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Everglades Tours
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Get ready for an exciting airboat ride through the Everglades and a close-up look at Florida's reptiles at Sawgrass Recreation Park!
- This airboat ride takes you through the Everglades, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can spot wildlife in its natural habitat, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
- With small group sizes on the airboat, enjoy a more personalized experience as your guide takes you to hidden spots in the Everglades that most visitors miss.
- Glide across the waters and learn about the unique ecosystem of the Everglades, home to rare species like alligators and birds.
- Explore the park’s reptile exhibition, featuring native species such as alligators, snakes, and turtles, giving you a closer look at Florida's cold-blooded residents.
Get ready for an exciting airboat ride through the Everglades and a close-up look at Florida's reptiles at Sawgrass Recreation Park!
- This airboat ride takes you through the Everglades, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can spot wildlife in its natural habitat, perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers.
- With small group sizes on the airboat, enjoy a more personalized experience as your guide takes you to hidden spots in the Everglades that most visitors miss.
- Glide across the waters and learn about the unique ecosystem of the Everglades, home to rare species like alligators and birds.
- Explore the park’s reptile exhibition, featuring native species such as alligators, snakes, and turtles, giving you a closer look at Florida's cold-blooded residents.
Inclusions
- 40-minute airboat tour
- Live English-speaking guide
- Entry to alligator and reptile exhibit
- Ear protection
- The boats are not wheelchair accessible but our exhibits are.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION4 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
START POINT
2 starting points available
60 km
50 minutes
1
Everglades Holiday Park
3 activities
Tickets included
Sightseeing & Photography
Highlights
1. Airboat ride
Included in price
When you arrive, you’ll hop on a classic Florida airboat and cruise through the famous "River of Grass." It’s an amazing way to get right into the heart of the Everglades. Keep an eye out for alligators, unique birds, and all sorts of fascinating plants along the way—it’s a great chance to see wildlife up close!
2. Wildlife show
Included in price
After the airboat tour, attend a thrilling wildlife show featuring real alligators. The show offers insights into the behavior and biology of these fascinating creatures and may involve some sort of interaction.
3. Free time and refreshments
Included in price
You have some free time to explore the park's facilities, visit the gift shop, or purchase snacks and refreshments. The refreshments, souvenirs, and park's activities are not included in the ticket.
60 km
50 minutes
2
END POINT
2 ending points available
1. Miami Beach
2. Bayside Marketplace
- Dive into a full-day adventure that marries Miami's urban charm with Everglades' wilderness with an English or Spanish guide.
- Sail through the iconic ‘River of Grass’ on an airboat, spot the famous alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds, and catch interesting animal shows!
- Get a pre-journey photo keepsake, consider getting tickets for special animal encounters for a unique experience, or just sit by the water and relax.
- Dive into a full-day adventure that marries Miami's urban charm with Everglades' wilderness with an English or Spanish guide.
- Sail through the iconic ‘River of Grass’ on an airboat, spot the famous alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds, and catch interesting animal shows!
- Get a pre-journey photo keepsake, consider getting tickets for special animal encounters for a unique experience, or just sit by the water and relax.
Inclusions
- 4-hour Miami Everglades tour
- Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide (based on option selected)
- Airboat ride
- Timed entry tickets to Everglades National Park
- Entry to Everglades Holiday Park
- Wildlife show
- Departure from Miami Beach/ Bayside Marketplace
- Drive to Everglades Holiday Park within Everglades National Park
- Airboat ride on the river grass
- Free time at the park
- Return
- Tip: On the airboat ride, keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Florida panther – the Everglades is one of their last habitats!
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
From city sights to natural wonders, discover Miami's best with this all-in-one package.
- Forget expensive vacations. This Miami package combines a hop-on hop-off bus tour and Everglades experience without draining your wallet.
- Unlimited two-day access to open-top buses with free Wi-Fi and multilingual audio guides. Hop on and off at stops like Soundscape Park and South Beach.
- Ninety minutes of pure waterfront glamour. Glide past Millionaire's Row and South Beach homes where Miami's glitterati write their stories on a yacht cruise.
- Explore the Everglades on a heart-pounding airboat ride, guided by an expert pointing out rare wildlife like the Florida panther and soft-shell turtles.
- End the 4-hour tour on a high note with an alligator-packed wildlife show. Watch keepers in action, then grab a complimentary photo to relive the adventure.
From city sights to natural wonders, discover Miami's best with this all-in-one package.
- Forget expensive vacations. This Miami package combines a hop-on hop-off bus tour and Everglades experience without draining your wallet.
- Unlimited two-day access to open-top buses with free Wi-Fi and multilingual audio guides. Hop on and off at stops like Soundscape Park and South Beach.
- Ninety minutes of pure waterfront glamour. Glide past Millionaire's Row and South Beach homes where Miami's glitterati write their stories on a yacht cruise.
- Explore the Everglades on a heart-pounding airboat ride, guided by an expert pointing out rare wildlife like the Florida panther and soft-shell turtles.
- End the 4-hour tour on a high note with an alligator-packed wildlife show. Watch keepers in action, then grab a complimentary photo to relive the adventure.
Inclusions
Miami HOHO
- 2-day unlimited hop-on hop-off tour by Big Bus
- Access to Red Route
- 90-min yacht cruise
- Bike rental offer (get 1 hour free)
- Pre-recorded commentary in English, Spanish, French, German & Portuguese (on the bus)
- Pre-recorded commentary in English & Spanish (on the cruise)
- Complimentary headphones
- Mobile app with a detailed map and live bus tracking
Everglades Natural Park
- Timed and dated entry to Everglades
- Access to Green Route
- English & Spanish-speaking guide
- Round-trip coach transfer
- Access to Holiday Park airboat ride
- Access to Holiday Park wildlife show
- Complimentary pre-journey photo
Miami HOHO
Please click here for a detailed route map and boarding points.
You can join the tour at any stop and hop on and off for the duration of your ticket.
- First bus: 9am from stop #1 (Bayside Marketplace)
- Last bus: 4pm from stop #1 (Bayside Marketplace)
- Frequency: Every 30 mins
- Popular stops: South Beach, Soundscape Park, Little Havana
Yacht cruise
Winter hours (Nov 5 to Mar 9)
- First yacht: 10:30am from Bayside Marketplace
- Last yacht: 5pm from Bayside Marketplace (6pm on Sat & Sun)
- Frequency: Every 30-60 mins
- Duration: 90 mins
Summer/Spring hours (Mar 10 to Nov 9)
- First yacht: 11am from Bayside Marketplace
- Last yacht: 6pm from Bayside Marketplace (7pm on Sat & Sun)
- Frequency: Every 60 mins
- Duration: 90 mins
Everglades Natural Park
Please click here for a detailed route map and boarding points.
- First coach: 8:30am from stop #3 (Soundscape Park) & 9:05am from stop #1
(Bayside Marketplace) - Last coach: 2:30pm from stop #3 (Soundscape Park) & 3:05pm from stop #1
(Bayside Marketplace) - Frequency: Five times a day
- Note: The Spanish-guided tour departs at 9:30am from stop #3 & 10am from stop #3 and also at 3:30pm occasionally.
Miami HOHO
- The buses and cruises are wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Elevators are available on the buses for easy access.
- Your guide dogs are welcome on the cruise.
- Facilities: restroom, air conditioning (on the cruise).
- Specific details related to the add-ons in your tickets like bike rental offers will be shared in the ticket post-booking.
Everglades Natural Park
- Require special accommodations for your disability? Rest assured as you can contact the service provider 24 hours before your trip and they'll try to assist you.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION60 minutes
START POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Board the night airboat tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park to begin your tour.
Passes by
Airboat night tour of the Everglades
2
END POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Enjoy a 1-hour airboat night tour of Everglades & spot alligators at Sawgrass Recreation Park.
- Hop onto a 60-minute nighttime airboat tour led by an experienced captain who will take you deep into the Everglades after dark.
- This tour of the wetlands takes place when nocturnal wildlife is most active, offering a unique and exciting perspective compared to daytime tours.
- Your expert captain will navigate the waterways, share fascinating insights, and help spot elusive alligators apart from other creatures in the dark using flashlights.
- Witness glowing alligator eyes in the water, hear the calls of frogs and night birds, and feel the thrill of gliding through the Everglades under the stars.
Enjoy a 1-hour airboat night tour of Everglades & spot alligators at Sawgrass Recreation Park.
- Hop onto a 60-minute nighttime airboat tour led by an experienced captain who will take you deep into the Everglades after dark.
- This tour of the wetlands takes place when nocturnal wildlife is most active, offering a unique and exciting perspective compared to daytime tours.
- Your expert captain will navigate the waterways, share fascinating insights, and help spot elusive alligators apart from other creatures in the dark using flashlights.
- Witness glowing alligator eyes in the water, hear the calls of frogs and night birds, and feel the thrill of gliding through the Everglades under the stars.
Inclusions
- 60-minute nighttime airboat ride
- Complimentary entrance to exhibits at Sawgrass Recreation Park during the day
- Ear protection
- Free parking onsite
- Airboat captain gratuity
Exclusions
- Food and beverages
- These night tours are only available for those who make advance reservations so book your Everglades adventure online beforehand.
- To visit the exhibit areas at Sawgrass Recreation Park between 9 AM and 5 PM, bring your night tour voucher and a valid ID for entry.
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- Each tour requires at least 10 passengers to operate. Guests will be notified on the tour day if the minimum isn’t met or if the tour is canceled due to bad weather.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
START POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Reach the Sawgrass Recreation Park and board the private airboat to begin your tour.
1
Airboat tour of the Everglades
60 min
Tickets included
Start your one-hour guided tour on your private airboat. Your adventure covers exclusive areas of the Everglades, where you get to see native and exotic wildlife. Learn about the history and evolution of the ecosystem and their habitats, and glide through with speeds reaching up to 40mph as you witness untamed wilderness up close.
Air boat
2
Alligator & Reptile Exhibit
1 activities
Tickets included
Visit the Reptile Exhibit and learn more about the native reptile species in Florida, and the ongoing conservation efforts, and see friendly turtles, iguanas, and the 1,000-pound alligator, Cannibal. Get to witness how the animals survive in the wild with demonstrations conducted by expert handlers.
Things to do
Meet a Baby Alligator Experience
Included in price
Get a chance to get close to and touch a baby alligator, under the guidance and supervision of the handlers, with the Meet a Baby Alligator experience at the Park.
3
END POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Take a private airboat tour through the Everglades and interact with its untamed wilderness.
- Travel with experienced captains on a custom airboat designed for small groups as you explore Florida’s most valued natural treasure, the Everglades, for an hour.
- Get the thrill of a lifetime with the airboat going up to speeds of 40mph through the river while you explore, learn, and enjoy your private tour!
- Visit the Alligator & Reptile Exhibit at Sawgrass Recreation Park and learn about an original dinosaur, the Florida Alligator, among other local and exotic reptile species.
- Take part in the “Meet a Baby Alligator” experience, where you can interact with a baby alligator under the supervision of expert handlers.
- Learn about how the wildlife species survive in the Everglades, many of which are currently endangered.
Take a private airboat tour through the Everglades and interact with its untamed wilderness.
- Travel with experienced captains on a custom airboat designed for small groups as you explore Florida’s most valued natural treasure, the Everglades, for an hour.
- Get the thrill of a lifetime with the airboat going up to speeds of 40mph through the river while you explore, learn, and enjoy your private tour!
- Visit the Alligator & Reptile Exhibit at Sawgrass Recreation Park and learn about an original dinosaur, the Florida Alligator, among other local and exotic reptile species.
- Take part in the “Meet a Baby Alligator” experience, where you can interact with a baby alligator under the supervision of expert handlers.
- Learn about how the wildlife species survive in the Everglades, many of which are currently endangered.
Inclusions
- 60-minute private airboat tour across the Everglades
- Alligator & Reptile Exhibit
- ”Meet a Baby Alligator” experience
- Gratuity for airboat captain
- Ear protection
- Children aged 6 and under need to wear a life jacket while they are on the airboat.
- Children aged 3 and under can board the airboat for free.
- Pregnant women can participate as well, but it is recommended they consult a doctor before the experience.
- Private tours get reserved fast, so make sure to book your experience at least a week in advance.
- Service animals are allowed in the Park but at your own risk. They are not allowed on the airboat.
Those with mobility issues can participate in the airboat tour. The airboats are not wheelchair-accessible, but assistance is provided in case necessary. - The animal exhibits are wheelchair-accessible, and wheelchairs are available at no cost at the Park.
- There is free parking at the Park.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Top things to do in Miami
Discovering the Everglades: An overview
The Everglades is a massive stretch of flooded grasslands in Florida, covering over 7,800 square miles. Because of its slow-moving waters, it’s often called the 'River of Grass'. This unique ecosystem is home to alligators, manatees, birds, and so much more, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Each area of the Everglades offers something different:
Shark Valley
Shark Valley is known for its tram tours, which take you through the wetlands while guides share insights about the ecosystem. The Shark Valley Observation Tower offers a panoramic view of the Everglades, making it a great spot for photography. You can also explore the area on foot or by bike using the hiking and walking trails, where alligators, wading birds, and other wildlife are commonly spotted.
Everglades National Park
As the largest protected area in the Everglades, Everglades National Park offers a mix of water and land-based activities. Kayaking through the park's waterways provides a closer look at mangroves and marshes, while airboat tours cover larger areas quickly, giving a fast-paced view of the landscape. The park has several walking trails that allow you to explore the diverse plant and animal life up close.
Everglades Safari Park
Everglades Safari Park is a popular stop for those looking for a mix of adventure and wildlife encounters. Experienced guides lead airboat tours through the sawgrass marshes while pointing out alligators and native birds. The wildlife show provides an opportunity to learn about the region’s reptiles, including up-close encounters with alligators. The park also features walking trails that offer a more relaxed way to explore the area at your own pace.
Why visit the Everglades
A one-of-a-kind ecosystem
The Everglades is home to rare and endangered wildlife like the Florida panther, manatees, and American crocodiles. With over 360 bird species, including roseate spoonbills and bald eagles, it’s a paradise for nature lovers. The park’s mix of freshwater and saltwater habitats makes it one of the most unique ecosystems in the world.
Plenty of outdoor adventures
From high-speed airboat rides to peaceful kayak trips through mangrove tunnels, there are plenty of ways to explore. Hiking and biking trails offer a closer look at the diverse landscapes, while wildlife safaris make it easy to spot alligators, birds, and other animals. Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck in both freshwater and saltwater areas, with opportunities to catch bass, tarpon, and snapper.
A place rich in history
The Everglades has long been home to the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes, whose culture and traditions can be explored at tribal villages. The area also played a role in Cold War history, with sites like the Nike Missile Base offering a glimpse into the past. Early conservationists, including Marjory Stoneman Douglas, helped protect this vital ecosystem, and you can learn more about their efforts at various park exhibits.
Diverse landscapes to explore
Beyond its vast wetlands, the Everglades is a mix of sawgrass prairies, cypress swamps, and dense mangrove forests. The Ten Thousand Islands create a stunning coastal environment, while hardwood hammocks provide shelter for unique plant and animal life. Seasonal changes bring dramatic shifts in the landscape, from dry, open fields in winter to lush, water-filled marshes in summer.
Incredible photography opportunities
The Everglades offers some of the best wildlife photography spots in the country. Sunrise and sunset bring dramatic lighting over the wetlands, while observation towers and boardwalks provide great vantage points. The Everglades presents an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty, whether capturing a soaring osprey, a sunbathing alligator, or the endless expanse of sawgrass.
Your Everglades tours explained
Guided tours
Glide through the heart of the Everglades on a thrilling airboat ride, where you’ll zip across the wetlands and come face-to-face with Florida’s fascinating wildlife. With an expert guide leading the way, uncover hidden corners of this UNESCO-listed ecosystem while spotting alligators, exotic birds, and more. Opt for a daytime adventure with access to reptile exhibits at Sawgrass Recreation Park or experience the mystery of the Everglades after dark on a night tour, where the glowing eyes of nocturnal creatures light up the waters.
Recommended tours:
- Everglades Airboat Ride with Access to Reptile Exhibits
- Everglades Airboat Night Tour
Day tours
Travel comfortably with round-trip transfers from nearby areas like Miami, before setting off on an airboat ride across the ‘River of Grass.’ Marvel at alligators, turtles, and vibrant bird species as you glide through the wetlands. A wildlife show adds to the excitement, offering up-close encounters with some of the region’s most captivating creatures. With expertly guided experiences and seamless transport, a day tour makes for the perfect introduction to the Everglades when you’re in nearby cities.
Recommended tour:
- From Miami: Everglades Airboat Tour, Wildlife Show & Bus Transfer
Private tours
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, a private airboat tour offers the ultimate way to explore the Everglades at your own pace. With a dedicated guide, navigate secluded areas of the wetlands for a closer look at alligators, rare birds, and other native wildlife. Ideal for families, photographers, or anyone looking for a personalized adventure, this tour provides a deeper dive into the unique ecosystem of the Everglades. Wrap up your experience with a visit to Sawgrass Recreation Park’s reptile exhibits for an intimate look at Florida’s most iconic wildlife.
Recommended tour:
- Everglades Private Airboat Tour
Getting to the Everglades
Unlike most national parks, Everglades National Park has three separate entrances in three different cities: Miami, Everglades City, and Homestead. These entrances are not interconnected, and a car is necessary to travel between them due to long distances and the lack of public transportation inside the park. Reaching the Everglades depends on where you’re coming from and which entrance you plan to visit. Here are the main ways to get there:
By car
Driving is the most convenient way to explore the Everglades since the park's entrances are not connected, and no public transportation runs inside. Here’s how to access the major entrances:
- Miami Entrance (Shark Valley): Located off U.S. Highway 41 (Tamiami Trail), about a 45-minute drive from downtown Miami.
- Homestead Entrance (Main Park Entrance): Located off State Road 9336, approximately 50 minutes from Miami and the best access point for Flamingo Visitor Center.
- Everglades City Entrance (Gulf Coast): Located off State Road 29, about 90 minutes from Naples and Fort Myers.
- Parking is available at visitor centers and designated trailheads.
By public transport
Public transport options are limited, but you can take a mix of buses and taxis to reach some points:
- From Miami, you can take Metrobus Route 38 (South Dade Transitway) to Homestead and then get a taxi or rideshare to the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center.
- No direct public buses or trains go to Shark Valley or Everglades City, so a car or tour is your best option.
By booking a day trip
One of the easiest ways to visit is by booking a guided day trip. These tours include round-trip transportation, airboat rides, and wildlife experiences, making them a hassle-free way to explore the Everglades.
By tour shuttle
Some tour operators provide shuttle services from Miami and Fort Lauderdale to select locations within the Everglades. These usually include pickup from hotels or central areas and can be a good alternative if you don’t have a car.
Whichever way you choose to travel, planning ahead is essential, as distances between key locations can be long, and services within the park are limited.
Plan your visit to the Everglades
Timings
Accessibility
Rules & safety
Dining
Stay
- General hours: Everglades National Park is open 24/7, but visitor centers and tours have specific hours. Most tours and activities operate between 8am and 5pm.
- Best time to visit: While the Everglades is open year-round, timing your visit can make a big difference in your experience. The dry season from December to April is the ideal time to explore. You’ll enjoy cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer mosquitoes, making it a more comfortable experience. Just keep in mind that this is also peak season, so expect larger crowds. Winters in Florida are mild, so even though it's the "cooler" season, the weather is still quite pleasant.
- Visitor centers: Wheelchair-accessible with paved paths and ramps.
- Airboat tours: Some airboats are wheelchair-friendly, but availability varies by operator.
- Tram tours: Shark Valley’s tram tour is accessible for travelers with mobility challenges.
- Boardwalk trails: Trails like Anhinga Trail and Mahogany Hammock have accessible pathways.
- Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available at visitor centers and main tour areas.
- Wildlife safety: Stay at least 15 feet away from alligators and never feed them.
- Stay on trails: Wandering off designated paths can be dangerous and harm the environment.
- Weather preparedness: Afternoon storms are common in summer—bring rain gear and check the forecast.
- No pets: Pets aren’t allowed on most trails or in the backcountry.
- No drones: Drones are prohibited in Everglades National Park.
- Fires & firewood: Campfires are only allowed in designated areas, and bringing in outside firewood is restricted.
- Littering: Pack out all trash to keep the park clean and protect wildlife.
- Flamingo Restaurant: Located within Everglades National Park, adjacent to the Flamingo Lodge, this restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily. Enjoy fresh seafood and cocktails while surrounded by historic memorabilia.
- Camellia Street Grill: Situated in Everglades City, this rustic eatery offers outdoor waterfront seating and focuses on seafood, including stone crabs. The shabby-chic ambiance and riverfront views enhance the dining experience.
- Triad Seafood Market & Café: Also in Everglades City, Triad is known for its "All You Can Eat" stone crab platter (seasonal) and offers a variety of seafood baskets, burgers, and more. Dine on the screened deck overlooking the Barron River.
- Island Cafe: A popular spot in Everglades City offering American diner-style and island-inspired menu items. It's a favorite among fishing guides and airboat captains looking for home-cooked meals.
- Yardie Spice Restaurant: Located in Homestead, this establishment offers Caribbean, Cajun, and Creole dishes, providing a taste of the islands near the Everglades.
- Flamingo Lodge: Located within the park, the Flamingo Lodge offers 24 newly unveiled lodging rooms with breathtaking views of Florida Bay. Guests can choose between 1-bedroom suites and studios, both equipped with modern amenities.
- Ivey House: Situated in Everglades City, Ivey House offers amenities including a pool, making it a comfortable base for exploring the surrounding parks and preserves.
- The Rod & Gun Club: A historic establishment in Everglades City, offering cabins on the water, a full-service restaurant, and a pool.
- Travelodge by Wyndham Florida City/Homestead/Everglades: Located in Florida City, this hotel offers convenient access to the park's entrances, along with comfortable rooms and amenities.
- Quality Inn Florida City - Gateway to the Keys: Also in Florida City, this hotel provides easy access to the Everglades and features amenities like free breakfast and a pool.
Wildlife you’ll meet in the Everglades
Everglades is a buzzing, roaring, splashing world of incredible wildlife. From stealthy predators to playful swimmers, here’s a look at some of the amazing animals you might cross paths with on your adventure:
Mammals
- Florida Panther – The rarest big cat in the US. If you spot one, consider yourself seriously lucky!
- Florida Black Bear – A hefty forager, often seen sniffing around for food.
- West Indian Manatee – These gentle giants float gracefully through the water like oversized marshmallows.
- Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin – Playful, social, and always up for a good splash.
- River Otter – Think of them as the Everglades’ mischievous little water acrobats.
- Raccoon & Virginia Opossum – Nighttime scavengers who know how to find a snack just about anywhere.
- White-tailed Deer – Shy but elegant, often seen grazing in open fields.
Birds
- Great Egret & Wood Stork – Tall and graceful, these wading birds are the Everglades’ own supermodels.
- Roseate Spoonbill – Picture a flamingo with a spoon-shaped bill—it doesn’t get cooler than that.
- Anhinga – Also called the "snake bird" because it swims with just its long neck poking out.
- Great Blue Heron – The ultimate stealth hunter, standing perfectly still before striking at fish.
- Snail Kite – A rare bird with a very particular taste—it only eats apple snails!
Reptiles
- American Alligator & American Crocodile – The Everglades is the only place in the world where these two giants live side by side.
- Florida Softshell Turtle & Florida Snapping Turtle – Basically, the Everglades’ armored tanks of the water.
- Banded Water Snake & Green Anole – Masters of camouflage, these sneaky reptiles are everywhere—if you know where to look.
Fish
- Largemouth Bass & Snook – The prize catches for anglers, always lurking in the shallows.
- Florida Gar – A prehistoric-looking fish with a long, needle-like snout. It’s been around for millions of years!
Frequently asked questions about Everglades tickets
Do I need a reservation to visit the Everglades?
No, you don’t need a reservation to enter the park. But if you're planning to camp, take a guided tour, or rent a boat, it’s best to book in advance—especially during the busy season.
Are airboat tours safe?
Yes, they’re run by experienced guides and follow safety rules. Just know that airboats can be loud, so if you have sensitive ears or small kids, consider bringing ear protection.
Can I swim in the Everglades?
Nope. Between the alligators, snakes, and strong currents, swimming is not a good idea. Stick to boating, kayaking, and boardwalk trails.
Can I explore the Everglades without a tour?
Yes! You can drive, hike, or rent a kayak. However, guided tours provide expert insights and access to hidden gems.
Are Everglades tours safe?
Yes, as long as you follow safety guidelines. Always respect wildlife and listen to your guide.
What should I bring on my trip?
Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, water, and a camera for capturing wildlife moments.
What should I do if I see an alligator on a trail?
Keep your distance—at least 15 feet away. Don’t feed them, don’t throw things at them, and definitely don’t try to take a selfie too close. If an alligator is blocking a trail, turn back and give it space.