14 Best Everglades Boat Tours in Florida in 2024 [Highest Rated]
LOOKING FOR THE BEST EVERGLADES BOAT TOURS?
We’ve got all the details you need! We’ve spent months traveling in Florida and when we visited the Everglades, we had an amazing time! The kids loved the alligators and seeing all of the animals.
The most popular way to travel the Everglades is by airboat, or fan boat, as they are nicknamed. Because the Everglades covers about 2 million acres of marshy grassland, seeing it by boat is the best and quickest way. In this article, we’ll tell you about 14 of the best Everglades boat tours in Florida.
We’ve thoroughly researched these tours and have also taken customer reviews into consideration when writing each tour summary. We hope our insights will help you decide which of these Everglades boat tours is right for you!
Let’s dive in!
Best Everglades Airboat Tours from Fort Lauderdale
1. Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure and Wildlife Encounter
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⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕐 TOUR LENGTH: 30 min.
This is one of the best airboat tours in the Everglades and the most affordable! Starting at only $28.84, this is a steal with kids. Children under 3 have free admission, and you may even see some wild alligators! Our kids loved seeing them when we visited.
You’ll skim across the water at nearly 40 mph and have an amazing adventure seeing all of the wildlife in their natural habitat. This is one Everglades National Park boat tour worth trying.
The Everglades Airboat Adventure and Wildlife Encounter includes:
✔ 30-40 minute guided airboat ride
✔ Admission to Sawgrass Recreational Park (2-hour admission ticket included)
✔ Access to the park’s Alligator and Reptile exhibit
✔ Total duration of the visit is about 2 hours
The look on my granddaughter’s face. It was happy. So happy. Very happy. Riding the boat was fun. So fun.
– Laura R. (See more reviews)
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2. Everglades Airboat Tour from Fort Lauderdale
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⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕐 TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours
This tour from Ft. Lauderdale includes a 1-hour narrated boat tour by expert Gladesmen. Gladesmen are native to the Everglades and live locally, having a 150-year history in the Everglades.
The Everglades Airboat Tour from Fort Lauderdale includes:
✔ 1-hour narrated Everglades Airboat Tour from Fort Lauderdale
✔ Live narration during your airboat tour by expert Gladesmen
✔ See alligators and other wildlife up close from your Everglades Airboat Tour
✔ Learn about the importance of ongoing conservation and preservation efforts in the Everglades
In this tour, you’ll look at alligators and wild birds in their own natural habitats. A trip to the Everglades Holiday Park is also included – home to the famous Gator Boys.
If you prefer a small group, this tour is perfect, with a maximum of 20 travelers.
The tour guide was knowledgeable and kind. He slowed the boat and pointed out animals. We even spotted an alligator 🙂 I would definitely recommend going.
– Markondra B (See more reviews)
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3. Everglades VIP Airboat Tour with Transportation Included
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⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | 🕐 TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours
The biggest plus about this tour is the free hotel pickup and drop-off. Trying to navigate transportation with kids can be a nightmare! They operate pickups through all of Broward County and Miami Dade County, including all Fort Lauderdale and Miami hotels and ports.
The Everglades VIP Airboat Tour with Transportation includes:
✔ Hotel pickup and drop-off
✔ 60-minute, fully narrated airboat tour of the Everglades
✔ 2 free professional-grade group photos
✔ Live commentary on board
This tour is perfect for those looking for an in-depth, VIP tour of the Everglades. Two free professional photos are included during the 1-hour long narrated Everglades airboat ride.
This tour allows a maximum of 24 travelers.
Bruce picked us up at our Airbnb and was right on time! Bruce gave us a lot of good information about the area on the way. Since we were VIP, it got us in early to the alligator show and quickly to airboats and a free picture with a baby alligator. It was well worth the money.
– Susan H (See more reviews)
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4. Everglades Day Safari from Fort Lauderdale
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⭐️ RATING: 5 Out of 5 Stars | 🕐 TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours 30 mins.
If you’re looking for a full day of adventure, this is the tour for you! This is a great small group Everglades tour – with only 9 travelers at most per group. This full day includes an experienced tour guide leading you throughout the day.
The Everglades Day Safari from Fort Lauderdale includes:
✔ Transport by air-conditioned 13-passenger van
✔ Pickup and drop-off from select locations (limited to hotel locations listed only)
✔ Expert naturalist or biologist guide
✔ 40-minute airboat ride and 90-minute boat cruise
✔ Narrated van tour
✔ Lunch
Pickup and drop-off are included for most places around the area – check the website for a full list of hotels they pick up from. This tour includes not only an airboat ride but also a nature walk and a provided lunch – super helpful if you have kids.
We had an amazing day on this tour! Our tour guide Carl was awesome! We saw alligators, dolphins, manatees and many rare birds. Carl made the trip interesting and fun for our 7 year old son. We would recommend this full day trip to anyone who has a free day to spend in Florida!
– Neil R (See more reviews)
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5. Florida Everglades Night Airboat Tour Near Fort Lauderdale
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⭐️ RATING: 5 Out of 5 Stars | 🕐 Tour Length: 1 hour
If you’re looking for a way to experience the Everglades differently, this is the tour for you. When we visited, the unique environment of the Everglades was even more breathtaking at dusk. This may be one of the best Everglades boat tours offered.
The Florida Everglades Night Airboat Tour Near Fort Lauderdale includes:
✔ 1-hour nighttime airboat ride
✔ Gratuities
✔ Ear protection
Gratuities are rarely included in the price, so that is a very nice addition to this tour. Along with what’s included, you’ll be in the Sawgrass Recreation Park, where nocturnal creatures can be heard and seen.
An admission ticket to the Sawgrass Recreation Park for the daytime is also included.
What an amazing adventure. I have been on many airboats in the Everglades but the adventure at night is very different. Saw many, many gators. Guide was wonderful!
Susan A (See more reviews)
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6. Private Tour: Florida Everglades Airboat Ride and Wildlife Adventure
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⭐️ RATING: 4.5 Out of 5 Stars | 🕐 TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour
If you’re more into private tours, this airboat ride and wildlife adventure tour may be right up your alley. Since this is a private tour, you’re able to go deeper into the Everglades and have the opportunity to see more wildlife. You will be traveling with only those in your private party.
The Private Tour: Florida Everglades Airboat Ride and Wildlife Adventure includes:
✔ 1 hour private guided airboat tour
✔ Captain’s gratuity
✔ General admission to Sawgrass Recreation Park and all exhibits and attractions
Not only is it a private tour, but you’ll get admission to Sawgrass Recreation Park. Included in this admission is the Reptile and Glades exhibit, where you learn more about the Everglades and its creatures. Also, in the wildlife park, for an extra fee, you can even try mining for gems and shark’s teeth!
It was a gorgeous day, and a beautiful ride. What a magical place. Jimmy is super knowledgeable and friendly and put us right at ease. This everglade tour was better than I had even hoped for.
– John B (See more reviews)
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7. Air Boat Tour of Palm Beach in The Swamp Monster
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⭐️ RATING: 5 Out of 5 Stars | 🕐 TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour 30 minutes
This is one of the more fun, private Everglades airboat tours, especially with the kiddos! The Swamp Monster is a small airboat if you are looking for something with a bit more zip to it. You’ll only take your personal group on private airboat tours.
The Air Boat Tour of Palm Beach in The Swamp Monster includes:
✔ 1 hour and 30 minutes private guided small airboat tour
If you look through the reviews about this tour, almost every person notes they saw a good amount of wildlife. Keep in mind that this tour is not wheelchair accessible.
What a cool and different experience!! My kids, 10 and 12 who think everything is boring, have not stopped smiling. Jim is a wonderful guide and super knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the Everglades. Book this trip to be your kids hero if only for one day
– Nicole (See more reviews)
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Best Everglades Airboat Tours from Miami
8. Everglades Tour From Miami
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⭐️ RATING: 4.5 Out of 5 Stars | 🕐 TOUR LENGTH: 3-5 hours
Looking for a tour with something extra? This tour includes an alligator show and an opportunity to hold a baby alligator. This could be one of the best boat tours in the Everglades!
The 3-4 Hours Everglades Tour From Miami includes:
✔ All taxes
✔ Hotel pickup and drop-off (select hotels only)
✔ Live commentary on board from a professional guide
✔ Alligator show
Keep in mind that they do pick up from Miami Beach hotels along Collins Avenue and Holiday Inn Port of Miami in Downtown Miami. They do note on the website that you can contact them to see if they can pick you up from your hotel if it’s not in that area.
This one’s definitely going to be a hit with the alligator show – our girls loved the alligators in the Everglades.
This was a great experience! Got to see many alligators, learn new things about them, and the tour guide was very friendly and knowledgeable! Made the trip interesting for all of us!
– Genesis (See more reviews)
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9. Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat
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⭐️ RATING: 5 Out of 5 Stars | 🕐 TOUR LENGTH: 9 hours 30 minutes
Explore for a full day! Enjoy a dry nature hike in Big Cypress National Preserve, led by a master naturalist. You’ll also enjoy a 1-hour airboat ride on the River of Grass and seeing a Native island village, making this one of the best everglades boat tours.
The Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat includes:
✔ Lunch and snacks
✔ Hotel/Port pickup and drop-off or designated meeting points
✔ Drop off at airports in time for the flight home
✔ Free luggage storage
✔ Sunscreen, insect repellent, ponchos, and binoculars for guest use
✔ Wild Lime eco-canteens and national parks map as our gift
✔ 1-hour airboat ride with a master naturalist guide
✔ 1-hour cruise in Ten Thousand Islands to view dolphins and manatees
Included in all of this is a visit to a historical trading post in the Native island village. With all of this adventure and lunch included, this could be one of the best boat tours in Everglades National Park.
This tour sells out well in advance, so it is a good idea to book this tour as soon as you can!
Great well organized trip. This trip was packed full of things to do and we left the area feeling like we had experienced and learnt a lot. Our highlight was the boat trip around 10 thousand islands. Great guide, really informative, would highly recommend.
– Terry (See more reviews)
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10. Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure Plus Miami Biscayne Bay Cruise
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⭐️ RATING: 3.5 Out of 5 Stars | 🕐 TOUR LENGTH: 6 hours
If you’re looking to cruise along Biscayne Bay, this tour will take you there. It starts with a hotel pick-up and airboat cruise, then a walk on a jungle trail. The tour finishes up with an alligator show in Everglades National Park.
The Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure Plus Miami Biscayne Bay Cruise includes:
✔ Everglades airboat tour
✔ Biscayne Bay boat cruise
✔ Wildlife exhibit
✔ Snacks and drinks available for purchase on cruise
With all of the above comes hotel pick up and drop off as well. If seeing the beautiful homes in Biscayne Bay during a scenic cruise is your thing, then this is the airboat ride for you. There is spectacular scenery.
This tour was excellent. I would recommend. I enjoyed the cruise to the millionaire homes. The tour guides were all friendly and made us feel very comfortable. We really had a fabulous time.
– Sharon G (See more reviews)
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Best Everglades Airboat Tours from Orlando
11. 90-min Everglades Airboat Tour in Central Florida
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⭐️ RATING: 5 Out of 5 Stars | 🕐 TOUR LENGTH: 1 hour 30 minutes
If you’re wanting to avoid extras and focus on just having one of the best airboat rides you can – the ratings for this one don’t lie. Everyone raves about the experienced captain and his enjoyable personality.
The 90-min Everglades Airboat Tour in Central Florida includes:
✔ Choice of duration times and multiple start times
✔ Live commentary by local guide
✔ Life jackets and rain gear
It’s even mentioned that the captain will show you gator nesting areas, where it’s possible to spot mother gators with their babies. Don’t miss this small group tour – with no more than 15 travelers per tour group.
Captain Roy was very knowledgeable and also very entertaining. He even took the time to answer questions my 5 year old grandson had. We had a fabulous time
– Karen (See more reviews)
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12. Central Florida Everglades Airboat Tour from Orlando
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⭐️ RATING: 4.5 Out of 5 Stars | 🕐 TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours
Enjoy either a 30-minute or 1-hour airboat ride – dependent on what you book. Two different companies help run this tour – and they both stop at one park – either Wild Florida’s Gator Park or a Native American Village to learn about their indigenous lifestyle.
The Central Florida Everglades Airboat Tour from Orlando includes:
✔ Airboat Ride through the Central Florida Everglades (length dependent upon option booked)
✔ Pickup and drop-off from Orlando – Disney – Kissimmee Meeting Point Locations
✔ Stop at ONE airboat park – tour day depends on which facility
✔ 20-min alligator handling demonstration
Pickup and drop-off from Disney are perfect for families who want to do something more in tune with nature, for a little break from the crowds and theme parks. This may end up being one of the best Everglades alligator boat tours.
Great once in a lifetime experience, Air boat was a cool experience for our kids. Tour guide was great!
– Daniel (See more reviews)
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Best Everglades Airboat Tour from Naples
13. Western Everglades Adventure Tour
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⭐️ RATING: 4.5 Out of 5 Stars | 🕐 TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours
This tour is rated as one of the best Everglades airboat tours near Fort Myers, so would work perfectly if you’re vacationing in that area. This family-focused tour includes an interactive reptile show with Captain Bob’s Excellent Adventure. Check out their website to find out what they’re all about.
They offer group discounts if you’re interested.
The Western Everglades Adventure Tour includes:
✔ Expert naturalist or biologist guide
✔ 1-hour airboat ride
✔ 1-hour reptile educational program
✔ Networked headsets/ear protection to communicate with guide and captain during an airboat ride
All of this and they also include a 1-hour admission to the Corkscrew Watershed Marsh Trails – 5,000 acres of Corkscrew Marsh. Talk about a day full of animals and fun! This one is literally perfect for the whole family.
Great trip!!! The walking tour was fun and our guide Rhett was so knowledgeable and very personable. Getting to hold snakes and a small alligator was so fun. The airboat ride…out of this world. We saw at least 10 alligators, including one with a big fish in its mouth….10 stars….
– Dianna (See more reviews)
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Best Everglades Airboat Tour in Everglades National Park
14. Small Group Boat, Kayak, and Walking Guided Eco Tour in Everglades National Park
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⭐️ RATING: 5 Out of 5 Stars | 🕐 TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours 30 minutes
This tour starts south of Fort Myers, deep into the Everglades National Park. It is led by a tour guide certified by the National Park and licensed by the United States Coast Guard. This isn’t just a boat tour but also includes kayaking (no experience required).
The Small Group Boat, Kayak, and Walking Guided Eco Tour in Everglades National Park includes:
✔ Expert naturalist or biologist guide
✔ 1-hour airboat ride
✔ 1-hour reptile educational program
✔ Networked headsets/ear protection to communicate with guide and captain during an airboat ride
If that isn’t enough, you will visit mangrove tunnels on the 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge, extending from Marco Island into the National Park. These tunnels are absolutely beautiful and should be seen first-hand.
Lastly, you will also visit Chokoloskee Island – a 150-acre island that has been inhabited for 1000’s of years.
The variety of this trip was amazing. Motorboating through the Islands of the Everglades, kayaking through the mangroves and walking on shore. Captain Don was so knowledgeable about the birds and other wildlife. We saw ospreys in their nest, bald eagles, pelicans and more. A great afternoon!
– Deborah (See more reviews)
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What to Expect to See On Your Everglades Boat Tour
While on one of the best fan boat tours in the Everglades, expect to see numerous creatures such as the American alligator, osprey, snakes, manatees, bald eagles, crocodiles, and storks – just to name a few!
Also, you’ll see a vast landscape of biomes, including grasslands, forests, and jungles. You’ll also come across native villages and peoples, with traditions spanning centuries.
Numerous vegetation can also be seen, including flora and fauna, cypress trees, freshwater prairies, and pinelands. Don’t be surprised if you also come across dolphins and sea turtles.
Weather Conditions in the Everglades
Weather conditions in the Everglades range. There are two seasons – wet and dry. To be more specific, summers (which range from mid-May to November) are the wet months, and temperatures range going into the low 90s. The majority of the year’s rainfall happens during this time.
Expect a lot of warmth and humidity there as well. Thunderstorms range and can be finicky – either being a couple of minutes or hours in length. Also, be on the watch for hurricanes – they can come quickly and unexpectedly and are common in Florida.
The dry season is from December to mid-March. If you’re not a hot weather or wet weather person – this would be the time for you to travel to the Everglades. Temperatures during the winter months are fair – and range from the 50s to the 70s.
Things to Bring on Your Visit to the Everglades
Sunscreen: You don’t want to be without it in the hot summer months. Make sure it’s waterproof, to withstand the humidity, and high in SPF.
Hat: A hat with a good brim, like this one, will help to prevent sun damage and keep you cool. One with SPF protection and that is lightweight is always a plus. Just make sure to keep your hands on it when the wind picks up on the airboat!
Earplugs: When the wind blows and the boat gets loud, earplugs are a must.
Rain Poncho: It’s always good to be prepared, just in case a rainstorm comes in. This family pack is perfect for your Everglades family airboat tour.
Bug Spray: Getting eaten by bugs would make the trip miserable.
Lightweight Clothing: These lightweight pants for men and women are water resistant and UPF 50, perfect for the hot months.
Comfortable Sandals: Don’t forget breathable footwear! The tour companies suggest flip-flops or sandals. I personally love my Tevas and wear them everywhere when we travel.
Average Everglades Boat Tour Prices
Prices range significantly based on what is included in your tour. The best everglades boat tours can range from about $25 to over $300 per person.
FAQs: Best Everglades Boat Tours
Where are the Florida Everglades?
The Florida Everglades are located in South Florida, USA. They can be visited in areas such as Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Fort Myers, and Naples. They span 1.5 million acres across Southern Florida.
What is the best place in the Everglades to visit?
That all depends on what you want to see. Anyplace in the Everglades is a gorgeous place to visit, and you can see from the airboat tours listed that there are multiple beautiful places. There isn’t one place better than the others.
A couple of other popular places of note – Shark Valley is very popular if you’re looking for a good hike. If you’re into kayaking, the Wilderness Waterway is an amazing 99 miles long!
Are the Best Everglades Boat Tours Worth It?
Overall, the best everglades boat tours are the safest and easiest way to visit the Everglades. With the hazards of creatures you aren’t used to, having an experienced guide to lead the way is definitely the way to go.
Always be cautious by looking at ratings and comments from those who have done the tour you’re wanting to book.
What Is The Best Time of Year to Visit the Everglades?
It really depends on your preference for the weather. During the summer (mid-March to November) it’s hot, humid, and rainy – up to the 90s.
During the winter (December to mid-March) it’s more fair weather but cooler temperatures – ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
What Can I Do After My Everglades Boat Tour?
There are many fun things to do in the Everglades. For the kids, you can visit theme parks such as Sawgrass Recreation Park and look into a private tour of the Sawgrass Park Reptile Exhibit. Everglades City is also a fun place to find some creature exhibits.
Also, do not forget about the nearby Biscayne National Park. It is such a fun national park to visit with great opportunities for paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, or a Heritage Tour.
Read More: The Best Things to Do in Biscayne National Park
There are also different types of tours, such as hiking, boating, jet skiing, and kayaking tours. You can also look into nearby scuba diving and snorkeling tours. There are also lots of great clear water beaches to enjoy.
Final Thoughts: Best Everglades Boat Tours
Hands down, the Everglades was a fantastic place to visit as a family! My girls were completely enthralled with the creatures since they love pretty much any and all animals. Given the Everglades is a massive swampland, the main way to travel is by boat if you want to see the vastness of this creation.
If you’re wondering if you should spend the money on one of the best Everglades boat tours, look through the list again! Prices range from reasonable to substantial, but in those cases, you pay for what you get. But don’t forget – even if you pay for a quick 30-minute fan boat ride – you’ll never see anything like this anywhere else in the world.
Good luck, and happy Everglades National Park airboat tour shopping!
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