Which park to choose

The Everglades is a massive region with several parks and tour operators scattered throughout the area. If you're in Miami, Everglades Safari Park or the National Park entrance is likely closest—check what’s nearby before you book.

From happy customers

Loved by 35 million+
Merrilee Fraser

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

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

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

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

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.

Top things to do in Miami

Choose your park

The Everglades is a vast expanse of flooded grasslands in southern Florida, spanning over 7,800 square miles. Often referred to as the 'River of Grass' due to its slow-moving waters, this unique ecosystem is a biodiversity hotspot, teeming with wildlife such as alligators, manatees, and countless bird species. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Rather than a single entry point, the Everglades offers multiple access points through various parks, including Everglades National Park, Sawgrass Recreation Park, Everglades Holiday Park, and more; each providing distinct experiences and opportunities to explore this natural wonder.

View of alligator in Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park

The largest subtropical wilderness in the US, Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vast wetlands, diverse wildlife, and unique ecosystems. Home to alligators, manatees, and rare birds, it offers an unparalleled glimpse into Florida’s wild side.

Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034, approximately 0.9 miles (2 minutes) from Everglades City | Find on Maps
Transportation is available from Miami to Everglades National Park

View of airboat in Everglades Safari Park

Everglades Safari Park

Located along the famous Tamiami Trail, this eco-adventure park offers narrated airboat rides through the vast "River of Grass," where you can spot alligators, turtles, and a variety of wading birds. The park also features alligator wildlife shows, a jungle walking trail with observation decks, and an on-site museum showcasing Everglades history and conservation efforts.

Address: 26700 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194, approximately 32.2 miles (40 minutes) from Miami | Find on Maps

View of Guests enjoying the Airboat Ride

Sawgrass Recreation Park

A popular Everglades attraction, Sawgrass Recreation Park offers thrilling airboat rides through the wetlands, with opportunities to see alligators, turtles, and native birds up close. The park also features a small zoo with rescued wildlife.

Address: 1006 US Hwy 27, Weston, FL 33327, approximately 24.7 miles (30 minutes) from Fort Lauderdale | Find on Maps

View of the boat during Everglades Airboat Tours & Rides

Everglades Holiday Park

Famous for its alligator shows and high-speed airboat tours, Everglades Holiday Park provides an exciting introduction to the Everglades, blending adventure with education about the region’s wildlife and conservation. Its close proximity to Miami also makes it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

Address: 21940 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33332, approximately 39.2 miles (50 minutes) from Miami | Find on Maps
Transportation is available from Miami to Everglades Holiday Park

Man interacting with an alligator at Gator Park, Drive-Thru Safari Park, Orlando.

Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park

Further north than most Everglades airboat parks, Wild Florida is closer to Orlando, making it the ideal choice for those in Central Florida. Wild Florida offers a curated, family-friendly experience with airboat rides, a drive-thru safari, hands-on animal encounters, and classic gator shows. It’s a more accessible, adventure-packed way to experience Florida’s wild side without venturing deep into the southern Everglades.

Address: 3301 Lake Cypress Rd, Kenansville, FL 34739, United States, approximately 48 miles (1 hour) from Orlando | Find on Maps

View of the Coopertown

Coopertown National Park

Coopertown is famous for its airboat rides that also double up as a cultural experience where you get to meet the residents of this historic town. The small community that call this area home are also involved in tourism operations themselves and share their expertise of the region on the airboat tours.

Address: 22700 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194, approximately 29 miles (40 minutes) from downtown Miami | Find on Maps

What to expect on your visit

Guests on an airboat tour in the Everglades, gliding through wetlands.
Guests holding an alligator and snake at Everglades Holiday Park animal encounter.
Guests on an airboat tour enjoying the Everglades view in Florida.
Alligator resting on a log at Everglades Safari Park, Miami tour.
Guests feeding giraffe during Everglades Airboat Tour at Wildlife Park.
1/5

Zip through the wetlands on an airboat

Launch into adventure aboard a flat-bottom airboat and skim across the “River of Grass.” Explore hidden marsh pathways rich with alligators, turtles, and native birdlife, by day or under the moonlit thrill of nighttime rides.

Get close to reptiles through exhibits

Step into dedicated reptile zones to see Florida’s most fascinating cold-blooded residents up close. Spot baby gators, turtles, and snakes in immersive displays, then join hands-on encounters where you can safely hold a small alligator for a one-of-a-kind photo.

Learn about the Everglades from a local expert

Gain insider insight into the Everglades ecosystem with guided tours. Find out how Seminole culture shaped the land, spot rare birds and native flora, and hear about conservation stories that bring the landscape to life.

Hold onto your seats as you watch wildlife shows

Watch trained handlers showcase the speed and strength of alligators at shows hosted in parks like Everglades Holiday Park and Everglades Safari Park. Expect dramatic feeding demos, safe handling techniques, and expert commentary on Everglades’ scaly stars.

Enjoy a drive through the safari park at Wild Florida

Embark on a self-guided safari in your own vehicle across 170 acres of open terrain. Encounter free-roaming giraffes, zebras, bison, and oryx up close. Visit the alligator pond and hand-feed giraffes for a memorable, intimate wildlife experience.

Things to know before booking your Everglades tour

  • Know the parks: Everglades is spread across 7,800 square miles of land with parks operating in many areas. Figure out which is most accessible to you for a seamless visit. Everglades National Park is the closest to Everglades City and Miami with pick-up available from multiple locations in Miami. Everglades Holiday Park and Sawgrass Recreation Park are close to both Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Coopertown National Park is closer to Miami and Wild Florida is closer to Orlando.
  • Looking for transport? Round-trip transportation from Miami are available to get to Everglades Holiday Park and Everglades National Park with pick-up points from Miami Beach, Bayside Marketplace, and South Beach. Enjoy guided commentary during your journey, a thrilling airboat tour, a wildlife show, and a complimentary souvenir photo.
  • Why a night tour is worth it: A night tour of the Everglades offers a unique and immersive way to experience the wetlands after dark, when the ecosystem comes alive with nocturnal creatures.
  • Traveling with a group: If you're with a group of friends or your family and want to share the experience together, choose a private tour.
  • Activities to look forward to: While all parks have guided airboat tours and a wildlife show/exhibit access, some parks like Everglades National Park also include activities like kayaking, biking, fishing, hiking, and more, which means you can spend the entire day filled with adventure.
  • The best time to visit depends on the season: The dry season (November to April) is the most popular time, with cooler temperatures and better wildlife visibility. The wet season (May to October) offers lush, green landscapes, fewer crowds, and higher water levels, but mosquitoes thrive during this time.

Your Everglades tours explained

View of Guests enjoying the Airboat Ride

Guided airboat tours

Glide through the Everglades on a thrilling airboat ride, skimming over wetlands and spotting alligators, exotic birds, and more. Led by expert guides, you’ll explore hidden corners of this UNESCO-listed ecosystem. Choose a daytime tour with reptile exhibit access at Sawgrass Recreation Park or feel the wild come alive after dark on an exciting night tour.

Recommended tours:

  • Everglades Airboat Ride with Access to Reptile Exhibits
  • Everglades Airboat Night Tour
  • Sawgrass Recreation Park Airboat Tour with Wildlife Show
  • 1-Hour Everglades Airboat Tour with Wildlife Park Ticket
View of the boat during Everglades Airboat Tours & Rides

Day tours with transportation

Travel in comfort with round-trip transportation from Miami before gliding across the ‘River of Grass’ on an airboat ride. Spot alligators, turtles, and vibrant bird species, then enjoy wildlife shows for close encounters with the Everglades’ fascinating creatures. Expert guides and seamless transport make this the perfect day tour when visiting nearby cities.

Recommended tours:

  • From Miami: Everglades Airboat Tour, Wildlife Show & Bus Transportation
  • From Miami: Everglades National Park Airboat Tour
  • From Miami: Everglades Safari Park Airboat Tour
Airboat gliding through Everglades wetlands during private 1-hour adventure tour in Miami.

Private tours

For an exclusive adventure, a private airboat tour lets you explore the Everglades at your own pace with a dedicated guide. Venture into secluded areas to spot alligators, rare birds, and native wildlife up close. Perfect for families, photographers, and nature lovers, it offers a personalized journey into the heart of this unique ecosystem.

Recommended tours:

  • Everglades Private Airboat Tour

Top highlights to expect on your Everglades tour

A wide shot of a Sawgrass Recreation Park airboat

Glide through the Everglades on an airboat

Speed across the famous "River of Grass" and explore hidden corners of this vast ecosystem, spotting alligators, turtles, and exotic birds along the way

A detailed close-up of a alligator lying on a log
Wetlands in Everglades
Everglades Airboat tour
Experience native American culture

Plan your visit to the Everglades

Timings of Everglades
  • General hours: Everglades National Park is open 24/7, but visitor centers and tours have specific hours. Most tours and activities operate between 8am and 5pm.
  • Best time to visit: While the Everglades is open year-round, timing your visit can make a big difference in your experience. The dry season from December to April is the ideal time to explore. You’ll enjoy cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and fewer mosquitoes, making it a more comfortable experience. Just keep in mind that this is also peak season, so expect larger crowds. Winters in Florida are mild, so even though it's the "cooler" season, the weather is still quite pleasant.
Facilities at Everglades
  • Visitor centers: Wheelchair-accessible with paved paths and ramps.
  • Airboat tours: Some airboats are wheelchair-friendly, but availability varies by operator.
  • Boardwalk trails: Trails like Anhinga Trail and Mahogany Hammock have accessible pathways.
  • Restrooms: Accessible restrooms are available at visitor centers and main tour areas.
Pets not allowed sign inside Everglades
  • Wildlife safety: Stay at least 15 feet away from alligators and never feed them.
  • Stay on trails: Wandering off designated paths can be dangerous and harm the environment.
  • Weather preparedness: Afternoon storms are common in summer—bring rain gear and check the forecast.
  • No pets: Pets aren’t allowed on most trails or in the backcountry.
  • No drones: Drones are prohibited in Everglades National Park.
  • Fires & firewood: Campfires are only allowed in designated areas, and bringing in outside firewood is restricted.
  • Littering: Pack out all trash to keep the park clean and protect wildlife.
Children interacting with a baby alligator at Everglades reptile exhibit.
  • Download the NPS App: The National Park Service app provides maps, alerts, and essential visitor information to help you navigate the Everglades easily.
  • Mosquitoes & bugs: Even during the dry season, mosquitoes can be a hassle. Wear long sleeves, use insect repellent, and consider bringing a mosquito net for camping.
  • Camping & fishing permits: If you plan on fishing or camping, you will require permits. Make sure to get them in advance.
  • Respect wildlife: The Everglades is home to rare and endangered species. Observe from a distance and follow all park rules to help protect them.
  • Don’t touch the water: The Everglades is filled with alligators, snakes, and other wildlife, so keep your hands and feet out of the water at all times and listen to your tour guide.
  • Check weather forecasts: Florida’s weather can change quickly. Check for storms before heading out, especially if you're camping or boating.
Dining at Everglades

Near Sawgrass Recreation Park:

Taking the tour from Miami? Here are some options near the Miami pick-up spots:

  • Near Miami Beach: Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay (39.1 miles away from Holiday Park)
  • Near Bayside Marketplace: The Knife (on-site, 36.6 miles away from Holiday Park)

Near Everglades National Park:

Stay options near Everglades

Near Sawgrass Recreation Park:

Taking the tour from Miami? Here are some options near the Miami pick-up spots:

  • Near Miami Beach: Fontainebleau Miami Beach (36.7 miles away from Holiday Park)
  • Near Bayside Marketplace:The Grand Doubletree (35.7 miles away from Holiday Park)

Near Everglades National Park:

Beyond Everglades

Guests feeding giraffes at Zoo Miami during a hop-on hop-off tour.

Zoo Miami

Zoo Miami, also known as the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, is the largest and oldest zoo in Florida. Spanning over 750 acres, it is home to more than 3,000 animals from around the world, housed in open-air, cageless habitats that mimic their natural environments.

Visit Zoo Miami
Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour in Miami

Miami Hop-on Hop-off tours

Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Miami tours offer a flexible and scenic way to explore the city's top attractions. With open-top double-decker buses, the tour covers key landmarks such as South Beach, Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, Bayside Marketplace, and the Art Deco District.

Take a bus tour of Miami
View if cruise in Miami

Boat tours & cruises

Miami boat tours offer thrilling speedboat rides, luxury yacht cruises, and scenic sunset trips. Highlights include Biscayne Bay, Star Island, Millionaire’s Row, and the Miami skyline with options ranging from high-speed adventures to relaxing sightseeing with live commentary, onboard bars, and stunning waterfront views.

Book your Miami boat tour

Frequently asked questions about Everglades tours

Which Everglades park is closest to Orlando?

Wild Florida, located in Kenansville, is about 48 miles (1 hour) from Orlando. It’s a great option if you’re visiting from Central Florida.

Which Everglades park is closest to Miami?

Everglades Safari Park is about 29 miles (40 minutes) from downtown Miami, making it an easy half-day trip.

Which Everglades park is closest to Fort Lauderdale?

Sawgrass Recreation Park is roughly 25 miles (30 minutes) from Fort Lauderdale, ideal for a quick getaway.

Is transportation included?

Yes, transportation is available from Miami for experiences like Airboat Tour with Wildlife Show and Everglades Airboat Tour with Reptile Exhibit.

How do I choose the right park for my visit?

If you’re short on time, pick a park closest to your city. For extra attractions like animal shows or a drive-thru safari, choose parks like Wild Florida or Sawgrass Recreation Park.

Are all airboat tours the same?

No. Some focus on short scenic rides, others offer extended journeys into remote areas. Private tours provide a more personalized experience.

What’s the difference between the Everglades parks?

Everglades Holiday Park, focus on wildlife shows and family-friendly activities, while others, like Shark Valley, highlight scenic views and cycling trails. Wild Florida combines airboat rides with a drive-thru safari park, while Sawgrass Recreation Park is known for its reptile exhibits and nighttime airboat tours.

What’s the difference between the airboat tours?

Airboat tours in the Everglades vary by duration, timing, and style. Short rides (30–40 minutes) give a quick glimpse of the wetlands, while longer tours (up to 60 minutes) venture deeper for better wildlife encounters. Day tours are great for spotting alligators and birds in natural light, while night tours offer a unique view of the nocturnal Everglades, with glowing alligator eyes and nighttime sounds.

Everglades Tickets
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX