From happy customers

Loved by 45 million+
Tashon Shockey
US

Tashon

United States
Nov 2025
5/5
Very friendly and knowledgeable staff. Darius was amazing. Took time to answer our questions and did not make us feel like we were bothering him. Quite a memorable visit and Darius made it unforgettable with the new knowledge that he delivered to us about snakes, alligators and crocodiles. Tashon Shockey Raleigh NC
Yasmina Rosado Mendez
GB

Yasmina

United Kingdom
Nov 2025
5/5
The tour was amazing, from the bus driver Mr Blanc, he was super nice and funny, to the tour itself. The boat ride was good and the captain made sure we all saw the alligators, the show was also good. The. You can hold a gator or a snake and take a picture. We loved it.
Charlotte C

Charlotte

May 2025
5/5
The Everglades let us fully dive into wildlife and stunning landscapes. A well-organized, efficient, and super interesting excursion!
Henry-Blanton J

Henry-blanton

May 2025
5/5
The airboat ride was not just fun but very educational. It was wonderful to see nature and animals in their natural settings. Great experience for my family.
Nolan K

Nolan

May 2025
4/5
Fantastic trip to the Everglades. We saw all kinds of animals (alligators, grasshoppers, snakes, birds, even a frog and a turtle) while walking the trail and saw more gators on the airboat. This time of year is perfect for seeing them since the females are nesting. We even got snacks and drinks. I totally recommend it!
Pauline Johnston
GB

Pauline

United Kingdom
Nov 2025
5/5
The Airboat Tour was very enjoyable, everyone was friendly and helpful. Amazing to see the gators up close in their natural habitat!
Ray M

Ray

May 2025
5/5
Cost was $23.00 per person for a 45-minute tour. Our tour guide "Mike" was fantastic!! He took his time explaining the details of the trees and plants along the way and stopped so we could enjoy some gators in their natural habitat too! Airboats are awesome!! Totally worth the money. Don’t forget to tip generously if you enjoy the guide!! Ray - Edwardsburg, Michigan
Lynette M

Lynette

May 2025
5/5
It was a blast taking the ride—beautiful scenery—wind in your hair through the Everglades. It was interesting to see baby and adult alligators and other wildlife during the boat ride. Awesome captain Kevin!! So much information!


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.

What tour is best for you?

TourInclusionsHighlightsDurationPrice

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

The region deconstructed

RegionWildlife highlightsAccess from MiamiTerrain typeTour 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

Everglades Map

Tips for visiting the Everglades from Orlando

  • Leave early Plan to leave Orlando around 7:30am–8am to avoid traffic on the Florida Turnpike and reach Wild Florida in time for morning airboat tours. Arriving early also increases your chances of spotting active wildlife like alligators and birds.
  • Dress light and comfortable: Wear breathable, moisture-wicking clothing such as cotton t-shirts, shorts, or lightweight pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect from the sun. Sunglasses and a light long-sleeve shirt can also help shield you from both sun and insects.
  • Bring bug spray: Even if Orlando feels mosquito-free, the wetlands are full of insects, especially near the marshes. Apply a strong insect repellent before leaving the city and carry a small travel-sized spray to reapply during your visit.
  • Carry snacks and water: Pack at least one bottle of water per person and easy-to-eat snacks like granola bars or fruit. While Wild Florida has a small café, having your own refreshments ensures you stay hydrated and energized during airboat rides and safari drives.
  • Check your ticket details: Confirm whether your tour includes roundtrip transportation from Orlando, Gator Park entry, or Drive-Thru Safari Park access. Knowing exactly what’s included helps you plan your day efficiently and avoid unexpected additional costs.

Frequently asked questions about taking a day trip from Orlando to the Everglades

How far is the Everglades from Orlando?

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.

Do tours include transportation from Orlando?

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.

Are airboat rides safe for children?

Absolutely. Airboat rides are suitable for most ages, though young children may benefit from ear protection because the engines can be loud.

Is the Drive-Thru Safari Park included with every ticket?

Not all tickets include the safari. Only the safari-specific products or combo tickets grant access so double-check your booking before you go.

Does visiting Wild Florida feel like visiting the real Everglades?

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.

More reads

Wild Florida Tours

Everglades National Park

Plan your visit