This post will help you find an Everglades tour from Miami that best fits your schedule and meets your expectations.
We will cover details about prices, services provided, activities included, and more.
Disclosure: While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.
WHY VISIT THE EVERGLADES?
The Florida Everglades is a region of subtropical wetlands in South Florida. Its unique ecosystem is unlike one you will find anywhere else in the U.S.
What makes the Everglades such a special destination? Unlike a visit to a zoo to see exotic wildlife, a Miami Everglades tour lets you get close to so many beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
In this wilderness, you'll spot American alligators, White-tailed deer, turtles, lots of other reptiles, and exotic birds.
Most of the tour companies that visit the Everglades are located along HWY 41 just outside of Miami, but some of them are also found along HWY 27. (See driving directions from Miami to the Everglades here).
There are some Everglades tours from Miami that include transportation, so you don't have to think about getting out there on your own.
Some tours specialize in taking you close to alligators in the wild, while others focus more on the natural beauty of the environment.
No matter what you want to see, any tour of the Everglades is an experience of a lifetime!
PUBLIC AIRBOAT TOURS
The following section will cover several great Everglades airboat tours, including information about pricing, the tour length, and all included activities.
Gator Park Airboat Tours
This is an example of an airboat tour that offers more than just a ride on an airboat.
Each ticket pays for admission, an airboat tour of the Everglades, and an alligator wrestling show.
This option is one of the best Everglades airboat tours for families, as it allows children to participate in a variety of activities.
They offer online booking and are located just off HWY 41.
Prices
- $32.99 Adults | $24.99/Children
- Children age 5 and under are free.
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Availability: Daily from 9 am - 5 pm
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
TIP: Admission to Gator Park is included with the Go City Miami Pass.
Gator Park has an overall rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars (read reviews here).
Most customers report that they offer a fun experience at a great price.
NOTE: Miami Double Decker offers a combo package that includes transportation to and from Gator Park for only $29.99.
If you don’t want to worry about how to get there, this is an excellent option. Read more below.
Sawgrass Recreation Park Airboat Tours
Much like its competitors, this company also offers at least one additional activity – the opportunity to hold a baby gator!
They also offer an animal exhibit with several snakes, lizards, tortoises and other native species to see.
However, this airboat tour isn’t quite as long as some of the other options in the Everglades.
At only 30 minutes long, you won’t have as much time to explore the area and take photographs.
That said, if you’re looking for a shorter excursion, this is an excellent option.
Sawgrass Recreation Park tours can be booked and purchased ahead of time online. You’ll find the park off HWY 27.
Prices
- $26.95/Adults | $16.95/Children
- Children under 4 get in for free.
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Availability: Daily from 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
NOTE: This airboat tour is included with the Go City Miami Card, a great way to save 50% or more on popular activities and attractions in the area.
Sawgrass Recreation Park has also received an overall score of 4 ½ out of 5 stars (read reviews here).
Few reviewers had any issues with the length of the tour, and most guests described their trip as a fun experience.
Everglades Holiday Park
This is another popular location that offers Everglades airboat tours, but they actually provide more activities than their competitors.
Rather than choosing between the opportunity to hold a baby alligator and seeing an animal show/exhibit, you can actually do both!
In addition to an alligator presentation and the chance to hold a baby alligator, you’ll also get one free professional-grade Kodak photo.
As if that weren’t good enough, this airboat tour is also 60 minutes in length, making it one of the longer options in the area.
You can book and purchase tours from Everglades Holiday Park airboat tours and rides online. The park is located right off Highway 27.
Prices:
- $38.51/Adults | $25.67/Children
- Children under 3 get in for free
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Availability: Daily from 9 am - 5 pm
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
NOTE: If you're in need of transportation to and from Miami, you can get tickets that include this service for just $44/Adults and $40/Children. Purchase tickets or learn more.
TIP: This airboat tour is included with the Miami Sightseeing Pass, a service you can use to save 50% or more on popular activities.
Everglades Holiday Park currently enjoys a 4 ½ out of 5-stars rating.
Guests describe this activity as a great way to see the Everglades in just a few hours.
Many customers feel their staff is amazing and the airboat ride is excellent.
Big Bus Tours
In addition to their hop-on hop-off Miami bus tours, this company also offers a service that will take you to the Everglades Holiday Park where you'll enjoy an airboat ride and a wildlife show.
Although the price for this activity is a bit more expensive than just a ticket to Everglades Holiday Park, this service includes transportation to and from the attraction.
This is essentially the same airboat tour as above, but it includes the price of a coach to and from the Everglades.
Prices
- $55/Adults | $50/Children
- Children under 3 get in for free
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Availability: Daily from 9 am - 5 pm
- Includes transportation to Everglades Holiday Park.
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
NOTE: This service is included for free with the Go City Miami Pass.
Since this is included with at least one Miami tourist pass, it might make sense to take advantage of this activity if you're already planning to use one of these discount services.
Big Bus currently enjoys an overall rating of 3 ½ stars out of 5 in Miami (read reviews here). While this might not seem great, keep in mind that the only service they're really offering here is transportation.
The airboat tour itself is still offered by Everglades Holiday Park, and they still have an overall rating of 4 ½ out of 5-stars.
Coopertown Airboats
Coopertown Airboats claims to be the ‘original airboats since 1945’. It sure seems to be the case given the expertise of their guides and animal handlers who get rave reviews. They are 4 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor!
They offer a 45-minute tour that doesn't require reservations, though booking in advance ensures you will get a spot on the airboat.
Your ticket includes an animal show where you can see a number of animals, most notably Big Man, their 14-foot alligator.
At the end of your experience, a group photo is taken and available for purchase.
Unlike other tour options, there is an on-site, small-town restaurant where you can try Everglades-style frog legs, ‘gator tail, and catfish.
Prices
- $29.95/Adults | $18.95/Children (6-11)
- Children 5 and younger are free.
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Availability: Daily from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm (tours depart every 20-30 minutes)
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours
This tour company is owned and operated by a native-American Miccosukee family and is able to offer a unique experience combining wildlife viewing with a culturally immersive experience.
After the airboat tour, you’ll visit a Miccosukee camp on Tear Island and take a short nature walk.
These tours are excellent for families with children since interacting with a Native American tribe doesn't happen every day.
With 5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, Buffalo Tiger Tours is impressive!
- 45-Minute Standard Airboat Tour
- $45/Adults | $27.50 Children (age 3- 12)\
- Ages 2 and younger are free.
- Tours are offered daily at multiple times between 9 am and 4 pm
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
EVERGLADES KAYAK TOURS
The following section covers some of the more notable kayak tours available in the Everglades.
Everglades Area Tours
Described as an “eco-tour,” Everglades Area Tours specializes in providing a fun and educational experience.
Expert guides will take you on a 3 - 3 ½ hour kayak tour where you will learn more about the wildlife and plant life in the area.
In addition to their basic kayak tour, they also offer a tour of Mangrove Tunnel – a series of narrow lakes and creeks in the Everglades.
Alternatively, you can also enjoy a combo tour which includes the kayak trip, a boat tour and a walking tour in the area.
If you’re looking for an even longer outing, they also offer a 6-hour kayak tour that will take you to an island on the Gulf of Mexico.
Prices
Everglades 3-Hour Kayak Eco Tour
- $119.95/Adults | $97.95/Children
- Duration: 3 hours
- Availability: Daily at 8:30 am & 1 pm
Everglades Mangrove Tunnel Eco Tour
- $128.50/Adults | $102.15/Children
- Duration: 3 hours
- Availability: Daily at 8:30 am
Everglades Boat, Kayak & Walking Eco Tour
- $159.95/Adults | $97.65/Children
- Duration: 3 ½ hours
- Availability: Daily at 1:30 pm
Everglades 6-Hour Sea Kayaking Eco Tour
- $179.95/Adults | $89.95/Children
- Duration: 6 hours
- Availability: Daily at 10 am
Reviews for Everglades Area Tours are consistently around 5 out of 5 stars (read reviews here).
Most customers indicate that their guides are excellent and very friendly, providing a lot of useful information about the Everglades.
Some guests even described this as the best tour they took while they were on vacation!
Tour the Glades Kayak Tours
While airboat tours take a quick look around the Everglades, this kayak tour prides itself on providing a slower glide through the mangroves.
Learn more about the delicate ecosystem of this beautiful subtropical climate zone by paddling through the grass prairies with an experienced tour guide.
A standard outing with Tour the Glades can last between 3 - 4 hours long, providing an up-close look at the flora and fauna in the Florida Everglades.
Prices
- $99/Adults | $60/Children (ages 5-16)
- Duration: 3 ½ - 4 hours
- Availability: Daily from 7 am - 9 pm
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
Much like its competitors, this company also has a full 5 out of 5-stars rating (read reviews here).
Many of the positively glowing reviews have great things to say about the tour guides, who are apparently very attentive, intelligent and entertaining.
EVERGLADES SWAMP WALKS
In this section, we will provide information about some of the more interesting swamp walks you can take through the Everglades.
Everglades Nature Tours
If you want to get really close to the natural beauty of the area, this kind of tour may even take you into the water.
Of course, if you plan to do what they call a “wet walk” you’ll want to bring a change of clothes for the ride home.
These hikes are highly rated and last between 1 ½ - 2 hours.
You can schedule a private walking tour or take advantage of their cheaper semi-private walking tours instead.
Prices
- $339 per person
- Availability: Daily at 7:30 am
Everglades Nature Tours has a full 5 out of 5-stars rating with the major review sites (read reviews here).
When it comes to their nature walks, some reviewers report having a lot of fun wading (sometimes thigh-deep) in the waters of the Everglades.
Others report that during the dry season, there isn’t much walking in the water, so your experience could vary in this area.
Clyde Butcher’s Eco-Swamp Walk
If you really want to experience the Everglades up close, this tour is for you.
During a 2-hour excursion, a knowledgeable tour guide will take you through the natural beauty of the Big Cypress National Preserve.
Clyde is known for his fantastic photography, and he even offers workshops every now and then.
He is quite familiar with the Everglades and has even developed several PBS specials on the environment of Florida.
Prices
Private Guided Swamp Walk Eco Tour
- $125 each with a minimum of 2 people
- Duration: 1 ½ hours
- Availability: Fri/Sat/Sun
- Hours: 8:30 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm
This tour is located much further out from Miami than others, as it is pretty much smack dab in the middle of the Big Cypress National Preserve.
It might take a bit longer to get there, but reviewers have given the experience a full 5 out of 5-star rating (read reviews here).
There are no negative reviews of Clyde Butcher’s, so as long as you’re willing to make the trip out to see him, this tour is probably well worth the time and money invested.
Given that his company was featured in the New York Times, it’s a pretty good bet that you’re going to have a great time.
Self-Guided Everglades Swamp Walk
If you feel comfortable with going out on your own excursion on one of the many public hiking/walking/biking trails in the area, that option could be more affordable.
A self-guided experience will be only as expensive as the cost of transportation out to the area.
In addition to being less costly, some reviewers of the tours listed above have reported seeing more animal life on their own self-guided tours throughout the park than they saw at some of the above tourist locations.
Whatever choice you make, it’s important to dress appropriately and prepare for the environment you are going to enter; be safe while you’re having fun out in the Everglades!
EVERGLADES TRAM TOURS
This section will provide details about tram tours you can take in the Everglades.
Shark Valley Tram Tours
As the name implies, this outing is offered in the Shark Valley region of Everglades National Park.
Experience some of the wildlife and plant life that lives in the area while comfortably seated.
The trams have open sides allowing you to really get a look at what the Everglades are like.
At 2 hours in length, you’ll have plenty of time to spot wildlife such as alligators, tortoises, lizards, snakes, and a wide variety of birds.
Prices
- $28/Adults | $22/Seniors | $15/Children
- Duration: 2 hours
- Availability: Daily at 9:30 am, 11 am, 2 pm & 4 pm
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
Shark Valley Tram Tours currently has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars (read reviews here).
Visitors report that this tour is both informative and a great opportunity to see some of the animals in the Everglades.
Many guests feel that this is an excellent family activity.
EVERGLADES NIGHT TOURS
This section will provide details about Everglades tours you can enjoy after dark.
We will include information about ticket prices, hours, when the tours are available, and other factors to consider.
Sawgrass Recreation Park
In addition to their daily airboat tours, this park also offers an airboat night tour to give you an idea of what the Everglades are like after dark.
Starting at 8:30 pm, this 60-minute tour traverses the waterways in search of alligators and other notable wildlife in the area.
The only other difference is that these night tours are only offered on Wednesday and Saturday nights, but they are available throughout the year.
Each ticket includes admission to the animal exhibits at the park, allowing you to see a variety of snakes, tortoises, and other animals.
Prices
- $48.15/Adults | $26.75/Children
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Availability: Wed & Sat at 8:30 pm
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
This Everglades night tour has a rating of about 4 ½ out of 5 stars (read reviews here).
Customers report that they saw a lot of alligators on this tour, but that shouldn’t be too surprising because gators are actually nocturnal.
EVERGLADES TOURS FROM MIAMI
If you’re specifically looking for Everglades tours and day trips you can take from Miami, there are several options to consider.
Each of these services offers transportation to and from a wildlife park that offers airboat tours, alligator shows, animal sanctuaries and other fun things to see and experience.
Some tours include pick-up and drop-off from your hotel for added convenience.
Miami Double Decker 5-Hour Everglades Airboat Safari
Offered by a popular hop-on-hop-off bus tour company, this affordable tour provides convenient hotel pick-ups and drop-offs.
In addition to transportation to the Everglades, you get admission to the park, an airboat tour, and an alligator show.
You also get an additional 2-3 hours of free time at Gator Park watching the alligator show and exploring their exhibits.
After your time in the park, you will be transported back to Miami and dropped off at your hotel.
Prices
- $29 Adult / $25 Child
- Duration: 5 hours (including travel time)
- Availability: Daily at 9:30 am & 1:30 pm
- Purchase tickets or learn more. Be sure to choose the option that says Everglades Airboat Safari Adventure + Transfer.
Miami Double Decker typically receives average scores, but this specific Everglades day trip has an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars (read reviews here).
Most people appreciate the ride to and from the park, but some customers had minor issues with the trip by bus.
Aside from transportation, a majority of reviewers report that the airboat tour, the alligator show and everything else at Gator Park is fun and informative.
Xcursions USA Everglades Park: 3.5-Hour Adventure Tour
Like the Miami Double Decker tour above, your ticket includes transportation to and from your hotel to the Everglades Park, an airboat ride, and a wildlife show.
But unlike Miami Double Decker's tour, this tour is 4.5 hours long, so you do not get extra time to explore the park.
While this tour costs the same as Miami Double Decker's longer tour above, it may be worth taking this tour instead as you can count on Xcursions USA's consistently excellent reviews.
With over 1,000 reviews, they have a 4 out of 5 stars rating.
Prices
- $50 per person (infants 1 and under free)
- Duration: 4.5 hours (including travel time)
- Availability: Daily at 10:10 am & 2:10 pm
- Not currently available as of December 2022.
Other Everglades Day Trips From Miami
Most of the day trips from Miami are similar, but if you’re looking for a specific service or you want to purchase from an even better-rated company, make sure to check these options.
Prices range from $40-$80 on average, but depending on which activities you select and where you plan to go, they could get as high as $200.
Purchase tickets or learn more about Everglades tours from Miami.
If you want to save even more money, it’s worth noting that the Go City Miami Card includes an Everglades day trip from Miami with transportation from Gray Line.
The normal price for this activity is $58 per person, but depending on how you use this tourist pass, you could save 55% or more off ticket prices.
For more details about this and other opportunities to save money, check our post covering Miami tourist attraction discount passes.
EVERGLADES TOUR DISCOUNTS
This section will cover all of the ways you can save money on various Everglades tours. We will provide details about tourist attraction passes, combo packages and other deals.
Tourist Attraction Discount Passes
There are a few different Miami tourist passes, and each of them offers at least one Everglades tour.
Most of these services allow you to pay one flat price for either a set number of attractions or a set number of days in which you can enjoy dozens of activities.
Depending on how you use the pass, you can save up to 55% on every activity you choose in and around Miami – including a tour of the Everglades!
These passes also offer skip-the-line benefits at several popular locations in the area, making it easier to save both time and money.
Here are the Everglades tours included with each pass:
- Everglades Holiday Park
- Airboat Tour & Alligator Show
- Wild Florida
- Airboat Tour & Wildlife Park
- Everglades Alligator Farm
- Airboat Tour & Alligator Feedings
- Sawgrass Recreation Park
- Airboat Tour & Everglades Exhibit
- Gator Park
- Airboat Tour & Wildlife Show
- Gray Line
- Day Trip, Airboat Tour & Alligator Show
- Boggy Creek
- Airboat Tour
- Big Bus Miami
- Everglades Airboat Tour
No matter which tourist pass you choose, you’ll have plenty of options to consider.
For more details, make sure to read our post covering Miami tourist discount attraction passes.
EVERGLADES COMBO PACKAGES
There are a few combo deals offered by hop-on-hop-off bus tour companies in Miami which include a trip to the Everglades.
If you’re planning to do more than take an Everglades tour, these packages include at least 2 or 3 different activities for a discounted price.
Here are some of the best combo packages that provide Everglades tours:
Miami Double Decker
In addition to their Everglades day trip from Miami listed above, this company also offers a 3-in-1 combo with the following services:
- Hop-on-Hop-off Bus Tour
- Everglades Airboat Tour
- Miami Boat Tour
- $69.99 per person
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
Gray Line Miami
This is one of the most popular tour companies in the world, so it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they also offer a combo package called “Miami City Tour & Everglades Airboat Adventure” which includes the following activities:
- Miami City Tour
- Everglades Air-boat Adventure
- $82 per person
- Purchase tickets or learn more.
Gray Line also offers an Everglades day trip which includes transportation to and from a wildlife park as well as an Airboat tour and other activities for only $58.
This outing is included at a discount with the Go City Miami Card, so you could save even more money on this combo package by using a tourist attraction discount pass.
Discount Sites
Many of the companies that offer Everglades tours work with discount sites such as Groupon and Living Social to provide even better deals for their customers.
On top of any discount they may have to begin with, these sites also frequently hold special sales on local activities which you can use to save even more money.
Make sure to check the top of the page for any banners that provide coupon codes or additional discounts in order to take full advantage of these opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to visit the Everglades?
The best time to visit the Everglades is from early December to April, which is the dry season. Temperatures are comfortable, there are fewer mosquitoes, and the chances of spotting wildlife are greater. On the downside, the dry season can be very busy.
When can you see alligators in the Everglades?
Alligators can be seen year-round in the Everglades, but they are more active in the rainy season as they love hotter, wetter weather.
How much time should you spend in the Everglades?
Unless you are coming to Miami for an extended nature trip, then you can spend a day in the Everglades and have a satisfying experience.
In theory, you could spend just a half-day if you plan to drive out to the park, take a short airboat tour then leave, but rushing isn’t doing the Everglades justice.
Do you need reservations to take an Everglades Tour from Miami?
Not all companies require reservations for Everglades tours. But in the busy season, it is wise to reserve ahead so you don't miss out on an amazing experience.
Which Everglades tour is best: Airboat, Swamp Walk, Kayak or Tram?
Airboats have a few advantages for the casual visitor to the Everglades. They can navigate through the shallow waters so you can get up close safely to animals.
You can see more than on a kayak tour or a swamp walk. Plus, an air boat ride is exciting! fun to ride!
Swamp walks are ideal for those who want to have a highly educational experience as they will learn more details about the animals, flora, and fauna of the Everglades. Swamp walks are also eco-friendly.
Kayaking is also eco-friendly but you will cover more than a swamp walk. Unlike airboats, kayaks are silent so are allowed to go deep into the Everglades. People who are very active and like a good workout will love a kayak tour.
A tram tour is a great option for those who want to see animals, but don’t want to get into the water. Trams are open-air so you can get up close to nature, but not too close!
Also, tram tours offer longer tours for less money than other types of tours.
