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Everglades Tickets

Sawgrass Recreation Park Tours

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Airboat gliding through Everglades at Sawgrass Recreation Park with passengers.
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Guided Tours

Miami: Sawgrass Recreation Park Airboat Tour with Reptile Exhibit & Optional Transportation

Zoom through Sawgrass Recreation Park on an airboat and encounter Florida’s native reptiles up close.

  • Everything you get: Set out on a 40-minute airboat journey with a professional guide and explore the park’s wetlands, home to alligators, birds, and other wildlife. After your ride, visit the reptile exhibit, where you can see native species like snakes and turtles.
  • Why choose this: Sawgrass Recreation Park is approximately 30 miles west of Fort Lauderdale and 40 miles west of Miami, making it easily accessible for guests from both cities.
  • Upgrades: Choose an airboat night tour to explore the wetlands after dark or opt for a private airboat tour for a more exclusive experience. Alternatively, you can select the round-trip transportation option, where you'll be picked up and dropped off at Fort Lauderdale hotels.
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Check availability
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr - 4 hrs
Transfers
Pickup

Zoom through Sawgrass Recreation Park on an airboat and encounter Florida’s native reptiles up close.

  • Everything you get: Set out on a 40-minute airboat journey with a professional guide and explore the park’s wetlands, home to alligators, birds, and other wildlife. After your ride, visit the reptile exhibit, where you can see native species like snakes and turtles.
  • Why choose this: Sawgrass Recreation Park is approximately 30 miles west of Fort Lauderdale and 40 miles west of Miami, making it easily accessible for guests from both cities.
  • Upgrades: Choose an airboat night tour to explore the wetlands after dark or opt for a private airboat tour for a more exclusive experience. Alternatively, you can select the round-trip transportation option, where you'll be picked up and dropped off at Fort Lauderdale hotels.

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)

  • Airboat tour with round-trip transportation from downtown Fort Lauderdale (as per option selected)

Accessibility

  • The boats are not wheelchair accessible, but the exhibits are.

Additional information

  • The night tour also comes with access to the alligator and reptile exhibit during the day of your visit.
  • Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.
Guests enjoying an airboat ride through the Everglades, Miami.
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Guided Tours

Miami: Airboat Tour with Wildlife Show & Transportation from Miami

With transportation from multiple spots in Miami, this Sawgrass Recreation Park tour is an easy-breezy experience.

  • Everything you get: This 4-hour adventure starts in Miami, comes with an airboat ride, entry to Sawgrass Recreation Park, and an exciting wildlife show. Expert guides will share cool facts about the ecosystem in either English or Spanish, depending on the tour you choose. You’ll even get a free photo to remember the trip by.
  • Why choose this: With Fort Lauderdale only 22 miles away and Miami 45 miles out, the park is ideally placed for guests from both cities.
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Check availability
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
4 hrs
Transfers
Pickup

With transportation from multiple spots in Miami, this Sawgrass Recreation Park tour is an easy-breezy experience.

  • Everything you get: This 4-hour adventure starts in Miami, comes with an airboat ride, entry to Sawgrass Recreation Park, and an exciting wildlife show. Expert guides will share cool facts about the ecosystem in either English or Spanish, depending on the tour you choose. You’ll even get a free photo to remember the trip by.
  • Why choose this: With Fort Lauderdale only 22 miles away and Miami 45 miles out, the park is ideally placed for guests from both cities.

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 Sawgrass Recreation Park

  • Airboat ride

  • Wildlife show

What to bring

  • Bring along comfortable shoes, water, insect repellent, a hat, and sunscreen.

Accessibility

  • This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.

Additional information

  • Guests can easily view their tickets by visiting Big Bus Tour's 'Manage My Booking' portal, entering their PRN (located on their ticket voucher) and their registered last name.
  • Find complete details on the departure time and locations here.
  • Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.
Group on an airboat during a night tour in the Everglades, surrounded by marshland.
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Sightseeing Cruises

Miami: Sawgrass Recreation Park Airboat Tour at Night

Spot alligators by spotlight & stargaze on this thrilling night airboat tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park.

  • Everything you get: Take a 60-min airboat ride at night through the Everglades with a captain, as you search for alligators, other reptiles, insects, and amphibians. Use a flashlight to spot these creatures, plus get free daytime entry to Sawgrass Recreation Park exhibits.
  • Why choose this: Situated around 30 miles west of Fort Lauderdale and 40 miles west of Miami, Sawgrass Recreation Park is a prime destination for a quick day trip.
  • Upgrades: Upgrade to include transportation to and from Miami in a comfortable shuttle, along with an expert English-speaking guide.
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Check availability
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr - 3 hrs
Guided tour

Spot alligators by spotlight & stargaze on this thrilling night airboat tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park.

  • Everything you get: Take a 60-min airboat ride at night through the Everglades with a captain, as you search for alligators, other reptiles, insects, and amphibians. Use a flashlight to spot these creatures, plus get free daytime entry to Sawgrass Recreation Park exhibits.
  • Why choose this: Situated around 30 miles west of Fort Lauderdale and 40 miles west of Miami, Sawgrass Recreation Park is a prime destination for a quick day trip.
  • Upgrades: Upgrade to include transportation to and from Miami in a comfortable shuttle, along with an expert English-speaking guide.

Inclusions

  • 1-hour nighttime airboat ride

  • Ear protection for the airboat ride.

  • Free parking onsite

  • Complimentary entrance to exhibits at Sawgrass Recreation Park during the day (as per option selected)

  • Round-trip transport from Miami (as per option selected)

  • Live commentary in English by an expert guide (as per option selected)

Exclusions

  • Food and beverages

What to Bring

  • To visit the exhibit areas at Sawgrass Recreation Park between 9am and 5pm, please carry your night tour voucher and a valid ID for entry.

Accessibility

  • This experience is not wheelchair accessible.

Additional Information

  • Since each tour requires at least 10 passengers and has limited availability, booking in advance is necessary to reserve your spot.
  • Guests will be informed on the tour day if the minimum isn't reached or if weather conditions lead to cancellation.
  • For safety, children six years old and younger must wear a life jacket.
  • Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.
Group enjoying an Everglades private airboat tour through marshlands.
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Sightseeing Cruises

Miami: Private Everglades Airboat Tour [Group Pricing]

Private Everglades airboat tour with wildlife exhibits, no crowds, just your group, and meet an alligator!

  • Everything you get: This 60-min private airboat tour zooms across the Sawgrass Recreation Park at 40mph. It includes the alligator & reptile exhibit with a 1,000-pound alligator known as Cannibal, plus the “Meet a Baby Alligator” experience with expert handlers. You can even choose between group sizes of 4, 6, 12, or 15 according to your preference.
  • Why choose this: This private tour offers an intimate way to experience the Everglades. About 30 miles west of Fort Lauderdale and 40 miles west of Miami, Sawgrass Recreation Park is perfectly positioned for guests from either city.
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Check availability
Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
1 hr

Private Everglades airboat tour with wildlife exhibits, no crowds, just your group, and meet an alligator!

  • Everything you get: This 60-min private airboat tour zooms across the Sawgrass Recreation Park at 40mph. It includes the alligator & reptile exhibit with a 1,000-pound alligator known as Cannibal, plus the “Meet a Baby Alligator” experience with expert handlers. You can even choose between group sizes of 4, 6, 12, or 15 according to your preference.
  • Why choose this: This private tour offers an intimate way to experience the Everglades. About 30 miles west of Fort Lauderdale and 40 miles west of Miami, Sawgrass Recreation Park is perfectly positioned for guests from either city.

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)

  • Children aged 6 and under need to wear a life jacket while they are on the airboat.
  • Children aged 3 and under can board the airboat for free.
  • Pregnant women can participate as well, but it is recommended they consult a doctor before the experience.
  • Private tours get reserved fast, so make sure to book your experience at least a week in advance.
  • Service animals are allowed in the Park but at your own risk. They are not allowed on the airboat. Those with mobility issues can participate in the airboat tour. The airboats are not wheelchair-accessible, but assistance is provided in case necessary.
  • The animal exhibits are wheelchair-accessible, and wheelchairs are available at no cost at the Park.
  • Get full refund if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.

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Experience Sawgrass Recreation Park: Airboat tours, rescued wildlife & reptile encounters

Looking for a fun and easy way to explore the Everglades? Sawgrass Recreation Park is a great place to start. Just a short drive from Fort Lauderdale, it offers the perfect mix of adventure and wildlife. You’ll cruise across the "River of Grass" on a fast-paced airboat while learning about the unique ecosystem from your captain. There’s also a reptile exhibit on site, which is home to rescued alligators, turtles, and snakes.

What makes Sawgrass Recreation Park special

Airboat with tourists gliding through Everglades wetlands under a clear sky.
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Convenient location with quick access

Unlike many other Everglades parks that require a longer drive, Sawgrass is just 30 minutes from Fort Lauderdale and easy to reach from Miami. That means more time on the water, less time on the road.

Home to rescued and rehabilitated wildlife

At Sawgrass, your ticket also includes access to a reptile sanctuary where you can see (and even touch) rescued wildlife. From alligators to snakes, every creature here has a story, and your visit helps support their ongoing care.

Explore the Everglades after dark

Most parks stick to daytime rides, but Sawgrass offers something truly special: a nighttime airboat adventure. Gliding through the wetlands under the stars, spotting glowing alligator eyes, and listening to the sounds of the swamp at night makes for an unforgettable and slightly eerie experience.

Private airboat tours for a more personal experience

Most Everglades parks stick to group tours, but Sawgrass lets you book a private airboat just for your group. It’s a great way to explore at your own pace, ask questions freely, and enjoy the wild without the crowd.

Family-owned with a personal touch

Sawgrass Recreation Park is locally run, and you’ll feel that difference in the friendly service and passion the team brings to every tour. Expect a more laid-back, welcoming vibe.

Things you’ll want to know before booking your tour

  • Know the park: Sawgrass Recreation Park is a top pick if you’re staying in Fort Lauderdale or Miami. It is just 30 to 40 min away and is perfect for a quick Everglades adventure without needing a long drive.
  • Transportation: Choose a tour with round-trip transportation from Miami to save the hassle of driving down yourself.
  • Daytime tours: If you’re looking for a quick and budget-friendly wildlife experience, the 40-min guided airboat ride is perfect for you. 
  • Night tours: All the night owls might find a nocturnal adventure at Everglades just the right amount of thrilling. These tours come with airboat rides and daytime access to the reptile exhibits, so you don’t miss a thing.
  • Traveling with a group: The private airboat tour is your best bet if you don’t like a crowd. You won’t be sharing your boat with strangers, and you’ll get extra perks like the baby gator encounter. Plus, choosing your own group size keeps things flexible and personalized.

Which Sawgrass tour is right for you

Daytime tour

This classic airboat tour is perfect if you're looking for a thrilling, family-friendly adventure in the Everglades. You'll zip through the wetlands on a 40-min ride led by an expert guide, spotting alligators, turtles, and birds in their natural habitat. After the ride, explore the reptile exhibit, home to over 50 rescued creatures, including snakes, turtles, and the Florida alligator.

Recommended tours:

  • Everglades Airboat Ride with Access to Reptile Exhibits
  • Sawgrass Recreation Park Airboat Tour with Reptile Exhibit

Night tour

Sawgrass is one of the few parks that offers airboat tours after dark, and it’s a whole different world out there at night. Glide under the stars with a captain who uses a spotlight to help you find nocturnal creatures like glowing gator eyes, frogs, and maybe even owls. This tour also comes with free daytime access to the reptile exhibits, so you get the best of both worlds.

Recommended tours:

  • Everglades Airboat Night Tour

Private tour

If you want the Everglades all to yourself (or with your own group), go for the private airboat tour. With flexible group sizes (4, 6, 12, or 15), it’s ideal for families or small gatherings. You'll also get a special "Meet a Baby Alligator" experience and time to explore the reptile sanctuary, including the park’s massive 1,000-pound gator, Cannibal.

Recommended tours:

  • Everglades Private Airboat Tour

Tour with transport

Don’t have a car? No worries. Choose the tour that includes round-trip transportation from Miami, with pickups from popular spots like Miami Beach and Bayside Marketplace. It’s a stress-free way to enjoy the Everglades without worrying about directions or parking.

Recommended tours:

  • Everglades Airboat Ride with Access to Reptile Exhibits

Tour with a wildlife show

This ticket option includes an airboat ride and reptile exhibit, as well as a live wildlife show at the park. It’s a fun and educational way to meet Florida’s wild residents up close, including some you might not see on the boat ride.

Recommended tours:

  • Everglades Airboat Ride with Access to Reptile Exhibits

Top highlights in pictures: From airboats to baby gators

Airboat with tourists in Everglades at Sawgrass Recreation Park.

Skimming the water on an airboat

An airboat ride at Sawgrass feels like flying just above the surface of the wetlands. With the wind in your face and the Everglades stretching out in every direction, it’s a moment you won’t forget.

Alligator swimming underwater during Everglades night airboat tour.
Male Everglades Snail Kite capturing a snail in the Everglades, Florida swamp.
Airboat gliding through Everglades at dusk during night tour.
Alligator resting on a log in the Everglades during a night airboat tour.

Plan your visit

Visitors feeding a tortoise at Sawgrass Recreation Park Wildlife Show.

General timings: Daily from 8am to 6pm
Airboat timings:

  • Regular hours: Boats leave every 20-30 min, from 9:30am to 3:30pm
  • Holiday hours: On Christmas Eve (December 24), the final boat departs at 2pm and the exhibits close at 2pm

Closed: Thanksgiving (November 27) and Christmas Day (December 25)

Airboat gliding through Everglades marshland on a private 1-hour adventure tour.
  • Weekdays usually offer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere, while weekends are great if you're looking for a lively crowd and family-friendly buzz.
  • Visit during the dry season (November to April) when the weather is cooler, humidity is lower, and wildlife, especially alligators, is easier to spot due to lower water levels.
  • The wet season (May to October) brings lush green landscapes and fewer visitors, but also higher humidity and mosquitoes.

Address: 1006 US-27, Weston, FL 33327, United States | Find on Maps

  • By car: If you're driving, Sawgrass Recreation Park is easily accessible via US-27, and you'll find free parking available onsite.
  • From Miami: The drive takes about 40–50 mins via I-95 N and I-595 W to US-27 N. It’s a scenic route with well-marked signs leading you straight to the park entrance.
  • From Fort Lauderdale: It’s even quicker to get there fromFort Lauderdale, just a 25–30 min drive west on I-595 to US-27 N. 
  • By public transport: Public transportation options are limited in this area, so it’s best to either drive yourself or book a tour that includes round-trip transfers from Miami.
Accessible pathway with wheelchair access at Sawgrass Recreation Park
  • Getting around Sawgrass Recreation Park is fairly easy, even if you have mobility concerns, but do expect uneven terrain.
  • The airboats themselves are not wheelchair-accessible.
  • The animal exhibits, including the gator and reptile areas, are wheelchair-friendly. 
  • You can even borrow a wheelchair at no extra cost if you need one. 
  • Service animals are welcome in the park, though for safety reasons they won’t be allowed on the airboats.
Guests listening to tour guide on Everglades Nature trail during guided walk.
  • If you're bringing children 6 years or younger on the airboat, they must wear a life jacket at all times.
  • Toddlers under 3 years old can join the airboat tour for free.
  • The dock and boardwalks can get wet or slippery; hold on to handrails and watch where you’re walking.
  • For safety reasons, always remain seated and avoid sudden movements when the airboat is underway.
  • Do not touch or feed the animals outside of the supervised encounters.
  • Whether your guide is pointing out wildlife or communicating safety rules, it’s important to listen and follow along.
  • Animals are most active in the cooler hours of the morning. Get there early for the best chance of spotting gators, turtles, and birds.
  • Wear light, breathable clothes, sunglasses, and a hat to keep yourself comfortable. 
  • Leave the flip-flops at home. Closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals are a safer bet, especially when boarding the airboat or walking around the exhibits.
  • The Everglades are beautiful, but mosquitoes love them too. Bring insect repellent, especially during the wet season.
  • Plan to stay back for an hour or two after the tour. Between the reptile exhibit, photo ops, and gift shop, you’ll want to stay even after your airboat ride ends.

The Gator Grill

Before you explore the exhibits, make sure to swing by The Gator Grill for some tasty, made-to-order lunch. They use fresh ingredients to serve up favorites like Angus burgers, pulled pork, and even delicious grilled gator bites. The handmade Angus cheeseburgers and pulled pork sandwiches are crowd-pleasers.

Timings: Open daily from 10am to 4pm
Location: Near the exhibit areas

Beyond Sawgrass Recreation Park

Discover more ways to explore the Everglades with these nearby parks, each offering its own unique take on this extraordinary ecosystem.

Everglades National Park

As the largest subtropical wilderness in the US, Everglades National Park is a must-visit for nature lovers. From hiking and kayaking to ranger-led programs, it offers a deeper dive into the Everglades' rich biodiversity.

Everglades Safari Park

Famous for its airboat rides and wildlife shows, Everglades Safari Park blends adventure with conservation. It’s a great stop for families and first-time visitors looking to experience the Everglades in a fun, approachable way.

Everglades Holiday Park

​Everglades Holiday Park is home to the iconic Gator Boys from Animal Planet and features adrenaline-pumping airboat tours and live alligator shows. It's perfect for thrill-seekers who want a mix of high-speed adventure and wildlife entertainment.

Coopertown

Coopertown is known as the “original airboat tour” of the Everglades, offering a rustic, old-school Everglades experience. With small airboats and gator-handling demos, it’s perfect for those looking for a more laid-back, authentic outing.

Frequently asked questions about Sawgrass Recreation Park tours

Yes, every ticket includes access to the park’s wildlife exhibits. You'll meet rescued reptiles, tortoises, and even exotic creatures that call Sawgrass home.