Organized Tours in Everglades National Park
Airboat Tours in Everglades National Park
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.The most informative and entertaining airboat-tour operators around is Gator Park, 12 miles west of the Florida Turnpike at 24050 SW Eighth St. (tel. 800/559-2255; open daily 9am–5pm). They’re also the only one to give out free earplugs. 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 peacocks that live in the trees here. Admission for the boat ride and show is $29.99 for adults, $19.99 for children 6 to 11.
Another outfitter I recommend is Coopertown Airboat Tours (tel. 305/226-6048), about 11 miles west of the Florida Turnpike on the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41), in a town that boasts a total population of eight humans! The superfriendly staff has helped the company garner the title of “Florida’s Best” by the Miami Herald for 75 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, 8-mile round-trip tours, including, perhaps, the Purple Gallinule, which has been described as the most colorful bird in Florida. There are also a restaurant and a small gator farm on the premises. Airboat rides cost $29.95 for adults, $18.95 for children 6 to 11. The company is open daily from 9am to 5pm; tours leave frequently and the last airboat ride leaves at 4:30pm.
The Miccosukee Indian Village, just west of the Shark Valley entrance on U.S. 41/Tamiami Trail and MM 70 (tel. 305/223-8380), offers 30-minute airboat tours for $25 for adults and $15 for kids 6-12. For those not into boating, there’s a casino at which you can kill some time or your budget.
The Everglades Alligator Farm, 4 miles south of Palm Drive on Southwest 192nd Avenue (tel. 305/247-2628), offers half-hour guided airboat tours daily from 9am to 6pm. The price, which includes admission to the park, is $35 for adults and $27 for children 4 to 11. There are also alligator encounters (starting at $61) where anyone brave enough and 6 years or older can hold a three-foot alligator and feed over 250 larger ones in a breeding pond.
Another reputable company is Captain Doug’s, 35 miles south of Naples and 1 mile past the bridge in Everglades City (tel. 800/282-9194).
