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The 9 best everglades airboat and swamp tours.

See much more than alligators during one of these exciting trips.

The Top Everglades Airboat & Swamp Tours

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If you're planning a trip to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida , visiting Everglades National Park should be on your to-do list. The South Florida national park is known for its expansive beauty, as well as its varied population of wildlife that includes everything from bobcats to alligators.

To see all the Everglades has to offer, sign up for a guided tour. U.S. News consulted both traveler sentiment and expert opinion to identify the top Everglades tours. Before you go, make sure you read through the National Park Service's Wildlife Viewing Ethics to keep both yourself and the animals safe during your time in the park. When choosing the best Everglades tours, we avoided recommending operators that promote wildlife shows or encourage feeding or holding the animals for photo-ops.

Visitors should plan to pay a fee to enter the park, as it may not be included in the price of the tour ticket. You should also keep in mind that many of these tour operators are located at least 30 miles west of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Tours that run on airboats – open-air vessels with huge fans at the back that propel the boat – can be very loud. Companies will generally offer ear protection, but if you or your companions are sensitive to loud noises, contact the tour provider to discuss options before you book.

The Best Everglades Airboat and Swamp Tours

Everglades swamp tours – one hour group tour.

Price: Adults from $60; kids from $30 Duration: 1 hour

This sightseeing trip takes you out on an airboat to cruise through the Everglades' main waterways in search of alligators, birds and interesting vegetation. Throughout the ride, knowledgeable guides share facts about the area's history and ecology. Many travelers recommend booking this tour, describing it as fun and informative, with plenty of wildlife sightings. Departures generally take place daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., but availability may vary by month.

Children 5 and younger can ride for free, but still require a reserved seats. Also check out Everglades Swamp Tours for private airboat tours that last up to two hours.

Check prices & availability on:

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures – 30-Minute Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $30 Duration: 30 minutes

Located at the headwaters of the Everglades in Kissimmee, Florida (about 40 miles south of Orlando), Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures earns praise from reviewers for its personable, experienced staff and the family-friendly environment. On the airboat ride, you and up to 16 other passengers will glide through the tall grass in search of eagles, alligators, raccoons and more. In addition to airboat rides, the site houses a replica of a Jororo Tribe village, as well as a gem and fossil mining activity for kids.

Tours depart throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 5 pm. You can buy your tickets online, but there are no reservations for this tour. For a longer adventure, consider the company's hourlong airboat ride. There are also sunset and night tours, if you're hoping to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

Marsh Landing Adventures – 90-Minute Everglades Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $60 Duration: 1.5 hours

For wildlife lovers who want more than half an hour to experience the Everglades, this 1.5-hour airboat ride from Marsh Landing Adventures is an excellent experience. Located in Kissimmee on Lake Tohopekaliga, Marsh Landing Adventures promises travelers an in-depth look at the headwaters of the Everglades and the plants and animals that inhabit its waters. What's more, the company says it can reach areas of the Everglades that are inaccessible to larger boats because of its small crafts. Travelers give kudos to the boat captain for their educational and entertaining delivery. Many call the experience the highlight of their Florida vacation.

Tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are required, and there is a 1% fuel surcharge added to each ticket. Marsh Landing Adventures also offers hourlong, two-hour and four-hour airboat rides.

Everglades City Airboat Tours

Price: Adults from $47; kids from $31 Duration: 1 hour

Everglades City Airboat Tours sets itself apart from other companies by offering participants two-way headsets, which allow passengers and guides to better engage with one another throughout the hourlong ride. As you navigate through narrow creeks and shallow bays, you may spot alligators, manatees and birds. Tourists enjoy the ride and appreciate the headsets. Reviewers are also complimentary of the boat captains, who they describe as entertaining and knowledgeable.

Tours depart multiple times Monday through Saturday, although timing may be modified based on the season. It's a good idea to reserve your tour in advance. Everglades City Airboat Tours is located approximately 85 miles west of Miami and 35 miles southeast of Naples, Florida.

Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours – 45-Minute Standard Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $27.50 Duration: 45 minutes

For an excursion that combines cultural immersion and wildlife viewing, consider this outing from Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours. The Miccosukee family-owned company's standard tour focuses on introducing visitors to the homelands of the Miccosukee people: an American Indian tribe that migrated to Florida before it became a state. During the tour, you'll not only see local wildlife, but also will get to see a Miccosukee Indian camp and take a nature walk. Visitors recommend the tour, describing it as an amazing experience thanks to the small, intimate group size.

Tours run daily at multiple times between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The company also offers private outings.

Everglades River of Grass Adventures – Semi-Private River of Grass Airboat Tours Everglades

Price: Adults from $85; kids from $45 Duration: 1.5 hours

One perk of this tour is that it is capped at six to eight travelers per boat. During the excursion, you'll get the chance to see the famous flora and fauna of the Everglades, including herons and alligators. Visitors say this is a family-friendly tour and call the trip "memorable" and "amazing."

These tours run seven days a week; since they're semiprivate, you must call or email to find out the best times to depart. River of Grass Adventures also offers sunset tours of the Everglades.

Other Popular Everglades Tours

Shurr Adventures Everglades – Three Hour Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour Small Group Adventure

Price: Adults from $109; kids from $99 Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Enjoy an up-close view of animals and nature, and get some exercise in too, on this kayak tour of the Everglades' mangroves. As you paddle your way through the mangrove tunnels, you may spot orchids, birds and, of course, alligators. Kayakers say this tour is excellent and appreciate the patient, experienced guides who share a wealth of information about the plants and animals that reside in this unique ecosystem. What's more, reviewers appreciate that the tours are limited to just eight participants.

Tours are available Monday through Saturday from August to April; times vary by season. Children must be at least 7 years old to participate. Tourgoers will enjoy three to 3.5 hours out on the water but should plan to spend a total of four hours on-site from start to finish. Shurr Adventures Everglades also offers a full-day tour of the mangrove tunnels, as well as a motorboat tour in the Ten Thousand Islands region of Everglades National Park, among other options.

Shark Valley Tram Tours

Price: Adults from $31; kids from $16 Duration: 2 hours

These naturalist-led excursions not only include a tour around Everglades National Park in an open-air tram, they also give tourgoers the chance to explore on foot. Halfway through the tour, participants can climb a 45-foot-tall observation deck to see sweeping views of the surrounding vegetation. During the two-hour tour, travelers also have the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife. Tourgoers enjoy learning about the Everglades from the expert guides and say riding the tram is part of the fun. Many also recommended taking a morning tour to avoid the midday heat.

From mid-December through late April, tours depart on the hour daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From May through mid-December, tours depart at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. Shark Valley Tram Tours also offers self-guided bike tours. (Note that you'll have to pay a separate fee to enter Everglades National Park for any tour.)

Everglades Florida Adventures – Ten Thousand Islands Tour

Price: Adults from $59; kids from $29 Duration: 3 hours

If you're hoping to see the Everglades by boat, but want something a little quieter than an airboat ride, consider this cruise. Departing from Port of the Islands Marina in Naples, this 45-foot passenger catamaran glides across the Faka Union Canal while guides share information about the history and ecology of the area. Tourgoers report spotting lots of birds, turtles, dolphins and manatees. They also call out the insightful crew and clean, comfortable boat as highlights.

Cruises are offered Monday to Friday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Everglades Florida Adventures also offers kayak and canoe rentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Like any other form of transportation, riding an airboat may come with some risks. To stay safe on your Everglades airboat tour, be sure to choose a company run by experienced, professional boaters (most of which undergo special training and are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard) and adhere to all rules set forth by your guide. Parents should keep a close eye on children and be sure they are properly fitted for their life jackets, and all passengers should protect against the heat by wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated. Commercial airboats typically do not exceed speeds of 30 to 40 mph to ensure a safe, smooth ride, and most operators will reschedule your tour in the event of lightning or other inclement weather. Tour companies will also generally provide riders with proper ear protection, as the boats are quite loud.

Typically, passengers will feel the most comfortable in lightweight, sleeveless clothing and shorts while on an Everglades airboat tour. If you are taking a wintertime tour, keep an eye on the weather – pants and long sleeves may be a better option, but you likely won't need a heavy jacket. Be sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and water to protect yourself from the effects of the sun; you may also want a hat to provide further shade and keep hair in place. Passengers with long hair are advised to wear it in a ponytail or bun to keep it from becoming knotted in the wind. Tourgoers may also wish to apply some bug spray prior to embarking on their adventure.

Airboat tours last about an hour, though duration will depend on the tour company.

An airboat's top speed is about 30 mph.

Not normally, but you run a small risk of getting misted with water. If you take a tour when it is raining, expect to get wet.

In winter, you'll want to time your visit for midday, when it warms up. In summer, you'll want to visit in the morning or later afternoon when it's coolest. Visiting at these times can increase your chances of seeing wildlife, but you'll likely see all kinds of critters no matter when you visit year-round.

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Dolphin and Birding Boat Tour A wonderful adventure for the whole family! A great introduction to the Everglades area.

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Everglades Boat Tours is a family owned, educational ecotourism operator providing Everglades tours from Everglades City and Chokoloskee directly in Everglades National Park. All guides are formally trained Florida Master Naturalists, Environmental Educators, US Coast Guard Captains and Full-Time Outdoor Leaders.

Dedicated to the experiential education of students, families and travelers from Florida, the Americas and the World. Only through education, do we have the opportunity to preserve the Everglades, its culture and its heritage.

Boat Assisted Kayak Eco Tour Combines the best of a boating tour, a kayaking tour and a walking tour

Our Most Popular Tour and the Best for Viewing Wildlife A Great Hands-on Educational Experience

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Dolphin, Birding & Wildlife Tour A Two Hour, Naturalist Led Boating Eco Tour

A wonderful Introduction to the Everglades Ecosystems, its Long History and Rich Culture. Great for all Ages!

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Explore the 10,000 Islands and the Coastal Everglades. Limited to just six guests - Reservations Required

create unforgettable Everglades memories at captain jack's!

Zip through Everglades City on airboat tours

Venture through a cypress forest on a swamp buggy

Get a chance to see wild alligators, birds & more

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See alligators & animals up close

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Race through a maze of Everglades mangroves on an airboat, away from other traffic.

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Take a high-speed tour of Everglades City's signature mangrove tunnels!

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“There is something about flying down narrow alleys of mangrove trees that is just a rush. I could never get tired of it. The guides always give more than just a ride. You learn so much about the Everglades and the total ecosystem that it is. We most certainly will be back!

—C. from Florida

“The mangrove tour was so much fun! We saw a family of dolphins swimming along the boat, several alligators, and a few fish jumping out of the water. Riding through the mangroves was beautiful and a fun way to see the Everglades. I would recommend to anyone.”

—J. from Massachusetts

“We really enjoyed seeing the alligators. The captain of the airboat gave a lot of information about the Everglades and habitat. The addition of the two-way headsets let us all communicate during the tour. This was really a highlight of having friends down visiting us new Florida residents. Plan to bring other guests."

—K. from Florida

“We did the combo package and it was amazing! Great way to experience all 3 ways to 'see' the Everglades! Would highly recommend. All the captains for each segment were fantastic! Had a great time!"

—J.T.

• Mangrove Tunnel & National Park Combo
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Escape the pavement in a kayak or canoe

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"Wonderful morning tour! Fabulous natural & cultural history and great conversations with our guide in Turner River area! Marvelous quiet kayak through mangrove tunnels! Gorgeous birds & cool alligators! Would do this again! Great value and nice equipment."

—L. from Colorado

“We kayaked the Turner River with our personal guide for three and a half hours. We learned about orchids, and cypress trees, and sawgrass, and alligators, and egrets, and why we weren't bothered by mosquitoes. We saw the Everglades in their natural state and it was beautiful."

—C.A.

"Fantastic journey through the wilderness. Our guide was so patient and knowledgeable and friendly. We had a great time working our way down the river and among the mangroves. He shared lots of stories about the plants and pointed out many alligators along the way. Highly recommend this activity. Well worth it if visiting the area."

—S. from Indiana

"What a unique experience to kayak near so many gators! They were much more docile than I had expected so there really was no reason to be nervous with them in the water. We saw a lot of alligators, turtles, birds and even a water snake here. I thought 3 hours of paddling might be a lot, but it was actually very relaxing and more like a float for much of it..."

—F. from Michigan

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Kayak tours depart from the Ivey House Everglades Adventures Hotel, a perfect destination for families or couples looking for a relaxing Everglades vacation.

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Boat Assisted Kayak Eco Tour

This is our most popular eco-adventure and combines the best of a Boat Tour, a Kayak Tour and a Walking Tour in a single great learning experience. Depending on the season, you can encounter manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, ospreys, herons, egrets, pelicans, alligators, rosette spoonbills and/or numerous species of fish and shore birds. A very comfortable transport boat will bring you deep into the Park with your Naturalist guide. Once we reach our first destination, we "slow" the tour down using very stable, comfortable kayaks to get you close to the flora and fauna. Imagine paddling next to a manatee or a dolphin!!! (No previous kayaking experience is required and we have single & two-person kayaks). Continue your interpretive experience with a walking tour on pristine barrier island beach ... a beach that is seldom visited by tourists. (9am and 1:30pm; Retail $149.95; 24 pax)

Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Eco Tour

This is a wonderful alternative to an airboat ride ... quiet, peaceful and surreal. It is a leisurely paddle experience with a naturalist guide who throughout the tour will be interpreting and explaining what you are seeing. It is a wonderful learning experience in a very unique part of the Everglades. The Everglades is a vast and varied ecosystem containing the largest mangrove forest in North America. Throughout the forest are brackish "lakes" whose waters are a mix of "sweet" fresh water and salt water. They are refuges and nursery grounds for herons, egrets, stilts, ducks, wood storks, spoonbills, alligators, otters and a gamut of fishes. Some lakes are host to colonies of roosting and breeding birds. Interconnecting these lakes are narrow, flowing tidal creeks. The mangrove forest grows to the very edge and over the tops of these creeks forming a canopy or a tunnel. The dense canopy regulates moisture and humidity allowing orchids and bromeliads to thrive. The sunlight (or moonlight) shimmering through the canopy, the stillness of the forest vegetation and the sounds of the forest itself, make for a surreal experience in the tunnels. We use single and two person kayaks and you do not need previous kayaking experience. Although, completely different than the Boat Assisted Kayak/Canoe Tour, it is an integral to understanding the multiple facets of the Everglades. (8:30, 1:00pm and Sunset; Retail 99.95; 30 pax).

Dolphin, Birding, and Photography Boat Tour (2 hr)

The 2 Hour Dolphin Birding, and Photography Tours are a wonderful adventure for the whole family and a great introduction to the area. In captain's style seating on very comfortable powerboat, you will be safely through the Everglades or Rookery Bays' 10,000 Islands for a interpretive tour of the area. Depending on the season, you can expect to encounter manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, bald eagles, ospreys, herons, egrets, pelicans, alligators, rosette spoonbills, as well as, numerous species of fish and shore birds. Our tours are never "canned", so each tour is different. The area's wildlife move around in order to exist in their world and so must we. Many species are seasonal and inhabit different areas in different environmental conditions, so too, we must be able to adapt. Bring your snacks, favorite drinks, hats, sunglasses and have a great time!! Cameras are a must! Departures from Marco Island and Everglades City.(8:30, 11:00, 1:30 and 4:00; Retail $79.95; 24 pax).

Guided Everglades Swamp Walking Tour

Experience the Everglades with a "Swamp Walk" in Big Cypress Swamp National Preserve or Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park with one of our knowledgeable (and passionate) naturalists. Learn about the natural history of the Everglades, the impact of humans on the ecosystem, and the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) - the largest restoration project our planet has known. A vast variety of native and exotic flora and fauna species inhabit this ecosystem. You may come across an endangered orchid in bloom (such as the ghost orchid or the dingy-flowered star), or see fresh tracks or scat from an elusive Florida panther or black bear. Encounters with white-tailed deer, red-shouldered hawks, barred owls, pileated woodpeckers, egrets, herons, alligators and water reptiles are always a possibility, and definitely a bonus. (9am and 1:30pm; Retail 99.95; 30 pax)

Everglades Expedition Wildlife Boating & Walking Tour (3.5 hr)

This is a premier learning experience in the Everglades Area and is superb for the entire family... from toddlers to the grandparents. Limited to just six guests, it is a personalized, hands-on eco-adventure. Every day is different in the Everglades and 10,000 Islands so we try to be very flexible and dynamic. The tour may/will include a bit of birding, some photography, strolling thru tidal pools, shelling on a remote beach, exploration of one of the 10,000 Islands and/or beach seine-netting for underwater life. The first part of the experience is a guided boating eco tour in search of the areas rich wildlife. The second part is a hands on,, interpretive, guided walk on a remote barrier island to explore the island's beaches, tidal pools and inter-tidal zones. With your assistance, we use supple seine nets to temporarily and humanely capture samples of the wonderfully diverse critters that call this zone home. Magnifying viewing devices are used to view, examine and identify the various species before they are carefully released. For parents and grandparents wanting an active role as educators, our naturalists guides will facilitate the experience and help you be the instructor. (9:00 and 1;30; Retail $149.95;24 pax)

Paddle with Manatees (1.5 hrs)

The Florida manatee inhabits coastal waters and rivers throughout the Florida. They easily move between fresh, brackish and marine habitats including where we paddle! We can see manatees anywhere, anytime on our other tours in the warmer months.. In the cooler months, in order to stay warm, they seek warm water, discharges, springs and in our area, deep water passes and canals. The deeper water retains heat and helps keep the manatees warm. We use a combination of single and tandem kayaks to view the "sea cows". Led by an experienced naturalist, we will paddle amongst a natural, wild population of manatees; close enough to view without disturbing these gentle creatures. Even though they are wild, we still encounter manatees on most every tour! (9:30, 11:30 and 1:30; Retail $59.00; 60 pax)

2.5 Hour Kayak Tours

These kayak tours are all about enjoying yourself on the water. However, we are just as focused on letting you experience the wonderful local natural area and wildlife. Depending on where we (and the wildlife) are we commonly encounter dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, ospreys, eagles along with lots of wading and shore birds. These experiences are great for singles, couples or the whole family. Depending on the conditions, your requests, where we have been spotting wildlife, and certainly, the whims of your naturalist guide, we may launch from any number of locations in and around Marco Island.. Wind down, chill out and enjoy Paradise at its pristine best ... on a kayak tour. Our professional guides and naturalists will work hard so that you get the most out of your experience. (Departures from Naples, Marco Island and Everglades Retail $69.00; 60 pax)

Guided Bioluminesence and Moonlight Kayak Tours

During the warm summer months the waters around Marco Island can come alive and glow! Fish, paddles, kayaks, even your hand moving through the water produces a splash of tiny fireworks that manifests as a bluegreen glow. Bioluminescence! Why does the water glow? In varying concentrations, the water hosts single-celled organisms called dinoflagellates. While there are over 4500 species of dinoflagellates identified, some species, when disturbed, will emit light. This is called bioluminescence. With concentrations great enough, the water appears to glow. It is bright enough sometimes to cast shadows! Typically, warmer water hosts greater concentrations and, hence, a brighter glow. The experience is awesome. A true "Must Do" while in Marco Island. Or Naples Retail $69; 60 pax)

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Things To See And Do In The Everglades National Park

T he Everglades National Park is a unique and diverse ecosystem located in southern Florida, known for its vast wetlands, abundant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes. Here are some of the top things to see and do in the Everglades National Park:

• Airboat Tours: Take an exhilarating airboat tour through the Everglades to explore the waterways and observe wildlife such as alligators, turtles, and various bird species.
• Anhinga Trail: This popular 0.8-mile trail offers a boardwalk that allows you to walk over the wetlands, providing an up-close view of alligators, herons, and other wildlife.
• Shark Valley: Visit Shark Valley, located in the northern region of the park, and take a tram tour or rent a bike to explore the 15-mile loop trail. This area offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, including alligators, wading birds, and the iconic Everglades' “River of Grass.”
• Canoeing and Kayaking: Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle through the park's many water trails, such as the Nine Mile Pond or the Wilderness Waterway. These waterways provide a peaceful and immersive way to experience the Everglades' unique ecosystem.
• Flamingo Visitor Center: Head to the southernmost tip of the park to visit the Flamingo Visitor Center. Here, you can learn about the park's history, explore exhibits, rent boats, and embark on various hiking trails.
• Eco-Tours: Join an eco-tour led by experienced guides who will provide insight into the park's ecology and wildlife. These tours may involve hiking, canoeing, or kayaking and offer a more educational and in-depth experience.
• Wildlife Spotting: The Everglades is home to a wide variety of animals, including alligators, manatees, dolphins, panthers, and numerous bird species. Keep an eye out for these creatures as you explore the park, and consider visiting wildlife hotspots like Big Cypress National Preserve or the Anhinga Trail for the best chances of spotting wildlife.
• Photography: With its breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife, the Everglades National Park is a paradise for photographers. Capture the beauty of the marshes, mangroves, sunsets, and wildlife as you explore the park.
• Camping: Spend a night or two camping in the Everglades to fully immerse yourself in its natural beauty. The park offers several campgrounds where you can pitch a tent and enjoy a serene night under the stars.
• Ranger Programs: Participate in ranger-led programs, including guided walks, talks, and demonstrations. These programs provide valuable insights into the park's ecology, conservation efforts, and cultural heritage.

Remember to be respectful of the environment and wildlife while visiting the Everglades National Park. Follow park regulations and guidelines to help preserve this unique ecosystem for future generations to enjoy.

The post Things To See And Do In The Everglades National Park appeared first on Things That Make People Go Aww .