just known for just speaking what I thought and would speak truth to power. And they, at the time, admired that,” he said.

But in 2016, that doggedness got him into trouble when he objected to a controversial Everglades reservoir. After lawmakers dramatically scaled back the original plan from 60,000 acres to 17,000 acres, Van Lent worried treatment marshes were too small to clean water from the much deeper reservoir. The Army Corps and U.S. Department of Interior also raised objections. The Everglades Coalition, an umbrella group for more than six dozen environmental groups across the state, also objected.

Van Lent stepped aside as chief scientist, he said, as tension worsened.

He finally quit in 2022 and on his last day tweeted that he was going to work for another conservation group, Friends of the Everglades, that put “science over politics.” Two weeks later the Foundation sued, filing a sealed complaint that accused him of stealing trade secrets. A judge ordered him to stop downloading information from any computer and in May found Van Lent violated the injunction. The judge also ordered Van Lent to pay the Foundation’s legal bills, totaling $178,000.

In December, Van Lent filed for bankruptcy. At his December sentencing hearing, his wife Lois, 66, said she’s going back to work.

More than two decades ago when he pointed out that flaw in the original restoration plan, Van Lent took a huge risk to ensure restoration was done right, Stuart Pimm, a leading expert in extinction biology, said at the hearing.

“That was a very courageous thing to do academically,” Pimm testified. “It was … even a more courageous thing to do politically and it represented to me the extraordinary commitment to getting the story right and doing the science properly that has characterized everything I’ve seen Tom do.”

To hear more from Van Lent, listen to  episode 4  of  Bright Lit Place .

Beekeeper Rene Curtis Pratt

Keg-sized bees hover over windows and honey oozes from a comb on a two-story mural outside the Harold P. Curtis Honey Co., a block from the Caloosahatchee River in tiny LaBelle.

Inside, honey is everywhere: in plastic bears and jars, in soaps and candles that line shelves against golden yellow walls.

Rene Curtis Pratt, 65, runs the store her grandfather started nearly 70 years ago. She added the mural a few years ago to highlight the plight of honeybees and the fading honey industry that once flourished around LaBelle.

Before sugarcane dominated the landscape, cattle and citrus groves filled its saw palmetto prairies. This was the land of juice and honey. Now, it’s a landscape increasingly crowded with planned communities like Timber Creek, Savanna Lakes and Liberty Shores.

Since Hurricane Irma came through in 2017, “This place has exploded,” Pratt said. And that’s bad news for beekeepers.

“People want bees on their property, but yet they don’t want them to sting them or their kids or their horses or their cows,” she said.

It’s another trend getting in the way of restoration. As Florida’s population swelled, housing spread further inland, backing up to the Everglades’ borders. Where farm fields once replaced prairies and wetlands, gated communities now fill fallow fields.

All that growth has helped worsen the state’s water problems, with more stormwater and leaking septic tanks fouling Lake Okeechobee and the coastal estuaries connected to it.

Pratt grew up running between her house next to the store and her grandfather’s riverfront house a short walk away.

“We would jump down there and we’d swim in there and there’s gators everywhere. They wouldn’t bother us,” she said. “Now, I wouldn’t get in that river to save my life.”

Last year, Pratt stopped selling her own hive-raised honey in the store and instead buys it from beekeepers located farther away. She also sold the last of her hives.

“I didn’t tell my husband. I didn’t tell my children. Nobody for about six months,” she said, breaking into tears. “And it hurt my heart and my soul.”

To hear more from Pratt, listen to  episode 6  of  Bright Lit Place .

Wetlands Ecologist Evelyn Gaiser

Evelyn Gaiser grew up exploring frigid wetlands in Ohio, camping along the shores of Lake Huron. South Florida lured her to its buggy marshes in the late 1990s with a chance to work in one of the world’s largest wetlands. At the time, some of the most exciting new science was unfolding in the Everglades.

“I came in at the time when we were writing the Yellow Book, the plan for fixing everything,” she said. “All these different contingencies were planned, all these complicated trade-offs were understood. People were really careful in trying to get that plan right.”

Gaiser, 56, was part of the team working with biologist Ron Jones to establish limits for phosphorus, the nutrient from fertilizer choking the marshes by fueling thick stands of cattails and killing the floating mats of periphyton that feed wildlife.

“You could fly into Miami on a plane and notice from the air these expansive areas of cattail,” Gaiser said. “Just as far as you can look, you see cattails.”

But Jones had a plan: build vast treatment marshes south of sprawling sugarcane fields where plants could soak up the nutrient pollution.

Gaiser spent the next five years studying the effects of phosphorus in a remote part of the park untouched by pollution in experimental plots as long as a football field.

“What we discovered was that that very, very low, barely measurable level of enrichment above that extremely low background level was enough to catalyze a full cascade of changes resulting ultimately in a cattail invasion into this very pristine part of the Everglades,” she said.

Evidence that even small increases in phosphorus triggered catastrophic changes confirmed the need for Jones’ costly clean-up plan. That drew fire from both the state and sugar growers.

“It was very controversial because we were going up against the interests of the agricultural industry that drives a lot of the economy in Florida,” she said.

The scientists prevailed and the limit remains in place. A court-ordered deadline for the state to begin showing it will meet the limit for phosphorus pollution is set for 2025. All these years later, Gaiser is dismayed that work to reconnect the river of grass and repair the Everglades has gone so slowly.

“It’s happening in small areas, but it needs to be that on a massive scale, on the scale that created the problem in the first place,” she said.

You can hear more from Gaiser in  episode 5  of  Bright Lit Place .

Tribal Elder Michael Frank

Growing up, Frank lived on tree islands, moving within the swampy patches of high ground shared by the tribe.

Even before he was born, the islands were starting to disappear, as the Central and South Florida flood system took shape in the 1940s. The tribe often gathered for celebrations and meetings on a large island called New Town. When the Army Corps dredged a canal to drain farm fields to the north, it split the island in in two.

As flood control pushed more water into the vast conservation area west of Miami, Frank was forced to move more frequently. His family finally fled the islands, he said, when the Army Corps dredged a levee near the Tamiami Trail.

“Back in 1949 or ’48, when my grandpa and grandma moved in, that’s when they started working on the levees,” he said.

“And when they were working on that, they told my grandfather and grandmother, ‘If that day ever comes when your island goes underwater, we’ll come and build up your camp,’ which they never did. It went three, four feet under water, but they never came and built the camps up.”

Today, Frank and his uncle still camp on Rice Island, about seven miles north of the Tamiami Trail. He gets around the boardwalks with a walking stick now. Age has left his hands crimped and knotted. He’s had to rebuild his dock as water rises. But he keeps his flags flying.

To hear more from Frank, listen to  episode 1  of  Bright Lit Place .

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