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.
Juan V

Juan

Jun 2025
5/5
We did the tour with Germán, all luxury. He was attentive, and I speak both Spanish and English. Highly recommend if you're in Miami and want to check out the Everglades.
Randy M

Randy

Jun 2025
5/5
My family really had a great time on this airboat tour. The tour company handed out earplugs and off we went. Since it was cooler out, we were super excited to spot a couple of alligators. Our guide got us close enough to see them without bothering the animals. We also enjoyed the animal exhibits. The animals seemed very well cared for.
Emily F

Emily

Jun 2025
4/5
It was our first trip to the Everglades, so it was really cool to be out on the boat. As our guide said, it’s nature, so you may or may not see any crocs or gators. We didn’t see any, but we did spot some lizards and birds. Plus, just the ride was fun to experience. It was short though.
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!
Jan M

Jan

Jun 2025
5/5
We checked out the Everglades not long after Hurricane Irma, so the water levels were super high and many roads and trails were closed. Luckily, the airboats were still running, so we hopped on not really knowing what to expect. It turned out to be an awesome trip with a very knowledgeable guide who took us over this vast sea of grass, pointing out things we’d never find on our own, including a few alligators. It was an exciting and enjoyable experience. There’s a bit of a rundown zoo on site, but don’t let that put you off.
Linda G

Linda

Jun 2025
5/5
This place is such a blast! We brought a group of 50 kids to Wild Florida for the airboat ride and animal park! The kids had an absolute ball! Our school, Treasure Kids Academy, goes on 2-3 field trips every week and all the kids said this was their favorite hands down this summer! Thanks, Wild Florida and Samantha in bookings for making this an awesome day for our summer camp!

Top things to do in Miami

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.

Why take a day trip from Orlando to the Everglades

Guests on an airboat tour enjoying the Everglades view in Florida.
Guests on an airboat tour in the Everglades, Florida.
Alligator in marshland during airboat tour.
Red macaw perched on a branch in a lush tropical setting.
Airboat navigating through lush wetlands with passengers, showcasing an Everglades tour experience.
1/5

A real escape from the city

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.

Airboat rides that feel straight out of a movie

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.

Meet the Everglades’ most iconic residents

Alligators are practically guaranteed. Whether tucked along the water’s edge or cruising just beneath the surface, spotting gators is part of the fun.

Incredible wildlife everywhere you look

From elegant wading birds to curious turtles, the Everglades are teeming with animals you won’t see in Orlando’s urban sprawl.

A different side of Florida

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.

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

Highlights from your day trip

Guests enjoying an airboat tour in the Everglades, surrounded by water and reeds.

Airboat ride across real Everglades marsh

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

Alligator in grass during Everglades Airboat Tour.
Guests feeding giraffe during Everglades Airboat Tour with Wildlife Park Ticket.
Family in jeep observing cattle at Drive-Thru Safari Park, Orlando.
Man interacting with an alligator at Gator Park, Drive-Thru Safari Park, Orlando.

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

Best things to do in the Everglades

Guests listening to guide during Everglades Airboat Tour.
Adult alligator resting on a log in a river, surrounded by lush greenery.
Roseate spoonbills wading in Everglades National Park during airboat tour.
Guests in a jeep observing buffalo during Everglades Airboat Tour with Wildlife Park Ticket.
Aerial view of Everglades with airboat navigating through winding waterways.
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Ride an airboat

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.

Visit the Gator Park

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.

Spot wildlife everywhere you go

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.

Drive through the Safari Park

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.

Take photos of untouched nature

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.

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

Guests on an airboat tour enjoying the Everglades view.

Wild Florida Tours

Tourists on an airboat in Everglades at Sawgrass Recreation Park.

Everglades National Park

Kayakers navigating through mangrove forest in the Everglades.

Plan your visit