tour of everglades

THE 10 BEST Everglades National Park Tours & Excursions

Everglades national park tours.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Private Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Helicopter Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 60 min. Everglades Airboat ride & pick-up ,small group +pro guide

2. Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Kayak Tour

3. 10000 Islands Everglades Boat Tour

4. Small Group Motorboat Eco Tour of the Everglades

5. 1-Hour Air boat Ride and Nature Walk with Naturalist in Everglades National Park

6. Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Experience with roundtrip transfer

7. Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours

8. Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat

9. 2Hr Private Boat Rental in Miami Beach with Captain and Champagne

10. Everglades Airboat Ride & Guided Hike

11. Dolphin and Manatee Boat Tour in 10,000 Islands NWR

12. Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale

13. Everglades National Park Biologist Led Hike, 2 boat trips + lunch

14. Everglades National Park Boat Tour

15. Big Cypress National Preserve Audio Tour Guide

16. Everglades National Park Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

17. Miami Combo: City Tour, Biscayne Bay Cruise and Everglades Airboat Ride

18. Boat Ride in 10,000 Islands + Biologist Led Walk in the Everglades Small Group

19. Everglades Tour in Miami

20. Manatee, Dolphin and 10,000 Islands Sunset Cruise!

21. Four Hour 45 Yacht Tour in Miami Beach with Captain and Champagne

22. Full-Day Kayak Adventure in the Everglades

23. Everglades Express Small Group Tour from Miami with Airboat Ride

24. Ultimate Florida Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle

25. 2Hr Private Boat Rental Miami Beach see the Homes of Millionaires & Celebrities

26. Full Day Everglades: Biologist Led WET walk + 2 boat trips + lunch small group

27. Everglades Airboat with or without pick-up

28. ULTIMATE Key West Dolphin Watch and other boat options

29. Everglades Kayak & Canoe Rentals

30. Boat & Yacht Tour Amazing Sandbar Adventure, Water Toys & Snorkel

What travelers are saying.

Protect Your Trip »

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

Getty Images

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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Top Tours in Everglades National Park, FL

Everglades national park tours.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Private Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Helicopter Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 60 min. Everglades Airboat ride & pick-up ,small group +pro guide

2. Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Kayak Tour

3. 10000 Islands Everglades Boat Tour

4. Small Group Motorboat Eco Tour of the Everglades

5. 1-Hour Air boat Ride and Nature Walk with Naturalist in Everglades National Park

6. Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Experience with roundtrip transfer

7. Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours

8. Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat

9. Florida Audio Tour Bundle - 3 Private Sightseeing Tours

10. 2Hr Private Boat Rental in Miami Beach with Captain and Champagne

11. Dolphin and Manatee Boat Tour in 10,000 Islands NWR

12. Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale

13. Everglades National Park Biologist Led Hike, 2 boat trips + lunch

14. Everglades National Park Boat Tour

15. Everglades National Park Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

16. Miami Combo: City Tour, Biscayne Bay Cruise and Everglades Airboat Ride

17. Guided Airboat Ride & Tram Tour in Everglades

18. Boat Ride in 10,000 Islands + Biologist Led Walk in the Everglades Small Group

19. Everglades Tour in Miami

20. Manatee, Dolphin and 10,000 Islands Sunset Cruise!

21. Four Hour 45 Yacht Tour in Miami Beach with Captain and Champagne

22. Full-Day Kayak Adventure in the Everglades

23. Everglades Express Small Group Tour from Miami with Airboat Ride

24. Ultimate Florida Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle

25. 2Hr Private Boat Rental Miami Beach see the Homes of Millionaires & Celebrities

26. Full Day Everglades: Biologist Led WET walk + 2 boat trips + lunch small group

27. Everglades Airboat with or without pick-up

28. ULTIMATE Key West Dolphin Watch and other boat options

29. Everglades Kayak & Canoe Rentals

30. Boat & Yacht Tour Amazing Sandbar Adventure, Water Toys & Snorkel

What travellers are saying.

Top Tours in Everglades National Park, FL

Everglades national park tours.

• Ports of Call Tours
• Sightseeing Tours
• Walking Tours
• Cultural Tours
• Private Tours
• Historical & Heritage Tours
• Helicopter Tours
• Multi-day Tours
• Up to 1 hour
• 1 to 4 hours
• 4 hours to 1 day
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Likely to Sell Out
• Special Offers
• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. 60 min. Everglades Airboat ride & pick-up ,small group +pro guide

2. Manatees and Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Kayak Tour

3. 10000 Islands Everglades Boat Tour

4. Small Group Motorboat Eco Tour of the Everglades

5. 1-Hour Air boat Ride and Nature Walk with Naturalist in Everglades National Park

6. Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Experience with roundtrip transfer

7. Flamingo Everglades Boat Tours

8. Everglades National Park Biologist Led Adventure: Cruise, Hike + Airboat

9. Guided Airboat Ride & Tram Tour in Everglades

10. 2Hr Private Boat Rental in Miami Beach with Captain and Champagne

11. Dolphin and Manatee Boat Tour in 10,000 Islands NWR

12. Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale

13. Everglades National Park Biologist Led Hike, 2 boat trips + lunch

14. Everglades National Park Boat Tour

15. Everglades National Park Self Guided Driving Audio Tour

16. Miami Combo: City Tour, Biscayne Bay Cruise and Everglades Airboat Ride

17. Boat Ride in 10,000 Islands + Biologist Led Walk in the Everglades Small Group

18. Everglades Tour in Miami

19. Manatee, Dolphin and 10,000 Islands Sunset Cruise!

20. Four Hour 45 Yacht Tour in Miami Beach with Captain and Champagne

21. Everglades Airboat Ride & Guided Hike

22. Full-Day Kayak Adventure in the Everglades

23. Everglades Express Small Group Tour from Miami with Airboat Ride

24. Ultimate Florida Self Guided Driving Audio Tour Bundle

25. 2Hr Private Boat Rental Miami Beach see the Homes of Millionaires & Celebrities

26. Full Day Everglades: Biologist Led WET walk + 2 boat trips + lunch small group

27. Everglades Airboat with or without pick-up

28. ULTIMATE Key West Dolphin Watch and other boat options

29. Everglades Kayak & Canoe Rentals

30. Boat & Yacht Tour Amazing Sandbar Adventure, Water Toys & Snorkel

What travellers are saying.

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• National Parks

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Everglades National Park

Here's everything you need to know before planning a trip to Everglades National Park.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

• Planning Your Visit

How to Get There

• Best Time to Visit

Best Things to Do in Everglades National Park

Must-see wildlife and natural features, where to stay, where to eat.

Visit Florida

Those who associate wide-open wilderness areas with the Western United States likely haven’t been to Everglades National Park. The Florida park stretches across 1.5 million acres and protects the largest designated wilderness area east of the Rocky Mountains. In the Everglades, alligators and crocodiles coexist (and are seen regularly), and the flora and fauna are so robust that this national park was the first set aside purely for its biodiversity.

“Everglades is not only a national park, but also a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected area under the Cartagena Treaty,” explained Allyson Gantt, chief of communications and public affairs for Everglades National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park, in an interview with Travel + Leisure . "I love sharing the complexities and beauty of this park with visitors.”

Meet the Expert

Allyson Gantt has been a National Park Service ranger for over 25 years, currently serving as the chief of communications and public affairs for Everglades National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park.

Gantt knows first-hand what makes Everglades National Park a special place — along with the ins and outs of what first-timers should know and what not to miss.

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Planning Your Visit 

Everglades National Park is massive, so Gantt says it is vital to show up with a plan for what you will do and see. “Because of the geographic spread of the park, visitors may want to focus on one area if they only have a few hours or one day.”

The park is open year-round but offers two very different experiences based on when you visit. The dry season (December to April) is busier, with better weather, more wildlife, and fewer mosquitos, while the wet season (May to November) is quieter. Visitors can buy a park pass in person at the Homestead or Shark Valley entrances to the park or at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center at the Everglades City entrance. If you’re visiting during the busy dry season, especially on a weekend, buy your park pass online through Recreation.gov to avoid waiting in long lines at the entrance gate. A pass for a single vehicle or vessel is $35 and is valid for seven days. 

Even if you do buy a park pass in advance, the Homestead and Shark Valley entrances are notoriously congested with limited parking during the busy winter season. The park website says , “It is recommended to visit these areas on weekdays, arrive early in the day (before 10 a.m.), and carpool to the park if possible.”

Due to its size, Everglades National Park has three entrances in three different cities. A car is a must because the park has no public transportation and the three entrances are at least an hour from each other.

The southern section of the park is best accessed from the Homestead entrance, which is the park’s primary entrance. The Homestead entrance is outside Homestead, Florida and has the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center and the Guy Bradley Visitor Center (at Flamingo). Homestead also provides access to the neighboring Royal Palm State Park . 

The northern section of the park is best accessed from the Miami or Everglades City entrances. The closest entrance to Miami is Shark Valley, which has the Shark Valley Visitor Center. The entrance closest to Naples is the Everglades City entrance, which has the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.

lucky-photographer/Getty Images

Best Time to Visit 

As we mentioned, there are two very distinct seasons in Everglades National Park: dry season and wet season. If you come between December and April, you’ll experience the dry season, which comes with cooler temperatures and fewer mosquitos. The dry season’s preferable climate aligns with the park’s busy season — and it's also when most of the wading birds (and their predators) can be seen.

The wet season in the Everglades typically runs from May to November, and it's rainy with lots of mosquitoes. The weather and bugs that come along with South Florida summers lead to fewer visitors — which can be a major plus.

“The wetter summer season offers incredible cloud formations and calmer waters for boating and fishing,” Gantt adds. “The shoulder seasons, especially November/early December and late April into May, can be less busy times to visit, but still have plenty of opportunities to enjoy all the park has to offer.”

It’s impossible to feel bored during a visit to Everglades National Park. The expansive park has more than its fair share of interesting ecosystems and wildlife. There are marine and estuary topographies, cypresses and mangroves. There’s a lot to see and do, but for a first-time visitor, Gantt has a few specific recommendations.

Drive the Homestead Entrance Road and hike.

“The Homestead entrance has a 38-mile road with multiple stops with short trails through a variety of the park habitats,” said Gantt, who notes that this is a good way to get acquainted with the southern section of the park.

She specifically recommended the Anhinga Trail , a short route that is wheelchair accessible and starts from the Royal Palm Visitor Center. Alligators, turtles, herons, and egrets are often seen along this trail.

Join a tram tour for wildlife sightings.

Near the Shark Valley entrance is a paved 15-mile loop that goes along the Shark River Slough, where alligators, turtles, and many bird species are often found. The trail is great for walking, but if you want to do the full 15 miles, your best bet is to rent a bike or hop on the tram — both of which are available through Shark Valley Tram Tours . There’s also an observation tower in the Shark Valley area with a viewing deck that overlooks alligators, turtles, fish, and birds. 

Gantt notes that at this part of the park, “Visitation is higher and parking can be challenging on busy weekends and holidays.” 

Take an airboat tour.

There are three airboat companies that operate in the park, and Gantt says cruising through the Everglades on a flat-bottomed boat is a must during your visit. The three operators with permission to operate in the park are Coopertown, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Park.

Visit the mangroves and Florida Bay.

From the Homestead entrance you can get to the Flamingo area, which is considered the gateway to Florida Bay. The bay and the mangrove-lined waterways that feed into it are home to much of the park’s marine life. 

“At Flamingo, we offer narrated boat tours through the mangroves and also on the open water of Florida Bay. There are several great trails in the area for paddling as well as the open area of Florida Bay. Manatees, crocodiles, and osprey are frequently seen around the marina,” said Gantt. 

Beyond the marina, which has a small store and a gas station, the Flamingo area of the park has a campground and kayak, canoe, and bicycle rentals (through Flamingo Adventures ).

Cruise through the Ten Thousand Islands along the Gulf.

If you want to play along the watery landscape of the Gulf Coast, head to the Everglades City entrance near Naples. This area is the gateway for expeditions to the Ten Thousand Islands, a maze of mangrove islands that are only accessible by boat. The Gulf Coast Visitor Center was destroyed by a hurricane in 2017 and is being rebuilt, but you can still book a boat tour to the Ten Thousand Islands with Everglades National Park Adventures . The two-hour tour takes place on a 49-passenger pontoon boat with a trained guide and occasionally an Everglades park ranger. 

Troy Harrison/Getty Images

The Everglades is essentially a giant wetland that consists of sawgrass marshes, pine flatwoods, and coastal mangroves. The boggy wilderness is both beautiful and daunting, especially when you consider that it’s home to a huge number of animals, including the Florida panther, the West Indian manatee, and the endangered leatherback turtle. 

But no creatures are as synonymous with the Everglades as the alligators and crocodiles. Gantt notes that “South Florida is the only place in the world where [alligators and crocodiles] coexist thanks to the combination of freshwater and saltwater areas.”

Beyond frequent sightings of the large reptiles, Gantt says the park has a huge number of birds, and it's “on the migratory path for a number of species, thus offering fantastic birding opportunities, especially in the winter.”

Animals aside, Everglades National Park has a large number of plants, trees, and landscapes, from coastal mangroves to hardwood forests. Remember, the park was originally protected because of its biodiversity, which is its biggest draw.

Flamingo Lodge

There is only one hotel within Everglades National Park, and it just opened in late 2023. The Flamingo Lodge is located at the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula and can be reached via the Homestead entrance. The lodge has 24 rooms including eight two-bedroom suites that can accommodate up to six people. The highlight of each room is the east-facing balcony that provides sunrise and sunset views over Florida Bay.

Flamingo Glamping Tents and Houseboats

Beyond the new Flamingo Lodge, the Flamingo area of the park has two “glamping” options — one on land and one on water. Visitors can rent one of the safari-style glamping tents , which have a fan and electricity. You will need to bring your own sleeping pad and bag.

For a unique lodging option, book one of the 42-foot houseboats , which have kitchens, bathrooms, linens, and air conditioning. The houseboats can sleep up to six people and can be taken out on the water. 

Related: Best Places to Go Glamping in Florida

Long Pine Key and Flamingo Campgrounds

The only other in-park lodging options are the Long Pine Key and Flamingo campgrounds . Both campgrounds have RV and tent sites and can be driven to. The Long Pine Key Campground is the most accessible and is located near the Homestead entrance, while the Flamingo Campground is set deeper inside the park in the Flamingo area. Both campgrounds offer great stargazing and easy access to the Flamingo Marina, a popular launch site for fishing trips. 

Boogich/Getty Images

The new Flamingo Restaurant is adjacent to the Flamingo Lodge and is the only full-service restaurant in the park. 

“The new Flamingo Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a full-service bar,” said Gantt. “Anglers heading out on the water with a licensed fishing guide can also try the restaurant's Cook Your Catch offering, bringing back their fresh fish to be prepared by the restaurant.”

There are plenty of dining options in cities surrounding the park — Miami, Naples, and Homestead — but most visitors bring their own food and drinks into the park. There are picnic tables at Long Pine Key and Flamingo campgrounds.

For grab-and-go snacks and drinks, Gantt says you can find a limited selection at the park’s visitor centers (Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, Royal Palm Visitor Center, and Shark Valley Visitor Center) and at the Flamingo marina shop.

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Everglades Kayak Tours

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909 Dupont St

Everglades City, Florida 34139 

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239-260-4577, see the real everglades with us.

Come explore the Everglades on our Kayak Tours , Motorboat Tours and other unique Private Guided Adventures . Launching from Historic Everglades City….The Capital City of The Everglades!

Our business model is simple, we only conduct Private Tours with Local Guides…focusing on the Quality of our tours not the Quantity of customers. This approach is Best For The Environment and the only way to truly experience the Everglades….just you and your own Naturalist Guide.

WE have the smallest tour group size in The Everglades…Only You!

You will get Amazing PHOTOS and VIDEOS so bring your camera and be ready for an adventure. Our tours are conducted in The Real Everglades. The Big Cypress Preserve, Fakahatchee Strand and Everglades National Park are the most diverse protected lands in the glades, and full of wildlife!

WE explore MORE locations and have MORE wildlife sightings than any other tour company!

We offer a wide variety of Kayak Tours in several locations in the Everglades.  Our most popular is the 3.5 hour Private Kayak Tour in The Big Cypress Preserve and Fakahatchee Strand Preserve .  We explore both of these beautiful routes year round as we follow the wildlife throughout their seasonal movements.  Typically early mornings and late afternoons are best for wildlife viewing. However, the weather…specifically temperature, dictates much of the wildlife activity.  Since we only do private kayak tours we can be flexible with our start times.

Our low impact philosophy allows our guests to experience the Everglades in a very unique way that will create lifelong memories. We take pride in our tours and have included something for everyone’s sense of adventure.

Our Everglades Tour Collection

Kayak Tours In The Everglades

• This Is The Real Everglades!

Everglades Motorboat Tours

Everglades Kayak Tour & Motorboat Combo – Alligators to Dolphins

Everglades birding tours.

Everglades Hiking Tour

Everglades Swamp Buggy Tour

10,000 Island Exploration

Catch Your Own Dinner Gulf to Table

Camping In The 10,000 Islands

Everglades Big 5 Tour

Kayak & Bike Rentals

• Explore On Your Own

If Kayaking is your thing you you’ll definitely want to call on us!  Our small business / private tour approach allows us to be the most flexible, accommodating and innovative tour company in the Everglades.  We’ve done it this way for 14 years now because we are serious about spotting wildlife. We are very fortunate to have so many return guests because we never run out of things to do/see and places to explore.  Here are some other kayak tour options for you to consider when booking…. 

Everglades Kayak Tours 

Sunrise kayak tour.

We call the “The First On The River Tour” because you will be! We’ll meet pre-sunrise and be on the water as the Everglades Awakens.  This is the BEST time for wildlife and we also beat the other big tour groups in and out!

Mangrove Kayak Tour

The Everglades is also home the the largest uninhabited mangrove forest in the world!  We explore this unique ecosystem through the natural tunnel systems connecting the upland areas of the Everglades to the Gulf of Mexico.

Full Moon Kayak Tours

This is a tour you’ll want to book well in advance. We set out just at sunset and paddle into the twilight to watch the full moon rise.  Headlamps are provided as we paddle back in the darkness!  We only do private tours so once the full moon is booked we are full.

   Full Day Kayak Tour

You’ll travel the ancient route used by the Calusa and Seminole Indians to travel from the upland areas of the Everglades to the rich estuaries in the bay.  This is a big day and not recommended for a first time kayak adventure.

Kayak Combo Tours

If you can get an early start you can easily combine a morning Kayak Tour with a Motorboat Tour, Hiking, Swampbuggy Tour or even an Airboat Ride.  Between your tours you can have a nice lunch in Everglades City or even bring a picnic lunch with you!

Sunset Kayak Tour

Watching the sunset is a great way to end any day!  We operate year round but the prime time for the Sunset Kayak Tour is Oct-May. Outside of that we can always attempt as long as the weather cooperates.  Another option is to see the sunset from the 10,000 islands on our Motorboat Tour.

Everglades  Cit y is the perfect basecamp for our Kayak Tours and other adventures.  It is considered The Capital City of the Everglades and is completely surrounded by the Top 4 National & State Parks. Hotels, restaurants, a grocery store and all the creature comforts right here in the middle of this beautiful wilderness setting.

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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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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

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

Open Memorial Day!

Explore the Ten Thousand Islands of Everglades National Park!

Help protect the Everglades

Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour 

Explore the amazing Ten Thousand Islands in Everglades National Park

Ten Thousand Islands & Buggy Combo

49-seat boat, 120–150 min of tours, 3 attractions, 4–5 hour visit.

• Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

90–120 min tour

2 attractions.

• Everglades City Boardwalk

Included with all tours

Why Choose Everglades National Park Adventures?

• Environmental Commitment

Exclusive Nature & Culture

Comfortable & accessible boat.

Meet the Animals of Everglades National Park!

• 10K & Buggy Tour Combo
• Meet the Animals
• Nature & Culture
• About the Tour Boat
• Everglades National Park Passes
• Accessibility

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Get Close to Nature

The Shark Valley area is home to a diverse number of animals and plants. The various species change with the seasons and water levels throughout the year. As a result, every journey through the Everglades offers a different experience for visitors. MORE

Experience the Everglades

At the half-way point of the Everglades tour, a 45 foot high observation deck gives visitors an opportunity to experience panoramic views of the Everglades, extending outward 20 miles in all directions. A gradual ramp provides easy access to the observation tower deck. MORE

Ride the Everglades Loop

Bicycling the 15 mile Everglades loop is an excellent way to view the area at your own pace. A great alternative for those who prefer to explore “on their own.” The small elevation changes in South Florida make this an ideal place to bike. MORE

Shark Valley Tram Tours

The captivating and educational way to see the everglades.

The Everglades is a unique and fascinating ecosystem. When you take an Everglades National Park tour at Shark Valley, you’ll travel in a relaxed setting, learning about the ecology and history of The Everglades from our friendly and knowledgeable Park-trained naturalists. They’ll turn your sightseeing visit into a highly educational tour of the Everglades, and at the halfway point on your adventure, you can walk to the highest accessible point in Everglades National Park, the viewing platform of the Shark Valley Observation Tower.

Pay us a visit and experience one of the world’s most unique eco-systems at Everglades National Park. Take advantage of local insight offered on a  guided Everglades tram tour or venture out on your own on a self-guided Everglades bike tour .  Either way, you’ll be creating memories for a lifetime.

Adventure Time

Am half day everglades tour.

Morning Half Day Everglades Tour

The adventure begins as you depart in a climate-controlled vehicle, escorted by an interactive eco-trained tour guide. The guide provides full-narration of the Everglades, including facts on the distinct Eco-systems and indigenous wildlife. Guests will be educated on everything from the history of the Seminole trading business to the strong conservation efforts to save endangered species.

​ Guests will board authentic airboats upon arrival in the Everglades for an exhilarating ride through the backwaters of the Gulf, including mangrove tunnels and old Indian trails. The experienced airboat captains will wind through the rugged Ten Thousand Islands, revealing the hiding spots of alligators, manatee and other local inhabitants.

​ You will experience an authentic wildlife sanctuary, situated on 259 lush acres which are surrounded by the Big Cypress National Park. While at the sanctuary you will have the opportunity to see over 100 alligators, some of the largest crocodiles in captivity, as well as lions, tigers, a bobcat, and a reptile exhibit. All animals within the sanctuary are either rescued from their previous owners or are being cared for due to injuries.

Tour Includes

Roundtrip Transportation

Experienced, Interactive Tour Guide

Alligator Show

Airboat Ride

Wildlife Sanctuary

Reservations:

What People Are Saying

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Shark Valley Tram Tour

Everglades National Park

Tram tours are accessible for persons with disabilities. Please call ahead (305) 221-8455 so that staff will be ready for any special needs that you may have. 

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Last updated: November 30, 2023

The Best Things To Do In Everglades City, Florida

T he Everglades are a natural wonder. Often compared to a grassy, slow-moving river, the 1.5 million-acre wetlands preserve is not only a U.S. national park, but it’s also a World Heritage Site. If you want to experience the true untamed beauty of the South—and one of the wildest ecosystems in the U.S.—then a trip to the Everglades is a must. But because the Everglades cover so much distance, it can be difficult to know where to start. Enter Everglades City. The minuscule town of fewer than 500 people is perched on the southwest Florida coast (just 35 miles south of Naples). It offers the perfect gateway to exploring the endless expanses of the Everglades. In true Old Florida fashion, a visit to Everglades City feels like stepping back in time. With weathered seafood spots, charming small-town scenes, and unfettered access to airboat, kayak, and swamp tours of the Everglades, you’ll easily fill a weekend in this one-of-a-kind town. Here’s everything to do on a trip to Everglades City, Florida.

The Best Things To Do In Everglades City

There are so many ways to explore the Everglades, from heart-pumping airboat rides to leisurely paddles around the mangroves. Make the most of your trip by experiencing the majesty of the coastal mangroves, pine flatwoods, and sawgrass marshes from every vantage point. Start by taking a Big Cypress Swamp Tour with a ranger at the Nathaniel P. Reed Visitors Center. Check out the indoor and outdoor exhibits and watch an introductory film about the swamp, then head out with a ranger who will help you wade through the swamp to spot the incredible flora and fauna for yourself.

When you’re ready to dive a little deeper, reach out to Everglades Area Tours and get going on your next adventure. They offer a variety of naturalist-led kayak eco tours; all you have to do is decide your focus. Alligators and orchids, a mangrove tunnel, the Turner River, or Everglades National Park—the choice is yours. There are even special day trips if you want to try paddling the open ocean. One of the coolest places to see on an excursion with Everglades Area Tours is Ten Thousand Islands, a chain of islands and mangrove islets off the coast that’s partially designated as a National Wildlife Refuge.

Once you’ve taken your time to get acquainted with the otherworldly natural landscape of the Everglades, raise the stakes with a high-speed airboat tour. Captain Jack’s Airboat Tours offers tours of mangrove tunnels, cypress forest, and grasslands. See all three on the 5-hour-long Everglades Combo tour.

After a day of adventuring, head back to town and locate the little pink building. Inside the 1927 laundry house, the Museum of the Everglades ’ rotating exhibits tell the story of 2,000 years of human history in Florida’s Last Frontier. In the neighboring community of Ochopee, get your picture in front of the smallest operating post office in the U.S. The 61.3-square-foot building is a true wonder and exactly the type of nostalgic relic this area of Florida is known for.

One place you can’t leave the area without visiting is Clyde Butcher Gallery in Big Cypress Swamp. There you can see incredible black-and-white fine art photography from legendary photographer Clyde Butcher, who captures the primeval swamp in such stunning clarity that his works have made their way to well-known museums and galleries across the globe. In addition to Clyde’s work, the gallery also features photographs and paintings by his equally talented wife Niki. For an “art imitates life” experience, take one of Butcher’s guided Big Cypress Swamp walks and rent one of his two on-property bungalows for the night.

Where To Eat In Everglades City

Known as the Stone Crab Capital of the World, the dining scene in Everglades City revolves around the crustacean for roughly eight months of the year. Stone crab season runs from mid-October through May, which means you’ll have ample opportunity to indulge in the underwater delicacy. Stone crabs are different from other crab species because harvesters take just one claw from each crab before returning them to the water where they’ll slowly regenerate their appendage. The gentle harvest brings supremely fresh and succulently flaky crabmeat that’s often described as a mix between shrimp and lobster.

You’d be hard-pressed to find a seafood joint on the Paradise Coast that doesn’t sell stone crab in season, but in Everglades City, check out Grimm’s Stone Crab for fresh claws to take home. If you want your seafood prepared for you, grab a dockside picnic table at City Seafood or head to Triad Seafood Market & Café , a beloved institution that offers all-you-can-eat stone crab and has been family-owned since 1984. Another great waterfront seafood spot, Camellia Street Grill is the laidback crowd-pleaser that will satisfy everyone in your group. The menu includes everything from chicken wings and hamburgers to shrimp and grits, tacos, po’boys, and of course stone crab.

Two other special spots to try are Island Café and HavAnna Café . Island Café serves nostalgic diner food at all hours of the day, but the real treat is going early in the morning for a short stack with a side of crispy bacon. Last but not least, HavAnna Café is a tucked-away tropical oasis that offers some of the best Cuban and Cracker cuisine you’ll find anywhere. The eclectic eatery is known for its cheery garden where guests dine under umbrellaed tables in the company of tropical blooms and lush greenery. On the menu, you’ll find everything from a classic Cuban sandwich to red snapper grilled with Cuban sofrito.   

The Best Places To Stay In Everglades City

The cozy cottage and bungalow on Clyde Butcher’s 14 secluded acres are a wonderful place to fully immerse yourself in the natural world, but there are plenty of other places to stay in the area if you don’t snag a reservation. The Ivey House offers comfortable queen and king rooms, with a screened-in swimming pool. They also offer special packages for discounted airboat tours, kayak tours, and fishing charters with your stay. For a glimpse into Everglades City’s storied past, book a room at the The Rod & Gun Club a historic private club that’s now open the public as a hotel and resort. The property is built at the location of Everglades City’s first white settlement when the city was founded 1864. Over the past century, The Rod & Gun Club has hosted presidents, dignitaries, and celebrities like John Wayne, Burt Reynolds, and Jack Nicklaus. Today, it features a massive restaurant overlooking the Barron River, two bar lounges, rental cottages and inn rooms, a swimming pool, and a full-service marina.  

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Boat Tours Of The Ten Thousand Islands/Everglades, Manatee, Shelling, Dolphins

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Weird attractions in SWFL: We found Skunk Ape Research, Ghost Tours, more

Here in Southwest Florida, beaches are a great way to beat the heat, and Collier County has some hidden treasures for those looking for an adventure. We've dug up some odd and hidden attractions for you to discover.

1. Skunk Ape Research Headquarters

• A cousin of the Bigfoot folktale, Skunk Ape, is believed to reside in the Everglades. There have been sightings across the entirety of South Florida presumably the 1800s. The skunk ape is said to be between six and nine feet tall, covered in hair and reek a stench similar to a skunk.
• The Skunk Ape Research Headquarters feature animal exhibits with guided and self guided tours, guided tours through the Everglades and camping opportunities.
• Entry to the animal exhibit for a self-guided tour is $10 for ages 12 and older, $5 for ages two to 11, campground guests have free entry. Guided tours are $12 for ages 12 and up, $6 for ages two to 11, and half price for campground guests.
• Skunk Ape Research Headquarters is at 40904 Tamiami Trail E., Ochopee, FL. For more information visit their website .

More: 'Weird' pizza toppings: We found grasshoppers, Peeps, waffle fries and more on SWFL menus

2. The Revs Institute

• The Revs Institute preserves historically-significant automobiles and gives the public an intimate opportunity to experience these cars. They educate visitors on the history, preservation, conservation and restoration of vehicles like the 1971 Porsche 917k, 1953 Porsche 550 Coupe, and 1995 McLaren F1.
• Visitors are able to experience the Revs Institute by reserving tickets in advance. They do not accommodate walk-up visitors. They are open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• General admission pricing for adults is $20. Students, military and those in education pay $15. Children eight and under have free admission.
• Docent-led tours are $30 for adults and $25 for students, military and education.
• The 24 hours at Le-Mans Tour and the docent-led tour with a workshop walk through are both $35 for adults and $30 for students, military and education.
• For more information, visit the Revs Institute website . Revs is at 2500 Horseshoe Drive S.Naples, FL 34104.

3. Tin City

• Tin City is a collection of waterfront boutiques, shops, restaurants and waterfront activities. Naples boat tours and cruises are available to visitors.
• For more information, visit its website . Tin City is at 1200 Fifth Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102.

4. Marco Mystery & History Tours

• These personalized trolly tours take you around Marco Island giving visitors close encounters with the ghosts that haunt the island.
• Due to the bug population in the summers, tours run October through May. As of now, tours are only offered on Fridays and get booked quickly. According to Gina Sisbarro, the owner of Marco Mystery & History Tours, it is best to book a few months in advance. There is a flat fee of $350. The trolly seats 7. Larger parties must book a bus.
• For more information, visit the website or contact (239) 537-8353.

Bucket list: 5 things to do in Naples includes cars, creatures, nature, art, more

5. Tigertail Beach

• Tigertail Beach is unique with a tidepool beach entry protected from the gulf by mangroves. Visitors can hunt for shells, explore the tidal pool, walk the white-sand beach and bird watch. There is a birdwatching tower for visitors to enjoy.
• The beach is open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset.
• For more information visit their website . It is located at 480 Hernando Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145.

Everglades To Gulf Conservation Area

September 26, 2023

Contact : Dan Chapman, [email protected] , 404-245-7211

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks public input on proposed Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public review and comment on a draft proposal establishing the Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area in southwest Florida. The proposed area abuts the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area and spans 12 counties west of Lake Okeechobee from Lakeland to Naples, including the watersheds of the Peace River, Myakka River, Fisheating Creek and Caloosahatchee River. The 30-day review and comment period will begin today and will include forthcoming public meetings where the Service will present and seek input on the proposed conservation area conservation area A conservation area or wildlife management area is a type of national wildlife refuge that consists primarily or entirely of conservation easements on private lands. These conservation easements support private landowner efforts to protect important habitat for fish and wildlife. There are 13 conservation areas and nine wildlife management areas in the National Wildlife Refuge System. Learn more about conservation area .

The proposal is informed by extensive public engagement that included more than 30 informational discussions with representatives from over 70 local, state, federal, tribal, non-governmental agencies and private landowners; seven public scoping meetings; a 35-day public scoping period; and the consideration of approximately 2,600 public comments, which were widely supportive. The resulting draft Land Protection Plan, Environmental Assessment and Conceptual Management Plan identify the vision, goals, objectives, acquisition boundary and conceptual management for the proposed Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area (previously referred to as the Southwest Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Area). The Conservation Area, if approved, would weave together public and private land protection opportunities similar to the partnership approach implemented at the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area over a decade ago.

“Recognizing the generations of responsible stewardship within this working rural landscape, this proposal seeks to secure a legacy of conservation lands for future generations to enjoy,” said Kathy Burchett, Refuge Supervisor for Florida and the Caribbean. “The proposed Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area would allow the Service to engage with partners and local landowners to preserve wildlife corridors and working lands with rich cultural history and traditions for the benefit of all people.”

The proposal identifies a four-million-acre Conservation Area in which the Service would pursue less-than-fee-title ( conservation easement conservation easement A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a government agency or qualified conservation organization that restricts the type and amount of development that may take place on a property in the future. Conservation easements aim to protect habitat for birds, fish and other wildlife by limiting residential, industrial or commercial development. Contracts may prohibit alteration of the natural topography, conversion of native grassland to cropland, drainage of wetland and establishment of game farms. Easement land remains in private ownership. Learn more about conservation easement ) or fee-title acquisitions from willing sellers only. Conservation easements would provide landowners the opportunity to maintain working lands in their current configuration with no further subdivision or development. The Service could acquire up to 10% of the Conservation Area, or 400,000 acres, in fee-title acquisitions where wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities such as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education and interpretation, and opportunities for cultural, traditional and medicinal uses would be available.

The proposed Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area would protect species and improve their resiliency in the face of climate change climate change Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale. Learn more about climate change and extreme development pressures. Protection and management actions would also support Florida’s family farms and ranches, improve water quality, quantity, and water storage within the Greater Everglades and watersheds entering Charlotte Harbor.

This area is home to many rare and endemic plants and animals, including over 70 federally or state-listed threatened and endangered species and iconic species like the Florida panther, Florida scrub jay, Audubon’s crested caracara, Everglade snail kite and sand skink. The region is an ecologically diverse combination of wet prairie and freshwater marshes, forested wetlands, dry prairie and pine flatwoods, scrub/shrub, agricultural lands, and pastures. While some areas are conserved by state and national parks including wildlife management areas and tribal lands, crucial wildlife corridors to connect these special places currently lack protection. A protected wildlife corridor from southwest Florida into the state’s northern stretches would allow Florida panthers and black bears, Everglade snail kites and other animals and plants to migrate away from increasingly impacted habitats.

The public will be able to review possible impacts and alternatives to the proposal. Details, including information on public meetings, will be posted online at: https://www.fws.gov/project/everglades-to-gulf-conservation-area . The proposal, including the draft Land Protection Plan, Environmental Assessment and Conceptual Management Plan are now available. An announcement regarding the date and location for public meetings will be made soon.

All interested parties have the opportunity to participate and provide comments during the open 30-day comment period. Please submit comments to: [email protected] or NWRS E2G CA, P.O. Box 700188, Wabasso, FL 32970.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, about our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov , or connect with us via Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram.

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