From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+

Merrilee

May 2025

5/5

I was amazed by the overall experience especially the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. We arrived an hour earlier and asked if we could get on the next airboat and he did it without hesitation. Then we had Captain Adam as our guide and he was knowledgeable and great at pointing out not just gators but the different birds we saw. It was a great experience and the price was very reasonable. We can't wait to come back. Thank you for starting our vacation out perfectly.

Elena

May 2025

5/5

Visited with my parents and my little brother (he’s 8). Our guide, Tim, was super funny and kept us all entertained. We sped through the water and then drifted quietly to spot alligators (saw 4, one really close!). Learned a lot about the plants too. Bring a hat—it gets HOT. A couple of the other boats looked crowded but ours was fine. Great family outing.

Hanna

Mar 2025

4/5

Visited with my parents. The airboat ride was fun and we saw some gators. Facilities are basic, so don’t expect anything fancy. Bring snacks.

Nils

Mar 2025

4/5

Fun tour, but the bus ride was longer than I’d hoped. The Everglades are worth it though. Take a jacket – it can get chilly on the water!

Felix

Jan 2025

5/5

Did this solo and really enjoyed it. The guide explained a lot and I learned stuff I didn’t expect (like how the Everglades isn’t a swamp – who knew?). Bring sunglasses, the glare is INTENSE.

What makes Sawgrass Recreation Park special

1/5

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.

Group enjoying an Everglades private airboat tour through marshlands.

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

Everglades airboat gliding through lush wetlands, showcasing scenic waterways.

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

Alligator on grass in Everglades reptile exhibit.

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

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.

Kids enjoying a meal at Sawgrass Recreation Park with a peacock in the background.

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.

Group on airboat tour in Everglades, Miami, with bird flying over water.

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

Are the animal exhibits included in all tickets?

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.

What can I expect during an airboat ride at Sawgrass Everglades?

You’ll glide over the “River of Grass” at speeds up to 40mph while your captain shares insights about the ecosystem. Expect to see alligators, turtles, and plenty of birds in their natural habitat.

Is the airboat ride loud or bumpy?

It can be breezy and a bit bumpy, but it’s completely safe and a total thrill! Noise-reducing headphones are usually provided for comfort.

At what time should I arrive for my airboat tour?

Arrive at least 30 min before your scheduled departure to make sure you have a smooth boarding experience.

What’s the difference between the day and night airboat tours?

Day tours are great for spotting alligators and soaking in Everglades views. Nighttime tours feel more adventurous, spotlighting nocturnal wildlife under the stars. Night tours also last a full hour, almost twice as long as the day tours.

Can I see wildlife at night?

Absolutely. Captains use flashlights to reveal gators and other nighttime creatures, making it a whole new world after dark.

How long should I plan to spend at Sawgrass Recreation Park?

About 2 to 3 hours is perfect to enjoy the airboat ride, visit the exhibits, grab a snack at the Gator Grill, and buy a souvenir to remember your day at the Everglades by.

Glide through the Sawgrass Recreation Park on an airboat & see fascinating reptile exhibits up close.

Everything you get: A 40-minute airboat tour led by an expert guide takes you through the Sawgrass Recreation Park at the UNESCO-listed Everglades. Enjoy a small-group ride and get close to rare wildlife like alligators and birds. Visit the reptile exhibit to see native species, including snakes and turtles.
Why choose this: Sawgrass Recreation Park is approximately 30 miles west of Fort Lauderdale and 40 miles west of Miami, conveniently located from both cities.
Upgrades: Choose the airboat tour with the wildlife show included, along with transportation from Miami for a hassle-free round-trip journey.

Inclusions

40-minute airboat tour in Sawgrass Recreation Park
Live English-speaking guide
Entry to alligator and reptile exhibit
Ear protection for airboat ride.
Wildlife show (as per option selected)
Round-trip transportation from Miami (as per option selected)

The boats are not wheelchair accessible but the exhibits are.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

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.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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: Opt for an airboat night tour to explore the wetlands after dark or choose a private airboat tour for a more exclusive experience.

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)

The boats are not wheelchair accessible, but the exhibits are.
The night tour also comes with access to the alligator and reptile exhibit during the day of your visit.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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.

Inclusions

60-min nighttime airboat ride
Complimentary entrance to exhibits at Sawgrass Recreation Park during the day
Ear protection for airboat ride.
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.

Glide through the Sawgrass Recreation Park on an airboat & see fascinating reptile exhibits up close.

Everything you get: A 40-minute airboat tour led by an expert guide takes you through the Sawgrass Recreation Park at the UNESCO-listed Everglades. Enjoy a small-group ride and get close to rare wildlife like alligators and birds. Visit the reptile exhibit to see native species, including snakes and turtles.
Why choose this: Sawgrass Recreation Park is approximately 30 miles west of Fort Lauderdale and 40 miles west of Miami, conveniently located from both cities.
Upgrades: Choose the airboat tour with the wildlife show included, along with transportation from Miami for a hassle-free round-trip journey.

Inclusions

40-minute airboat tour in Sawgrass Recreation Park
Live English-speaking guide
Entry to alligator and reptile exhibit
Ear protection for airboat ride.
Wildlife show (as per option selected)
Round-trip transportation from Miami (as per option selected)

The boats are not wheelchair accessible but the exhibits are.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

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.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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: Opt for an airboat night tour to explore the wetlands after dark or choose a private airboat tour for a more exclusive experience.

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)

The boats are not wheelchair accessible, but the exhibits are.
The night tour also comes with access to the alligator and reptile exhibit during the day of your visit.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

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.

Inclusions

60-min nighttime airboat ride
Complimentary entrance to exhibits at Sawgrass Recreation Park during the day
Ear protection for airboat ride.
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.

Sawgrass Recreation Park Tours

From happy customers

Top things to do in Miami

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

What makes Sawgrass Recreation Park special

Convenient location with quick access

Home to rescued and rehabilitated wildlife

Explore the Everglades after dark

Private airboat tours for a more personal experience

Family-owned with a personal touch

Things you’ll want to know before booking your tour

Which Sawgrass tour is right for you

Daytime tour

Night tour

Private tour

Tour with transport

Tour with a wildlife show

Top highlights in pictures: From airboats to baby gators

Skimming the water on an airboat

Plan your visit

The Gator Grill

Beyond Sawgrass Recreation Park

Everglades National Park

Everglades Safari Park

Everglades Holiday Park

Coopertown

Frequently asked questions about Sawgrass Recreation Park tours

Get Help 24/7

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Sawgrass Recreation Park Tours

Miami: Everglades Airboat Tour with Reptile Exhibit & Optional Transportation

Miami: Private Everglades Airboat Tour

Miami: Sawgrass Recreation Park Airboat Tour with Reptile Exhibit

Miami: Everglades Night Airboat Tour