everglade airboat tours near naples

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Airboat Rides

EVERGLADES AIRBOAT TOURS

• Native Floridian Tour Guides
• Comfortable Cushioned Seats
• Airboats seat up to 10 adults comfortably
• Everglades Gift Shop
• Hold a live baby alligator and have your picture taken
• Open 7 days a week
• 45 minute airboat rides
• Clean restrooms

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

Stay safe and comfortable 

See alligators & animals up close

Hold a baby alligator

Take home gifts and memories

Everglades National Park Boat Tour

Mangrove Tunnel & National Park Combo

Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

Mangrove maze airboat tours.

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

• Mangrove Maze Ultimate Combo

• Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour

Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Combos

• Total Everglades Combo

Mangrove Tunnel & Grassland Combo

Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo

Private Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo

Mangrove tunnel airboat tours.

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

• Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour

• Private Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour

Grassland airboat Tours

Grassland & Buggy Combo

• Grassland Airboat Tour

4 Attractions Included with All Our Tours

When you book direct.

Animal Sanctuary

Alligator Show

Hug an Alligator

Why Choose Captain Jack’s?

Local Roots

Safety & Experience

Two-Way Headsets

Alligators & Animals

Quietest & Comfiest

Personal & Popular

Refreshments & Gifts

Guests love us.

“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
• Mangrove Tunnel & Grassland Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo
• Private Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo
• Grassland & Buggy Combo
• Lodging Nearby
• Total Everglades Stay & Play
• Online Gift Shop
• Animals & Alligator Show
• Everglades City Boardwalk

Everglades Excursions & Tours

Embark on one in a lifetime adventure through the Everglades! See alligators, ride an airboat and more. Let our experienced tour guides show you the mystery and ecology of the Everglades on your own private excursion. Learn about the four Eco-Systems and precious wildlife that thrive in this area.

Am half day everglades tour, what people are saying.

Explore The Everglades

Experience true florida.

Let our experienced tour guides show you the mystery and ecology of the Everglades on your own private excursion. Learn about the four Eco-Systems and precious wildlife that thrive in this area.

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Explore Our Other Tours

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Experience more of the Everglades at Wooten's!

Glide across 259 private acres on a grassland airboat tour

Get a chance to see wild alligators, birds & more

Stay safe and comfortable 

See alligators & animals up close

Hold a baby alligator

Have fun learning with friends & family

Take home gifts and memories

Everglades National Park Boat Tours

Grassland & National Park Combo

Ten thousand islands boat tour, popular airboat combos.

Combine multiple tours for a complete Everglades experience!

• Original Combo

• Extended Combo

• Total Everglades Combo

Popular Airboat Tours

Book a tour and get our Animal Sanctuary & Alligator Park included!

• Grassland Airboat Tour

• Extended Airboat Tour

• Private Airboat Tour

3 Attractions Included with All Our Tours

When you book direct.

Animal Sanctuary

Alligator Show

Hug an Alligator

Why choose wooten's.

Local Roots

Most of our team grew up in the Everglades and they all look forward to sharing their passion for the water and wildlife with you!

Safety & Experience

Our safe, experienced captains are licensed by the Coast Guard, and our boats are regularly maintained.

Alligators & Animals

You'll definitely see alligators and other animals in our sanctuary, and you might even see wild ones on your tour!

Quietest & Comfiest

Our custom airboats are the quietest and most comfortable they've ever been, with a ride just as thrilling.

A Timeless Classic

Wooten's has a long history of delighting customers since 1953!

Refreshments & Gifts

Buy refreshments and take Everglades gifts and souvenirs home with you.

Guests Love Us!

"What an amazing day! Airboat ride and swamp buggy were so great! Got to see the Everglades, a lot of gators, bear tracks, birds and vultures. Staff was friendly and accommodating. They knew a great deal about the animals in the area and answered a lot of questions. I highly recommend!"

—S. from North Carolina

"The airboat was a thrilling ride and we saw a lot of alligators! The swamp buggy was fun and fascinating. This is definitely the place to go to check off your bucket list. Everyone working there was friendly and gave us a great time! I would definitely do this again."

—L. from Florida

—C.Z.

"We sat in the front row for the airboat tour and it was so much fun. The captain was very knowledgeable with a sense of humor. Seeing the alligators and holding them was something I never thought I would get to do!"

—S. from Massachusetts

• Grassland & National Park Combo
• Private Combo
• Kayak Airboat Combo
• Swamp Buggy Tour
• Animal Sanctuary & Alligator Park
• Lodging Nearby
• Stay & Play Adventure
• Large Group Grassland Airboat Tour
• Large Group Original Combo
• Students & Field Trips
• Online Gift Shop
• Gift Cards for Tours
• Shipping, Tax & Returns

Breaking News:

Gator Park is open every day. No reservations required, just show up!

NPS Entrance Fee is now $8 per person for adults, free for seniors, children under 16, National Park passholders, military and veterans.

Please be advised that holding live baby alligator for a photo is no longer allowed. Thank you for your understanding.

We have a limitied availability for private tours. Please call to make reservation in advance. 

Walk-ins are always welcome!

Attention Drivers: Please exercise increased caution while traveling on US41 due to current road conditions. Stay alert, reduce speed , and maintain a safe following distance. 

Welcome to GATOR PARK

An alligator adventure in the heart of the everglades national park..

Looking for some serious gator action? Gator Park is the premier airboat tour in the Florida Everglades to spy these fierce reptiles. Airboat rides depart every few minutes, so your Everglades experience begins the moment you arrive. We also offer private airboat tours for a more up close and personal look at the alligators .

The Everglades National Park is known for its vast wildlife, many of whom you’ll meet on your airboat tour. From endangered birds you won’t find anywhere else to small creatures that live among these wild alligators , you’ll see Florida as few people do.

The Everglades' marine life includes more than 200,000 alligators, so you’re guaranteed to spy quite a few on your Everglades tour! American crocodiles and fish, including large mouth bass,  blue gil and catfish, are also frequent guest stars on the tour.

More than 28 different snakes - a few of which are venomous – also call the Everglades home, alongside the beautiful and elusive endangered Florida panther.

Experience this unique Miami, Florida attraction by booking your airboat ride through the Everglades National Park today. Give us a call at 800-559-2205 or buy tour tickets online now.

Ready to meet the gators? You’ve come to the right place. Buy your airboat tour tickets online and save time and money at the park. No reservations required! Your tickets will be available at Gator Park on the day of your airboat safari.

Airboat Tours

Get ready for the ride of your life. The Gator Park Airboat Tour begins by winding down the canal, providing plenty of photo ops to catch wildlife in their natural habitat. Experienced guides offer tips to ensure you spot alligators large and small...

Wildlife Show

Go beyond the Everglades with Gator Park's famous alligator and wildlife show and watch alligators from just a few steps away! This barehanded technique was originally used to capture alligators and showcases the great power and agility of the gators.

ALLIGATOR TOUR HOURS & RATES

Looking for a unique change of pace from other Florida tourist attractions? An Everglades airboat safari is just what you need. Gator Park is open and ready for your Everglades adventure every day, rain or shine! (The gators like the rain.)

Monday – Sunday:

• 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Last wildlife show:

Last airboat departure:

Tickets to Gator Park include admission, airboat ride through the Everglades and watch alligators at the Wildlife show. Buy tickets online and save. 

• Adults: $29.99 ($29.99 at the gate)
• Children: $19.99 (Kids 1-5 years old ride for free!)

Private airboat tours run on your schedule and are a great way to get up close and personal with the gators. Rates are by the hour.

• 1-4 People: $595.00
• 5-6 People: $695.00
• 7-10 People: $895.00
• 11-15 People: $995.00
• 16-24 People: $1495.00

$8 National Park Service entry fee is not included.

Excluded from National Park entrance fees:

• Children under the age of 16
• National Park passholders
• Senior citizens (62+ years of age)
• Active Military personnel with proper ID

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club cards accepted for all our Everglades attractions.

Have an unforgettable Everglades experience at Jungle Erv's!

Zip through the Everglades on airboat tours

Take a buggy ride through a cypress forest

Get a chance to see wild alligators, birds & more

Stay safe and comfortable 

See alligators & animals up close

Hold a baby alligator

Explore mangroves on a boardwalk stroll

Take home gifts and memories

Everglades National Park Boat Tours

Mangrove Maze & National Park Combo

Ten thousand islands boat tour, mangrove maze airboat tours.

Race through a maze of Everglades mangroves on an airboat, away from other traffic • 12-seat boats

• Mangrove Maze Ultimate Combo

Mangrove Maze & Grassland Combo

Mangrove Maze & Buggy Combo

• Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour

Mangrove Maze Ultimate Stay & Play

Mangrove tunnel airboat tours.

Zip through the world-famous mangrove tunnels of Everglades City on an airboat • 6- or 10-seat boats

• Mangrove Tunnel Ultimate Combo

Mangrove Tunnel & Grassland Combo

Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo

• Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour

• Private Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour

4 Attractions Included with All Our Tours

When you book direct.

Animal Sanctuary

Alligator Show

Hug an Alligator

Why choose erv's.

Local Roots

Safety & Experience

Two-Way Headsets

Alligators & Animals

Quietest & comfiest.

A Timeless Classic

Refreshments & Gifts

Guests love us.

• Mangrove Maze & National Park Combo
• Mangrove Maze & Grassland Combo
• Mangrove Maze & Buggy Combo
• Mangrove Maze Ultimate Stay & Play
• Mangrove Tunnel & Grassland Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo
• Lodging Nearby
• Animals & Alligator Show
• Everglades City Boardwalk

Captain Mitch's * Everglades Airboat rides

Everglades City Fl , Swampland Airboat Tours

• Airboat Tour History
• About The Everglades
• About Everglades City
• Airboat Rides Rates
• Photos @ Everglades Private Airboat Tours

E verglades Airboat Ride Rates

Airboat ride rates.

Cost: At Captain Mitch’s Everglades airboat ride.

One hour airboat tours  in the swampland at Captain Mitch’s airboat park. Travel at speed while on a thrilling ride in comfort. The airboat ride travels on a round trip of 8 to 10 miles. Our private property shares property lines with the Everglades National Park, the Big Cypress National Preserve and Fakahatchee State Preserve.                                                                                                                                                                                                                         (  General tours( with other people on boa t) OPEN 8:30 to 4:00  7days week

Adults: $45.00 CASH or $50.00 CREDIT CARD per person one hour airboat ride .

Child: $20.00 CASH or $25.00 CREDIT CARD per person one hour airboat ride. (Boat minimum 2 adults)                                                                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                                                                         ( Private tours)                                                                                                                          Private tours are available – call for pricing 

A standard airboat tour lasts 1 hour. We are located close to Naples and Marco Island,FL near the Everglades national park.

For more info or directions call our friendly staff.

Reservations toll free # 1-800-368-0065

Your email:

**SPECIAL**

$5.00 OFF EACH (ADULT & CHILD) Mention Verbal Code: ***SCHOOLS OUT*** at check in to receive discount ***EXPIRES: 06/30/2024

*Cannot be combined with any other coupons* **Verbal Code must be mentioned at check in to receive the discount. Discounts will NOT be accepted after purchase**

COUPONS NOT VALID ON PRIVATE TOURS

Airboat Ride Adventures

Experience this THRILLING once in a lifetime one hour Everglade airboat tour in the Florida Everglades swampland at Captain Mitch’s airboat park.

Reservation Request

*All online reservation requests should be done 72 hours in advance. If you are planning same day service (less than 72 hours), please call our office to ensure we can get you in right away.

**Current prices effective 04/07/2022**

Adults: CASH PRICE: $45.00 per person, plus tax. CREDIT CARD PRICE: $50.00 per person, plus tax (1 hr ride) Child: CASH PRICE: $20.00 per person, plus tax. CREDIT CARD PRICE: $25.00 per person, plus tax (1 hr ride)

(Boat minimum 2 adults)

AIRBOAT PIONEER BARREL HEAD HOUSE

• 31 reviews of Everglades Private Airboat Tours in Everglades City

Our local Airboat tour captains

Capt Mitch.

Born and raised in Everglades City Fl. Raised commercial fishing the Everglades National Park and running airboat tours.

Raised in Chokoloskee, FL crabbing, commercial fishing the Everglades 10,000 Islands and airboat rides

Capt  Hunter

Raised in Chokoloskee, FL airboating the Everglades all his life

Born in Ohio relocated to Everglades City fishing and airboating the Everglades 20+years

Naples Florida redneck. Airboat Captain from the swamp.

Captain Cory

Our newest Airboat Captain living the island life on Chokoloskee, FL

Need Directions?

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Have a question.

Thinking about stopping by and experiencing a fun thrilling everglades airboat ride adventure? Give us a call and learn more about the experience.

Phone: (239) 695-3377 Address: 30999 Tamiami Trail E Everglades, FL 34139

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Learn how to easily plan your dream trip to Florida!

11 Best Everglades Airboat Tours Worth The Money

December 9, 2020 //  by  Florida Trippers

Are you looking for the best Everglades Airboat Tours? We have you covered with our list of the best tours worth your money!

The Everglades National Park is a 1.5 million-acre wetland located in southern Florida. Compared to a swamp the Everglades is comprised of mangroves, and sawgrass marshes and is home to alligators , birds and other species.

An Airboat Tour of the Everglades is a great way to view areas of the Everglades inaccessible by those on land. Whether you are looking for private tours, small group tours, nighttime moonlight tours, or tours that come with adventure wildlife parks, tours with lunch or tours with pick up and drop off we have you covered with this list!

We have discovered the best tours leaving from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Naples , Sanibel, Fort Myers and Orlando and Kissimmee . Whether looking for a quick 30 minutes of the best Everglades Airboat Tours to half-day and full-day adventure. Just make sure to pack sunscreen, bug spray and some water!

Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida

This is one of the best Everglades Airboat tours for those wanting options. The Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida explores Central Florida’s Everglades and leaves out of Orlando.

You will get to experience either a 30 minute airboat ride or one hour airboat ride through over 4200 acres of protected Everglades swamps, rivers and marshes.

If you choose the half day package your package includes a visit to the Wildlife Park spread over 13 acres where you can see animals like zebras, bobcats, lemurs, sloths, tropical bird aviary and an alligator handling show.

If looking for an Everglades Airboat tour with lunch you will want to book the half-day tour. This tour comes with a delicious BBQ lunch at the Chomp House Grill and an alligator souvenir and picture.

Book Now: 30 Minute Airboat Ride

Book Now: 1 Hour Airboat Ride

Book Now: Half day Package

Everglades Airboat Tour & Gator Boys

The Everglades Airboat Tour & Gator Boys Alligator Rescue Show is one of the best Everglades airboat tours from Fort Lauderdale. Here at the Everglades Holiday Park Fort Lauderdale, your tour includes a 1 hour narrated Airboat ride and then a 15 minute live alligator rescue show! Tours depart every 20 minutes. And the tour takes about an hour and half.

Not only will you see alligators and birds on the Airboat Tour you will see unique flora and fauna along the ride. Enjoy the unique ecosystem up close and personal from the airboat as you spot alligators in their natural habitat and learn about the importance of conversation and preservation of the Everglades.

The Gator Boys have appeared on Animal Planet and provide and informative and entertaining live rescue show. After you will also receive two pictures from your day!

Book Now: 1 Hour Airboat Tour and Live Show

Airboat Tour Central Florida

The Airboat Tour of Central Florida is one of the best airboat rides in the Everglades for those looking for small groups. Tours are limited to only 6 guests and seating is in a stadium style on the boat so everyone has great views.

This tour leaves from Kissimmee and includes a guided airboat tour with live commentary. Your small group will explore the Everglades swamp keeping a lookout for alligators in their nesting areas in West Lake Toho.

Tours leave at 9 am, 11 am and 1 pm.

Book Now: 90 minute Airboat Tour

Full-Day Everglades Naturalist-Led Adventure

If you are looking for a Full-Day tour, this is one of the best Everglades airboat tours near Miami . What makes the Full Day Everglades Naturalist led adventure unique is this tour is a full day package! There is also a half day option!

First, the tour offers complimentary pickup from hotels in Miami, Hollywood or Fort Lauderdale. Then you will be on your way to explore the Everglades National Park with a master naturalist where you will take a hour long airboat ride through the river of Grass to see alligators up close in Shark Valley.

Next on the tour you will take an hour long cruise to the Ten Thousand Islands a salt water area of the Everglades where you can often spot manatees, birds, dolphins and more.

Then you will experience a visit to a Native tree island village ( Miccouskee) that once serves as a historic trading post, and finally a wildlife spotting tour on Big Cyprus and then it is onto lunch at the Havana Cafe.

The lunch as both vegetarian and gluten free options in addition to the traditional menu. Snacks, fresh fruit, water, and soft drinks also offered during the tour.

There is a hotel pickup and even a dedicated airport drop off perfect for those looking for an interesting tour their day of departure. They will hold your luggage and offer guests the complete experience with bug spray, sunscreen, ponchos, binoculars, and a eco-canteen and a National Parks map! This is the best Everglades airport tours near Miami!

Book Now: Full Day Adventure

Book Now: Half Day Tour

Florida Everglades Night Airboat Tour

Are you looking to take an airboat tour through the Everglades at night? If so, the Florida Everglades Night Airboat Tour departing from Fort Lauderdale is for you! The tour departs at 8:30 PM from the Sawgrass Recreational Park.

With your ticket you also receive admission to the Sawgrass Recreation Park open during the day where you can see reptiles and exotic animals at the Wildlife center.

Your airboat tour will take place under the stars of the sky as you glide across the Everglades at up to 40 miles per hour using the lights from the airboat to spot alligators.

Book Now: 1 hour Nighttime Airboat Ride

Everglades VIP Tour and Show

The Everglades VIP tour and Show provides transportation to and from select hotels in the Fort Lauderdale Area as well as the Miami or Fort Lauderdale airports and both the Port Everglades and Port of Miami. The tour is about 4 hours long with transportation time included.

There are two VIP tour options offered one in the morning at 8:30 am and one in the afternoon at 1 pm. After being picked up you will begin your tour on an hour long airboat tour with in-depth commentary through the Everglades. The guides will explain the eco-system as well as the behaviorof the alligators.

Once you return you will be treated to a live in person presentation by the Gator Boys alligator rescue team. The show is both informative and entertaining!

After the show you may take a picture with one of the baby alligators where you will be given a little keepsake of your day spent exploring the Everglades and learning about alligators.

Book Now: 1 hour Airboat Ride and Pick Up

Private Tour: Florida Everglades Airboat Ride and Wildlife Adventure

If you are looking for a private tour this is one of the best Everglades boat tours! For those looking for a premium experience you will have the airboat all to yourself with just your group!

On this Private Tour of Florida’s Everglades Airboat Ride and Wildlife Adventure , you will travel deep into the Everglades National Park and explore wildlife refuge at the Sawgrass Recreational Park. As this is a private ride the goal is show areas of the Everglades normal boat tours don’t reach and with a smaller airboat it is easily manuverable into smaller areas!

Guests can expect the tour to be a little longer and more in-depth with Airboat speeds reaching up to 40 miles per hour! At the refuge you can see panthers, bobcats, leopards, alligators and other like fish, snakes, and turtles up close.

Book Now: Private 60 minute Airboat Tour

Air Boat Tour of Palm Beach in The Swamp Monster

If you are in the Palm Beach area and are looking for one of the best Everglades airboat tours from Palm Beach this is the tour for you! On this tour you will take a private airboat tour on the Swamp Monster boat with individual seats!

The tour guide is very informative about the Everglades ecosystem and plants as well as knowledgable about the wildlife you will encounter on the airboat tour. You can often spot turtles, herons, storks and an assortment of birds.

Sometimes you even spot an area of an old plane wreckage depending on how far into the Everglades the tour takes you.

Book Now: Private Airboat Tour

Everglades Day Safari from Fort Myers, Naples or Sanibel

If you are looking for one of the best Everglades airboat tours from Fort Myers you are in luck! The Everglades Day Safari from Fort Myers, Naples or Sanibel offers a guided tour with a naturalist. This eco-tour offers a wildlife drive, hour long airboat ride and boat cruise, lunch and a nature walk.

On this 45 minute airboat tour highlights include seeing wildlife such as dolphins, alligators, herons and more. You will be given a full history of the wildlife, geology, and Native American history as well.

Then you will take a wildlife drive through Big Cypress National Preserve where you can see gators, deer, bear, hogs, turtles, birds and more. Next, you will take a wildlife walk through the ancient towering cypress trees. It is truly one of the best Everglades boat tours from Naples!

After an afternoon break you will be served lunch at a beautiful waterside restaurant in the Everglades. You must try the alligator appetizers! After lunch you will board another boat cruise fora 60 minute tour of the mangroves at 10,000 islands. You can spot manatees here!

Book Here: Everglades Day Tour

Miami Beach Miccosukee Village and Everglades Airboat Tour

The Miami Beach Miccosukee Village and Everglades Airboat Tour is a small group tour. Pickup is included from any Miami Beach landmark or hotel along Collins Avenue.

On your small group airboat tour you will discover the wildlife in the Everglades with tours offered in English, German and Spanish. You will have the oppurtunity to discover the unique eco-system of the Everglades alongside viewing wildlife like turtles, alligators and birds.

After the airboat tour you can visit the nearby wildlife park and learn about conservation efforts in the Everglades. Next, you will visit the Miccosukee Indian Village and Reservation where you can learn about the history and culture of the tribe. View handcrafts, photographs and more.

Book Now: Miami Beach Airboat Tour

Biscayne Bay Cruise and Everglades Airboat Ride

If you are ready to explore Miami by bus, boat and airboat this full day guided sightseeing adventure is for you. From the bus ride around Miami, to the Biscayne Bay, Miami Beach to the airboat ride through the Everglades this tour is for you.

Pickup begins at 10:15 am for this 6 hour full day tour. First you a picked up and then depart on a 30 minute airboat ride though the Everglades. You will view wildlife such as fish, birds, alligators and more.

Next your tour will take you on a jungle trail with crocodile exhibits and a live alligator wildlife show. Then you will board a 90 minute cruise along Biscayne Bay. The cruise takes you along the skyline of Miami Beach and Fisher Island, keep an eye out for manatees, dolphins and rays in the clear water off the coast.

Book: Everglades and Biscayne Bay

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Use Promo Code "SUMMER24" to save $15 per person on the full-day safari

Ft. Myers & Naples Everglades Tours

Southwest coast, check out our southwest florida adventures.

Want to compare our tours? View our chart here. 

• The Full Everglades Experience
• Hour Glass 9 hours

Everglades Day Safari from Naples

Join us on an in-depth, naturalist-guided day trip into the majestic Everglades! Includes an airboat ride, nature walk, mangrove wilderness boat ride and a delicious lunch!

• Great for Kids!
• Hour Glass 5 hours

Captain Bob’s Everglades Adventure Tour from Naples

Explore the Western Everglades with a wildlife biologist! Guided transportation from the Naples area, interactive reptile presentation and an airboat ride!

• Nature Walk, Airboat Ride & Reptile Show!
• Hour Glass 4 hours

Western Everglades Adventure in Immokalee

Enjoy an educational, hands-on reptile presentation with snakes and alligators and explore for reptiles (including alligators!) and birds on an airboat ride!

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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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Naples Airboat Tours: 4 Exciting Ways to See the Everglades

Naples airboat tours rank as an action-packed way to see the Everglades in southwest Florida. These tours offer insight into what life is like for those who use airboats for transportation, fishing, bowfishing and hunting. Airboats are powered by a propeller similar to that of an aircraft or automotive engine, making for an ideal mode of transportation across shallow waters. Ready to explore? Read more about the top Naples airboat tours and make reservations.

Top 4 Naples Airboat Tours for Everglade Adventures

Corey Billie Airboat Rides

Owned and manged by native Seminole and Floridian Corey Billie, these 45-minute tours educate and entertain guests. Deep cultural roots and a passion for the area allow Billie and his team of Everglade experts to pass down knowledge through adventure and experience.

On this tour, visitors head deep into the 200-acre preserve, and see tropical plants and animals such as alligators. While riding, enjoy large cushioned seats, comfortable seating for up to 10 adults, and opportunities for souvenir shopping. Before leaving, don’t forget to take a picture with a live baby alligator.

Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours

Explore thousands of acres on one of the most popular Naples airboat tours, operated by Captain Mitch House. For more than 60 years, the company has offered Everglade tours where visitors see alligators, snakes, birds and fish.

Captain Mitch explores his privately owned property, which shares lines with Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve and Fakahatchee State Preserve. His team also consists of other Florida and Everglade natives, ensuring guests have fun and get the local perspective. Tours last one hour and cover a round-trip measuring 8 to 10 miles.

Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours

Also among top-rated Naples airboat tours, visitors should try Captain Jack’s. Offering different options for exploring the Florida Everglades, Captain Jack’s is a must if traveling with the little ones.

Visitors have two options, the mangrove airboat tour and grassland tour, each lasting one hour. Families can also take a dryland tour in a swamp buggy or the Total Everglades combo, which offers three tours and free admission to the on-site animal sanctuary. The sanctuary houses rescued animals, including 100-plus alligators, and features live shows that educate and entertain guests.

Everglades City Airboat Tours

In nearby Everglades City, visitors meet Bruce Minton , a third-generation guide who focuses on a personalized service. Once aboard his airboat, guests wear two-way headphones that allow everyone to communicate with each other and the captain. To date, this is the only Naples airboat tour that uses this technology to enhance the Everglade experience.

Captain Bruce and his team are all native Floridians and offer fully narrated tours for all ages. Tours last one hour and explore mangrove jungles full of alligators, manatees and birds.

About the Everglades

The Everglades once housed Seminole, Calusa and Tequesta Native American tribes who migrated to the region in pursuit of large game. As climate change brought rising water tables, these tribes adapted to marshland life, traveling exclusively by canoes. Today, these waterways are frequented by airboats, which allow easy access to the ecosystem and wildlife. Don’t miss your chance to see the Everglades on these Naples airboat tours and start planning today.

Find more family-friendly Naples attractions , and browse spacious vacation homes in Naples .

Everglades Excursions

• See all photos

Experience the Everglades on an airboat guided tour

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Everglades Excursions - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Everything you need to know about Everglades National Park

Plan your trip to the southern tip of Florida to visit the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.

Why you should go to Everglades National Park

Sprawling between South Florida’s Lake Okeechobee and the Gulf of Mexico, the Everglades is one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands. About 20 percent of the region is protected within the confines of Everglades National Park , the third largest national park after Death Valley and Yellowstone in the lower 48 states. While the park’s main purpose is preserving wilderness, Everglades also provides plenty of scope for outdoor adventure.

Although technically a wetland , perhaps it’s best to think of the Everglades as the nation’s slowest, widest river—a constant stream of freshwater roughly 60 miles wide, moving at a speed of around 2.5 miles per day as it makes its way south to Florida Bay. The Seminole people called the region Okeechobee (“river of grass”). And while a large part of the Everglades is covered in razor-sharp sawgrass, the region also encompasses mangroves , tropical hardwood hammocks (island forests), pine and cypress forests, freshwater prairie, and various marine and estuarine habitats.

(This ambitious new trail will someday connect South Florida’s two national parks.)

“A visitor with an untrained eye—especially one used to the dramatic vistas of some western national parks—might arrive at Everglades National Park and think ‘What's the big deal?’” says Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades. “It's a park that requires you to really train your eye and be mindful and be present. When you do that, you can experience some really incredible and subtle nature.”

Where to find the best views in the park

With elevation ranging between sea level and eight feet, it’s not easy to snatch a lofty view of the park anywhere other than the 70-foot-high Shark Valley Observation Tower . Opened in 1984, the futuristic spiral renders views of up to 20 miles across the Everglades.

Fourteen miles west of Coe Visitor Center along the Main Park Road, the Pa-Hay-Okee boardwalk and elevated shade shelter provides another wide view across the river of grass.

One of the best coastal views is from the second-floor breezeway of the Guy Bradley Visitor Center in Flamingo.

Where to find the park’s best trails

Located near Coe Visitor Center, the Gumbo Limbo Trail (0.4 mile) and Anhinga Trail (0.8 mile) meander through Royal Palm hammock, while the 22-mile Long Pine Key Trails   penetrate the park’s largest stand of native pines.

Dead flat and paved, the 15-mile Shark Valley Trail varies between sawgrass marsh and tropical hardwood hammocks. Despite the name, there aren’t any sharks, just snoozing gators to step around (at a safe distance, of course).

Where to spot wildlife

Flamingo village is surprisingly good for wildlife. Osprey hatch and raise their young on nesting towers beside the marina, while manatees and American crocodile are sometimes spotted in the bay and nearby mangrove channels.

Alligators   routinely emerge from the swamp and sun themselves on or beside the Shark Valley Trail . It’s also a primo bird habitat for creepy-looking wood storks, gorgeous roseate spoonbills, and anhinga “snakebirds.”

Other places to watch gators and birdlife are the Anhinga Trail and Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk   in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park adjacent to the national park.

(Go on a wildlife odyssey through the Everglades and Key West.)

How to visit the park like a Nat Geo Explorer

National Geographic Young Explorer and conservation biologist Gabriela Tejeda has guided visitors along the park’s Florida Bay coast in boats, kayaks, and on paddleboards.

Her favorite way to explore inland areas is "slough slogging." It entails hiking in knee-to-waist-high water through sawgrass to reach secluded hardwood hammocks   or cypress domes —flora and fauna rich arboreal islands in the sawgrass.

When viewed from above, the domes form a rough circle around a pond. “What I didn’t know the first time I explored a dome,” Tejeda recalls, “is that the water in the middle is an ‘alligator hole’—a place where they hang out in the winter when the rest of the Everglades is drying out.”

“[The cypress domes] are unlike anything I had ever seen,” Tejeda continues. “I like to equate them to a fairy tale—a little fairy dome where you just feel like there’s going to be something magical flying around.” No fairy sightings so far. “But I always see owls and alligators and snakes.”

She highly recommends joining a ranger-led slough slog to Double Dome or other cypress domes along the Main Park Road.

Notable activities and excursions

Driving:   The Main Park Road runs through a variety of Everglades ecosystems—freshwater prairie, cypress forest, mangrove, and coastal marsh — on a 38-mile journey between the Coe Visitor Center and Flamingo . Along the way are sideroads to the Royal Palm trails, Historic Nike Missile Site , the   Mahogany Hammock boardwalk trail, and West Lake Boardwalk .

Tours:   Shark Valley offers two-hour narrated tram tours that stop at the Shark Valley Observation Tower. January through April, rangers lead Full Moon/New Moon Bike Rides and other activities.

Narrated boat tours depart from Flamingo and Everglades City . The latter is also homebase for private outfitters offering airboat tours, including Everglades City Airboat Tours. History buffs should visit the town’s small but interesting Museum of the Everglades .

Paddling:   Flamingo and Everglades City bookend the Everglades’ ultimate kayak/canoe experience —the Wilderness Waterway —a 99-mile meander through mangroves and marshes with raised platform “chickee hut” campsites along the way. Everglades City is also the starting point for self-guided paddles along the Turner River Canoe Trails .

Best things to do for families

Bikes & boats:   If keeping kids active is your mission, rent bikes and dodge snoozing alligators along the Shark Valley Tram Trail or explore Florida Bay and the mangroves by boat. Flamingo Adventures   offers canoe and kayak rentals in two-hour increments, as well as full-day pontoon boat rentals.

Tours:   Hop aboard a narrated boat tour of Florida Bay (from Flamingo Marina) or the Ten Thousand Islands (from Port Everglades); or feel the wind in your face during an adrenaline-pumping airboat ride from outfitters around the periphery of the park.

Junior Rangers:   Offered in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, the park’s Junior Ranger Booklet features hands-on and self-guided activities including a scavenger hunt to spot wild animals that call the park home.

The park also participates in the Every Kid Outdoors program that provides vouchers for fourth graders and their families in the U.S. to visit the Everglades (and other national parks) free of charge for an entire year.

Where to stay

Hotels: Destroyed by a hurricane in 2005, Flaming Lodge is open again with new waterview rooms. Outside the park, the closest hotels are in Homestead and Doral (on the eastern edge of the park) and Everglades City, Marco Island, and Naples (beyond the western edge).

Houseboats: Modern, six-person, 42-foot houseboats at Flamingo Marina are equipped with a bathroom (and with shower), an indoor galley, outside grill, air conditioning, bedding, and fish-cutting tables.

Camping: Long Pine Key Campground is open November 1 to April 30. Flamingo Campground is open year-round. Both feature bath houses, dump stations, and potable water. Reservations highly recommended. For camping with the comforts of home, Winter Glamping Tents are available November-April in Flamingo.

Wilderness camping is allowed on certain ground or beach sites or “chickees” (elevated camping platforms). Most sites are accessible only by water and all require wilderness permits. Reservations at Recreation.gov .

Here’s what else you need to know

Access: Although the entire coast is open to exploration via watercraft, land-bound visitors have three options for entering the park: Everglades Homestead in the east, Shark Valley in the north, and Gulf Coast in the northwest.

When to visit:   The dry season (December to March) is when most ranger programs and park concessions are available. This is also the best time to see wading birds and other wildlife. The wet season (April to November) is hot, humid, buggy, and has fewer park services.

“Many people prefer the winter for the terrific weather,” says ranger Allyson Gantt. “But each season offers something special. The shoulder seasons of fall and spring are less busy and may offer more solitude. Summer is especially great for boating and other water activities.”

Closures: A multi-year construction project to raise the level of the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) often features delays. Shark Valley parking is often full by 10 a.m. Check out the latest road, trail, and parking lot conditions, plus weather and prescribed burning alerts at the park’s   conditions page.  

Fishing: Unless you’re under 16 or a Florida resident 65 or older, a state fishing license is required. Anglers casting south of Nine Mile Pond need a saltwater fishing license; from Nine Mile Pond northwards, a freshwater fishing license is mandatory.

Swimming: Swimming and snorkeling are forbidden anywhere inside the park.

Remote control aircraft: Drones, model airplanes, and similar unmanned aircraft are not allowed in the park.

Read before you go:   Originally published in 1947, the definitive Everglades book remains The Everglades: River of Grass ,   by Florida writer and conservationist Marjory Stoneman Douglas.

Are pets allowed?  

Because of the park’s wildlife-rich environment—and the potential threat that it poses to both pets and wild animals—pets and service animals are only allowed in parking lots, on boats, and in the campgrounds and picnic areas at Flamingo and Long Pine Key.

How accessible is Everglades?

Among the accessible sites and services are seven trails, all four visitors centers, two developed campgrounds and one backcountry campsite, narrated boat tours, and the Shark Valley Tram Tour. Visitor information via TDD is available at (305) 242-7740.

Related Topics

• NATIONAL PARKS
• BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING

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A local’s guide to the Everglades

The first time you visit the Everglades, you begin to comprehend just how much of it is vast nothingness. Pristine and largely inaccessible, it’s a flat, wet terrain not really meant for humans. Because Everglades National Park is often called the country’s most threatened park , that’s fortunate for the plants and animals that call it home. For visitors, that means views here are spread out and typically low to the ground: alligators and mangroves spotted on foot, by bicycle, kayak or from the back of a whizzing airboat.

Sadly, the Everglades are ravaged by human influences, including the decimation of Seminole , Calusa and other Native American tribes by disease and forcible removal, the disruption of water flow with the building of a 20th-century canal system and the modern-era crisis of invasive species . A trip to the park is an opportunity to appreciate the survival of the Everglades’s natural beauty despite all that.

The rural communities surrounding the park are another exciting reason to visit, offering a glimpse of a Florida that’s more Carl Hiaasen than Jimmy Buffett, more johnboat than Caribbean-bound cruise. Things move slower here. You might as well do the same.

How to get there

A car is essential to see the sprawling (and sometimes remote) attractions of Everglades National Park. If you’re flying into Southwest Florida International Airport to stay on Florida’s west coast, you’ll most likely enter the park through the Shark Valley Visitor Center on U.S. Highway 41. If you’re flying into Fort Lauderdale or Miami airports on the east coast, you can choose to visit the park via Shark Valley or venture farther south at the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center in Homestead. There is no public transportation to the park, and the National Park Service does not recommend arriving via ride-hailing apps because return transportation is often unavailable.

The best time to visit

For much of the year, South Florida is muggy and hot, making a summertime trip to the Everglades less than ideal. Hurricane season , from June to November, brings its own sense of unpredictability. The winter season, from December to March, is typically the busiest time of the year for good reason — the weather is more likely to be pleasant, the mosquitoes are dormant and human visitors are generally less cranky.

Where to stay

Coral Gables

A quick drive from Miami International Airport, this picturesque city has easy access to the park’s two main entrances. The historic Biltmore Hotel — and its on-site golf course and spa — offer old-school luxury in the heart of the Gables, while the boutique Hotel St. Michel has more affordable accommodations in a walkable area close to the action. There’s also no shortage of Airbnb options for groups, families or those who crave more privacy. If you want to check off two national parks on your trip, you can also book a boat tour of the nearby Biscayne National Park, which is 95 percent water .

Everglades City

If you’re looking for a laid-back vibe in the heart of the Everglades, this fishing village is where you want to be. The Everglades Adventures Hotel Suites by Ivey House is a no-frills option that’s walkable to everything in town. If you’re looking to camp, try the adults-only Everglades Isle RV Resort , also in town, or the Trail Lakes Campground in nearby Ochopee for tent campsites or cabin rentals. You can also book a stay in a chickee hut , traditionally an open structure built with a thatched roof in Seminole and Miccosukee communities. Clyde Butcher’s swamp cottages has a secluded two-bed, two-bath cottage and a one-bed, one-bath bungalow available for rent in Ochopee.

More sleepy than Miami but more lively than Everglades City, Naples is another base camp option within a reasonable distance of the park. The centrally located Inn on Fifth is a pricey hotel on Naples’s bustling Fifth Avenue South, while the Naples Garden Inn is a budget option that is a quick drive to the beach and restaurants. And, of course, there are plenty of Airbnbs.

Things to do

Take an airboat ride

Pick a company, any company. But don’t miss out on an airboat ride when you’re visiting the Everglades. It’s one of the best ways to see local flora and fauna, and your captain will be able to take you places you’d never find on your own. There are plenty of operators located along the perimeter of the park, regardless of whether you’re coming from the east or west coast. Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours , pictured above, is a Miccosukee-run company that offers sunset tours with 24 hours notice.

BTW: Bring bug spray , the good stuff (anything with picaridin or DEET). Otherwise, prepare to slap and scratch until you reach a zen-like state of acceptance and become one with the mosquitoes.

Browse Clyde Butcher’s Big Cypress Gallery, then go on a nature tour

Clyde Butcher may as well be the official landscape photographer of the Everglades. For decades, the honorary gladesman has been capturing the essence of Florida’s wilderness, inspiring both ecotourism and preservation efforts. Much of that work is on display at his Big Cypress Gallery, located in the middle of the Everglades on scenic U.S. Highway 41. The gallery also offers swamp tours where adventurous visitors can trudge through the wetlands or take a photo safari to get their own evocative shots.

BTW: The gallery has plenty of souvenirs available for purchase in what you might otherwise call a gift shop desert.

52388 Tamiami Trail E., Ochopee, Fla., 34141 | 239-695-2428 | Website

Visit the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters

The Skunk Ape is basically South Florida’s version of Bigfoot. Dave Shealy, the proprietor of the headquarters, is considered the preeminent expert of the upright cryptid, which is said to scale trees and crave lima beans. Shealy claims to have seen the Skunk Ape near his property three times, and his shaky video of one of those encounters has hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube . The research center sadly doesn’t have much information about the sasquatch, but you can pick up some Skunk Ape merch and take a selfie with a statue of the creature outside the shop.

BTW: The on-site Everglades Adventure Tours offers canoe and kayak rentals, as well as birding safaris and other excursions. Or, for a few bucks, you can check out the HQ’s reptile exhibit, which boasts a 24-foot python named Goldie.

40904 Tamiami Trail E., Ochopee, Fla., 34141 | 239-695-2275 | Website

Send a postcard from the smallest post office in the U.S.

The smallest post office in the country can be found in the tiny, unincorporated community of Ochopee (pronounced oh-CHOP-ee, from the Seminole word for farm). The building, which fits exactly one postal worker, measures less than 62 square feet and was originally used as a shed for a nearby tomato farm. The post office makes for a nice photo op and is a great excuse to mail a postcard from your trip.

BTW: You can purchase a postcard there if you forget to bring one from another part of your travels.

38000 Tamiami Trail E., Ochopee, Fla., 34141 | 800-275-8777 | Website

Explore the Seminole Tribe’s Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum

After U.S. troops invaded Spanish Florida in the 1800s, starting the Seminole Wars , a few hundred tribal members were able to disappear into the Everglades for safety. The Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation pays homage to the tribe’s special relationship to that environment. Inside, you’ll find exhibits highlighting Seminole traditions on the reservation, as well as rotating exhibits showing a more contemporary way of life. Outside, you’ll find a winding boardwalk through a sprawling cypress swamp where up to 70 species of plants and wildlife can be seen.

BTW: The museum is in a fairly remote area north of Everglades National Park, so download a nice long podcast or audiobook for the drive. You might also plan on taking an airboat ride up in that area to make a day of it.

34725 West Boundary Rd., Clewiston, Fla., 33440 | 877-902-1113 | Website

Ride the Shark Valley bike trail

Stretch your legs and get a lay of the land on two wheels at Shark Valley. The National Park Service rents bikes to visitors for a very reasonable $23 per day, and the 15-mile bike loop takes about two to three hours to complete. Don’t miss the observation tower, which offers sweeping views of the landscape. The visitors center also offers a two-hour narrated tram ride, which costs $29 for adults, $23 for seniors (62 and older) and $15 for children 3 to 12.

BTW: Rent your bike online in advance; rental inventory goes quickly during peak winter months. And if you’re visiting during a warm season, you might want to stick with the tram, because there isn’t a whole lot of shade coverage to escape from the sun.

36000 SW Eighth St., Miami, 33194 | 305-221-8455 | Website

Grab a smoothie at Robert Is Here

Nothing says “refreshing” after a long day in the sun like a smoothie from Robert Is Here. The beloved local fruit stand has been run by founder Robert Moehling since he was 6, when he was made to sell extra cucumbers from his family’s farm on the side of the road. His “Robert Is Here” sign went up the next day, and locals have been coming ever since. While you can find a variety of tropical fruits and produce, the highlight is the $10 smoothies made of fresh fruit blended with ice — no funny ingredients or additives in sight. There are picnic tables for seating, and kids will enjoy the animal farm, which has goats, cows and pigs.

BTW: Robert Is Here is further south in the Homestead area, so it’s a good place to swing by if you’re accessing the park through the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center entrance.

19200 SW 344th St., Homestead, Fla., 33034 | 305-246-1592 | Website

Where to eat

Breakfast: Sunburst Cafe

This colorful Naples cafe in a nondescript shopping plaza is well-known for its homemade muffins, but Sunburst also serves a full breakfast and some of the best coffee in town. The restaurant can get busy in the mornings, but the staff keeps things moving and gets food out quickly. You’ll find indulgences like omelets, pancakes, and biscuits and gravy alongside lighter items like oatmeal, avocado toast and a vegan breakfast bowl. Sunburst is also a great option for lunch.

BTW: Disco diva Donna Summer became a regular at Sunburst after relocating to Naples, where she lived out her final years until her death in 2012.

2340 Pine Ridge Rd., Naples, Fla., 34109 | 239-263-3123 | Website

Breakfast: Island Cafe

A local favorite in Everglades City, Island Cafe is a casual restaurant with a diner-style menu serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Breakfast starts at 6 a.m., making it an ideal spot if you plan to hit the road early (or if you just want to see how the city’s fishermen and airboat captains start their day). You’ll find all the typical fare — eggs, pancakes, biscuits and gravy — at a reasonable price: Almost everything on the breakfast menu is less than $10.

BTW: Island Cafe also offers boxed lunches, so you can grab a sandwich for the road after breakfast.

305 Collier Ave., Everglades City, Fla., 34139 | 239-695-0003 | Website

Lunch: La Sandwicherie

In 1988, La Sandwicherie opened its first sandwich counter in Miami Beach , just a few hundred feet from the ocean, and in recent years has been adding locations around South Florida. The branch in Coral Gables sits along the scenic, pedestrian-only Giralda Plaza, where there are plenty of shops to check out after lunch. Sandwiches and salads are made to order, as are smoothies and juices. A personal favorite is the Sobe Club, which comes with turkey, avocado and brie.

BTW: If there’s room in your suitcase, it’s worth purchasing a bottle of La Sandwicherie’s famous vinaigrette, which is great on sandwiches and salads.

142 Giralda Ave., Coral Gables, Fla., 33134 | 786-615-2724 | Website

Lunch: The Rod & Gun Club

The Rod & Gun Club is an Everglades City institution, opening in the 1920s with a chef from Bavaria and over the years hosting a guest list that’s said to include Ernest Hemingway, Mick Jagger and five U.S. presidents. Walking in the door is like stepping back in time — the decor and furnishings have been preserved from a former era. Grab a seat on the covered, screened-in porch so you can enjoy lunch and a beer with a waterfront view of the Barron River. You’ll find fried seafood and gator bites, a few simple salads and some basic sandwich options.

BTW: The restaurant only takes cash, so make sure you’ve got some.

200 W. Broadway, Everglades City, Fla., 34139 | 239-695-2101 | Website

Lunch: Joanie’s Blue Crab Cafe

Conveniently located in the middle of U.S. Highway 41, Joanie’s is a great spot to snag a bite between distant attractions. Fried seafood, including grouper, shrimp and gator, is the highlight of the menu. Grab a drink from the beverage cooler inside and settle into a spot outside on the screened-in porch, where you might just catch a glimpse of an alligator along the canal out back.

BTW: Joanie’s is a stone’s-throw away from the Ochopee post office and the Skunk Ape Research Headquarters in case you plan to check out either.

39395 Tamiami Trail E., Ochopee, Fla., 34141 | 239-695-2682

Dinner: The Dock at Crayton Cove

Did you really visit Naples if you didn’t have a meal at the Dock? The beloved waterfront restaurant has been serving fresh seafood and other specialties since 1976. Casual yet elegant, this is the kind of place where you could show up in a sundress or in shorts and flip-flops, and you’d fit in either way. Favorite dishes include the key lime grouper and the lobster potato gratin. Wash it down with a rum-forward Island Negroni or a “Docksicle,” a glass of bubbly with your choice of popsicle placed into the glass upside-down.

BTW: The Dock doesn’t take reservations, so prepare to wait if you’re arriving during peak season (late December to early May).

845 12th Ave. S., Naples, Fla., 34102 | 239-263-9940 | Website

Dinner: Caffe Abbracci

When you’ve washed off your bug spray and thrown a clean shirt over your sunburn at the end of the day, head to Caffe Abbracci for an upscale, old-school Italian dinner. In business since 1989, the restaurant is a mainstay in Coral Gables known for its customer service and classic menu. From pan-seared branzino to a traditional Bolognese, there’s no bad choice. For dessert, don’t miss the profiteroles, an expertly made, gelato-filled puff pastry dish crowned with Grand Marnier chocolate sauce.

BTW: Arrive early, or stay for a nightcap, so you can grab a drink at the bar and admire the stunning stained-glass ceiling.

318 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables, Fla., 33134 | 305-441-0700 | Website

Dinner: Captain Morgan’s Seafood Grill

A newcomer in the area, Captain Morgan’s brings a contemporary Cuban style to Everglades City’s dining scene. The family-owned restaurant serves up a variety of dishes, including shrimp tostones, roast pork and the chef’s signature seafood enchilado, a dish with stone crab, lobster, fish and clams covered in a slightly spicy sauce and served with white rice and sweet plantains. There are a handful of beers on tap, including local brews, and wines by the glass. The atmosphere is clean, modern and family friendly.

BTW: If you’re just passing through town without time for a full meal, Captain Morgan’s also has an adjacent ice cream parlor and serves Cuban coffee to fuel you up for the ride home.

102 S. Copeland Ave., Everglades City, Fla., 34139 | 239-232-0041 | Website

About this guide

Editing by Gabe Hiatt. Photo editing by Lauren Bulbin. Design by Stephanie Hays. Copy editing by Jordan Melendrez and Jamie Zega. Design editing by Christine Ashack and Matt Callahan.