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Go wild on a thrilling Everglades airboat tour

Step into a world where the water whispers, gators glide silently beneath the surface, and the wind rushes past you on a high-speed airboat. The Everglades airboat tour is the most exciting way to experience one of America’s most iconic ecosystems. Whether you’ve got 30 mins or a full hour, there's a perfect airboat ride waiting for you.

Why take an Everglades airboat tour

Everglades airboat gliding through lush wetlands, showcasing scenic waterways.

✔️ Explore untouched nature

Cruise across wide-open wetlands, grassy marshes, and hidden water trails. This isn’t a zoo, it’s the real Everglades.

Alligator in water during Everglades National Park airboat tour.

✔️ Spot wild alligators & more

Watch for gators sunbathing on the banks or lurking just beneath the water. You might also see turtles, snakes, herons, or even an osprey in flight.

View of guests enjoying Everglades National Park Airboat Tour

✔️ Feel the thrill of the ride

Airboats are fast, loud, and flat-bottomed, designed to skim across shallow waters for the ultimate swamp safari.

Group enjoying an Everglades airboat ride through marshland.

✔️ Learn from expert guides

Your captain knows the Everglades inside out. As you ride, they’ll share facts, stories, and point out hidden wildlife.

Guests enjoying an airboat tour in the Everglades, surrounded by water and reeds.

✔️ Family-friendly & fun

From curious kids to adventurous grandparents, an airboat tour Everglades style is unforgettable for all ages.

Guests on an airboat tour enjoying the Everglades view in Florida.

✔️ Multiple tour options

Choose from 30-min, 1-hour, night, or even private tours to suit your schedule and sense of adventure.

What to expect on your airboat tour

Guests listening to guide during Everglades Airboat Tour.
Guests on airboat touring Everglades, Florida, surrounded by wetlands.
American White ibis foraging in Everglades wetlands during nature walk tour.
Alligator in grass during Everglades Airboat Tour.
Guests observing alligators from a wooden platform in Everglades wildlife park.
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Meet your captain & board your airboat

Check in at your selected park—Sawgrass Recreation Park, Wild Florida, or Everglades Holiday Park. Collect the ear protection before boarding your flat-bottomed airboat.

Take off through the wetlands

Hold on as the boat lifts and skims over the water. Feel the wind in your hair as you glide through natural trails, past sawgrass, and over lily-covered ponds.

Spot gators & birds in their natural habitat

Your captain will slow down at key spots to help you spot American alligators, great blue herons, egrets, ospreys, turtles, anhingas, and even the occasional raccoon in their natural habitat.

Learn the secrets of the swamp

The Everglades has a way of surprising you. Your guide will share cool insights about the swamp’s unique ecosystem, from its wild plant life to the incredible animals that call it home.

Add-on exhibit access

Some tours come with extra perks like access to reptile exhibits, animal shows, or nature parks. Perfect if you’re looking to turn your airboat ride into a full day of adventure.

Your airboat tours explained

Guests on an airboat tour in the Everglades, gliding through wetlands.

Day tours

  • From 30-minute quick thrills to full-hour eco-adventures, there’s a best Everglades airboat tour for every traveler.
  • Tours operate from locations like Sawgrass Recreation Park, Wild Florida, and Everglades Holiday Park—each offering something a little different, but all delivering that classic airboat adrenaline.

Location: Sawgrass Recreation Park, Wild Florida, Holiday Park, Everglades National Park
Transportation: Optional (some tours include hotel pickup)
Timing: 30-mins to 60-mins

Recommended tickets:

  • Everglades National Park Airboat Tour
Airboat gliding through Everglades at dusk during night tour.

Night tours

  • For a more adrenaline-pumping twist on the classic airboat ride, Everglades night tours let you explore the swamp under the stars. From glowing alligator eyes to the sounds of frogs and owls echoing through the dark, it's a completely different experience.
  • The tour includes expert wildlife spotting with a captain-led ride and flashlights, plus free daytime access to animal exhibits. It's immersive, eerie, and unforgettable.

Location: Sawgrass Recreation Park
Transportation: Not included (make your own way to the park)
Timing: 60-mins

Recommended tickets:

  • Everglades Airboat Night Tour
Tourists on an airboat in Everglades National Park, Miami, surrounded by water and vegetation.

Private tours

  • Want to experience the Everglades in a more personal way? Private airboat tours at Sawgrass Recreation Park offer an intimate, crowd-free way to explore the wetlands. Group sizes are flexible—choose from 4, 6, 12, or 15 people for a customized experience.
  • After your ride, visit the Alligator & Reptile Exhibit and meet a baby alligator with expert handlers. 

Location: Sawgrass Recreation Park
Transportation: Not included (self-drive to the park)
Timing: 60-mins

Recommended tickets:

  • Everglades Private Airboat Tour

Highlights of your Everglades experience

Alligator resting on a log in the Everglades during a night airboat tour.

Gators in the wild

Seeing an alligator in its natural habitat is something you won’t forget, especially when it’s just a few feet from your boat. Don’t worry though, you’re in good hands with experienced guides who know how to keep things safe and thrilling.

Aerial view of Florida Everglades with a boat navigating through lush wetlands.
Airboat gliding through Everglades National Park wetlands, showcasing diverse wildlife and lush vegetation.
Person holding a small alligator in Orlando Everglades tour.
Person holding a large snake at Everglades reptile exhibit.

Plan your airboat tour

Cars parked on grass at Keukenhof parking area.
  • Free on-site parking makes it easy to arrive for your airboat tour without the hassle of meters or parking fees.
  • Ear protection is included with your tour, since airboats can get pretty loud once they pick up speed across the wetlands.
  • Restroom facilities are available at the park.
  • A covered waiting area is provided near the dock so you can stay cool and comfortable while waiting for your airboat to depart.
  • Some parks feature a gift shop near the airboat launch, perfect for grabbing Everglades souvenirs or a quick drink before your adventure.
Girl applying insect repellent on arm in tropical outdoor setting.
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing like quick-dry shirts and cargo shorts or activewear is your best bet. Things can get breezy and a little splashy out on the water.
  • Closed-toe shoes (like sneakers or water-resistant hiking shoes) are a must, especially since you’ll be boarding from docks and walking through uneven terrain.
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen are a must. There’s not much shade out on the open water, and the glare off the swamp can be strong.
  • A small water bottle is great to have, especially if you’re touring midday when the Florida heat is in full swing.
  • Bug spray is a smart move, especially during warmer months or if you're visiting around dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
No smoking sign on a boat during a Thames River tour in London
  • For safety, kids aged 6 and under are required to wear a life jacket that the park provides during the airboat ride.
  • Airboats aren't wheelchair accessible at most locations, so it's best to check ahead if someone in your group has mobility needs.
  • Smoking and alcohol aren’t allowed on the boat. It keeps the environment, and experience safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone.
  • Many tours run rain or shine, so if the forecast looks iffy, bring a light rain jacket or poncho just in case.
  • There are no bathroom breaks once the airboat heads out, so be sure to use the restroom before your tour begins.
Airboat tour in Everglades Safari Park with group observing wildlife, Miami transfer included.
  • Try to arrive at least 30 to 45 mins early so you have enough time to check in, grab your ear protection, and maybe even explore the park a bit before your airboat ride.
  • If you’re hoping to spot more wildlife, mornings are usually your best bet. Animals tend to be more active before the heat of the day sets in.
  • Bring some cash or a card if you want to pick up snacks, drinks, or souvenirs. Most parks have small shops near the launch area.
  • Whatever you do, don’t dangle your hands or feet in the water. This is gator territory, and it’s best to keep all limbs safely inside the boat.
  • If you’re taking photos, skip the flash, especially on night tours. It can startle wildlife and ruin the natural vibe of the experience.

Frequently asked questions about the Everglades night tour

Which tour is right for me?

If you're short on time, go for a 30-min ride. Want the full experience? Choose a 1-hour or combo package with a 40-min ride and wildlife exhibits.

What animals will I see from the airboat?

Alligators are the main draw, but you may also spot turtles, birds of prey, deer, snakes, or wild boar depending on time and location.

Can I bring young kids?

Yes. These tours are family-friendly. Life jackets are provided for kids under 6, and under 3s often ride free.

Where do tours start?

Tours depart from parks like Sawgrass Recreation Park, Wild Florida (near Orlando), Coopertown or Everglades Holiday Park. Your ticket will list the exact location.

Are airboat tours loud?

Yes, but ear protection is provided to make it comfortable for all ages.

Can I get picked up from my hotel?

Some tours offer pickup and drop-off like the Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tour with Wildlife Show, Everglades Safari Park Airboat Tour, and the Everglades National Park Airboat Tour.

Are private tours available?

Yes! If you're looking for a more exclusive experience, you can book a private airboat tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park. It’s a great option if you’d like the boat all to yourself and a more personalized adventure.

Is it safe?

Absolutely. Boats are operated by licensed captains, and all safety measures are in place.

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Visitors feeding a tortoise at Sawgrass Recreation Park Wildlife Show.

About Sawgrass Recreation Park

Everglades National Park waterway with lily pads and marsh vegetation.

Everglades National Park

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