If you’ve had your fill of theme parks and want a taste of real Florida, a trip from Orlando to the Everglades is just the change of pace you’re looking for. This vast, untamed wilderness feels a world away from roller coasters, yet it’s surprisingly reachable by road. Expect wide-open marshes, wildlife at every turn, and airboat rides that zip you across the water in the most Florida way possible.
Wondering how far is the Everglades from Orlando? It’s roughly a 3.5 to 4-hour drive depending on the region you visit. Far enough to feel remote, but close enough for a full-day adventure.
Skim over shallow marshes at high speed as your captain points out wildlife and navigates through thick sawgrass. It’s thrilling, scenic, and a Florida bucket-list experience.
Alligators are practically guaranteed. Whether tucked along the water’s edge or cruising just beneath the surface, spotting gators is part of the fun.
From elegant wading birds to curious turtles, the Everglades are teeming with animals you won’t see in Orlando’s urban sprawl.
This is Florida in its rawest form, slow-moving water, endless grasses, and landscapes shaped entirely by nature. Visiting from Orlando gives you a whole new perspective on the state.
| Tour | Inclusions | Highlights | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Orlando: Wild Florida Airboat Tour with Gator Park Tickets | Everglades airboat tour for 30 mins; Access to Wild Florida Gator Park | A quick, exciting airboat ride perfect for first-timers, plus full access to the Gator Park’s animals and exhibits. | 30 minutes (flexible visit time) | From $36 |
Orlando: Wild Florida 1-Hour Airboat Tour with Gator Park Tickets | 1-hour Everglades airboat tour; Access to Wild Florida Gator Park | A longer, more immersive airboat adventure that takes you deeper into the headwaters of the Everglades with plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities. | 1 hour (flexible visit time) | From $64 |
Orlando: Wild Florida Airboat Tour with Wildlife Park & Transportation from Orlando | 1-hour airboat ride through the Everglades; Admission to Wildlife Park; Access to the Wild Florida facility; Round-trip transportation | The most convenient option, transportation included, leaving you free to sit back and enjoy a guided day exploring Wild Florida. | Around 5 hours | From $125 |
Orlando: Wild Florida Drive-Thru Safari Park | Self-guided drive-thru in your own vehicle; Access to Wild Florida Adventure Park; Access to Wild Florida Gator Park; Access to Nuisance Alligator Pond | A relaxed, self-paced drive through open habitats where you’ll spot giraffes, antelope, bison, and more from your own vehicle. | Flexible (self-drive) | From $35 |
Orlando: Wild Florida 1‑Hour Airboat Tour with Gator Park Tickets + Wild Florida Drive‑Thru Safari Park | 1-hour Everglades airboat tour; Access to Wild Florida Gator Park; Self-guided drive-thru in your own vehicle; Access to Wild Florida Adventure Park; Access to Nuisance Alligator Pond | A full wildlife day with an extended airboat ride, close-up encounters at the Gator Park, and a safari drive featuring exotic animals. | 1 hour + flexible park/safari time | From $99 |

Zip over shallow waterways and thick sawgrass as your captain navigates areas you could never reach on foot.




| Region | Wildlife highlights | Access from Miami | Terrain type | Tour style |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Wild Florida (Everglades headwaters) | Alligators, wading birds, turtles, exotic wildlife | 45–60 mins south of Orlando | Marshes, wetlands, wildlife park | Airboat rides, wildlife park, safari |
Gator Park | Gators, tropical birds, mammals | Within Wild Florida | Boardwalks, enclosures | Nature walks, photos, encounters |
Drive-Thru Safari Park | Giraffes, bison, antelope, zebra | Within Wild Florida | Open-range habitats | Self-drive safari, animal feeding |

Feel the breeze, enjoy the spin turns, and skim over shallow water as you explore the Everglades from a whole new angle. Your guide will point out hidden wildlife and share stories about the ecosystem as you glide through the marsh.
See gators, tropical birds, and exotic animals up close. You can also wander through boardwalks and shaded viewing areas that make it easy to stop and watch the animals in their natural habitats.
Bring binoculars. The wetlands are full of birds, turtles, and plenty of Florida reptiles. As you explore, stay patient and keep your eyes on the water’s edge, where many animals tend to blend into the landscape.
A relaxing, family-friendly experience where you stay in your car and view animals roaming freely in large open spaces. The loop is easy to follow, and you can drive at your own pace to linger near the animals you find most fascinating.
The marsh views and wildlife sightings make for great photography moments, especially around sunrise or late afternoon. With open landscapes and soft natural lighting, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to capture frame-worthy shots.
Wild Florida, located in the northern Everglades ecosystem, is only about 45–60 mins from Orlando by car. It’s the closest and easiest gateway to the Everglades from Central Florida.
Yes, one of the options offers round-trip transport from Orlando, making it ideal if you don’t want to drive. The rest of the tours require your own vehicle.
Absolutely. Airboat rides are suitable for most ages, though young children may benefit from ear protection because the engines can be loud.
Not all tickets include the safari. Only the safari-specific products or combo tickets grant access so double-check your booking before you go.
Yes. Wild Florida sits on the headwaters of the Everglades, offering genuine marsh landscapes, native wildlife, and traditional airboat experiences without the long drive to South Florida.

Glide through untouched wetlands on a thrilling airboat ride and spot wildlife in their natural habitat—true, raw Florida in just 30 minutes.
Inclusions #
Everglades airboat tour (30 mins or 60 mins, as per option selected)
Access to Wild Florida Gator Park
Enjoy a long airboat ride through the Everglades with ample time to spot wildlife, along with your Wild Florida tickets.
Inclusions #
1-hour Everglades airboat tour
Access to Wild Florida Gator Park
Inclusions #
1-hour airboat ride through the Everglades
Admission to Wildlife Park
Access to the Wild Florida facility
Round-trip transportation from Kissimmee, Lake Buena Vista, Disney area, and International Drive
Exclusions #
Food & beverages
Driver gratuities
Come face-to-face with free-roaming animals on a self-guided safari adventure, without ever leaving your car.
Inclusions #
Self-guided drive-thru in your own vehicle
Access to Wild Florida Adventure Park
Access to Wild Florida Gator Park
Access to Nuisance Alligator Pond
Exclusions #
On-site transportation (explore the attraction in your own vehicle)
Car rentals
Take in two unforgettable Everglades adventures in one day, just a short drive away from Orlando.
Inclusions #
Wild Florida 1‑Hour Airboat Tour with Gator Park Tickets
1-hour Everglades airboat tour
Access to Wild Florida Gator Park
Wild Florida Drive‑Thru Safari Park
Self-guided drive-thru in your own vehicle
Access to Wild Florida Adventure Park
Access to Wild Florida Gator Park
Access to Nuisance Alligator Pond
Exclusions #
Wild Florida Drive‑Thru Safari Park
On-site transportation (explore the attraction in your own vehicle)
Car rentals
Wild Florida 1‑Hour Airboat Tour + Gator Park Tickets
Wild Florida Drive‑Thru Safari Park
Wild Florida 1‑Hour Airboat Tour + Gator Park Tickets
Wild Florida 1‑Hour Airboat Tour + Gator Park Tickets
Wild Florida Drive‑Thru Safari Park
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.
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.