Everglades City’s tours deliver the real Florida experience – raw, wild, and unforgettable. These excursions split into three main categories: airboat rides (fast and exciting), eco-tours (slower and more educational), and kayak trips (quiet and up-close).
I love the combination airboat-and-eco tours, which give you both the thrill and the education. The small-group mangrove kayak tours are terrific for spotting wildlife without the engine noise. For photography enthusiasts, the slow-moving pontoon tours provide steady platforms for capturing alligators, wading birds, and possibly even a Florida panther.
Let’s look at the best tours that showcase this remarkable ecosystem.
Key Points
- Airboat tours in the Everglades offer diverse ecosystems, alligator encounters, and knowledgeable guides, with options for day and night excursions.
- Boat and eco-tours provide opportunities to observe wildlife like birds, reptiles, and the Florida panther, with wheelchair-accessible options and naturalist guides.
- Guided kayaking adventures allow exploration of mangrove tunnels and cypress ponds, with expert guides sharing insights into the local ecosystem.
- Wildlife observation tours focus on alligators and crocodiles in their natural habitats, with optimal viewing times and safety gear provided.
- Half-day Everglades tours combine transportation, airboat rides, and knowledgeable guides, catering to various age groups with flexible cancellation policies.
Miami: Everglades National Park Airboat Tour & Wildlife Show
One of the most popular tours in Everglades City is the Miami: Everglades National Park Airboat Tour & Wildlife Show. Priced from $41.99 per person, this tour offers a captivating experience in the heart of the Everglades.
The 35-minute airboat ride allows visitors to explore the diverse ecosystems of the national park, including sawgrass prairies, mangroves, and hardwood hammocks. The highlight of the tour is the 30-minute wildlife show, where guests can witness the thrill of alligator wrestling.
Travelers can also spot unique wildlife such as alligators, turtles, and the elusive Florida panther. The tour includes a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.
With an overall rating of 4.4/5 from over 5,985 reviews, this tour is a must-do for anyone visiting Everglades City. The knowledgeable guides, reliable transportation, and well-organized service make this an exceptional experience.
Read our full review: Miami: Everglades National Park Airboat Tour & Wildlife Show Review
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Flamingo Marina: Backcountry Boat Tour of the Everglades
What better way to explore the unique environment of Everglades National Park than the Flamingo Marina: Backcountry Boat Tour? Lasting 1.5 hours, this wheelchair-accessible tour takes visitors through Buttonwood Canal, Coot Bay, and Tarpon Creek, providing an up-close look at the park’s rich biodiversity.
A knowledgeable naturalist guide shares insights on the plant and animal life, as well as the area’s fascinating history and ecosystems.
The tour, priced from Kč1,149 per person, includes the boat ride, guide, and complimentary food and drinks. Visitors can expect to see a variety of wildlife, such as birds, reptiles, and possibly even the elusive Florida panther.
With a 4.5/5 rating based on 14 reviews, the tour offers excellent value for money. To participate, guests need to check in at the Marina Activity Booth 15 minutes before departure and bring appropriate gear like sunscreen, insect repellent, and rain protection.
Advance booking is recommended, as this popular tour can sell out quickly.
Read our full review: Flamingo Marina: Backcountry Boat Tour of the Everglades Review
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Everglades National Park: Pontoon Boat Tour & Boardwalk
Priced from $60 per person, the Everglades National Park: Pontoon Boat Tour & Boardwalk offers a 2-hour guided excursion through the stunning Ten Thousand Islands region.
Guests can expect to spot dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species as they cruise along the Barron River and Chokoloskee Bay on a comfortable, wheelchair-accessible pontoon boat.
The tour also includes a stroll through a mangrove forest on the Everglades City boardwalk, where knowledgeable guides provide insights into the local ecosystem and history.
With a customer rating of 4.3/5, this tour is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the Everglades.
Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Visitors are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen and insect repellent, and note that pets and feeding animals aren’t allowed.
Read our full review: Everglades National Park: Pontoon Boat Tour & Boardwalk Review
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Everglades National Park: Motorboat Eco Tour
The Everglades National Park: Motorboat Eco Tour offers a thrilling 3-hour excursion through the park’s remote and untamed waterways. Priced at Kč 4,142 per person, this small-group tour (limited to 6 participants) provides an up-close encounter with the diverse wildlife that call the Everglades home.
Guided by knowledgeable English-speaking experts, you’ll spot bottlenose dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, stingrays, and a variety of native fish and birds. Explore one of the 10,000 islands, discovering beautiful shells and ancient Calusa Indian relics.
The tour includes water, snacks, insect repellent, and safety equipment, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off. Reviewers rave about the friendly, caring guides and the incredible wildlife sightings.
While park passes aren’t included, they’re available for purchase. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can book your spot without upfront payment and experience the Everglades in an unforgettable way.
Read our full review: Everglades National Park: Motorboat Eco Tour Review
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Everglades: Guided Kayak and Airboat Tour
Although the Everglades National Park: Motorboat Eco Tour offers an immersive experience, the Everglades: Guided Kayak and Airboat Tour provides a unique opportunity to explore the diverse ecosystems of this remarkable region.
Priced from £116.72 per person, this 5.5-hour tour includes a guided kayaking adventure and an airboat ride across 259 acres of private grasslands and mangroves.
Paddling through the mangrove tunnels and cypress ponds, guests will spot a variety of wildlife, such as alligators, eagles, and herons, led by a trained naturalist guide.
The airboat tour then allows them to glide on the water while learning about the local flora, fauna, and native history from a knowledgeable captain.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and transportation to and from the activities included, this tour offers excellent value.
While customer reviews highlight the guide’s knowledge and the quality of the transportation, some concerns were raised about the group management and the airboat experience.
Nonetheless, this tour provides an engaging and diverse way to explore the Everglades ecosystem.
Read our full review: Everglades: Guided Kayak and Airboat Tour Review
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Everglades: Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour and Boardwalk
Boasting a 4.4-star rating from 229 reviews, the Everglades: Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour and Boardwalk offers visitors an immersive encounter with the unique ecosystems of the Everglades.
Priced from Kč1,421 per person, this 50-80 minute tour includes a guided airboat ride through mangrove mazes and a stroll along the Everglades City Boardwalk. Guests can expect to spot native wildlife like alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds, while learning about the local culture and history from knowledgeable guides.
The tour also includes 2-way headsets and transportation between activities. Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended. Guests under 17 must be accompanied by an adult.
With a reserve now, pay later option and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this popular tour is likely to sell out, so booking early is advised.
Read our full review: Everglades: Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour and Boardwalk Review
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Everglades City: Guided Kayaking Tour of the Wetlands
For those seeking an immersive journey through the serene wetlands of Everglades City, the Guided Kayaking Tour of the Wetlands offers an unparalleled experience.
The 3-4 hour tour allows participants to paddle through magical mangrove tunnels and cypress forests, spotting a diverse array of native wildlife along the way. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour provides an opportunity to learn about the unique ecosystem of the Everglades from trained naturalists.
The tour is priced at €95.11 per person and is suitable for ages 17 and above, with children aged 12 and under required to ride tandem with an adult.
Participants should bring appropriate attire and gear, and note that the activity isn’t suitable for children under 6 or individuals over 287 lbs.
With a cancellation policy that allows free refunds up to 24 hours in advance, the tour presents an excellent value proposition, as evidenced by its impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 96 reviews.
Read our full review: Everglades City: Guided Kayaking Tour of the Wetlands Review
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Everglades: Everglades Alligators and Orchids Kayak Eco Tour
The Everglades Alligators and Orchids Kayak Eco Tour offers a captivating way to explore the breathtaking wetlands of the Everglades. Priced at €124.95 per person, this 3-hour guided kayaking adventure allows visitors to spot diverse wildlife, including alligators, butterflies, and a variety of orchids and bromeliads.
Led by an expert Florida Master Naturalist Guide, the tour provides a family-friendly learning experience, with opportunities to capture stunning photos in the picturesque surroundings.
Kayakers will paddle through mangrove forests, observing alligators from a safe distance and encountering a wealth of flora. The recommended times for the tour are early mornings and late afternoons, when wildlife is most active, and the lighting is optimal for photography.
Included in the tour are all necessary safety gear, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off. Guests are advised to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and water, as smoking, large bags, alcohol, and drugs aren’t permitted.
Read our full review: Everglades: Everglades Alligators and Orchids Kayak Eco Tour Review
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Kissimmee: Boggy Creek Airboats Adventures Night Tour Ticket
Visitors to Kissimmee can embark on an exhilarating Boggy Creek Airboats Adventures Night Tour, offering a unique opportunity to witness alligators and other wildlife in their natural habitat under the cover of darkness.
The 1-hour tour costs $81.70 per person and reaches speeds up to 60 miles per hour on a well-maintained airboat. Participants can reserve their spot with no upfront payment and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
For safety, a Coast Guard Captain guides the tour, and participants are provided with hearing protection and life jackets. The tour highlights include spotlight-guided viewing of alligators and wildlife, as well as the chance to learn about alligator behavior from experienced captains.
While the tour isn’t suitable for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, children aged 2 and under can participate for free, sitting on laps. Strollers are allowed, but pets are not, except for assistance dogs.
Read our full review: Kissimmee: Boggy Creek Airboats Adventures Night Tour Ticket Review
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Miami: Half-Day Everglades Tour in French
Set out on a captivating half-day tour of the Everglades from Miami or Miami Beach, exploring this unique ecosystem in the French language. Priced from €217.55 per person, this 4-hour adventure includes transportation in a convertible bus or luxury minivan, a guided tour, and an exciting airboat ride.
Marvel at the diverse wildlife, including alligators and crocodiles, as you traverse the Everglades’ stunning landscapes.
The tour features a scenic drive through downtown Miami and Miami Beach, with photo stops at scenic viewpoints.
You’ll be dropped off at convenient locations like Bayside Marketplace, 200 Lincoln Rd, 2201 Collins Ave, and 1170 SE 12th Terrace.
Suitable for families, the tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility impairments.
With a 4.5/5 overall rating based on 31 reviews, the knowledgeable and friendly French-speaking guides ensure a memorable experience.
Enjoy the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the convenience of reserving now and paying later.
Read our full review: Miami: Half-Day Everglades Tour in French Review
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The Sum Up
There are numerous tour options for exploring the Everglades near Everglades City. Visitors can choose from airboat tours, boat tours, kayaking tours, and even a night tour. These tours offer the chance to see a variety of wildlife, including alligators, birds, and unique flora. Depending on one’s interests and preferences, there’s an Everglades tour that’s suitable for everyone.