Fort Lauderdale has plenty to offer with beaches, nightlife, and boating canals, but if you're craving something a little more wild, you’re in luck. Just a short drive away is the Everglades, one of the most unique ecosystems in North America. Everglades day trips are the perfect mix of high-speed adventure, rare wildlife encounters, and Florida’s one-of-a-kind landscapes. Ready to glide through the “River of Grass”? Let’s go!
Who says you have to drive hours to find real wilderness? The Everglades are just 30 to 60 min from Fort Lauderdale. You can swap beachside vibes for sawgrass marshes, airboats, and alligator sightings in less than an hour.
Nothing says “Everglades escapade” like an airboat ride. These fan-powered boats glide over shallow waters and tall sawgrass, zipping through hidden trails you’d never find on foot. It’s part sightseeing cruise, part adrenaline rush, especially when your captain kicks up the speed and takes a sharp turn.
A day trip here guarantees gator action. Spot them from the boat, see them sunbathing on the banks, or watch live shows like the Gator Boys at Everglades Holiday Park. You get the excitement of the wild without needing to rough it overnight.
The Everglades pack a ton into a short visit, think flocks of birds, turtles crossing your path, blooming lilies, and mirror-like waters. Even if you're only there for a few hours, you’ll leave with incredible photos that look like you spent days in the wilderness.
If you want to understand the real Florida, this is where you start. Drive right through endless sawgrass prairies, along winding waterways, and ancient cypress groves. You'll see gators, wading birds, and maybe even a manatee, all thriving in their natural habitat.
Tour | Inclusions | Highlights | Duration | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Sawgrass Recreation Park Airboat Tour with Reptile & Wildlife Exhibit Access | - 40-min airboat tour - Live English-speaking guide - Entry to alligator and reptile exhibit - Nighttime airboat tour (as per option selected) - Private airboat tour (as per option selected) | Speed through Sawgrass Recreation Park on an airboat and come face-to-face with Florida’s native reptiles in their natural habitat. | 1 hour | From $30.98 |
![]() Everglades Airboat Ride with Access to Reptile & Wildlife Exhibits | - 40-min airboat tour - Live English-speaking guide - Entry to alligator and reptile exhibit - Wildlife show (as per option selected) - Round-trip transportation from Miami (as per option selected)" | Glide across Sawgrass Recreation Park on an airboat and get up close with fascinating reptiles at the on-site sanctuary. | 1 hour-4 hours | From $30.98 |
![]() Everglades Airboat Night Tour | - 60-min nighttime airboat ride - Entry to exhibits at Sawgrass Recreation Park during the day - Free parking onsite - Airboat captain gratuity | Spot alligators by spotlight and take in the stars on this exhilarating night airboat adventure at Sawgrass Recreation Park. | 1 hour | From $48.15 |
Skim across the "River of Grass" at up to 40mph on a thrilling airboat ride that’s equal parts fun and adrenaline.
Region | Wildlife highlights | Access from Fort Lauderdale | Terrain type | Tour style |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() Everglades National Park (Shark Valley) | Alligators, wading birds, turtles | Approx. 1 hour via Tamiami Trail | Open marshland | Nature-focused, slow-paced tram and trail tours |
![]() Sawgrass Recreation Area | Gators, exotic animals, native birdlife | Approx. 30 mins west | Grassland marshes | Airboat rides, reptile exhibits |
![]() Everglades Holiday Park | Gators, birds, live Gator Boys show | Approx. 40 mins west | Canals and open marsh | Airboat rides, action-packed gator shows |
Speed across the marsh as your guide points out gators, birds, and snakes. It’s Florida’s version of a rollercoaster, except your track is a river of grass.
Watch trained experts handle alligators with awe-inspiring confidence. These shows are fun, educational, and safe (for the humans).
Bring your zoom lens, you’ll want it. Birds, turtles, gators, and maybe even river otters make their home here.
Some tours offer kayaking or canoeing, perfect for a quiet, up-close experience in shaded mangrove tunnels.
Located inside Everglades National Park, this easy boardwalk trail is a top spot for gator sightings. You might see more wildlife here than on a safari.
Most Everglades day trips from Fort Lauderdale take about 4 to 6 hours, depending on where you're headed. Whether you're hopping on an airboat or heading into the national park, it’s an easy half-day escape into the wild.
Not really. Most Everglades tours are pretty easy on the feet. You’ll mostly be riding in an airboat, with optional short walks around wildlife exhibits or boardwalks, so comfy shoes are a good idea, but no major hiking is required.
Yes. Many tours include round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off from Fort Lauderdale. Always double-check while booking, especially for shared vs. private transfers.
Morning departures are ideal for cooler weather and better chances of seeing active wildlife. The light is also perfect for photography. Afternoon tours tend to be warmer but are less crowded.
Absolutely. Airboat rides are fun for all ages. Just be sure to check the age recommendations for specific tours, and inform your provider if someone needs mobility support.
Yes, you’ll need a park entry fee to explore the Everglades, even on a day trip from Fort Lauderdale. Most tours include it in the ticket, but if not, it’s about $35 per vehicle or $20 per person.
Private Everglades airboat tour with wildlife exhibits, no crowds, just your group, and meet an alligator!
Inclusions
Entry to Sawgrass Recreation Park
60-min private airboat tour
Entry to alligator & reptile exhibit
”Meet a Baby Alligator” experience
Gratuity for airboat captain
Ear protection for airboat ride.
Free parking onsite
Groups of 4, 6, 12, or 15 (as per option selected)
Spot alligators by spotlight & stargaze on this thrilling night airboat tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park.
Inclusions
60-min nighttime airboat ride
Complimentary entrance to exhibits at Sawgrass Recreation Park during the day
Ear protection for airboat ride.
Free parking onsite
Airboat captain gratuity
Exclusions
Zoom through Sawgrass Recreation Park on an airboat and encounter Florida’s native reptiles up close.
Inclusions
40-min airboat tour
Live English-speaking guide
Entry to alligator and reptile exhibit
Ear protection for airboat ride.
Nighttime airboat tour (as per option selected)
Private airboat tour (as per option selected)
Glide through the Sawgrass Recreation Park on an airboat & see fascinating reptile exhibits up close.
Inclusions
40-minute airboat tour in Sawgrass Recreation Park
Live English-speaking guide
Entry to alligator and reptile exhibit
Ear protection for airboat ride.
Wildlife show (as per option selected)
Round-trip transportation from Miami (as per option selected)
Glide through Everglades Holiday Park on an airboat, spot wild alligators, and catch a thrilling Gator Boys show.
Inclusions
Fully narrated Everglades airboat tour
English-speaking guide
Gator Boys alligator show
1 free group photo per party
Access to gift shop and café
With transportation from multiple spots in Miami, this Everglades Holiday Park tour is an easy-breezy experience.
Inclusions
Round-trip transportation from select locations in Miami (Miami Beach & Bayside Marketplace)
Expert English or Spanish-speaking guide (based on option selected)
Entry to Everglades Holiday Park
Airboat ride
Wildlife show
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.
You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Book now without paying anything. Cancel for free if your plans change.