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Everglades National Park Tours
Itinerary
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Coopertown The Original Airboat Tour of Everglades National Park
Reach the Coopertown Airboat Ride ticket booth to exchange your voucher for an airboat ride ticket and begin your airboat tour.
Note: The entrance fee to Everglades National Park isn’t included in your ticket. You’ll pay it separately at the gate.
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Airboat tour
Tickets included
Enjoy an airboat ride through the Everglades led by expert guides at Coopertown as you glide past wildlife-rich hammocks and alligator holes.
Air boat
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Everglades National Park
2 activities
Travel through a Hardwood Hammock to enter Everglades National Park, and glide through the River of Grass as you stop at alligator holes and witness the abundant wildlife up close. See the famous Florida alligators, the colorful Purple Gallinule, the endangered Everglades Snail Kite, turtles, grackles, and more.
Things to do
1. Alligator exhibit
Included in price
See the Florida alligators up close in a controlled environment. Learn about their habitat, upkeep, care, and conservation efforts, and the role they play in maintaining the Everglades ecosystem.
2. Coopertown experience
Included in price
Interact with the friendly folks of Coopertown. Go through the visitor book, view the past guests, and learn about the cultural and historical significance of Coopertown and the Everglades. Enjoy a drink or two, and end your trip with a meal shared with some local legends and stories.
(Food and beverages are not included with your ticket)
Air boat
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Coopertown The Original Airboat Tour of Everglades National Park
Let an expert local guide show you Florida’s wildlife up close on this airboat tour of Everglades National Park at Coopertown.
Close to: Miami
- Everything you get: Get a personalized, guided airboat tour of Everglades National Park, and learn about the Everglades’ wildlife & ecosystem. See Florida alligators, the Purple Gallinule, herons, and other wildlife thriving in their habitat. Meet the locals at Coopertown for more insight into their history & culture.
- Why choose this: The airboat tour, operating since 1945, offers a unique insight into the culture and evolution of the area, its people, and the ecosystem.
Let an expert local guide show you Florida’s wildlife up close on this airboat tour of Everglades National Park at Coopertown.
Close to: Miami
- Everything you get: Get a personalized, guided airboat tour of Everglades National Park, and learn about the Everglades’ wildlife & ecosystem. See Florida alligators, the Purple Gallinule, herons, and other wildlife thriving in their habitat. Meet the locals at Coopertown for more insight into their history & culture.
- Why choose this: The airboat tour, operating since 1945, offers a unique insight into the culture and evolution of the area, its people, and the ecosystem.
Inclusions
- 40-min guided airboat tour
- Access to the alligator exhibit
Exclusions
- Everglades National Park entrance fee ($20–$35 for those 16 years and older)
- Gratuities
- Food and beverage
- Transportation to and from the location
- The entrance fee to Everglades National Park is not included in your ticket. You’ll pay it separately at the gate at $35 per vehicle or $20 per person. Children 15 years and younger can enter for free.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for the tour.
- Carry water, insect repellent, a hat, and sunscreen with you on this experience.
- The first airboat tour begins at 9am and the final airboat tour for the day departs at 4:30pm.
- Airboats depart every 20 to 30 minutes.
- The final animal show begins at 4:30pm, and the last Airboat Tour departs at 5pm
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Explore the “River of Grass' on a Native-guided airboat and on foot, with round-trip transport.
Pick-up points: Miami & Fort Lauderdale
- Everything You Get: On this half‑day adventure, enjoy a narrated 25-min scenic drive, a thrilling 1-hour airboat ride far from shore, and a 1.5-hour nature walk to spot native wildlife and learn about the unique ecosystem. This part-day tour includes transportation options from Miami and Fort Lauderdale for added convenience.
- Why Choose This: Experience the real Everglades; no cages, no crowds-just a small‑group journey into remote wilderness with expert interpretation, wildlife encounters, and stress‑free transportation.
Explore the “River of Grass' on a Native-guided airboat and on foot, with round-trip transport.
Pick-up points: Miami & Fort Lauderdale
- Everything You Get: On this half‑day adventure, enjoy a narrated 25-min scenic drive, a thrilling 1-hour airboat ride far from shore, and a 1.5-hour nature walk to spot native wildlife and learn about the unique ecosystem. This part-day tour includes transportation options from Miami and Fort Lauderdale for added convenience.
- Why Choose This: Experience the real Everglades; no cages, no crowds-just a small‑group journey into remote wilderness with expert interpretation, wildlife encounters, and stress‑free transportation.
Inclusions
- National Park entry fee
- Round-trip transportation from hotels
- Transportation to and from select airports & cruise ports (restrictions apply)
- 1-hour airboat ride
- 1.5-hour naturalist‑led nature walk
- Narrated scenic drive
- Snacks, water, sparkling water & beverages
- Sunscreen, insect repellent, ponchos & binoculars
- Luggage/bag storage
- Eco water bottle souvenir
Exclusions
Gratuities
- The tour runs for 5.5 to 6 hours, including transport.
- Pick‑ups 7:15–8am; meet‑up option at Miccosukee General Store (8:30–8:40am).
- The minimum age for participation is 5 years.
- Wear comfortable shoes; no hiking boots needed.
- Bring a hat or sunglasses.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes suitable for nature trails.
- Wear weather-appropriate clothing and consider bringing a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for sun protection.
- Carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated during the tour.
- Bring insect repellent, especially during warmer months.
- Bring a valid photo ID to match the name on your booking if requested at pickup.
- Pets are not permitted, except for registered service animals.
- Alcohol, drugs, and any form of intoxication are strictly prohibited during the tour.
- Smoking and vaping are not allowed on the airboat or during the nature walk.
- Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not allowed on the tour. You will be provided with luggage storage.
- This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are available from select locations in Miami and Fort Lauderdale; confirm your pickup details after booking.
- The tour operates in most weather conditions; in case of severe weather, the experience may be rescheduled or canceled.
- Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
- Please arrive at your designated pickup point at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
- The airboat ride and nature walk may not be suitable for guests with certain medical conditions or mobility issues.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
EvergladesEverglades National Park
Which Everglades National Park tour is right for you
Daytime tour
This is a great pick if you’re looking to explore Everglades National Park during the day on a guided airboat ride. On this 40-min tour, you’ll glide over the “River of Grass” with a local expert, spot wildlife like alligators, herons, and the endangered Everglade Snail Kite, and learn about the unique ecosystem of the park.
Recommended tour:
- Everglades National Park Airboat Tour
Tour with transport
Don’t want to drive? Choose this convenient tour with round-trip transportation from South Beach or Downtown Miami. Once you arrive at the park, you’ll take a 45-min airboat ride through pristine wetlands, spot wildlife in their natural habitat, and enjoy a short wildlife presentation. It’s a hassle-free way to see the Everglades in half a day.
Recommended tour:
- From Miami: Everglades National Park Airboat Tour
Coopertown experience
For an authentic experience rooted in local history, head to Coopertown, where the original Everglades airboat tours began. This experience gives you more than just a ride, it offers a deep dive into the culture and community surrounding the Everglades. After your tour, meet the locals, sign the guestbook, and visit the alligator exhibit to round out your visit.
Recommended tour:
- Everglades National Park Airboat Tour
Plan your visit
Timings
Best time to visit
Getting there
Accessibility
Rules & safety
Visitor tips
Dining
Park timings: Open daily 24 hours a day
Entrances:
- Main Entrance in Homestead: Open 24 hours a day throughout the year
- Miami entrance in Shark Valley: From 8:30am to 6pm
- Everglades City / Naples Entrance in Gulf Coast: Open 24 hours a day throughout the year
Visitor center timings:
- Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center: 8am or 9am to 5pm, depending on the season
- The Flamingo Visitor Center: 8am to 4:30pm
- Shark Valley Visitor Center: 8:30am to 6 pm; vehicles must exit by 6pm
- Winter months (December to April) are the dry season and offer cooler temperatures, fewer mosquitoes, and better wildlife spotting, making it the most popular time to visit.
- Go earlier in the mornings when wildlife is more active, for a more rewarding experience.
- Avoid the rainy season (May to November), when the weather gets hotter and wetter, with frequent afternoon storms. There are more bugs during this time, but the landscape is lush and green—definitely a view for sore eyes.
Everglades National Park has two main entrances, each leading to different ecosystems and activities within the park. Note that these entrances are not connected within the park—plan your route based on what you want to see and do.
Main Entrance (Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center)
Address: 40001 State Highway 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, United States | Find on Maps
Closest city: Homestead, FL
Highlights: The most popular gateway for first-time visitors. From here, you can access Royal Palm, Anhinga Trail, Long Pine Key, and drive down to Flamingo.
Shark Valley Entrance
Address: 36000 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194, United States | Find on Maps
Closest city: Miami, FL
Highlights: Great for a quick visit from Miami. Known for its 15-mile paved loop, observation tower, and excellent chances to see alligators and birds year-round.
- Wheelchair-accessible facilities are available at major visitor centers like Ernest F. Coe, Shark Valley, and Gulf Coast, including accessible restrooms, exhibits, and parking.
- Paved trails like the Anhinga Trail and Pa-hay-okee Overlook are stroller- and wheelchair-friendly, offering smooth surfaces and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Service animals are welcome throughout the park, including on trails and in visitor centers, in accordance with ADA guidelines.
- Stick to the trails and boardwalks. They’re there for a reason, both to protect the wildlife and to keep you out of tricky (and sometimes dangerous) spots.
- Don’t feed or get too close to the animals. Yes, those alligators are amazing to see, but they’re wild, and it’s best for both of you if you keep a respectful distance.
- Keep an eye on the weather. Storms can roll in fast during the wet season (May to October), so check the forecast before heading out and be ready to change plans if needed.
- Follow all signs and listen to park rangers. They know the area best and are there to help you have a safe and enjoyable adventure.
- Dress for the outdoors. Lightweight clothing, comfy shoes, a hat, and sunglasses will make a huge difference, especially on airboat rides or walking trails.
- Bring snacks and water. There are limited food options inside the park, so it’s smart to pack your own. Just be sure to keep it sealed and clean up after yourself.
- Don’t forget the bug spray. The Everglades are beautiful but buggy, especially during the wet season. A good insect repellent is your best friend out here.
- Download maps in advance. Cell service can be spotty in some areas, so it’s a good idea to download the park map or carry a printed one, just in case.
While the park itself is more about nature than restaurants, there are a few convenient spots to grab a bite nearby:
- Coopertown Restaurant (US-41): Right next to Coopertown Airboat Tours, this old-school spot serves Everglades-style dishes like frog legs and catfish.
- Miccosukee Restaurant (Tamiami Trail): Located inside the Miccosukee Resort, this spot offers a mix of Native American and American comfort food.
- Camellia Street Grill (Everglades City): A quirky, colorful restaurant near the Gulf Coast entrance known for fresh seafood and outdoor seating on the water.
The Everglades’ untamed residents
Explore more Everglades experiences
Discover more ways to explore the Everglades with these nearby parks, each offering its own unique take on this extraordinary ecosystem.
Everglades Safari Park
The Safari Park is the perfect spot if you’re after some adventure mixed with a bit of wildlife fun. Known for its airboat rides and wildlife shows, it’s especially great for families and first-timers who want to dive into the Everglades without any fuss.
Everglades Holiday Park
This is where you’ll find the famous Gator Boys from Animal Planet, and it’s packed with heart-pounding airboat rides and live alligator shows. If you’re all about thrilling adventures combined with some wild entertainment, the Everglades Holiday Park is made for you.
Coopertown
Coopertown is famous for being the original airboat tour in the Everglades, giving you a rustic, old-school look at the region. With smaller airboats and hands-on gator demos, it’s the perfect spot if you’re after a more relaxed and authentic Everglades experience.
Frequently asked questions about Everglades National Park tours
What are the best Everglades National Park tours for first-timers?
Go for a daytime airboat tour with a naturalist guide or a package with hotel transport from Miami. These tours offer wildlife spotting, educational talks, and access to hidden wetland gems.
What’s included in an Everglades airboat tour?
Expect a 40–60 min guided ride across the marshes, wildlife sightings (alligators, turtles, rare birds), and sometimes access to exhibits or conservation presentations, depending on your tour type.
Do I need to pay an entrance fee for Everglades National Park tours?
Yes. Entry costs $35 per vehicle or $20 per person. Some tours include this in the price, especially those with transport from Miami. Always check the inclusions.
What’s the difference between Coopertown and other airboat tours?
Coopertown tours are run by locals who pioneered airboat tours in the Everglades. It’s more intimate, with rustic charm and a real connection to the Everglades' heritage.
How do I get to Everglades National Park?
You can enter via Homestead (Main Entrance), Shark Valley (near Miami), or Gulf Coast (Everglades City). Choose based on what you want: trails, loops, or boating.
Is it safe to visit Everglades National Park during the wet season?
It’s generally safe to visit, though expect higher humidity, occasional afternoon storms, and a noticeable uptick in mosquitoes. That said, the lush landscapes are at their peak and visitor numbers drop, making for a more serene, photogenic experience.
Are pets allowed inside Everglades National Park?
Only service animals are allowed inside the park and on trails, in line with ADA guidelines.
Are drones or tripods allowed in the park?
Drones are prohibited for safety and wildlife preservation reasons. Handheld cameras are welcome, though.
Are there restrooms available on-site?
Yes, at main visitor centers like Ernest F. Coe, Shark Valley, and Gulf Coast. But they’re sparse once you’re deeper into the wetlands.
What are the top things to do at Everglades National Park besides airboats?
You can try scenic biking at Shark Valley, kayaking at Ten Thousand Islands, birdwatching, or hiking the Anhinga or Gumbo Limbo Trails.
Can I bring my own food into the park?
Yes, you can. Just be sure to pack everything out and avoid feeding wildlife. Sealed containers are best.