airboat tour south florida

create unforgettable Everglades memories at captain jack's!

Zip through Everglades City on airboat tours

Venture through a cypress forest on a swamp buggy

Get a chance to see wild alligators, birds & more

Stay safe and comfortable 

See alligators & animals up close

Hold a baby alligator

Take home gifts and memories

Everglades National Park Boat Tour

Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

Boardwalk (Included)

Mangrove maze airboat tours.

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

• Mangrove Maze Ultimate Combo

• Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour

Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Combos

• Total Everglades Combo

Mangrove Tunnel & Grassland Combo

Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo

Private Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo

Mangrove tunnel airboat tours.

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

• Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour

• Private Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour

Grassland airboat Tours

Grassland & Buggy Combo

• Grassland Airboat Tour

4 Attractions Included with All Our Tours

When you book direct.

Animal Sanctuary

Alligator Show

Hug an Alligator

Why Choose Captain Jack’s?

Local Roots

Safety & Experience

Two-Way Headsets

Alligators & Animals

Quietest & Comfiest

Personal & Popular

Refreshments & Gifts

Guests love us.

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

—C. from Florida

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

—J. from Massachusetts

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

—K. from Florida

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

—J.T.

• Mangrove Tunnel & Grassland Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo
• Private Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo
• Grassland & Buggy Combo
• Lodging Nearby
• Total Everglades Stay & Play
• Animals & Alligator Show
• Everglades City Boardwalk

11 Best Everglades Airboat Tours South Florida (and 1 thing we regret!)

By: Author Florida Vacationers

Posted on Published: January 16, 2022  - Last updated: November 29, 2022

Categories Everglades , Florida Vacation Ideas

Home » Everglades » 11 Best Everglades Airboat Tours South Florida (and 1 thing we regret!)

Looking for the best Everglades Airboat Tours?

There is really no doubt that an Everglades Airboat Ride is one of the best ways to explore the Everglades National Park in Florida.

But with so many possible tours available, the decision about which tour to pick is agonising! We spent hours searching the net to determine which one to select.

In this guide, we have broken down what you should consider when selecting an everglades airboat tour and also outlined which tours we believe are the very best airboat tours in the glades!

Tip: One great option to fit in an Everglades tour is on a road trip from Miami to Key West !

Best Everglades Airboat Tours: Which Everglades Airboat Ride is the Best?

What we discovered from airboat tours is most operators have exactly the same policies in terms of the environment and animals (probably due to the tight policies in place by the National Park)

What is most important when selecting an airboat operator is the reviews they are receiving. This gives you a good idea of 1. how ethical they are and 2. what kind of experience other travelers are having with this company.

Things you will want to look for when choosing an airboat tour include:

• Environmental policies
• Policies to do with wildlife (do they feed the wildlife – aka not good!!)
• The ratings of the tour guides (can see the score of the tour when you go to book)

We have done the hard work for you and selected 11 Best Rated Everglades Airboat tours in the Everglades.

One thing about airboat tours is that they are all not particularly environmentally friendly and have some negative effects on the environment. If you are a greenie, you may want to consider if you would like to take an airboat tour at all (if you are thinking this – we have some alternative ways to see the Everglades below).

We were personally still comfortable to take an airboat tour as the National Park system have taken positive steps to reduce the risk to the fragile ecosystem of the Everglades by make operators run their airboat tours outside of the National Park borders in a certain zone for airboats.

Best Way to See the Everglades

Arguably, the best way to see the Everglades National Park is by going a airboat tour. This is because 50+% of the Everglades is covered by water and only accessible by the airboat tours. If you also want to explore the Everglades by foot, see our guide to the 15 Best Hiking Trails in the Everglades .

The other big tip we would have for you is to see the Everglades  by hiring your own car and DIY.

By hiring your own car, you reduce the expense of transportation on tours and you have the flexibility to see more of the cool things that the Everglades has to offer.

Before we get to which airboat tours you should select let’s first briefly discuss the cool other activities you might like to do in the Everglades National Park.

• Best Walk in the Everglades – Aside from an airboat tour, the best walk to get up close and personal with wildlife in the Everglades National Park is on the Anhinga Trail . If you would like to get up close and personal with an alligator (just not toooo close!!!) this is your best bet.
• Best Bike Ride in the Everglades – Shark Valley in the Everglades is a great place to go if you love bike riding! The 15 mile Shark Valley trail is perfect for bike riding enthusiasts. You can also catch a tram if you are less active.
• Where to Get Information about the Wildlife – Ernest Coe Visitor Centre is a great way to get a better insight into the fragile eco-system of the Everglades. Rangers are happy to tell you about the best walks and hikes nearby and if you have kids, they will absolutely love the interactive exhibits at the centre.
• Best Shaded Walk – One part about the Everglades is that is insanely hot and I mean insane-ly hot. One hidden gem we discovered last time we were there was the Gumbo Limbo trail which is one of the very few trails in the Everglades with shade. Note: not much wildlife on this walk!

How long is the Everglades Tour + What happens?

Most tours last for 30-40 minutes which is a perfect amount of time to stay entertained on the water without getting bored. The best airboat tour of the Everglades should go for this amount as it is the perfect time for you not to feel bored.

During this time, a guide will give you lots of information about the Everglades. This is one of the big reasons I would recommend a tour. Our tour guide was fun and informative and told us lots of fun facts!

While spotting a Florida alligator is never guaranteed (they are wild animals after-all), an airboat tour gives you the absolute best chance of seeing one pretty much anywhere in the Everglades.

We saw several alligators on our tour and our guide informed us that it is very rare not to see an alligator on a tour. Aside from alligators you can see several birds and fish on the tour.

Personally, I don’t think it was actually the wildlife I ended up to be the most impressed with but the absolutely stunning scenery everywhere you look!

Do you get wet on an airboat?

It is highly likely you will get a little wet on the airboat ride so be prepared for that. It is unlikely that you will get completely drenched.

If you do not want to get wet, we would recommend sitting middle & centre.

Are airboat tours safe? Any deaths?

I thought the exactly same question before our airboat tour and looked straight online.

Airboat tours are generally safe and we felt in nothing but safe hands during our entire tour.

There are some reports that say that airboats are still a risky way to explore the Everglades due to the slim possibility that the airboat overturns and throws passengers into the water.

To give you some idea of your risk levels, as of 2018, there were 75 accidents, 100 injuries and 7 deaths associated with airboats.

While this does seem like a large number, if you compare the stats to car accidents, you will find that the risk is quite slim.

In the unlikely event that you do fall in, an alligator is unlikely to kill you. Unlike the Australian crocodile, they are not that aggressive. Don’t too close though and test that theory!

How much is an Airboat ride in the Everglades? (+ any extra fees)

A airboat tour without transport from a major city in Florida will cost you around $30 pp (give or take a few dollars depending on the company).

Once you present your prepaid Everglades ride you are required to pay a $3 national park fee.

To explore more of the Everglades National Park you will need a National Park pass which costs $30 per car valid for 7 days. The $3 you spend on the airboat tour will be deducted from the National Park fee.

Your tour guide will also expect a tip at the end of the tour. The guides will inform you that airboat operators make their wage primarily of the tips they receive.

What do you wear on an Everglades Airboat Tour?

The Everglades is an insanely hot destination year round. For this reason we would highly recommend wearing covered clothes on the tour to avoid sun damage.

Don’t wear hats, sunglasses or anything likely to fly away as 1. it is very windy and 2. you will not likely be able to retrieve it.

Best Everglades Tours if you have your own car: Best Airboat Tour Everglades City

As we mentioned above, if you have more than a day, we would highly recommend hiring a car to explore the Everglades. If you take this option, you will not need to pay extra for transport from a major city in Florida.

Everglades City is arguably the best place for airboat rides in the Everglades.

The best airboat tour in the Everglades that we would recommend if you have your own car include:

• Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch
• Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure
• Boggy Creek Airboat Tour

Best Everglades Tours in Florida with Transportation Included: From Miami, Orlando etc

If you only have a day to dedicate to the Everglades and you just want to make life easy for yourself by not hiring a car, there are plenty of great Everglades Tours from major cities in Florida.

If you want to get a reasonably priced airboat tour with transport it is best to select a city not too far from the Everglades – Miami or Fort Lauderdale are good options.  They also happen to usually be the cheapest place to get a flight into Florida.

Here are the best everglades airboat tours with transport included:

• Everglades Tour from Miami
• Private Airboat Tour from Miami
• Economy Option from Miami
• Everglades Tour from Orlando
• Everglades Tour from Fort Lauderdale

Best Everglades Airboat Tour Near Naples

If you are starting from Naples in Florida, there are some fabulous and very unique tours of the Everglades you can do including:

• Everglades National Park Kayak Eco Tour from Naples

Best Swamp Tours in Florida

While the Everglades is not exactly a ‘swamp’ it is many people’s first impression. Here are the best swap tours of the Everglades in Florida including a night ‘swamp’ tour.

• Air Boat Tours Palm Beach (The Swamp Monster)
• Night time Swamp Tour

Best Airboat Tour Everglades so you can see more of Florida

If you are low on time in Florida, we would highly recommend selecting a tour that included an additional fun activity in Florida.

One of our absolute highlights of being in Florida was getting to swim with manatees so if you don’t have time to do this on another day, we would 100% recommend combining this with your airboat tour.

The Kennedy Space Centre is another really cool activity to schedule in for a Florida vacation. If you are a geek at heart, you will LOVE this. This might actually be Mike’s favorite thing we did in Florida.

The best airboats tours that you get to see more of Florida include:

• Everglades Tour including manatee swim
• Everglades Tour including Biscayne Bay Cruise
• Everglades Tour including Kennedy Space Centre

Best Alligator Airboat Tour Everglades?

If you are looking for the best alligator tour in the Everglades, we don’t have much advice for you there. As Alligators as wild animals no tour is any better than the other in this regard.

We would however, recommend checking out the reviews of the tours as sometimes the individual guides have a knack of knowing where the alligators hang out. IMO, all good Everglades airboat tour operators should be trained in this regard to give you the best chance possible of spotting them on the tour.

Our thoughts on Everglades Airboat Tours: Our 1 Regret

If you can’t tell already, we highly recommend taking an airboat tour of the Everglades.

We have experienced the Everglades both ways now – by foot and also by an Everglades Tour and I think the tour has the slight upper hand if you can only pick one as you get to see the true beauty of the Everglades which is hard to see on land.

At the end of many of the airboat tours, the operators give you the chance to hold a baby alligator. We loved this at the time.

He or She was soooo cute and their skin was incredibly soft however, in hindsight we probably wouldn’t man-handle a baby alligator again as keeping animals in captivity and allowing them to be held by the public makes their transition into the wild very difficult.

So will you be taking an airboat tour in the Everglades or do you prefer to explore this National Park on foot?

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Best Everglades Airboat Private Tours in the Florida

• From 2 up to 8 people per boat.
• Kids 12 and under go free.
• Choose between 1 hour, 90 min and 2 hour private airboat tours in the Everglades.

Alligators and Wildlife fun for the whole family

🎯 We’re in Parkland, FL. The Closest Boat Ramp near Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach and West Palm Beach. Click to check us in the map .

We accept credit cards and cash

Choose Your Airboat Tour and Book Online

Reservations required at least 4 hours in advance . Your online booking gets you an instant and confirmed reservation.

Our everglades tours run from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, daily. Additionally:

• Include 2 people in the listed price
• Have a maximum capacity of 8 people
• Each additional person from 13 years is $75
• Private Airboat Tours require advanced reservations
• Kids 12 years and under, ride free

Introduction to the Everglades

Heart of the Everglades

Full circuit VIP Experience

Everglades Airboat Tours: The Easy Way

Getting some adventure time with your family shouldn’t require plane tickets, hotel rooms, complicated itineraries and time off from work.

Right here in our South Florida backyard is the majestic Florida Everglades. A natural wonder, it’s rich with magnificent birds, wild alligators, turtles and all kinds of beautiful plant-life.

With an Everglades airboat tour, you can safely get up close and experience these wetlands in a way that’s unlike anything else…

What to Expect on Your Private Airboat Ride

Our custom airboat rides are private charters for you and your group to enjoy the nature and beauty of the Everglades.

You will not be sharing the boat with people you don’t know. This is a personal experience with a knowledgeable guide that will share with you facts and information about the history, flora, fauna and changes throughout the decades to this enormous body of water.

How to Book your Everglades Airboat Ride

1 - choose your tour.

We offer 1 hour, 90 minute and 2 hour tours based on the type of activity you're looking for.

2 - Choose Your Date

Our advanced booking system will show you exactly what we have available so you can easily plan your private adventure according to your schedule.

3 - Get Ready for Adventure!

Once your booking is complete, you'll receive a custom itinerary for your private airboat adventure . We'll make sure you have directions, and other preparations all ready to go.

An exciting moment seeing wild alligators for the first time on their private air boat tour in the Florida Everglades.

Book your Private Airboat Tour in the Florida Everglades.

A quick getaway adventure should be as easy as visiting your backyard.

Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach

Our air boat charters are available to those in the areas of Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, Florida. This swamp tour is one of the best rated airboat Florida rides on TripAdvisor.

Private Airboat Tours in Florida

Because our Everglade tours are private, you and your family get a front row seat to all the action. Your view will never be blocked so each moment you’re on the water is going to always be rewarding and memorable.

Contact Florida Airboat Rides

If you need more information, just fill the form below.

Contact Info

Phone: (954) 997-9553 Email: [email protected] Open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. - 365 days

Remember to book previously go the ramp, all our rides are by appointment only .

Once you are booked just go to: 15490 Loxahatchee Rd, Pompano Beach, FL 33076

Protect Your Trip »

The 9 best everglades airboat and swamp tours.

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

The Top Everglades Airboat & Swamp Tours

Getty Images

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

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

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

The Best Everglades Airboat and Swamp Tours

Everglades swamp tours – one hour group tour.

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

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

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

Check prices & availability on:

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures – 30-Minute Airboat Tour

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

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

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

Marsh Landing Adventures – 90-Minute Everglades Airboat Tour

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

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

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

Everglades City Airboat Tours

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

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

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

Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours – 45-Minute Standard Airboat Tour

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other Popular Everglades Tours

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

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

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

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

Shark Valley Tram Tours

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

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

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

Everglades Florida Adventures – Ten Thousand Islands Tour

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

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

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

An airboat's top speed is about 30 mph.

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

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

You might also be interested in:

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

Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida

Tags: Tours , Vacations , Travel , Florida

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Miami's Best Everglades Airboat Rides!

Airboat tours starting at $50.

Explore the wide expanse of the famous River of Grass and catch a glimpse of exotic and rare plants and animals that open your eyes to the beauty of Mother Nature’s work.

Airboat Tours Starting at $200

Our private tours are designed to give you, your family, and friends the airboat ride of a lifetime by having them carried out by the most passionate and well-informed tour guides.

Airboat Tours Starting at $275

Our sunset tour take you through the beautiful scenery to witness the sunset, surrounded by greenery, water, and a sense of tranquility.

Airboat Tours

Private and Group Everglades Airboat Tours in Miami

Discover the magic of the Everglades with our scenic airboat tours, a must-try experience in Miami. We specialize in creating extraordinary airboat adventures, perfect for those looking for an up-close encounter with Florida's unique ecosystem. From private, romantic airboat rides to fun-filled group tours, our offerings are diverse. Each tour is meticulously crafted to showcase the beauty and excitement of the Everglades, ensuring your time with us is unforgettable.

AIRBOAT RIDES EVERGLADES MIAMI

Glide through these legendary wetlands, where each turn reveals the untamed beauty of alligators, exotic plants, and a kaleidoscope of wildlife. Our tours offer more than just a scenic ride; they are an educational voyage into the heart of the Everglades’ ecosystems. Perfect for first-time visitors to South Florida, an airboat experience with us is not just a trip but a journey into the wild, creating memories that will last a lifetime

Miami's Everglades Sunset Tour

Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Everglades with our Sunset Airboat Tour, a highlight among Everglades airboat tours. Perfect for those seeking airboat rides that offer a unique perspective, this tour combines romance with the breathtaking scenery of the Everglades at dusk. Navigate the peaceful waterways on our state-of-the-art airboats and be captivated by the stunning sunset, creating a magical atmosphere.

Everglades Boat Tours in Miami

Customer reviews.

Such a blast! We saw dozens of alligators on the trip as well as other wildlife! The boat ride was fun and smooth! Our boat captain and guide Taylor was awesome! He was personable and very knowledgeable! He made our experience special! Everyone had a blast! I would highly recommend this company! Thanks for the awesome man Experience!.

I met the tour guide driver today and it feels like i’ve known him for years. His name is Taylor and is probably one of the most friendliest people I have ever met. I was worried it was going to be an awkward and quiet boat ride the whole tour, but it was an amazing experience! 11/10 would do again!!!.

We went out with Taylor on Saturday morning; my brother and nephew visiting me from California • We’ve never been on an airboat and what an incredible experience!!! Taylor couldn’t have been more informative, friendly, professional and just an awesome guide!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this tour, just an incredible experience! I would love to do it again!! Thank you Taylor!

Had a fantastic time experiencing all of the wildlife within the habitat...Taylor took the time to share several stories involving his many experiences within the Everglades.....5 plus stars .....A definite must...WE WILL BE BACK.....

Excellent tour. We were a group of 7 and all enjoy it. The reservation and organization was impecable. The tour guide was excellent and fun. I fully recommend Everglades boat tour.

Captain Taylor was the best guide I ever had! He was so personable and fun and did an excellent job of explaining all the beautiful intricacies of what makes the Everglades so great! I would highly recommend him over any of the other tour guides. Plus they have a new boat with cool green gator coverings that made for a smooth safe ride.

First time in Miami and first time to the glades and it was beyond what we expected! Taylor was incredibly knowledgeable about the area due to him growing up and being in the glades since a young child. We got up and close with gators. My son (10) had an unbelievable time. Definitely would recommend taking private tours over anything. We will be back and will definitely take another tour with Taylor!

We had such a great time on this airboat ride! From the get-go Jodi was so kind and responsive on the phone, answering all our questions and just generally being very friendly. We wanted to do a sunrise tour, which she said they didn't normally do, but she checked and accommodated us as she thought it would be an interesting experience as well. It turned out to be really, really nice. We met up with Taylor, who was also very kind and friendly. He didn't rush the experience at all and was very knowledgeable about the area, wildlife and plant life. They are a family owned business and local to the Everglades, so if you want a great experience...go with them!

Had a great 1hr tour with Taylor. This was the only company that managed to sqeeze us in on short notice. It was easy to find the departure point. Taylor is very knowledgable about the history and ecology of the everglades. Learned a lot and saw a few gatoors and birds. Because our tour was pretty late in the day, we saw a wonderful sunset. I would definitly recommend everglades airboat tours to anyone. They are the best.

Book Your Everglades Airboat Tour

If your travels take you to Miami or the Florida Keys, don't miss the chance for an Everglades airboat tour, a thrilling addition to make your trip truly unforgettable.

The Original Everglades National Park Airboat Tour

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

The Original Eco-Experience Airboat Tour

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

Travel Deeper into Everglades National Park Aboard A Private Tour

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

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

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

Wondering What to Do When Visiting the Everglades?

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

On Vacation & Need A Ride? We Can Help!

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

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

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

Planning Your Visit? Woo!

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

Top 7 Things to do in the Everglades

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

History of Airboats

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

Ultimate Guide: Animals of the Everglades

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

The Ultimate Guide to Everglades National Park

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

Searching For The Perfect Deal? Look no further!

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

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

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

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

Meet Our Partners

Park Information

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

954.260.1096

Florida Everglades Airboat Tours

Explore one of the world’s most unique ecosystems with the florida everglades airboat tours at cypress outdoor adventures, florida everglades airboat rides.

Are you ready for an unforgettable excursion down the “River of Grass”? Experience the unique beauty of the Florida Everglades and its vast wildlife in its natural habitat – all from the safety and comfort of an airboat tour! Cypress Outdoor Adventures offers the best Everglades airboat tours  in Florida. Get in touch with us today to start planning your airboat tour!

Take an Everglades airboat tour during the day! We offer private airboat rides 7 days a week from 7am to 7pm. Book an airboat ride in the early morning to catch the beautiful sunrise over the Florida Everglades or enjoy an early afternoon tour for some fun in the sun. Since all of our Everglades airboat rides are private, you can book a custom tour that works best for you and your group.

Sunset Tours

Enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the Florida Everglades and watch the night come alive around you. Our sunset Everglades airboat tours are the perfect option for those who want to see the American alligator. You can also add 2-hours of bowfishing to your airboat ride for even more excitement. Contact us to add additional bowfishing so that we can make sure weather and water levels are ideal for your tour date.

Take the ultimate nighttime fishing adventure. Our bowfishing airboat tours in the Everglades are sure to get your adrenaline flowing. Bowfishing combines both fishing and hunting to catch a variety of different fish species. Whether you’re a first timer or prop, our tours are perfect for everyone! All equipment is provided, but you’re always welcome to bring your own. Our experienced tour captain will show you the ins and outs of bowfishing in the Florida Everglades.

Airboat Tour Cost

All of our Everglades airboat rides are flat rate charters. We offer quick one-hour airboat tours for those limited on time, and two-hour airboat tours for those who’d like to enjoy a bit more time in nature. We recommend our two-hour Everglades airboat tours for anyone who has the time. You’ll get to see more of the Florida Everglades, have better photo opportunities, and you’re likely to see more alligators and other wildlife on our longer tours.

NOTE:  Due to increased fuel prices, there’s a temporary $10 surcharge per rider. We can also accommodate large parties on multiple airboats with advanced notice. If you have more than 10 riders in your group,  contact us today  for a free quote.

1-Hour Airboat Tour

• Private airboat ride in the Everglades
• Price includes 1-4 riders
• For additional adults: $50 / rider
• For kids 12 years old and under: $25 / rider
• Max capacity for up to 10 riders

1.5-Hour Airboat Tour

• Best suited for children
• For kids 12 years old and under $25 / rider

2-Hour Airboat Tour

The best everglades airboat tours.

with Captain Bill

What is an Airboat Tour?

You may be wondering what an airboat tour even is. An airboat is a flat-bottomed boat that’s propelled by a large, caged fan on the back of the boat. Airboats are also commonly referred to as a fanboat or swamp boat. Standard boat engines with the propeller submerged underneath the water aren’t capable of navigating through shallow waters. This makes airboats the best way to travel through the swampy region of the Florida Everglades.

The Everglades is a natural region of subtropical wetlands in South Florida. It’ the largest (and most unique) subtropical wilderness in the United States, covering a vast area south of Lake Okeechobee all the way down to the Florida Bay. The intricate system of rivers flow near Fort Lauderdale, which is close to  where we offer our airboat tours . Our Everglades airboat tours are an exciting way to explore the unique wildlife and diverse habitat of the River of Grass, where you may see the American alligator and various species of turtles, fish and birds.

Meet Your Airboat Tour Captain

Cypress Outdoor Adventures has been offering private Everglades airboat tours for many years. We aim to provide our customers with a fun, safe and memorable experience while visiting the Florida Everglades. All of our Everglades airboat rides are expertly guided by the experienced and USCG certified Captain Bill. Captain Bill is licensed by the coast guard and grew up in the Everglades, making him one of the most knowledgeable captains around. You can always learn more about Captain Bill here .

Tips for the Best Everglades Airboat Tour Experience

with Cypress Outdoor Adventures

Best Everglades Airboat Tour Time

When the weather is nice, the best time to take an Everglades airboat tour is around dawn or dusk to see the most wildlife. If the weather is cooler, then midday is usually the best time for Everglades airboat tours. 

The best time to see alligators on an Everglades airboat tour is dependent on temperature, time of year, and water level. In the summertime, you’ll see more wildlife in the morning and at sunset. Alligators are cold blooded animals that need to regulate their body temperature. So during our summer months, you’re more likely to see alligators at dawn or dusk. In the winter months when the outside temperatures are cold, then midday airboat tours are typically the best time to see alligators and other wildlife. This is when they’ll be out trying to get as much sunlight as possible.

What To Bring on an Everglades Airboat Ride

In order to have the best Everglades airboat tour experience, we recommend bringing the following items:

• SPF / sun protection
• Polarized sunglasses
• Water & drinks (alcoholic beverages allowed)
• Rain jacket
• Sense of adventure

What To Wear on an Everglades Airboat Ride

We offer Everglades airboat tours year-round. You’ll want to check the weather for your airboat tour dates so that you come prepared. Being comfortable during your Everglades airboat ride makes the experience even more enjoyable. Here’s what we recommend wearing based on our most popular seasons:

Summer Everglades Airboat Tours 

There are two things to remember when it comes to summer airboat tours in the Everglades: the Florida sun is intense, and it can rain frequently. You’ll want to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays, especially during the hottest parts of the day. You’ll also want to bring some protective rain gear to stay dry, such as a poncho and umbrella. We recommend wearing the following for Everglades airboat tours during summer:

• Lightweight jacket
• Flip-flops or sandals

Winter Everglades Airboat Tours

While winter in the Everglades doesn’t necessarily hit freezing temperatures, it can still get pretty cold out on the fanboat. Temperatures can hit as low as the 50’s or 60’s, so you may want to bundle up or wear some extra layers to protect yourself from the wind. As natives to Florida, we never go without SPF. We recommend wearing sun protection during the day, even on overcast days. Here’s what we recommend wearing for Everglades airboat rides during winter:

• Long-sleeve shirt
• Socks and shoes

If you have any questions about what to wear or bring with you on your Everglades airboat tour, feel free to contact us or give us a call for more information.

Why Choose Our Florida Everglades Airboat Tours?

Years Of Experience

Cypress Outdoor Adventures is a dream that I’ve had since I was a child. I was fortunate to grow up in the Everglades. My father would take me out almost every weekend and we would explore the Everglades with family and friends. The life’s lessons and respect learned for mother nature and other Gladesmen, are what made me the person I am today. It built strong bonds with my family and gave me a deep appreciation for nature.

Eco Friendly

On your airboat ride you will encounter different types of wildlife; from the different bird species, different types of turtles and of course the American alligator. As we cruise on your private airboat tour you will also see different types of vegetation from cypress , to sawgrass and different types of flowers. I tell my customers about the history of the glades from its days long ago to the impact man has had on this fragile ecosystem. It’s a great way for family and friends to bond and enjoy each other’s company in a private setting.

Safety First

Whether its a large or small group, we can accommodate your needs. The airboats are meticulously maintained for safety and performance. The airboat engines are performance racing engines that are inspected on a daily basis. When you step onboard one of my boats you know that you were stepping on a show quality vessel.

What is the best Everglades airboat tour?

The best Everglades airboat tour is Cypress Outdoor Adventure’s two-hour airboat ride. You’ll get to see more of the Florida Everglades, have better photo opportunities, and you’re likely to see more alligators and other wildlife on the longer tour.

How much do airboat tours cost?

The cost of our Everglades airboat tours start from just $275. Due to increased fuel prices, there’s a temporary $10 surcharge per rider. Seasonal discounts are also available throughout the year. Give us a call for airboat tour discounts.

How many people can fit in an airboat?

The airboat can comfortably fit up to 10 passengers. We can accommodate larger parties with over 10 riders on multiple airboats. If you have more than 10 people in your group, get in touch for more information.

When is the best time to take an airboat tour to see wildlife?

When the weather is nice, the best time to take an Everglades airboat tour is around dawn or dusk to see the most wildlife. If the weather is cooler, then midday is usually the best time for Everglades airboat tours.

What to wear on an airboat ride?

Being comfortable during your Everglades airboat ride makes the experience even more enjoyable. Here’s what to wear on an airboat ride: 

• Shorts (summer)
• Pants (winter)
• Sandals or shoes

What to bring on an airboat ride?

For the best experience, we recommend bringing the following items on an airboat ride:

See What Our Customers Had To Say

We had a great time exploring the Everglades with Captain Bill. He we very knowledgeable and interesting, and made the entire morning a lot of fun! I would highly recommend.

Captain Bill is amazing!!!!!!! He knows the Everglades like the back of his hand!! We saw a lot of gators and snakes! Bill provided everything we needed to keep our family safe! We are already planning another tour early next year!!

THANK YOU, Captain Bill (Cypress Outdoor Adventures)! We just finished a sunset excursion and had the time of our lives! Our 11 year old and almost-four-year old boys had a blast. We saw about a dozen alligators ranging in size, beautiful birds, heard the bullfrogs and witnessed a gorgeous sunset!

If you’re looking for the best airboat ride in South Florida, honestly – look no further! My husband and I had the most incredible airboat experience with Captain Bill. He is punctual, friendly, beyond knowledgable, and tailored the entire evening to our requests. .

airboattour

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

[email protected]

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form. Name * Email * Phone Number * Tours * Select Tour Day Tour Sunset Tour Bow Fishing Tour Comment or Message * Submit

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

NOTE: After your online purchase, when you arrive at the park, you must present the credit card that matches the last 4 digits of the card that was used in the online ticket purchase transaction(s) and matching driver’s license.

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

Blog Articles

Decades of restoration work – the everglades bridge that changed it all.

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

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.

The Difference Between the Alligators & Crocodiles of the Everglades

Learn about the difference between alligators and crocodiles. Then see alligators up close on an Everglades airboat tour.

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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Captain Mitch's * Everglades Airboat rides

Everglades City Fl , Swampland Airboat Tours

• Airboat Tour History
• About The Everglades
• About Everglades City
• Airboat Rides Rates
• Photos @ Everglades Private Airboat Tours

Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours

EVERGLADES Airboat Tours with Captain Mitch’s OPEN 7 a days week 8:30 to 4:00

CAPTAIN MITCH’S Airboat Tours Everglades City, FL. THRILLING Everglades airboat tours on thousands of acres of private swampland. At the same price as our competitors. So join us on a Everglades City Airboat ride.

Oldest family in the airboat ride industry of south Florida.

• Come let us show you the great Everglades rides in Florida on an Airboat.
• The best way to travel is Everglades Airboat Rides, Everglades City, FL.
• Skim over the water on one of our  Airboat Tours  and see the grasslands of the Florida Everglades the way it was meant to be seen.
• Captain Mitch House of  Everglades Private Airboat Tours , and his family has been in the airboat tour business for more than 60 years.
• This is the original small Airboat Tours in Everglades City, FL.
• In our private Everglades Airboat ride park we see gators, birds, fish, snakes come see all of our friends!
• For more  Everglades  info.

Everglades Private Airboat tours Captain Mitchs  History

TRAVEL LIKE THE OLD PIONEERS WITH A REAL PIONEER FAMILY.

Know that your time at  Everglades Private Airboat Tours  will be one of your cherished memories of your Florida Everglades Airboat experience, whether you are visiting or a year-round resident. We’ll see you soon!

Email us at  Everglades Private Airboat Tours  .

1-800-368-0065

Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours 31000 Tamiami Trail E Naples, FL 34114

A Florida Everglades airboat ride, Everglades City, FL. Just south on US 41 in the swamps from Naples or Marco Island, FL. Ft Myers or Miami fl are great day trip of aprox 1 1/2 hrs drive. Private Everglades Airboat Tours through the swamplands and Everglades island.

**SPECIAL**

$5.00 OFF (ADULTS ONLY) Mention Verbal Code: ***EARTH DAY*** at check in to receive discount ***EXPIRES: 04/30/2024

*Cannot be combined with any other coupons* **Verbal Code must be mentioned at check in to receive the discount. Coupons will NOT be accepted after purchase**

COUPONS NOT VALID ON PRIVATE TOURS

Airboat Ride Adventures

Experience this THRILLING once in a lifetime one hour Everglade airboat tour in the Florida Everglades swampland at Captain Mitch’s airboat park.

Reservation Request

*All online reservation requests should be done 72 hours in advance. If you are planning same day service (less than 72 hours), please call our office to ensure we can get you in right away.

**Current prices effective 04/07/2022**

Adults: CASH PRICE: $45.00 per person, plus tax. CREDIT CARD PRICE: $50.00 per person, plus tax (1 hr ride) Child: CASH PRICE: $20.00 per person, plus tax. CREDIT CARD PRICE: $25.00 per person, plus tax (1 hr ride)

(Boat minimum 2 adults)

AIRBOAT PIONEER BARREL HEAD HOUSE

• 31 reviews of Everglades Private Airboat Tours in Everglades City

Our local Airboat tour captains

Capt Mitch.

Born and raised in Everglades City Fl. Raised commercial fishing the Everglades National Park and running airboat tours.

Raised in Chokoloskee, FL crabbing, commercial fishing the Everglades 10,000 Islands and airboat rides

Capt  Hunter

Raised in Chokoloskee, FL airboating the Everglades all his life

Born in Ohio relocated to Everglades City fishing and airboating the Everglades 20+years

Naples Florida redneck. Airboat Captain from the swamp.

Captain Cory

Our newest Airboat Captain living the island life on Chokoloskee, FL

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Thinking about stopping by and experiencing a fun thrilling everglades airboat ride adventure? Give us a call and learn more about the experience.

Phone: (239) 695-3377 Address: 30999 Tamiami Trail E Everglades, FL 34139

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EVERGLADES AIRBOAT RIDES

Airboat tours in homestead, florida.

Everglades Alligator Farm Airboat rides are a thrilling 20-25 minute ride into the Everglades. Located between Miami and the Florida Keys, airboat tours show off the spectacular scenery of the Everglades. Private airboat ride are also available to book online!

• Most Popular!
• Hour Glass 20-25 min airboat ride
• Users All ages

AIRBOAT RIDE + GENERAL ADMISSION

All of the exciting activities at the Everglades Alligator Farm in one package. This ticket includes the airboat ride, the alligator feeding, alligator show, and admission to the farm.

• Hour Glass 45-60 minutes

EXTENDED PRIVATE AIRBOAT TOUR

Take a private airboat tour with room for up to 15 people in one party! Learn all about the natural wildlife in the beautiful Everglades and get general admission to the park.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT EVERGLADES BOAT TOURS

• Chevron down How long is the airboat ride?

Our airboat rides are 20-25 minutes. The airboat rides have a 10 minute slow-ride and a 10 minute fast-ride part.

• Chevron down Do you provide hearing protection?

Yes, we provide headsets at the boat free of charge.

• Chevron down Do you get wet on the boat?

Absolutely! There are no dry seats on the boat.

• Chevron down Are there age restrictions on the boat?

We take all ages, but keep in mind that the boats are very loud. Some small children are upset by the noise of the boats.

• Chevron down Will we see alligators on the boat?

We don’t guarantee what you will see on the boat, but usually, people see alligators, fish, turtles, and birds.

• Chevron down Do we need reservations for the Everglades boat ride?

We do not take reservations for the airboat ride. Just come on in, and we’ll put you on the next available boat. If you’d like to take an extended private boat tour, advance reservations are required.

Airboats are extremely loud. Visitors are advised to protect their ears! Some children are afraid of loud noises. Please use discretion when taking your child on the airboat ride. You may get wet on the airboat ride. Please secure valuables or leave them at the airboat dock for safekeeping.

Breaking News:

Gator Park is open every day. No reservations required, just show up!

NPS Entrance Fee is now $8 per person for adults, free for seniors, children under 16, National Park passholders, military and veterans.

Please be advised that holding live baby alligator for a photo is no longer allowed. Thank you for your understanding.

We have a limitied availability for private tours. Please call to make reservation in advance. 

Walk-ins are always welcome!

Attention Drivers: Please exercise increased caution while traveling on US41 due to current road conditions. Stay alert, reduce speed , and maintain a safe following distance. 

Welcome to GATOR PARK

An alligator adventure in the heart of the everglades national park..

Looking for some serious gator action? Gator Park is the premier airboat tour in the Florida Everglades to spy these fierce reptiles. Airboat rides depart every few minutes, so your Everglades experience begins the moment you arrive. We also offer private airboat tours for a more up close and personal look at the alligators .

The Everglades National Park is known for its vast wildlife, many of whom you’ll meet on your airboat tour. From endangered birds you won’t find anywhere else to small creatures that live among these wild alligators , you’ll see Florida as few people do.

The Everglades' marine life includes more than 200,000 alligators, so you’re guaranteed to spy quite a few on your Everglades tour! American crocodiles and fish, including large mouth bass,  blue gil and catfish, are also frequent guest stars on the tour.

More than 28 different snakes - a few of which are venomous – also call the Everglades home, alongside the beautiful and elusive endangered Florida panther.

Experience this unique Miami, Florida attraction by booking your airboat ride through the Everglades National Park today. Give us a call at 800-559-2205 or buy tour tickets online now.

Ready to meet the gators? You’ve come to the right place. Buy your airboat tour tickets online and save time and money at the park. No reservations required! Your tickets will be available at Gator Park on the day of your airboat safari.

Airboat Tours

Get ready for the ride of your life. The Gator Park Airboat Tour begins by winding down the canal, providing plenty of photo ops to catch wildlife in their natural habitat. Experienced guides offer tips to ensure you spot alligators large and small...

Wildlife Show

Go beyond the Everglades with Gator Park's famous alligator and wildlife show and watch alligators from just a few steps away! This barehanded technique was originally used to capture alligators and showcases the great power and agility of the gators.

ALLIGATOR TOUR HOURS & RATES

Looking for a unique change of pace from other Florida tourist attractions? An Everglades airboat safari is just what you need. Gator Park is open and ready for your Everglades adventure every day, rain or shine! (The gators like the rain.)

Monday – Sunday:

• 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Last wildlife show:

Last airboat departure:

Tickets to Gator Park include admission, airboat ride through the Everglades and watch alligators at the Wildlife show. Buy tickets online and save. 

• Adults: $29.99 ($29.99 at the gate)
• Children: $19.99 (Kids 1-5 years old ride for free!)

Private airboat tours run on your schedule and are a great way to get up close and personal with the gators. Rates are by the hour.

• 1-4 People: $525.00
• 5-6 People: $695.00
• 7-10 People: $895.00
• 11-15 People: $995.00
• 16-24 People: $1495.00

$8 National Park Service entry fee is not included.

Excluded from National Park entrance fees:

• Children under the age of 16
• National Park passholders
• Senior citizens (62+ years of age)
• Active Military personnel with proper ID

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club cards accepted for all our Everglades attractions.

Home » Things To Do » 14 Best Airboat Rides in Florida (2024)

14 Best Airboat Rides in Florida (2024)

Last Updated on January 26, 2024

Airboat rides are a great way to see wild Florida. Experienced captains steer airboats and act as tour guides through bodies of water.

You can see local wildlife like Florida alligators and species of birds (even bald eagles) in their natural habitat.

If you are looking for an exciting airboat tour, we’re recommending the best airboat rides in the Sunshine State.

There are options in every region of Florida.

So, buckle up, put on noise-cancelling earphones (usually provided by the tour) and prepare for a thrilling ride.

12 Top Airboat Rides in Florida

Table of contents, wild thang airboat tours – panama city beach, airboat rides in north central florida , crazy fish – jacksonville, ozello boats – crystal river, wild willy’s airboat tours – st. cloud, airboat wildlife adventures – sebring, wild florida – kenansville, airboat rides & gator charters – de leon springs, captain jack’s airboat tours – everglades city, everglades alligator farm – homestead, everglades safari park – miami, gator park airboat tours – miami, additional airboat tours recommended by our readers, airboat rides in northwest florida  .

Wild Thang Airboat Tours boasts of having “the most experienced U.S.C.G. master captains in the area.”

Located in Panama City Beach, the company offers 30-minute and 60-minute tours through the bay.

You might get to see dolphins, alligators, manatees, and more.

They also offer an ultimate night ride – a completely different experience where you take an airboat night tour after the sun sets.

Wild Thang Airboat Tours’ operating hours are dependent on tour schedules. Reservations are required. Tickets are available for adults and children 2 and up. Children under 2 are not allowed on airboat tours.

For more information, visit the official website of  Wild Airboat .

Wild Things Airboat Tours Address : 14856 Bay View Cir, Panama City Beach, FL 32413

Apalachicola Airboat Excursions – Apalachicola

Apalachicola Airboat Excursions allows guests an airboat adventure on the Apalachicola Bay, river, and estuary system. You may even see alligators, turtles, and other native wildlife.

They offer 60-minute rides, 90-minute rides, and beautiful sunset cruises.

Apalachicola Airboat Excursions’ operating hours are dependent on tour schedules. Reservations are required. Tickets are available for adults and children 3 and up.

For more information, visit the official website of Apalachicola Airboat Excursions. 

A palachicola Airboat Excursions Address : 2 Bay Ave, Apalachicola, FL 32320

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out a  Getaway to Authentic Apalachicola .

Airboat Rides in Northeast Florida 

Crazy Fish takes you on an exciting airboat ride through Jacksonville-area marshes, wetlands, and creeks.

You might even see Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, wild alligators, otters, and birds on their 90-minute eco-tour and airboat adventure. 

Crazy Fish is open daily. Reservations are required. Tickets are available for adults and children of all ages.

For more information, visit the official website of  Crazy Fish .

Crazy Fish Airboat Address: 6359 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out our favorite Things to Do in Jacksonville .

Airboats in Central West Florida 

See real Florida on an airboat tour on the Crystal River with Ozello Boats in Crystal River, FL . The company offers a great time with 60 and 90-minute tours.

Cruise through a river of grass in only inches of water on Homosassa and Crystal River.

Ozello Boats is open daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. Tickets are available for adults and children of all ages.

For more information, visit the official website of  Ozello Boats . 

Ozello Boats address: 2355 S Ripple Path, Crystal River, FL 34429

While you’re in the area, make sure to   Swim with a Manatee and Experience Authentic Crystal River, the Soul of Florida

Airboat Rides in Central Florida 

Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours is a St. Cloud company that offers 60-minute awesome airboat rides across the headwaters of the Everglades.

Cruise around Lake Tohopekaliga with an experienced guide and see local wildlife like blue herons, alligators, and bald eagles.

They also offer private tours and after-hours tours (seasonally.)

Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours is open daily. Tickets are available for adults and children 3 and up. Children 2 and under are admitted for free.

For more information, visit the official website of  Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours . 

Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours Address:  4715 Kissimmee Park Rd, St. Cloud, FL 34772

While in the area, check out the 10 Best Things to Do in St. Cloud FL (Osceola County)

Airboat Wildlife Adventures  is located in Sebring and is another great option for a Central Florida airboat ride.

They offer 90-minute tours on Lake Istokpoga and Arbuckle Creek. Day and nighttime tours are available. 

They offer unofficial “Spring Break” or “Senior Citizen” style tours. In other words, wild and crazy or mild.

Airboat Wildlife Adventures’ operating hours are dependent on tour schedules. Reservations are required.

For more information, visit the official website of  Airboat Wildlife Adventures .

Airboat Wildlife Adventures Address: 4971 US-98, Sebring, FL 33876

Wild Florida is an Orlando-area attraction located in Kenansville. Airboat tours take you through Central Florida swamps, rivers, and marshes.

They offer 30-minute tours, 60-minute daytime tours, 60-minute nighttime tours, and 60-minute private tours day and night.

Tours include admission to Wild Florida’s Gator Park, which is home to over 200 animals. Other ticketed attractions include a drive-thru safari park and unique animal encounters.

Wild Florida is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Tickets are available for adults and children 3 and up. Children 2 and under are admitted for free.

For more information, visit the official website of  Wild Florida Airboats . 

Wild Florida Address: 3301 Lake Cypress Rd, Kenansville, FL 34739

If you love alligators, check out the 8 Florida Alligator Parks You Won’t Want to Miss .

Airboats in Central East Florida 

Airboat & Gator Charters is a De Leon Springs company that exclusively offers private airboat tours.

See remarkable sights like sunsets, full moons, and native wildlife.

Enjoy a personal and unique experience of a private tour through the St. Johns River, Lake Jesup, and other bodies of water.

Airboat & Gator Charters operating hours are dependent on tour schedules. Reservations are required.

For more information, visit the official website of  Gator Charters .

Airboat Rides and Gator Charters Address: 760 Tedders Ct, De Leon Springs, FL 32130

Airboat Rides in Southwest Florida 

Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours is a South Florida attraction located in Everglades City . They offer 80 and 110-minute mangrove airboat tours through mangrove tunnels, grasslands, and a cypress forest.

They also have swamp buggy tours where you travel the area in a raised buggy.

Before or after your tour, check out Captain Jack’s animal sanctuary. The sanctuary includes over 100 rescued animals, including alligators, tigers, and otters.

The sanctuary hosts an hourly alligator show where you can learn all about the American alligator. 

Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours is open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Tickets are available for adults and children.

For more information, visit the official website of  Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours .

Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours Address: 905 Dupont St, Everglades City, FL 34139

While you’re in the area, make sure to check out our tips for  Exploring the Extraordinary Florida Everglades .

Airboat Rides in Southeast Florida 

Everglades Alligator Farm is South Florida’s oldest alligator farm. The attraction is located in Homestead near the entrance of Everglades National Park .

They offer 20 to 25-minute airboat rides and extended private tours with a 45 to 60-minute tour.

The tours take you on a fun ride through the Everglades’ sawgrass prairies.

In addition to airboat tours, you can see alligator shows and feedings – both are included in general admission. 

Everglades Alligator Farm is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Tickets are available for adults and children.

For more information, visit the official website of the  Everglades Alligator Farm. 

Everglades Alligator Farm Address: 40351 SW 192nd Ave, Homestead, FL 33034

While in the area, don’t miss the 5 Best Things to Do in Homestead, FL .

Everglades Safari Park is another great option for Everglades airboat rides, located approximately 40 minutes from Miami.

The park offers 30 to 40-minute airboat rides and private 40 and 60-minute rides.

All airboat rides include admission to the park’s Wildlife Nature Show. It also gives you access to the Jungle Trail, Observation Platform, and exhibits.

There is also an onsite café and a gift shop to check out. 

Everglades Safari Park is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tickets are available for adults and children.

For more information, visit the official website of  Everglades Safari Park . 

Everglades Safari Park Address: 26700 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194

While in Miami, don’t miss 8 Adventures in Awesome, Authentic Miami .

Gator Park Airboat Tours also offers airboat tours through the Florida Everglades from Miami.

Tours take you through canals and rivers of grass with opportunities to spot alligators, birds, and turtles out in the wild.

Airboat rides and a wildlife show are included in admission to the park.

Gator Park Airboat Tours is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tickets are available for adults and children 6 and up. Children 5 and under are admitted for free.

For more information, visit the official website of  Gator Park . 

Gator Park Address: 24050 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194

Camp Holly Airboat Rides & Fish Camp – Melbourne

Camp Holly Airboat Rides & Fish Camp in Melbourne, FL , was established in 1901. It includes a tiki bar, gift shop, boat launch, and live music.

This place was recommended by several readers and Authentic Florida social media followers. It’s on our bucket list this year. They have a loyal following.

Camp Holly Address: 6901 US-192, Melbourne, FL 32904

Grape Hammock Airboat – Lake Wales

Grape Hammock Fish Camp is another place we have received numerous emails and messages from our social media readers about.

It’s on our bucket list to check out this year and report back our findings.

Grape Hammock Fish Camp is a family-owned and operated fish camp on the south end of Lake Kissimmee in Lake Wales .

Address: Grape Hammock Fish Camp, 1400 Grape Hammock Rd, Lake Wales, FL 33898

If you enjoyed this article about the best airboat tours in Florida and are looking for a few other recommendations, check out these suggestions.

• 5 Best Glass Bottom Boat Tours in Florida
• 7 Places to Discover in Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands
• 11 U.S. National Parks in Florida You’ll Love
• 8 Florida Alligator Parks You Won’t Want to Miss
• Discover New Adventures in the Manatee Capital of the World

2 thoughts on “14 Best Airboat Rides in Florida (2024)”

Grape Hammock Airboat tours can also be a great option specifically for their amazing guided tour with captain Kevin.

Camp Holly by far should be in top 10!!!

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17 Everglades Airboat Tours That Are Worth Taking

A visit to South Florida can't be complete without taking one of these Everglades airboat tours to explore the region's unique ecosystem.

Read update

Discover Even More of the Best Everglades Airboat Tours

Planning a visit to South Florida? Well, Everglades is one region not to miss when in South Florida, thanks to its incredibly unique ecosystem and an array of impressive outdoor activities. Brimming with beautiful forests, wetlands, mangroves, and vast wildlife, Everglades is a fascinating place and is worth visiting when in Miami or Fort Lauderdale. An airboat is the best way to explore this unique Everglades ecosystem while taking in the spectacular views of the surrounding. These 10 Everglades airboat tours are worth taking.

UPDATE: 2023/03/31 09:16 EST BY AARON SPRAY

The Everglades is one of the great outdoor attractions near Miami and there are plenty of excellent airboat tour options to consider. This list was updated and expanded to include even more of the airboat tours to take in the Everglades. See alligators up close and explore one of the richest ecosystems in the USA.

UPDATE: 2023/01/07 22:50 EST BY AARON SPRAY

More Everglades Airboat Tours Worth Taking

There is no shortage of airboat tours to choose from all across the state of Florida. This article was updated with more airboat tour options in the Everglades and around Orlando. A bonus entry was also added as a nod to the swamps of Louisiana just out of New Orleans which are also very much worth taking.

Related: These Top-Rated Amazon Tours Are A Once-In-A-Lifetime Experience

17 Florida Everglades Airboat Tour And Wild Florida

This tour is the best for tourists seeking more options. It gets tourists to Wild Florida Airboats and Gator Park, offering them incredible rides through Central Florida Everglades. The tour lets one explore two attractions in Florida for a cost of one. On this tour, as travelers sail through the marshes and swamps, they will see the incredible Florida wildlife, including wading birds, eagles, and alligators. From there, they can return to the wildlife park and explore over 200 wildlife species . One can always pay an extra cost for a half-day upgrade, which come with a barbeque lunch.

• Highlights: Ride through the Everglades, view over 200 wild animal species, and an upgrade for barbeque lunch
• Duration: one hour
• Cost: from $32
• Website: wildfloridairboats.com

16 Everglades National Park Biologist-Led Adventure

This tour guarantees the best vacation, with two options to choose from; half or full-day tours. It lets visitors enjoy a boat ride, spotting manatees, dolphins, and birds on the way, as well as a dry nature hike in Big Cypress National Preserve. Included in the package are; an hour airboat tour into the River of Grass, experience a historic trading post, explore a Native tree island, and a delicious lunch. Other things included on this tour are free snacks, drinks, and water, as well as pick-ups and drop-offs from/to the hotel or designated meeting points.

• Departure Time: 7:30 am
• Cost: from $239
• Duration: nine-ten hours
• Website: wildlimeadventures.com

15 Florida Everglades Airboat Ride And Wildlife Adventure

This is a private airboat tour starting from Sawgrass Recreation Park, allowing tourists to explore the Florida gators as well as other native animals. This private boat ride also offers the incredible opportunity of visiting the Everglades' exclusive locations that regular tours do not offer. During the ride, encountering panthers, leopards, Florida gators, iguanas, and turtles is a must! Travelers go on this private tour in a group, and the cost is per person, not the number of people in the group. There are no additional charges for kids under three years, so they are not included in the guest count.

• Cost: from $35
• Website: evergladestours.com

14 Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours – Standard Airboat Tour In The Everglades

This company offers travelers a chance to immerse in the culture and incredible wild viewing. Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours provides both standard tours, introducing tourists to Miccosukee people's homelands. These were the first inhabitants of Florida before it became a state. The tour also allows visitors to engage in a nature walk, and an amazing experience is guaranteed! The company also provides private trips and longer tours, but this one lasts 30 minutes. Kids below five can tour free of charge.

• Cost of ticket: from $30 for adults, $15 for children aged between five and twelve.
• Duration of tour: 30 minutes
• Website: buffalotigerairboattours.com

13 Semi-Private River Of Grass Airboat Tours Everglades

Offered by River of Grass Adventures, this tour only takes up to eight visitors per boat on the trip. During the trip, travelers will get the chance to explore the Everglades’ flora and fauna , including the alligators and herons. It is an amazing tour full of fun and unforgettable experiences. Being a semi-private trip, tourists must contact the company for departure times. The tours run every day of the week, including the weekends.

• Cost of tour: $85 per person
• Duration: approximately one hour, thirty minutes
• Website: theriverofgrass.com

12 Gator Park Airboat Tours - Wildlife Show

Looking to witness some serious gator action? Well, with Gator Park Airboat Tours, travelers can be assured of having the best experience with these fierce reptiles. The rides start after every few minutes, and tourists won’t have to wait before their Everglades experience begins. This tour takes visitors to Everglades National Park, home to vast wildlife, from endangered birds one probably won’t see anywhere else to small creators living among the alligators. This is the perfect spot to experience wildlife and spectacular scenery, something only a few travelers get a chance to witness.

• Cost of tour: From $30
• Duration: half a day
• Website: gatorpark.com

11 Everglades National Park Airboat Rides and Tours – Everglades Safari Park

Everglades Safari Park offers the best airboat rides and tours. This tour allows travelers to have family or group fun as they navigate through the pristine waters of Everglades National Park. The tour is not just fun but also educational, and visitors witness the best Everglades has to offer on a world-famous airboat tour. It is also the best way of exploring the Everglades’ alligators and going on nature walks and wildlife shows.

• Cost of tour: from $39 for adults to $20 per child
• Duration: 30-40 minutes
• Website: evergladessafaripark.com

10 Central Florida Everglades Airboat Tour – Orlando Airboat Tours

Adventuring Florida Everglades alone can be dangerous. But going on this guided tour allows visitors to enjoy the incredible views of the alligators as well as other wild animal species without feeling unsafe. The tour works in most weather conditions, and travelers are advised to dress appropriately. The company requires at least two people per booking, and cancellation is possible if the number in the group does not meet the requirements.

• Cost: from $88
• Duration: one hour, thirty minutes
• Departure Point: 2830 Neptune Rd, 2830 Neptune Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34744, USA
• Website: orlandoairboattours.com

Related: Looking For Something Different? Take An Airboat Tour In Orlando

9 Florida Everglades Airboat Tour And Biscayne Bay Cruise

This tour takes visitors to the Everglades National Park and makes it even more interesting by adding a trip to Biscayne Bay. Technically, it is a half-day adventure starting from Miami, putting together an Everglades airboat tour with a Biscayne boat cruise. On this adventure, travelers will explore the Everglades' unique ecosystem, enjoying the beautiful scenery of wildlife, more so, the alligators. There is a must-visit alligator show at the Everglades National Park once tourists are done with the airboat tour. After that, they can return to Miami and enjoy a boat cruise on Biscayne Bay.

• Duration: six hours
• Departure Time: 10:00 am
• Departure Point: Miami Walk of Fame, 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, USA
• Website: graylinemiami.com

8 Everglades VIP Show And Tour

Starting from Ft. Lauderdale, this tour offers the best Everglades experience on an airboat . Travelers will pass through the River of Grass and get educated about the wildlife and ecosystem of the region. The tour allows for pick-ups and drop-offs from and to the hotel. Should there be a cancelation of the airboat tour, which must be at least 24 hours in advance of the adventure day, there will be a full refund.

• Cost: $58.98
• Duration: four hours

7 Captain Jack's Airboat Tours

Captain Jack's Airboat Tours is also located in the Everglades and offers a selection of tours through the cypress forest on a swamp buggy, zipping through Everglades City on airboats, and even getting to hold a baby alligator. Discover some of the best of the wildlife of the Everglades and see the animals up close. Their top package tour is the Wilderness Ultimate Combo which combines airboats with swamp buggy tours.

• Cost: From $106
• Duration: 110 Minutes

6 Wooten Everglades

Take an airboat tour through some 259 private acres before hopping on a swamp buggy and exploring Florida's cypress forest. See the various animals that call the swamps home and create lasting family or group memories. There are a number of tour combos to choose from and people get to hold a baby alligator. Keep an eye out for the Everglades invasive Burmese Pythons .

• Cost: From $60
• Duration: 60 Minutes

5 Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

Not far out of Orlando, one should consider Boggy Creek Airport Adventures . This tour is located on 32 acres of land and also features a Native American village replica. Florida was long the homeland of the Seminoles People before the arrival of the Europeans. While largely forgotten now, the longest and most costly Native American war was fought against the Seminoles . Learn about the history of the state while enjoying an airboat tour of the swamps.

• Cost: $49.88 Per Adult
• Duration: 30 Minutes

4 Louisiana Tour Company

The swamps of Louisiana are obviously far out of Florida, but the swamps of Louisiana also deserve a mention . Louisiana Tour Company offers both large airboat tours with 16 passengers and airboats with smaller groups of 9 passengers. The boats can reach speeds of as fast as 35 miles an hour, and they are located within easy reach of New Orleans.

Related: Florida Everglades By Water: Kayaking, Canoeing, & Paddleboarding In The Wilderness

3 Everglades Swamp Tours

Everglades Swamp Tour operates just out of Miami, and they offer semi-private tours of the swamps of the Everglades. Their tours are a great option for those wanting to explore the swamps at a reasonable price without boatloads of gawking tourists. They offer one-hour and two-hour private airboat tours of the Everglades and small group tours for those on a more moderate budget.

• Cost: $250 For Two People (Private Tour)
• Duration: 1 Hour

2 Gladesmen Airboat Tours

Gadesmen offers a selection of both private airboat tours and sunrise and sunset tours. There is also the option of taking a bass fishing tour. They explore the Southern Everglades and offer hour-long fun-filled adventures. Learn about the River of Grass and their Gladesmen Culture. Guests see a range of Everglades wildlife including many species of birds and of course the American Alligator.

• Cost: $300 For Two People (Private Tour)
• Duration: 1.5 Hours

1 Crystal River Tour With Manatee Swim And Everglades Airboat Ride

The famous Crystal River in the Everglades is one of the top attractions in Florida for nature lovers. One of the best tours Everglades operators provide is those that enable guests to meet the endangered manatees of Florida for real, and up close. On this Everglades manatee swim tour, visitors will get the exclusive chance to enjoy spending time in one of Central Florida’s natural Everglades habitats where these gentle creatures thrive. Plus, this manatee tour combines with an airboat trip on the same day.

First, tourists enjoy a Crystal River airboat tour, after which they can swim and snorkel in one of the best areas for manatees in Florida. Later, the tour continues with a scenic airboat tide on the Withlacoochee River, as expert guides give commentary along the way.

• Cost: from $148.99
• Duration: 12 hours
• Tour information and operator details: see the guide on this Crystal River Tour with Manatee Swim and Everglades Airboat Ride

Airboat Tours

South florida airboat tours.

***ALL BY RESERVATION***

Group Tours:

30 Minute Airboat Adventure + Reptile, Swamp Yard, and Exotic Wildlife Exhibits

$16.50 for adults, $8 for kids (4-12)

Comes with FREE Ear Plugs ($4 value)

Tours go from 9 am-3 pm, 7 days a week.

Private Tours:

1-4 Guests:  30 minutes-$169.40, 1 Hour-$302.50, 2 Hours $453.75

5-6 Guests: 30 minutes- $184.53, 1 Hour-332.75, 2 Hours $499.13

7-12 Guests: 30 minutes- $232.93, 1 Hour-$393.29, 2 Hours- $589.88

Taking an Airboat Tour in the Florida Everglades

Many people who visit South Florida want to see the everglades. This is wilderness where people can see everything from a Wood Stork to a manatee, alligators as well as a wide range of other animals unique to this part of Florida. It has mangrove and cypress forests and a wide range of sawgrass marshes. One of the best ways to see all that the everglades have to offer is by going on an Everglades Airboat Tour.

The airboat tours offer people the perfect opportunity to glide over the water quickly and see the variety of enchanting animals and plants.

The airboat South Florida is a boat that has a flat bottom and is driven forward by a propeller attached to the back. A standard boat engine with a submerged propeller does harm to the fragile everglade environment, and doesn’t perform as well as airboat South Florida

Everglades Airboat Tours are given by people who are properly trained and experienced. During the airboat tours people are able to hear stories about how the Seminole Indians and Florida panther at one time lived together in this untamed land. There is a lot of history people can learn about this special area during boat tours. This part of Florida was formerly home to the Calusa Indians. These indigenous people thrived for hundreds of years prior to the arrival of the Spanish in 1513. By the 1700s there were almost no Calusa people left. They had perished from the diseases brought over from Europe.

In the early 20th century past draining and dredging of the Everglade swaps was harming the area. Conservation efforts started in 1900, and it was designated as a national forest in 1934. Today it encompasses over 1.5 million acres and all the efforts to preserve this stunning wilderness have had some level of success. Since the environment is in a constant state of change the work continues.

Boat tours are the best way to explore this treasured pristine area. It’s a place that is home to thousands of different types of unique plant and animal life. This land is where over 67 different threatened or endangered species struggle to survive. It’s a place where people can see both freshwater and saltwater fish, amphibians, reptiles and more.

Taking an air boat tour is a way to see a special wilderness area without impacting nature. It’s a wonderful experience that can be easily provided by Ultimate Florida Tours.

Call 954-903-7049 Now To Book Your Tour!

1 Comment on “ Airboat Tours ”

I’m so excited to go at this tour,my all friends has been go at this places and tells many things about this places..My family also planned to go at this places in my next summer vacation…We will also doing a great fun at this place…

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11 Best Everglades Airboat Tours Worth The Money

December 9, 2020 //  by  Florida Trippers

Are you looking for the best Everglades Airboat Tours? We have you covered with our list of the best tours worth your money!

The Everglades National Park is a 1.5 million-acre wetland located in southern Florida. Compared to a swamp the Everglades is comprised of mangroves, and sawgrass marshes and is home to alligators , birds and other species.

An Airboat Tour of the Everglades is a great way to view areas of the Everglades inaccessible by those on land. Whether you are looking for private tours, small group tours, nighttime moonlight tours, or tours that come with adventure wildlife parks, tours with lunch or tours with pick up and drop off we have you covered with this list!

We have discovered the best tours leaving from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples , Sanibel, Fort Myers and Orlando and Kissimmee . Whether looking for a quick 30 minutes of the best Everglades Airboat Tours to half-day and full-day adventure. Just make sure to pack sunscreen, bug spray and some water!

Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida

This is one of the best Everglades Airboat tours for those wanting options. The Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida explores Central Florida’s Everglades and leaves out of Orlando.

You will get to experience either a 30 minute airboat ride or one hour airboat ride through over 4200 acres of protected Everglades swamps, rivers and marshes.

If you choose the half day package your package includes a visit to the Wildlife Park spread over 13 acres where you can see animals like zebras, bobcats, lemurs, sloths, tropical bird aviary and an alligator handling show.

If looking for an Everglades Airboat tour with lunch you will want to book the half-day tour. This tour comes with a delicious BBQ lunch at the Chomp House Grill and an alligator souvenir and picture.

Book Now: 30 Minute Airboat Ride

Book Now: 1 Hour Airboat Ride

Book Now: Half day Package

Everglades Airboat Tour & Gator Boys

The Everglades Airboat Tour & Gator Boys Alligator Rescue Show is one of the best Everglades airboat tours from Fort Lauderdale. Here at the Everglades Holiday Park Fort Lauderdale, your tour includes a 1 hour narrated Airboat ride and then a 15 minute live alligator rescue show! Tours depart every 20 minutes. And the tour takes about an hour and half.

Not only will you see alligators and birds on the Airboat Tour you will see unique flora and fauna along the ride. Enjoy the unique ecosystem up close and personal from the airboat as you spot alligators in their natural habitat and learn about the importance of conversation and preservation of the Everglades.

The Gator Boys have appeared on Animal Planet and provide and informative and entertaining live rescue show. After you will also receive two pictures from your day!

Book Now: 1 Hour Airboat Tour and Live Show

Airboat Tour Central Florida

The Airboat Tour of Central Florida is one of the best airboat rides in the Everglades for those looking for small groups. Tours are limited to only 6 guests and seating is in a stadium style on the boat so everyone has great views.

This tour leaves from Kissimmee and includes a guided airboat tour with live commentary. Your small group will explore the Everglades swamp keeping a lookout for alligators in their nesting areas in West Lake Toho.

Tours leave at 9 am, 11 am and 1 pm.

Book Now: 90 minute Airboat Tour

Full-Day Everglades Naturalist-Led Adventure

If you are looking for a Full-Day tour, this is one of the best Everglades airboat tours near Miami . What makes the Full Day Everglades Naturalist led adventure unique is this tour is a full day package! There is also a half day option!

First, the tour offers complimentary pickup from hotels in Miami, Hollywood or Fort Lauderdale. Then you will be on your way to explore the Everglades National Park with a master naturalist where you will take a hour long airboat ride through the river of Grass to see alligators up close in Shark Valley.

Next on the tour you will take an hour long cruise to the Ten Thousand Islands a salt water area of the Everglades where you can often spot manatees, birds, dolphins and more.

Then you will experience a visit to a Native tree island village ( Miccouskee) that once serves as a historic trading post, and finally a wildlife spotting tour on Big Cyprus and then it is onto lunch at the Havana Cafe.

The lunch as both vegetarian and gluten free options in addition to the traditional menu. Snacks, fresh fruit, water, and soft drinks also offered during the tour.

There is a hotel pickup and even a dedicated airport drop off perfect for those looking for an interesting tour their day of departure. They will hold your luggage and offer guests the complete experience with bug spray, sunscreen, ponchos, binoculars, and a eco-canteen and a National Parks map! This is the best Everglades airport tours near Miami!

Book Now: Full Day Adventure

Book Now: Half Day Tour

Florida Everglades Night Airboat Tour

Are you looking to take an airboat tour through the Everglades at night? If so, the Florida Everglades Night Airboat Tour departing from Fort Lauderdale is for you! The tour departs at 8:30 PM from the Sawgrass Recreational Park.

With your ticket you also receive admission to the Sawgrass Recreation Park open during the day where you can see reptiles and exotic animals at the Wildlife center.

Your airboat tour will take place under the stars of the sky as you glide across the Everglades at up to 40 miles per hour using the lights from the airboat to spot alligators.

Book Now: 1 hour Nighttime Airboat Ride

Everglades VIP Tour and Show

The Everglades VIP tour and Show provides transportation to and from select hotels in the Fort Lauderdale Area as well as the Miami or Fort Lauderdale airports and both the Port Everglades and Port of Miami. The tour is about 4 hours long with transportation time included.

There are two VIP tour options offered one in the morning at 8:30 am and one in the afternoon at 1 pm. After being picked up you will begin your tour on an hour long airboat tour with in-depth commentary through the Everglades. The guides will explain the eco-system as well as the behaviorof the alligators.

Once you return you will be treated to a live in person presentation by the Gator Boys alligator rescue team. The show is both informative and entertaining!

After the show you may take a picture with one of the baby alligators where you will be given a little keepsake of your day spent exploring the Everglades and learning about alligators.

Book Now: 1 hour Airboat Ride and Pick Up

Private Tour: Florida Everglades Airboat Ride and Wildlife Adventure

If you are looking for a private tour this is one of the best Everglades boat tours! For those looking for a premium experience you will have the airboat all to yourself with just your group!

On this Private Tour of Florida’s Everglades Airboat Ride and Wildlife Adventure , you will travel deep into the Everglades National Park and explore wildlife refuge at the Sawgrass Recreational Park. As this is a private ride the goal is show areas of the Everglades normal boat tours don’t reach and with a smaller airboat it is easily manuverable into smaller areas!

Guests can expect the tour to be a little longer and more in-depth with Airboat speeds reaching up to 40 miles per hour! At the refuge you can see panthers, bobcats, leopards, alligators and other like fish, snakes, and turtles up close.

Book Now: Private 60 minute Airboat Tour

Air Boat Tour of Palm Beach in The Swamp Monster

If you are in the Palm Beach area and are looking for one of the best Everglades airboat tours from Palm Beach this is the tour for you! On this tour you will take a private airboat tour on the Swamp Monster boat with individual seats!

The tour guide is very informative about the Everglades ecosystem and plants as well as knowledgable about the wildlife you will encounter on the airboat tour. You can often spot turtles, herons, storks and an assortment of birds.

Sometimes you even spot an area of an old plane wreckage depending on how far into the Everglades the tour takes you.

Book Now: Private Airboat Tour

Everglades Day Safari from Fort Myers, Naples or Sanibel

If you are looking for one of the best Everglades airboat tours from Fort Myers you are in luck! The Everglades Day Safari from Fort Myers, Naples or Sanibel offers a guided tour with a naturalist. This eco-tour offers a wildlife drive, hour long airboat ride and boat cruise, lunch and a nature walk.

On this 45 minute airboat tour highlights include seeing wildlife such as dolphins, alligators, herons and more. You will be given a full history of the wildlife, geology, and Native American history as well.

Then you will take a wildlife drive through Big Cypress National Preserve where you can see gators, deer, bear, hogs, turtles, birds and more. Next, you will take a wildlife walk through the ancient towering cypress trees. It is truly one of the best Everglades boat tours from Naples!

After an afternoon break you will be served lunch at a beautiful waterside restaurant in the Everglades. You must try the alligator appetizers! After lunch you will board another boat cruise fora 60 minute tour of the mangroves at 10,000 islands. You can spot manatees here!

Book Here: Everglades Day Tour

Miami Beach Miccosukee Village and Everglades Airboat Tour

The Miami Beach Miccosukee Village and Everglades Airboat Tour is a small group tour. Pickup is included from any Miami Beach landmark or hotel along Collins Avenue.

On your small group airboat tour you will discover the wildlife in the Everglades with tours offered in English, German and Spanish. You will have the oppurtunity to discover the unique eco-system of the Everglades alongside viewing wildlife like turtles, alligators and birds.

After the airboat tour you can visit the nearby wildlife park and learn about conservation efforts in the Everglades. Next, you will visit the Miccosukee Indian Village and Reservation where you can learn about the history and culture of the tribe. View handcrafts, photographs and more.

Book Now: Miami Beach Airboat Tour

Biscayne Bay Cruise and Everglades Airboat Ride

If you are ready to explore Miami by bus, boat and airboat this full day guided sightseeing adventure is for you. From the bus ride around Miami, to the Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach to the airboat ride through the Everglades this tour is for you.

Pickup begins at 10:15 am for this 6 hour full day tour. First you a picked up and then depart on a 30 minute airboat ride though the Everglades. You will view wildlife such as fish, birds, alligators and more.

Next your tour will take you on a jungle trail with crocodile exhibits and a live alligator wildlife show. Then you will board a 90 minute cruise along Biscayne Bay. The cruise takes you along the skyline of Miami Beach and Fisher Island, keep an eye out for manatees, dolphins and rays in the clear water off the coast.

Book: Everglades and Biscayne Bay

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The Family Vacation Guide

12 of the Best Airboat Tours in Florida

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

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

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

Sounds like fun, right? 

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

Wild Florida

Everglades holiday park airboat tours and rides .

• Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures 

Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours 

Gator park airboat tours .

• Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours 

Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

More about our TFVG Author

James Brockbank

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

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

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Theme parks | israel is quiet on next steps against iran — and on which partners helped shoot down missiles, things to do, theme parks, theme parks | vr version of boggy creek airboat attraction draws attention.

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures is using virtual reality to help folks get back to nature.

The Kissimmee attraction can now be walked through via the metaverse, where at-home viewers – represented by avatars – can virtually sit in an airboat, walk through the butterfly enclosure, take in educational talks and, if equipped with a VR headset, play a gem-mining game.

Nick Romeo, director of marketing, sales and events, said they are dubbing it a metadventure, a mashup of Metaverse and adventure. The activity is accessed through the attraction website – bcairboats.com – via laptop or cell phone.

“You get to take an airboat ride. Then, you’ll go into our butterfly enclosure. … There’s a little sign, you click on it and my marketing manager is in there and he talks about the butterflies,” Romeo said.

“I also have somebody in our education area who’s my curator of education. And if you click on that, she’ll talk to you about native snakes and that kind of stuff,” he said. “It’s not only a game; it also has an educational aspect.”

The game centers on the gem mine area, where participants can win tickets for the actual gem mine activity and discounts on a real-life trip to the attraction. The experience launched in late March.

“We had a team that came in to photograph the whole park, and they took all the images and then they built it in the back end of the system, and it literally looks like our park,” Romeo said.

“If you go into our butterfly habitat in the metaverse with the headset on and you look up through our butterfly encounter and walk, the shade of the sun actually even occurs,” he said. “You actually see the leaves on the trees move.”

The VR is designed to entice customers and is the attraction’s second phase. It was already being used to introduce businesses to Boggy Creek.

Tour companies “are amazed that they can see the whole park,” Romeo said. “I can talk to them and walk through it. … They can stay in England and know exactly what I’m doing.”

Virtual guests sit in an airboat and then watch a “real”/non-metaverse video about the airboat experience.

“It gives a little bit more of them feeling that they’re there,” Romeo said.

A third phase of VR will include a registration book and drawings for free tickets, Romeo said.

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, which is marking its 30th anniversary this year, features airboat rides, an enclosed butterfly garden, an alligator gator pond, a 70-foot gem and fossil mining sluice and the Native American Living History Museum.

“Everything in our park is native, and a lot of people outside of the United States or even inside the U.S., really, want to see real Florida,” Romeo said. “We have nothing exotic in our property. It’s all native plants, native animals.”

Back to nature: It’s ‘Life’ time at Orlando Science Center

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