Organized Tours

Airboat Tours -- Shallow-draft, fan-powered airboats were invented in the Everglades by frog hunters who were tired of poling through the brushes. Airboats cut through the saw grass and are sort of like hydraulic boats; at high-enough speeds, a boat actually rises above the saw grass and into the air. Even though airboats are the most efficient (not to mention fast and fun!) way to get around, they are not permitted in the park -- these shallow-bottom runabouts tend to inflict severe damage on animals and plants. Just outside the boundaries of the Everglades, however, you'll find a number of outfitters offering rides. Tip: Consider bringing earplugs, as these high-speed boats are loud.

One of the best airboat outfitters is Gator Park, 12 miles west of the Florida Turnpike at 24050 SW 8th St. (tel. 305/559-2255; www.gatorpark.com), which, despite its touristy name, happens to be one of the most informative and entertaining around, not to mention one of the only airboat-tour operators that gives out free earplugs. Request Rick, who deserves a medal for getting out into the water and poking around a massive alligator even though he's not really supposed to. After the boat ride, there's a free interactive wildlife show that features alligator wrestling and several other frightening acts involving scorpions. Take note of the gorgeous peacocks that live in the trees here. Admission for the boat ride and show is $19 for adults, $11 for children 6 to 11; prices are cheaper if you purchase tickets online. Airboats depart every 20 minutes, so you don't have to worry about missing the boat. Gator Park is open daily from 9am to 7pm.

Another outfitter I recommend is Coopertown Airboat Tours (tel. 305/226-6048; www.coopertownairboats.com), located about 11 miles west of the Florida Turnpike on the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) in a town that boasts a total population of 8 humans! The super-friendly staff has helped the company garner the title of "Florida's Best" by the Miami Herald for 40 years in a row. You never know what you're going to see, but with great guides, you're sure to see something of interest on the 40-minute, 9-mile round-trip tours. There's also a restaurant and a small gator farm on the premises. Airboat rides cost $14 for adults, $8 for children 7 to 11. The company is open daily from 8am to 6pm; tours leave frequently.

Airboat rides are also offered at the Miccosukee Indian Village, just west of the Shark Valley entrance on U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail and MM 70 (tel. 305/223-8380; www.miccosukeetours.com). The price is $10 per person, with cheaper rates online. However, be warned and advised: I am not recommending this particular outfit over others -- it's merely the one closest to the Shark Valley entrance. As always, the quality of your tour is only going to be as good as the quality of your tour guide, and unfortunately, I've gotten some complaints about the Miccosukee tours.

The Everglades Alligator Farm, 4 miles south of Palm Drive on SW 192nd Avenue (tel. 305/247-2628; www.everglades.com), offers half-hour guided airboat tours daily from 9am until 6pm. The price, which includes admission to the park, is $17 for adults and $10 for children 4 to 11.

Another reputable company is Captain Doug's, located 35 miles south of Naples and 1 mile past the bridge in Everglades City (tel. 800/282-9194).

Canoe Tours -- A fabulous way to explore the Everglades backcountry is via canoe. Slink through the mangroves, slide across saw-grass prairies, and even walk the sands of the unfettered Ten Thousand Islands. Expert guides will lead you in the right direction. Contact North American Canoe Tours (tel. 239/695-3299) at the Ivey House B&B.

Eco-Tours -- Although it's fascinating to explore on your own, it would be a shame for you to tour the Everglades without a clue as to what you're seeing. It's a lot more than saw grass and alligators in the 'Glades backcountry, which is why Everglades Rentals and Eco Adventures (tel. 239/695-3299), located within the Ivey House B&B, is there to guide and entertain you, as well as explain to you key issues like the differences between alligators and crocodiles, or between swamps and the Florida Everglades.

Motorboat Tours -- Both Florida Bay and backcountry tours are offered at the Flamingo Lodge, Marina, and Outpost Resort. Florida Bay tours cruise nearby estuaries and sandbars, while six-passenger backcountry boats visit smaller sloughs. Passengers can expect to see birds and a variety of other animals (I once saw a raccoon and some wild pigs). Both are available in 1 1/2- and 2-hour versions that cost $12 or $18 for adults, $7 or $12 for children 6 to 13. Tours depart throughout the day; reservations are recommended. Charter-fishing and sightseeing boats can also be booked through the resort's main reservation number (tel. 239/695-3101).

Tram Tours -- At the park's Shark Valley entrance, open-air tram buses take visitors on 2-hour naturalist-led tours that delve 7 1/2 miles into the wilderness and make the best quick introduction you can get to the Everglades. At the trail's midsection, passengers can disembark and climb a 65-foot observation tower that offers good views of the 'Glades (though the tower on the Pa-hay-okee Trail is better). Visitors will see plenty of wildlife and endless acres of saw grass. Tours run December through April, daily on the hour between 9am and 4pm, and May through November at 9:30am, 11am, 1pm, and 3pm. They're sometimes stalled by flooding or particularly heavy mosquito infestation. Reservations are recommended from December to March. The cost is $13 for adults, $11 for seniors, and $7.75 for children 12 and under. For further information, contact Shark Valley Tram Tours (tel. 305/221-8455).