The 6 Best Everglades Airboat Tours near Ft Lauderdale

  (photo credit: Everglades Holiday Park)
(photo credit: Everglades Holiday Park)

Refreshing ocean breezes blow gently over Fort Lauderdale, affectionately nicknamed the "Venice of America", while Port Everglades serves as a major tourist hub for cruise ships. When you think of the Everglades, you tend to associate it with a speeding airboat gliding through the marshes. However, exploring the interior of the National Park can be crowded, making it difficult to book a tram tour or airboat ride. That's why airboat tours near Fort Lauderdale are your best bet for exploring South Florida's Everglades.

These Fort Lauderdale Everglades tours, led by passionate guides, traverse outer reaches. They provide informative, narrated airboat tours lasting over 60 minutes through vibrant habitats teeming with wildlife.

Depending on the operator, participants are provided with noise-canceling headphones, or are offered earplugs they can purchase in the gift shop. All of the tours adhere to ethical wildlife-watching practices, i.e. keeping a certain distance and avoiding any interaction that might disturb the animals. Beyond the mangroves, visitors may encounter a wide range of species, including alligators, birds and turtles.

The Best Everglades Airboat Tour

Everglades Holiday Park : Your All-in-One Everglades Adventure

  • Address: 21940 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33332
  • Phone Number: 954-434-8111

Ever craved an escape from the everyday? Ditch the tourist traps and join the boat rides at Everglades Holiday Park for an unforgettable Everglades adventure.

Hold on tight as Captain Chaos Michael K skims your airboat across the glassy water. Navigate mangrove tunnels teeming with life. Captain Chaos, known for his humor and knowledge, will whisk you into this wild paradise.

Spot a gator in the wild? Feel the thrill as your airboat glides silently towards a sunbathing alligator with Captain Tim "Timmy V" Van Fossen. Timmy V will transform your gator encounter into an unforgettable memory.

Throughout your tour, your guide will regale you with fascinating tales and legends. Hear about the fearsome Skunk Ape and the ancient Calusa tribe. With every anecdote, you'll gain appreciation for the rich history intertwined with this remarkable ecosystem.

See Alligators in Their Natural Habitat

The adventure doesn't stop there! At Everglades Holiday Park, you become part of the story. Get up close and personal with these prehistoric marvels at the legendary Gator Boys Alligator Rescue show. Witness the Gator Boys' remarkable expertise as they handle these powerful reptiles with finesse. Want an unforgettable souvenir? Seize the chance to hold a baby alligator – a photo op you won't stop bragging about!

Sunset Serenade: Everglades Bliss & Key Lime Sips!

As the day winds down, soak in the beauty of the Everglades with a refreshing snack from their full-service café and deli. Listen to the symphony of songbirds as the sun dips below the cypress trees, leaving you with a profound connection to this wild paradise.

Everglades Family: Your Fort Lauderdale Airboat Tours Awaits!

The team at Everglades Holiday Park is not just a staff, but a family! From knowledgeable guides to friendly souvenir shop staff, these passionate experts share a deep love for the Everglades and a commitment to exceeding your expectations. They are the heart and soul of what makes your Fort Lauderdale airboat tour so special!

Ready to leave the ordinary behind and embrace the extraordinary?!

Experience the thrill of an airboat tour through the Florida Everglades with Everglades Holiday Park. Expert captains guide you through stunning scenery and abundant wildlife on this unforgettable adventure.

Swamp Monster Airboat Rides : Glide through the Everglades in Comfort and Style

  • Address: 15490 Loxahatchee Road, Parkland, Florida 33076
  • Phone Number: (561) 247-0393

Forget generic airboat tours! Swamp Monster Rides is a family-owned adventure in the heart of the Everglades.

Introducing Swamp Monster, an exciting boat tour of the Everglades. Your captain, Jim, will entertain you with amusing anecdotes about the history of the ecosystem. You'll experience the most authentic of high-speed airboat rides, while immersing yourself in Everglades National Park. It's an exciting adventure that kids will love, offering roller-coaster-like thrills as you traverse the swamps in an air boat and encounter wild animals.

Drag along the alligators and watch the diverse wildlife at 35 mph! Jim knows the best places to watch wild animals living in this unique ecosystem.

Enjoy an escape from the screen into a 3D world, while learning about Everglades conservation.

Private airboat tour is the ideal way to discover the wild beauty of this stunning ecosystem.

You and up to 6 friends can enjoy an exclusive one-and-a-half-hour tour aboard the Swamp Monster. At only $325 for 2 people, enjoy it with your mate.

What to Bring:

  • Sunscreen (applied before the tour)
  • Camera or phone for pictures (Optional)

What Not to Bring:

  • Food or drinks
  • Alcoholic beverages

Keep in mind that places are limited, so plan ahead and book yours today. Enjoy an unforgettable adventure in the beautiful Everglades! Please be sure to dress appropriately for the Florida sun!

Florida Airboat Rides: Escape to the Real Florida Wild

  (credit: Everglades Holiday Park)
(credit: Everglades Holiday Park)

Location:

  • Address: 15490 Loxahatchee Rd, Parkland, FL 33428 (Ramp Address)
  • Closest major cities: Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach

Contact:

  • Phone: (954) 997-9553
  • Email: info@floridaairboating.com

Prepare to experience the untamed heart of Florida like never before on a private airboat tour through the legendary Everglades. As your modern airboat carrying just you and your group departs the dock, the thunderous growl of the engine fades into the serene wilderness symphony of rustling sawgrass, trilling birds, and alligators.

Florida Airboat Rides offers a personalized adventure, carefully tailored to your interests, where their state-of-the-art airboats zip through the real Florida at exhilarating speeds of up to 40 knots, providing an unforgettably smooth and stable ride far from the slower, more crowded tours.

Make sure your camera is ready as vibrant bird species take flight, and scaly river dwellers scatter at your approach. And what if, in an exciting way, an American alligator brushes against your boat. Then, the breathtaking highlight - gaze in awe at powerful alligators sunning mere yards away, their primordial presence reminding you of Florida's wild heritage.

Come and experience the magic of the Everglades up close with your family, and skip the crowds!

Depending on your needs, you'll enjoy private tours for the whole family or groups of 2 to 8, with options for hour-long, hour-and-a-half or two-hour adventures.

Here's why you should choose Florida Airboat Rides:

  • Personalized experience: Get a private tour and unobstructed views.
  • Family-friendly: Kids 12 and under ride free!
  • Experienced guides: Learn more about the flora and fauna of the Everglades.
  • Flexible options: Choose the tour duration that's perfect for you.
  • Convenient location: Close to Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, and West Palm Beach. Explore local shopping and the Everglades on the same day!

What are you waiting for? Book your trip now at (954) 997-9553.

Everglades Airboat Excursions

Contact:

  • Address: U.S. 27, Tamarac, FL 33321 (Please note: This is the office address; all tours depart from the boat ramp.)
  • Phone: (561) 660-2419
  • Email: gerald.motes@gmail.com

Everglades Airboat Excursions offers thrilling tours led by Captain Gerald, a local legend and passionate conservationist, ensuring an unforgettable experience in the Florida Everglades near Fort Lauderdale.

If you're interested in taking a private air boat tour near Fort Lauderdale, you'll have a choice of one-hour and extended two-hour airboat trips, including early morning, sunset and night tours. Fort Lauderdale airboat tours with Everglades Airboat Excursions are immersive journeys led by an extremely knowledgeable native Everglades guide, who shares fascinating ecology and rich history with you as you cruise the river.

Their trips are perfect for families. They have large boats that can accommodate up to 12 people. Even wheelchairs and pregnant women are welcome. Yes, you read that right, but beware of "water breaks", as these trips are full of intense moments, such as spotting an alligator.

Cypress Outdoor Adventures

  (credit: Everglades Holiday Park)
(credit: Everglades Holiday Park)

Contact:

  • Address: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Phone: (954) 260 1096
  • Email: privateairboattour@gmail.com

As the airboat speeds down the river creating a temporary ripple carpet, you watch alligators relax, roseate spoonbills, herons and more go about their daily business. While your guide, Captain Bill, whispers into your headphones the knowledge he has gained from his life on these waters.

Explore the wild beauty of the Everglades like never before on private airboat tours in Fort Lauderdale with Cypress Outdoor Adventures' extremely knowledgeable guides. Their private airboat tours let you glide over glassy rivers amidst a thriving ecosystem.

In addition to airboat trips, Cypress Outdoor Adventures also offers nature walks, kayaking through mangrove tunnels, and fishing amid breathtaking scenery - multi-faceted adventures to get you outdoors.

Cypress Outdoor adventures airboat tour prices start at :$320 and include 1 to 4 people for a one-hour airboat excursion. The most popular tour lasts 2 hours, and it starts from $400 for 1 to 4 passengers. For additional passengers, adults and children, you'll pay extra. Daytime excursions are available 7 days a week, from 7 am to 7 pm.

Book a tour today with Cypress Outdoor Adventures!

Epic Airboat Tours Fort Lauderdale

  • Address: Ft Lauderdale, FL
  • Phone Number: (954) 287-2436Ride through Everglades National Park with Epic Airboat Tours, just minutes from Fort Lauderdale! You'll feel the rush of cruising through meadows and winding rivers, and spotting huge alligators sunbathing along the banks. Your experienced Florida-born guide will show you the hidden gems of the Everglades, from the mesmerizing chorus of wading birds to the elusive Florida panther.

Everglades airboat rides with Epic offer more than just wildlife encounters. Immerse yourself in the Seminole tribe's deep connection to this land and learn how their culture was shaped by nature. Witness a breathtaking sunset as the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in vibrant hues.

Worried about crowds? Opt for their private charters, designed for up to 7 guests, ensuring an intimate experience tailored to your desires. Whether you crave an adrenaline rush or a peaceful nature excursion, your captain guarantees an unforgettable journey.

Don't miss out! Secure your spot for a private Everglades airboat tour near Fort Lauderdale today.

Your Fort Lauderdale Everglades tour with Epic Airboat Tours starts from $275 for 2 people. Each additional person is charged $50.

Jungle Queen Riverboat Tour

  • Address: 801 Seabreeze Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
  • Phone number: (954) 462-5596

There's much more to Fort Lauderdale than a trip to the Everglades, although it's still a must-see experience. This vibrant city has plenty to offer locals and visitors alike.

One of Fort Lauderdale's must-see attractions is the Jungle Queen riverboat cruise. Whether you opt for a leisurely sightseeing tour or a festive evening out, the Jungle Queen promises unparalleled hospitality, breathtaking views and an enchanting escape into nature's subtropical paradise.

Don't miss this iconic ship sailing the "Venice of America"!

Sail Fort Lauderdale's sparkling waterways, admiring the magnificent mansions and yachts lining the shores. Your guide will tell you fascinating anecdotes about the city as the breeze and Florida heat caress you. Indulge in the scents of exotic flowers, the songs of tropical birds and the flavors of the on-board grill. For an enchanting evening, why not try the Tropical Isle dinner cruise to a private island for a barbecue feast under the stars and a dazzling show.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an airboat ride in the Everglades worth it?

Yes! Set off on an exhilarating and educational adventure, exploring the Everglades' truly remarkable ecosystem up close and personal, while getting your adrenaline pumping.

What Should I Wear On an Airboat Ride?

Always dress comfortably for an outdoor experience - wear comfortable shorts and t-shirt, sneakers or sandals, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. We advise you to wear light layers to cope with changing weather conditions.

How Long Are The Airboat Tours?

Most Fort Lauderdale Everglades tours last 1-2 hours, while Everglades National Park offers shorter 30-minute tours. Make sure to check details when booking your tour.

How Fast Do The Airboats Go?

Hold on tight! Airboats can reach speeds up to 50-60 mph as they glide across the Everglades wetlands.

Can Kids Go On Airboat Rides?

Yes, most tours welcome children of all ages, although some require kids to be 3+ years old. Confirm any age policies when making reservations.

Do You See Alligators On Airboat Tours?

Absolutely! Spotting alligators in their natural habitat is a highlight of these tours through the river of grass.

What Airboat Tours in Fort Lauderdale are good for avoiding crowds?

For a more exclusive Fort Lauderdale Everglades tour, book a private airboat trip with one of the city's leading companies, such as Florida Airboat Rides, which offers private tours for groups.

This article was written in cooperation with  Vectis LLC