Exploring the Everglades offers a unique opportunity to take in a truly captivating natural wonder. From the thrilling airboat tours navigating through the Mangrove Maze and Open Grasslands to the serene Everglades City Boardwalk, visitors can witness the vibrant ecosystems teeming with diverse wildlife. Guided by Coast Guard-licensed captains, these adventures provide an unforgettable connection with the region’s rich biodiversity, including alligators and an array of bird species. But the Everglades’ wonders extend beyond the waterways, as the boardwalk allows for intimate encounters with other captivating residents, such as raccoons and manatees. What else might this remarkable destination have in store?
Key Points
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The Everglades offer two distinct airboat tours: a 50-minute Mangrove Maze tour and a 50-minute Open Grasslands tour, both guided by experienced Coast Guard-licensed captains.
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Visitors can also explore the Everglades City Boardwalk, a serene experience to observe native wildlife like raccoons, manatees, and diverse bird species.
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The tours are wheelchair accessible, and recommended items include comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
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The overall tour experience has a rating of 4.2 out of 5, with high satisfaction for transportation but mixed reviews on the value for money and airboat tours.
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The tour package also includes a visit to an animal sanctuary showcasing native Everglades wildlife, enhancing the overall visitor experience with an educational and up-close encounter.
Tour Overview
Everglades Airboat Tours offer visitors two exclusive experiences to explore the Everglades ecosystem. Guests can enjoy 80-110 minute airboat tours that showcase the Mangrove Maze and Open Grasslands.
Priced from $100.80 per person, the tours provide the opportunity to spot wildlife like alligators, turtles, and various birds. Visitors can also upgrade to the Giant Buggy Tour for elevated views of the cypress forest.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment. Knowledgeable, Coast Guard-licensed captains guide the experience using 2-way headsets, and the tours are wheelchair accessible.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Everglades City.
Pricing and Inclusions
The Everglades Airboat Tours start from $100.80 per person, with a tour duration of 80-110 minutes.
The tours provide an opportunity to explore two exclusive Everglades ecosystems. Guests can book their spot with no upfront payment and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour includes experienced, Coast Guard-licensed captains, 2-way headsets for a guided experience, and transportation between activities. Wheelchair accessibility is available.
Guests are recommended to bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent. Airboat rides last 50 minutes, and guests can stay in the park longer to enjoy the Everglades City Boardwalk.
Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour
Aboard thrilling airboats, guests embark on a captivating journey through the Mangrove Maze, one of the exclusive Everglades ecosystems showcased in these tours.
This 50-minute airboat adventure weaves through a labyrinth of twisted, tangled mangrove roots and branches, providing a unique perspective on this vibrant wetland habitat. Experienced, Coast Guard-licensed captains guide the airboats, while 2-way headsets allow guests to fully enjoy the guided experience.
During the tour, visitors can spot a variety of native wildlife, from alligators and turtles to an array of birds.
With included transportation, guests can seamlessly transition between the Mangrove Maze and the Open Grasslands airboat tour to fully explore the Everglades’ diverse landscapes.
Open Grasslands Airboat Tour
After traversing the Mangrove Maze, guests embark on the Open Grasslands airboat tour to explore the sweeping, open expanses of the Everglades.
This thrilling ride takes visitors through the vast, grassy wetlands, where they can spot alligators, turtles, and a variety of bird species. The experienced, Coast Guard-licensed captains provide a guided experience using 2-way headsets, ensuring guests don’t miss any of the fascinating wildlife and natural wonders.
The 50-minute airboat journey is a highlight of the Everglades experience, offering an up-close look at the diverse ecosystem.
Guests can then spend more time exploring the park’s other attractions, including the animal sanctuary and the Everglades City Boardwalk.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyAnimal Sanctuary Visit
Following the exhilarating airboat tour through the open grasslands, guests can then explore the animal sanctuary showcasing a diverse array of native Everglades wildlife.
At the sanctuary, visitors will have the chance to see lions, otters, and crocodiles up close. This provides a unique opportunity to learn about the delicate ecosystem and the challenges these animals face in the wild.
The sanctuary is an integral part of the tour, offering a well-rounded experience that goes beyond just the airboat rides.
With knowledgeable guides on hand, guests can gain a deeper appreciation for the Everglades and its inhabitants.
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Everglades City Boardwalk
Strolling along the Everglades City Boardwalk, visitors can enjoy the serene natural surroundings and spot a variety of local wildlife.
The leisurely boardwalk winds through mangrove forests, offering opportunities to observe raccoons, manatees, and a diverse array of birds. Guests can take their time exploring the tranquil ecosystem, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and appreciating the delicate balance of the Everglades.
The boardwalk provides a relaxing contrast to the thrilling airboat tours, allowing visitors to connect with the environment at a more leisurely pace.
This experience complements the broader Everglades exploration, offering a well-rounded adventure in this unique and captivating ecosystem.
Accessibility and Recommendations
Ensuring accessibility for all visitors, the tours provide wheelchair-accessible options. Guests can explore the diverse Everglades ecosystems with ease, accompanied by experienced, Coast Guard-licensed captains and guided by 2-way headsets.
To make the most of the adventure, the tour organizers recommend:
- Wearing comfortable shoes and lightweight, weather-appropriate clothing
- Bringing sunscreen and insect repellent to stay protected
- Leaving pets at home, as they aren’t allowed on the tours
- Children 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older
With these tips in mind, visitors can enjoy the Everglades’ natural wonders and enjoy an unforgettable experience.
Customer Feedback and Ratings
According to customer reviews, the Everglades Airboat Tours have an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5 based on 13 reviews. Guests were particularly satisfied with the transportation, rating it 4.5/5, but felt the value for money could be improved at 4/5. While some found the airboat tours redundant, others praised the knowledgeable guides and enjoyed the swamp buggy tour.
Category | Rating |
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Overall | 4.2/5 |
Transportation | 4.5/5 |
Value for Money | 4.0/5 |
Airboat Tours | Mixed Reviews |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Upgrade the Airboat Tour After Booking?
Yes, you can upgrade the airboat tour after booking. The overview states that there is an optional upgrade to the Giant Buggy Tour for elevated views of the cypress forest.
Are There Any Food or Dining Options Available?
The tour doesn’t include any food or dining options. However, guests can bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to enjoy during the excursion. There are no on-site restaurants or concessions available as part of the experience.
What Are the Age Requirements for the Tours?
The tours have an age requirement – guests aged 17 or younger must be accompanied by an adult 18 or over. This ensures the safety and enjoyment of all participants on the Everglades excursions.
Can I Take Photos During the Airboat Rides?
Yes, guests can take photos during the airboat rides. The tours provide 2-way headsets for a guided experience, so guests are free to capture the wildlife and scenery throughout the 50-minute ride.
Is There a Discount for Booking Multiple Activities?
Yes, there is a discount for booking multiple activities. Guests can save 10% when booking the airboat tours and swamp buggy tour together. This bundled package offer provides more value for the overall Everglades experience.
Recap
The Everglades airboat tours and boardwalk offer an immersive and unforgettable experience for visitors. Guided by Coast Guard-licensed captains, these adventures showcase the Everglades’ diverse ecosystems and abundant wildlife. From the thrilling Mangrove Maze and Open Grasslands tours to the serene Everglades City Boardwalk, this tour package provides a well-rounded connection with the unique natural wonders of the Everglades.
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