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Everglades Night Tours
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION60 minutes
START POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Board the night airboat tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park to begin your tour.
1
Airboat night tour of the Everglades
60 minutes
Tickets included
This thrilling 60-minute adventure will take you deep into the Everglades, where you'll pause at key spots to search for alligators, night birds, and other nocturnal wildlife by flashlight. Your expert captain will lead the way with sharp spotting skills and entertaining commentary, making every moment unforgettable.
Air boat
2
Alligator & reptile exhibit
Tickets included
You’ll also get all-day access to the reptile exhibit with your ticket where you can see native species like rescued alligators, snakes, and more.
3
END POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Spot alligators by spotlight & stargaze on this thrilling night airboat tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park.
Close to: Fort Lauderdale
- Everything you get: Take a 60-min airboat ride at night through the Everglades with a captain, as you search for alligators, and other reptiles, insects and amphibians. Use a flashlights to spot these creatures, plus get free daytime entry to Sawgrass Recreation Park exhibits.
- Why choose this: Combine the thrill of nighttime airboat ride, expert wildlife spotting, and immersive experience, all under a starry Everglades sky.
Spot alligators by spotlight & stargaze on this thrilling night airboat tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park.
Close to: Fort Lauderdale
- Everything you get: Take a 60-min airboat ride at night through the Everglades with a captain, as you search for alligators, and other reptiles, insects and amphibians. Use a flashlights to spot these creatures, plus get free daytime entry to Sawgrass Recreation Park exhibits.
- Why choose this: Combine the thrill of nighttime airboat ride, expert wildlife spotting, and immersive experience, all under a starry Everglades sky.
Inclusions
- 60-min 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 9am and 5pm, 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.
EvergladesNight Tours
Why take an Everglades night tour
✔️ Spot alligators after sunset
Glide through the wetlands with a guide using spotlights to catch the glowing eyes of alligators and other nocturnal animals like owls, bobcats, and frogs.
✔️ Cruise the Everglades by night
Enjoy an airboat ride under the stars through Sawgrass Recreation Park. The cool air and quiet swamp amplify every splash and rustle, making this a truly immersive nature experience.
✔️ Access exhibits by day
With your night tour ticket, you’ll also get free access to Sawgrass Recreation Park’s daytime exhibits. It’s a great chance to check out rescued reptiles, and exotic animals before your airboat adventure.
✔️ Small groups, expert captains
Each tour is led by an experienced airboat captain who knows how to navigate the Everglades in low light and spot hard-to-find creatures.
✔️ An unforgettable twist on the classic airboat ride
Day tours are popular, but a night ride adds a thrill of mystery, discovery, and natural wonder. Perfect for adventurous visitors and wildlife lovers alike.
✔️ See the Everglades come alive after dark
The swamp takes on a whole new personality at night. It’s quieter, cooler, and full of unexpected sounds. This is the best way to witness how the Everglades truly come alive when the sun goes down.
Your night tour explained
- Sawgrass is one of the very few places where you can hop on an airboat after dark, and trust us, the Everglades feel totally different at night.
- You’ll glide across moonlit waters with your expert captain leading the way, shining a spotlight to reveal glowing gator eyes, frogs lurking in the reeds, and maybe even a curious owl overhead.
- Your ticket also gets you free daytime access to the reptile exhibits. So you get wild adventures both day and night.
Location: Sawgrass Recreation Park
Transportation: Not included
Timing: Airboats leave at 8:30pm
Recommended tours:
Everglades Airboat Night Tour
Plan your night tour
Facilities
What to bring
Rules
Visitor tips
- Free parking is available on-site, so you won’t have to worry about finding a spot or paying extra before your tour begins.
- Ear protection is provided to ensure a comfortable ride, especially for younger visitors, as airboats can get loud.
- Restroom facilities are available at Sawgrass Recreation Park.
- Don’t forget your night tour voucher and a valid ID. You’ll need both if you plan to visit the daytime exhibits at Sawgrass Recreation Park.
- Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, since you’ll be boarding an airboat and sitting outdoors for about an hour.
- A light jacket is a good idea, especially if you're sensitive to cooler night air or if there’s a breeze out on the water.
- Bug spray isn’t a must, but it’s definitely recommended. This is the Everglades, after all, and the mosquitoes know it.
- If you plan to take photos, bring a camera or phone, but be mindful that flash photography can disturb the wildlife.
- You’ll need to book your spot in advance. Night tours don’t allow walk-ins, and availability is limited, so it’s best to reserve early.
- Each tour requires at least 10 guests to run, so if there aren’t enough people signed up, it may be rescheduled or canceled.
- The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so keep that in mind when planning your visit if you or someone in your group has mobility needs.
- Children age 6 and under must wear a life jacket during the ride, which will be provided for you at the park.
- Plan to arrive at least 45 mins before your ride so you have time to check in, get your ear protection, and settle in before your airboat heads out.
- If you want to visit the daytime exhibits, try to go earlier in the day so you’re not rushing to finish before your night tour.
- Once you’re on the boat, there are no bathroom breaks, so be sure to use the restroom before the tour begins.
- Leave the flash off your camera or phone. Flash photography can disturb the animals, especially the alligators you’ll be spotting in the dark.
- There are no food or drink vendors available during the night tours, so it’s a good idea to eat beforehand and bring water if needed.
Frequently asked questions about the Everglades night tour
What's included in my night tour ticket?
Your night tour ticket includes the 1-hour night airboat tour, ear protection, access to Sawgrass Recreation Park’s daytime exhibits, and free parking.
Can I visit the daytime exhibits on the same day?
Absolutely! Just bring your night tour voucher and valid ID and swing by during regular daytime hours (from 9am to 5pm) to explore the animal exhibits and nature displays. It’s a great way to make the most of your visit.
When do night tours run?
Night tours usually run on Wednesdays and Saturdays, with check-in around 8pm and departure at 8:30pm.
How long does the tour last?
The Everglades night tour lasts about 1 hour, which is just enough time to explore the wetlands, spot wildlife, hear mysterious swamp sounds, and stargaze, all in one magical ride.
How do I get to the tour?
You'll meet your captain at Sawgrass Recreation Park, which is just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale. Free parking is available right onsite, so no need to stress about meters or fees.
Is the Everglades night tour suitable for kids?
Definitely! Kids will love the thrill of spotting glowing gator eyes in the dark. Just note that children aged 6 and under must wear a life jacket during the ride (provided by the park). And if they’re under 3 years old, they ride for free.
Can I bring a stroller or wheelchair?
The airboats aren’t wheelchair accessible, and strollers won’t work on the dock. However, the daytime exhibits at Sawgrass Recreation Park are accessible.
What kind of animals will I see?
Alligators are the stars of the show, but you may also spot owls, frogs, raccoons, bobcats, and all sorts of critters that prefer the cover of night. Your guide uses a flashlight to catch their glowing eyes, it's a real “whoa!” moment.