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Sawgrass Recreation Park Tours
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION60 minutes
START POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Start your adventure at Sawgrass Recreation Park, where winding waterways and wildlife bring the Everglades to life.
1
Airboat tour
40 minutes
Tickets included
Glide across the shimmering waters on a guided 40-minute airboat ride, venturing into hidden corners of this UNESCO-listed ecosystem.
Air boat
2
Reptile exhibit
Tickets included
Get up close with native Florida reptiles, including turtles, snakes, and rescued alligators.
3
Wildlife show
Tickets included (based on selection)
Enhance your experience by upgrading your ticket to include an exciting live wildlife show.
Bonus: The upgrade also comes with round-trip transportation, making your visit to the Everglades completely hassle-free and convenient.
4
END POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Glide through the Sawgrass Recreation Park on an airboat & see fascinating reptile exhibits up close.
Close to: Fort Lauderdale
- 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: Airboat tours with a guide offer a more personalized experience, taking you to hidden areas most visitors miss.
- Upgrades: Choose the airboat tour with the wildlife show included along with transportation from Miami for a hassle-free round-trip journey.
Glide through the Sawgrass Recreation Park on an airboat & see fascinating reptile exhibits up close.
Close to: Fort Lauderdale
- 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: Airboat tours with a guide offer a more personalized experience, taking you to hidden areas most visitors miss.
- 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
- 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.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
3.9
32 ratings
12
11
4
4
1
Guests from Poland, Israel, Spain and over 14 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Merrilee
May 2025Verified booking
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.
Alan
Apr 2025Verified booking
There was a major problem with the pickup in downtown Miami. We showed up early as instructed, but were told that there was no such 2;00pm tour from the staff at the Big Bus Kiosk. A manager got involved and told us that often, you sell tickets, but if the bus is full in Miami Beach, you just skip the Miami stop for paid customers! This is outrageous! After he made multiple phone calls, a bus arrived 75 minutes late and not every ticket holder was able to board the bus. We were able to do so, but others were left behind for a hypothetical second bus! This problem spoiled our experience, as we wasted a lot of time and were unsure if the bus would ever show up.
Pablo
Jul 2025Verified booking
German top! We had a great time
William
May 2025Verified booking
People who work there and gave their best to show us around
Richard
May 2025Verified booking
The staff were knowledgeable, accommodating and entertaining!
Diego
Apr 2025Verified booking
Very nice better than our expectations
Rebeca
Jul 2025Verified booking
BALDOMERO
Jun 2025Verified booking
Joanna
Jun 2025Verified booking
Walenia
Jun 2025Verified booking
Selena
Jun 2025Verified booking
Gabrielle
Jun 2025Verified booking
Carol
Jun 2025Verified booking
Almog
May 2025Verified booking
Georgina
May 2025Verified booking
KAMEL
May 2025Verified booking
Schindler
Apr 2025Verified booking
Niles
Apr 2025Verified booking
Deborah
Jun 2025Verified booking
The boat ride was nice but there was no wildlife no birds and no alligators. We saw the head of one alligator for one second and the guide said you can't see them now but only at night. A shame that I didn't know that before I booked! Very disappointing!!!!
Martin
May 2025Verified booking
The ride start late, I ¿came right on time... plety actually... and we had a bunch of scheduled activities for that that. The ride was zero emotions or widlife engagements. Wont be back ever
patricia
Apr 2025Verified booking
Peter
Apr 2025Verified booking
Captain Jack, the crocodile and the airboat!
Geunyeong
Apr 2025Verified booking
I loved the gator encounter part that I had a chance to touch a baby gator.
Joanna
Apr 2025Verified booking
Nelly
Apr 2025Verified booking
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION60 minutes
TOTAL DURATION60 minutes
START POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Board the night airboat tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park to begin your tour.
1
Airboat night tour of the Everglades
60 minutes
Tickets included
This thrilling 60-minute adventure will take you deep into the Everglades, where you'll pause at key spots to search for alligators, night birds, and other nocturnal wildlife by flashlight. Your expert captain will lead the way with sharp spotting skills and entertaining commentary, making every moment unforgettable.
Air boat
2
Alligator & reptile exhibit
Tickets included
You’ll also get all-day access to the reptile exhibit with your ticket where you can see native species like rescued alligators, snakes, and more.
3
END POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
START POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Reach the Sawgrass Recreation Park and board the private airboat to begin your tour.
1
Airboat tour of the Everglades
60 minutes
Tickets included
Start your one-hour guided tour on your private airboat. Your adventure covers exclusive areas of the Everglades, where you get to see native and exotic wildlife. Learn about the history and evolution of the ecosystem and their habitats, and glide through with speeds reaching up to 40mph as you witness untamed wilderness up close.
Air boat
2
Alligator & reptile exhibit
1 activities
Tickets included
Visit the Reptile Exhibit and learn more about the native reptile species in Florida, and the ongoing conservation efforts, and see friendly turtles, iguanas, and the 1,000-pound alligator, Cannibal. Get to witness how the animals survive in the wild with demonstrations conducted by expert handlers.
Things to do
Meet a Baby Alligator experience
Included in price
Get a chance to get close to and touch a baby alligator, under the guidance and supervision of the handlers, with the Meet a Baby Alligator experience at the Park.
3
END POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
START POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Start your adventure at Sawgrass Recreation Park, where winding waterways and wildlife bring the Everglades to life.
1
Airboat tour
40 minutes
Tickets included
Glide across the shimmering waters on a guided 40-minute airboat ride, venturing into hidden corners of this UNESCO-listed ecosystem.
Air boat
2
Reptile exhibit
Tickets included
Get up close with native Florida reptiles, including turtles, snakes, and rescued alligators.
3
Wildlife show
Tickets included (based on selection)
Enhance your experience by upgrading your ticket to include an exciting live wildlife show.
Bonus: The upgrade also comes with round-trip transportation, making your visit to the Everglades completely hassle-free and convenient.
4
END POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Zoom through Sawgrass Recreation Park on an airboat and encounter Florida’s native reptiles up close.
Close to: Fort Lauderdale
- 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: Discover the natural beauty of Sawgrass Recreation Park with a thrilling airboat ride that takes you to untouched areas filled with wildlife.
- Upgrades: Opt for an airboat night tour to explore the wetlands after dark or choose a private airboat tour for a more exclusive experience.
Zoom through Sawgrass Recreation Park on an airboat and encounter Florida’s native reptiles up close.
Close to: Fort Lauderdale
- 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: Discover the natural beauty of Sawgrass Recreation Park with a thrilling airboat ride that takes you to untouched areas filled with wildlife.
- 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
- 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.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
4.0
25 ratings
9
10
3
2
1
Guests from Poland, Israel, Netherlands and over 10 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Merrilee
May 2025Verified booking
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.
William
May 2025Verified booking
People who work there and gave their best to show us around
Bina
May 2025Verified booking
It was very unique and educational experience.
Diego
Apr 2025Verified booking
Very nice better than our expectations
Rebeca
Jul 2025Verified booking
Joanna
Jun 2025Verified booking
Walenia
Jun 2025Verified booking
Selena
Jun 2025Verified booking
Gabrielle
Jun 2025Verified booking
Almog
May 2025Verified booking
KAMEL
May 2025Verified booking
Schindler
Apr 2025Verified booking
Niles
Apr 2025Verified booking
Deborah
Jun 2025Verified booking
The boat ride was nice but there was no wildlife no birds and no alligators. We saw the head of one alligator for one second and the guide said you can't see them now but only at night. A shame that I didn't know that before I booked! Very disappointing!!!!
Martin
May 2025Verified booking
The ride start late, I ¿came right on time... plety actually... and we had a bunch of scheduled activities for that that. The ride was zero emotions or widlife engagements. Wont be back ever
Peter
Apr 2025Verified booking
Captain Jack, the crocodile and the airboat!
Geunyeong
Apr 2025Verified booking
I loved the gator encounter part that I had a chance to touch a baby gator.
Joanna
Apr 2025Verified booking
Nelly
Apr 2025Verified booking
Michelle
Apr 2025Verified booking
Jalpa
Apr 2025Verified booking
Małgorzata
Mar 2025Verified booking
Gabriela
Mar 2025Verified booking
Virginia
Apr 2025Verified booking
Attilio
Dec 2024Verified booking
Experience never done before, we only saw one alligator but considering the weather conditions we were lucky to have encountered it
View original review in Italian
Itinerary
START POINT
Coopertown The Original Airboat Tour of Everglades National Park
Reach the Coopertown Airboat Ride ticket booth to exchange your voucher for an airboat ride ticket and begin your airboat tour.
Note: The entrance fee to Everglades National Park isn’t included in your ticket. You’ll pay it separately at the gate.
1
Airboat tour
Tickets included
Enjoy an airboat ride through the Everglades led by expert guides at Coopertown as you glide past wildlife-rich hammocks and alligator holes.
Air boat
2
Everglades National Park
2 activities
Travel through a Hardwood Hammock to enter Everglades National Park, and glide through the River of Grass as you stop at alligator holes and witness the abundant wildlife up close. See the famous Florida alligators, the colorful Purple Gallinule, the endangered Everglades Snail Kite, turtles, grackles, and more.
Things to do
1. Alligator exhibit
Included in price
See the Florida alligators up close in a controlled environment. Learn about their habitat, upkeep, care, and conservation efforts, and the role they play in maintaining the Everglades ecosystem.
2. Coopertown experience
Included in price
Interact with the friendly folks of Coopertown. Go through the visitor book, view the past guests, and learn about the cultural and historical significance of Coopertown and the Everglades. Enjoy a drink or two, and end your trip with a meal shared with some local legends and stories.
(Food and beverages are not included with your ticket)
Air boat
3
END POINT
Coopertown The Original Airboat Tour of Everglades National Park
Let an expert local guide show you Florida’s wildlife up close on this airboat tour of Everglades National Park at Coopertown.
Close to: Miami
- Everything you get: Get a personalized, guided airboat tour of Everglades National Park, and learn about the Everglades’ wildlife & ecosystem. See Florida alligators, the Purple Gallinule, herons, and other wildlife thriving in their habitat. Meet the locals at Coopertown for more insight into their history & culture.
- Why choose this: The airboat tour, operating since 1945, offers a unique insight into the culture and evolution of the area, its people, and the ecosystem.
Let an expert local guide show you Florida’s wildlife up close on this airboat tour of Everglades National Park at Coopertown.
Close to: Miami
- Everything you get: Get a personalized, guided airboat tour of Everglades National Park, and learn about the Everglades’ wildlife & ecosystem. See Florida alligators, the Purple Gallinule, herons, and other wildlife thriving in their habitat. Meet the locals at Coopertown for more insight into their history & culture.
- Why choose this: The airboat tour, operating since 1945, offers a unique insight into the culture and evolution of the area, its people, and the ecosystem.
Inclusions
- 40-min guided airboat tour
- Access to the alligator exhibit
Exclusions
- Everglades National Park entrance fee ($20–$35 for those 16 years and older)
- Gratuities
- Food and beverage
- Transportation to and from the location
- The entrance fee to Everglades National Park is not included in your ticket. You’ll pay it separately at the gate at $35 per vehicle or $20 per person. Children 15 years and younger can enter for free.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for the tour.
- Carry water, insect repellent, a hat, and sunscreen with you on this experience.
- The first airboat tour begins at 9am and the final airboat tour for the day departs at 4:30pm.
- Airboats depart every 20 to 30 minutes.
- The final animal show begins at 4:30pm, and the last Airboat Tour departs at 5pm
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION4 hours
MODE OF TRANSFERA/C Bus
START POINT
2 starting points available
60 kms
50 minutes
1
Everglades Holiday Park
3 activities
Tickets included
Photo stop, Sightseeing
Highlights
1. Airboat ride
Included in price
When you arrive, you’ll hop on a classic Florida airboat and cruise through the famous "River of Grass." It’s an amazing way to get right into the heart of the Everglades. Keep an eye out for alligators, unique birds, and all sorts of fascinating plants along the way—it’s a great chance to see wildlife up close!
2. Wildlife show
Included in price
After the airboat tour, attend a thrilling wildlife show featuring real alligators. The show offers insights into the behavior and biology of these fascinating creatures and may involve some sort of interaction.
3. Free time and refreshments
Included in price
You have some free time to explore the park's facilities, visit the gift shop, or purchase snacks and refreshments. The refreshments, souvenirs, and park's activities are not included in the ticket.
60 kms
50 minutes
2
END POINT
2 ending points available
1. Miami Beach
2. Bayside Marketplace
With transportation from multiple spots in Miami, this Everglades Holiday Park tour is an easy-breezy experience.
Pick-up points: Miami (Miami Beach & Bayside Marketplace)
- Everything you get: This 4-hour adventure that starts.at Miami, comes with an airboat ride, entry to Everglades Holiday 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: It’s an easy, no-stress way to explore the Everglades. Transportation from Miami and expert guides make the whole experience smooth, fun, and full of great insights.
With transportation from multiple spots in Miami, this Everglades Holiday Park tour is an easy-breezy experience.
Pick-up points: Miami (Miami Beach & Bayside Marketplace)
- Everything you get: This 4-hour adventure that starts.at Miami, comes with an airboat ride, entry to Everglades Holiday 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: It’s an easy, no-stress way to explore the Everglades. Transportation from Miami and expert guides make the whole experience smooth, fun, and full of great insights.
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 Everglades Holiday Park
- Airboat ride
- Wildlife show
- Tip: On the airboat ride, keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Florida panther. The Everglades is one of their last habitats.
- This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
- Be sure to pack comfortable shoes, water, bug spray, a hat, and some sunscreen for the trip.
- Find the complete details on departure times and locations here.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Reviews
How do we collect reviews?
Snapshots from our guests
3.5
10 ratings
3
3
1
2
1
Guests from Ireland, Portugal, United Kingdom and over 8 countries have loved this experience
What our guests say
Alan
Apr 2025Verified booking
There was a major problem with the pickup in downtown Miami. We showed up early as instructed, but were told that there was no such 2;00pm tour from the staff at the Big Bus Kiosk. A manager got involved and told us that often, you sell tickets, but if the bus is full in Miami Beach, you just skip the Miami stop for paid customers! This is outrageous! After he made multiple phone calls, a bus arrived 75 minutes late and not every ticket holder was able to board the bus. We were able to do so, but others were left behind for a hypothetical second bus! This problem spoiled our experience, as we wasted a lot of time and were unsure if the bus would ever show up.
Pablo
Jul 2025Verified booking
German top! We had a great time
Richard
May 2025Verified booking
The staff were knowledgeable, accommodating and entertaining!
BALDOMERO
Jun 2025Verified booking
Carol
Jun 2025Verified booking
Georgina
May 2025Verified booking
patricia
Apr 2025Verified booking
Juan
May 2025Verified booking
We arrive to Soundstate park at front of Greenview hotel at 10am. We meet a guide from Big Bus at 10:05am and we ask her if we loose or not our tour to everglades and she response us that the only place to pickup the tour to Everglades in Soutbeach marketplace, not there. We come back to the next day to our country and we loose the opportunity to knows the everglades. We start a chat with you to ask a solution same day, but you are really slow specially in this kind of businesses and agter 48 hours we receive a "solution" to reschedule our tour... 24 hour before we arrive to Colombia. For all the mistakes about the info make for your company we ask you to redund completely the money of our tours... after some days, no response from you.
Diego
Apr 2025Verified booking
Everything was very nice, we hired the service in Spanish and only the bus driver was bilingual, the most important part which was the visit in the hovercraft was all in English.
View original review in Spanish
Colin
Feb 2025Verified booking
The instructions advised us to be at Soundscape Park Miami Beach 15 minutes before our 10am pickup time. We were there at 9.40am. However, the guide at the stop told us that the bus for our Everglades trip had already left at 9.30am, and that the instructions in the Headout App for pickup time were wrong. Luckily they managed to get us on a later Everglades trip that day. But this was our last day in Miami, and it really disrupted all of our plans. We had to hastily rearrange a lot of other things we had planned to do. The Everglades trip itself was brilliant. But the inconvenience and frustration over the wrong pickup time instructions spoiled our last day somewhat.
Itinerary
TOTAL DURATION60 minutes
START POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Board the night airboat tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park to begin your tour.
1
Airboat night tour of the Everglades
60 minutes
Tickets included
This thrilling 60-minute adventure will take you deep into the Everglades, where you'll pause at key spots to search for alligators, night birds, and other nocturnal wildlife by flashlight. Your expert captain will lead the way with sharp spotting skills and entertaining commentary, making every moment unforgettable.
Air boat
2
Alligator & reptile exhibit
Tickets included
You’ll also get all-day access to the reptile exhibit with your ticket where you can see native species like rescued alligators, snakes, and more.
3
END POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Spot alligators by spotlight & stargaze on this thrilling night airboat tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park.
Close to: Fort Lauderdale
- Everything you get: Take a 60-min airboat ride at night through the Everglades with a captain, as you search for alligators, and other reptiles, insects and amphibians. Use a flashlights to spot these creatures, plus get free daytime entry to Sawgrass Recreation Park exhibits.
- Why choose this: Combine the thrill of nighttime airboat ride, expert wildlife spotting, and immersive experience, all under a starry Everglades sky.
Spot alligators by spotlight & stargaze on this thrilling night airboat tour at Sawgrass Recreation Park.
Close to: Fort Lauderdale
- Everything you get: Take a 60-min airboat ride at night through the Everglades with a captain, as you search for alligators, and other reptiles, insects and amphibians. Use a flashlights to spot these creatures, plus get free daytime entry to Sawgrass Recreation Park exhibits.
- Why choose this: Combine the thrill of nighttime airboat ride, expert wildlife spotting, and immersive experience, all under a starry Everglades sky.
Inclusions
- 60-min nighttime airboat ride
- Complimentary entrance to exhibits at Sawgrass Recreation Park during the day
- Ear protection
- 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.
Itinerary
START POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Reach the Sawgrass Recreation Park and board the private airboat to begin your tour.
1
Airboat tour of the Everglades
60 minutes
Tickets included
Start your one-hour guided tour on your private airboat. Your adventure covers exclusive areas of the Everglades, where you get to see native and exotic wildlife. Learn about the history and evolution of the ecosystem and their habitats, and glide through with speeds reaching up to 40mph as you witness untamed wilderness up close.
Air boat
2
Alligator & reptile exhibit
1 activities
Tickets included
Visit the Reptile Exhibit and learn more about the native reptile species in Florida, and the ongoing conservation efforts, and see friendly turtles, iguanas, and the 1,000-pound alligator, Cannibal. Get to witness how the animals survive in the wild with demonstrations conducted by expert handlers.
Things to do
Meet a Baby Alligator experience
Included in price
Get a chance to get close to and touch a baby alligator, under the guidance and supervision of the handlers, with the Meet a Baby Alligator experience at the Park.
3
END POINT
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Private Everglades airboat tour with wildlife exhibits—no crowds, just your group, and meet an alligator!
Starting point: Sawgrass Recreation Park (25 miles west of Fort Lauderdale)
- 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: It’s just you and your group. No strangers, no crowds. This private tour offers an intimate way to experience the Everglades.
Private Everglades airboat tour with wildlife exhibits—no crowds, just your group, and meet an alligator!
Starting point: Sawgrass Recreation Park (25 miles west of Fort Lauderdale)
- 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: It’s just you and your group. No strangers, no crowds. This private tour offers an intimate way to experience the Everglades.
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
- 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.
Glide through Everglades Holiday Park on an airboat, spot wild alligators, and catch a thrilling Gator Boys show.
Starting point: Everglades Holiday Park (30 miles west of Fort Lauderdale)
- Everything you get: A 60-minute airboat ride guided by an expert, gliding through the Everglades’ cypress forests. Enjoy a 20-minute live alligator show by the Gator Boys and receive a free professional group photo. Access the gift shop, cozy café, and general store for souvenirs and refreshments.
- Why choose this: Explore Everglades on an airboat, spot wild alligators, and enjoy a thrilling live show by the Gator Boys in the largest subtropical wetland.
- Upgrades: Travel with ease—book the airboat tour with round-trip Miami transfers.
Glide through Everglades Holiday Park on an airboat, spot wild alligators, and catch a thrilling Gator Boys show.
Starting point: Everglades Holiday Park (30 miles west of Fort Lauderdale)
- Everything you get: A 60-minute airboat ride guided by an expert, gliding through the Everglades’ cypress forests. Enjoy a 20-minute live alligator show by the Gator Boys and receive a free professional group photo. Access the gift shop, cozy café, and general store for souvenirs and refreshments.
- Why choose this: Explore Everglades on an airboat, spot wild alligators, and enjoy a thrilling live show by the Gator Boys in the largest subtropical wetland.
- Upgrades: Travel with ease—book the airboat tour with round-trip Miami transfers.
Inclusions
- Fully narrated Everglades airboat tour
- English-speaking guide
- Gator Boys alligator show
- 1 free group photo per party
- Access to gift shop and café
- Bring along the credit card used for your online purchase (matching the last four digits) along with a matching driver’s license for verification.
- These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
An intimate group tour to Everglades Safari Park with an airboat ride & round-trip transportation.
Pick-up point: Downtown Miami
- Everything you get: Enjoy complimentary round-trip transportation from Miami hotels, a guided drive to Everglades Safari Park, an exhilarating airboat ride, wildlife shows, nature trails, and the option to dine or shop, all in a small group of no more than 7 guests.
- Why choose this: A small group and hotel pickup make exploring the Everglades easy, stress-free, and more personal.
An intimate group tour to Everglades Safari Park with an airboat ride & round-trip transportation.
Pick-up point: Downtown Miami
- Everything you get: Enjoy complimentary round-trip transportation from Miami hotels, a guided drive to Everglades Safari Park, an exhilarating airboat ride, wildlife shows, nature trails, and the option to dine or shop, all in a small group of no more than 7 guests.
- Why choose this: A small group and hotel pickup make exploring the Everglades easy, stress-free, and more personal.
Inclusions
- Entry to Everglades Safari Park
- Airboat ride
- Round-trip hotel transportation from Miami
- Small group tour (max 7 people)
- Pickup times will be confirmed 1–3 days before your tour. If you're unable to check your email or phone, please be in the lobby at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Dress for comfort in the Everglades' heat and humidity. Opt for breathable clothes like t-shirts, shorts, or moisture-wicking fabrics.
- Closed-toe shoes or sturdy sneakers are ideal for navigating muddy or uneven paths.
- Don’t forget a hat and sunglasses to shield yourself from the strong sun.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Get hands-on with exotic animals in a private encounter guided by expert wildlife handlers.
Starting point: Sawgrass Recreation Park (25 miles west of Fort Lauderdale)
- Everything you get: Enjoy a 45-minute, small-group wildlife experience with up to 5 exotic animals like baby alligators, snakes, and foxes, in a private section of the park. Get expert-led interactions, educational insights, and professionally shot photos to remember your adventure.
- Why choose this: This experience offers close, uncaged animal interactions in a relaxed setting with expert guidance. Ideal for those seeking an educational and memorable encounter beyond the typical tourist activity.
Get hands-on with exotic animals in a private encounter guided by expert wildlife handlers.
Starting point: Sawgrass Recreation Park (25 miles west of Fort Lauderdale)
- Everything you get: Enjoy a 45-minute, small-group wildlife experience with up to 5 exotic animals like baby alligators, snakes, and foxes, in a private section of the park. Get expert-led interactions, educational insights, and professionally shot photos to remember your adventure.
- Why choose this: This experience offers close, uncaged animal interactions in a relaxed setting with expert guidance. Ideal for those seeking an educational and memorable encounter beyond the typical tourist activity.
Inclusions
- Entry to Everglades Holiday Park
- Professional animal handlers
- 45-minute up-close encounter with 5 different animals
- Professionally clicked photos of your experience
Exclusions
- Additional photo packages (available at extra expense)
- Transfers
- This experience is wheelchair accessible.
- Animal Encounters are offered daily, every hour from 10am to 4pm. Advance reservations (at least 24 hours) are strongly recommended.
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
EvergladesSawgrass Recreation Park
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
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
Plan your visit
Timings
Best time to visit
Getting there
Accessibility
Rules & safety
Visitor tips
Dining
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Meet the wild locals of Sawgrass Recreation Park
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
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.