Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale
Description
Explore the wilderness of the Everglades on a full day adventure from Ft Lauderdale. With your naturalist guide, take a thrilling airboat tour in Everglades National Park, spot wildlife on a drive through Big Cypress National Preserve, enjoy a nature walk through a towering cypress forest, and relax on a boat cruise along mangrove-lined waters to see manatees, dolphins and osprey. Learn about the Everglades from your guide and have lunch at a waterside restaurant, where you'll get to try some appetizers!
Tour Options
Itinerary
An ecotour along the Tamiami Trail offers a vivid glimpse into Florida’s wild heart. Guests travel through sawgrass prairies, cypress swamps, and wetland sloughs, surrounded by towering bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. Wildlife sightings often include American alligators, white-tailed deer, otters, turtles, and a dazzling array of birds like egrets, spoonbills, herons, and barred owls. The preserve is also rich in rare plants like ghost orchids and air plants clinging to ancient trees. Guides share stories of the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes, the area’s early development, and conservation efforts that saved this vital ecosystem. Each season offers something new—migratory birds, blooming bromeliads, or low waters that reveal the swamp’s secrets. Whether by van, boardwalk, or airboat ride, this tour is a chance to connect with nature and witness the timeless beauty of the Everglades.
Tour the “River of Grass” aboard an iconic airboat—flat-bottomed and perfectly designed to glide over the shallow wetlands of the Everglades. As the wind rushes past and birds soar overhead, your captain shares stories of the land, wildlife, and traditions passed down through generations. The journey leads to a remote chickee island, a thatched-roof platform built on stilts, where the tribe once lived in harmony with the swamp. Surrounded by sawgrass prairies and endless sky, this stop offers a rare chance to experience the cultural heart of the Everglades and gain insight into the resilience and legacy of the Miccosukee people.
Big Cypress National Preserve is a vast, wild landscape spanning over 700,000 acres in South Florida, just north of Everglades National Park. It protects a rich mosaic of swamps, pinelands, prairies, and hardwood hammocks that support a wide range of wildlife, including alligators, Florida panthers, black bears, white-tailed deer, and hundreds of bird species. Unlike a traditional national park, Big Cypress allows for multiple uses—hunting, off-road vehicle access, and tribal living—while still preserving its unique ecology. A visit to the Oasis Visitor Center, located right along the Tamiami Trail, is the perfect introduction to the preserve. Guests can view educational exhibits about the swamp's wildlife, hydrology, and cultural history, chat with rangers, and enjoy up-close views of alligators sunning in the canal just outside. It's an ideal launch point for deeper exploration into this subtropical wilderness—whether by boardwalk, scenic drive, or guided ecotour.
Island Cafe in Everglades City offers a free and satisfying lunch menu featuring local flavors and classic favorites. Guests can enjoy fried oysters, perfectly crispy and full of coastal flavor, or savor a tender, flaky grilled Mahi filet. For something hearty and familiar, the grilled chicken and juicy burgers are always a hit. Those craving bold flavors can dig into BBQ pork tacos or cheesy quesadillas, served hot and loaded with flavor. Lighter fare includes a variety of veggie wraps and fresh salads, perfect for guests looking for a plant-based or refreshing option. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, comfort food, or something green, Island Cafe serves it up with a smile—completely free on tour!
A visit to the Historic Smallwood Store in Chokoloskee adds rich cultural depth to your adventure. Perched on stilts above the edge of the Ten Thousand Islands, this preserved trading post from 1906 offers a fascinating glimpse into frontier life in the Florida Everglades. Guests can explore artifacts, tools, and stories from early settlers, Gladesmen, and the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes who once traded goods here. The museum is steeped in legend, including tales of infamous outlaw Ed Watson and the rugged isolation that shaped the region. Visiting the Smallwood Store is like stepping back in time—guests seeking history, mystery, and a deeper connection to the people of the Everglades. It’s a rare chance to see the human side of the swamp, and a powerful companion experience to the wildlife and ecology showcased on the safari.
Enjoy an unforgettable 60-minute boat tour into the heart of Everglades National Park, launching from the edge of Chokoloskee Bay. Glide through a maze of mangrove forests and coastal estuaries in the Ten Thousand Islands, where land and sea blur in a stunning display of natural beauty. Your captain, a local expert, shares fascinating insights into the Everglades’ unique ecology and the region’s rich history. Keep your eyes peeled for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, manatees, sharks, and a variety of coastal birds like ospreys, herons, and roseate spoonbills. This peaceful ride through Florida’s remote backwaters offers close encounters with wildlife and a deeper appreciation for one of the most diverse ecosystems in North America—a serene yet thrilling highlight of the day’s adventure.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 6 years old
- Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended
Reviews(504)
Mark our guide made our time a very informative trip. He is truly passionate about his job and the Florida environment.
Technically, Marjory Stoneman Douglass named it the "River of Grass" that flows from Lake O to the mangrove forests but it does look like a sea! Glad you enjoyed Marc's expertise. We are lucky to have him as a guide.
This tour was fantastic, from beginning to end. Our tour guide and driver, Reza, had an expansive knowledge of the Everglades and Florida in general. He knew about every bird we saw and was quick to spot them! He had detailed facts about all the species found there. He told us so much about the history, geography, and geology! You could tell he was passionate about the Everglades! We got to take take an airboat ride in a canal, spotting otters, fish, birds, turtles, and of course alligators! We took a most beautiful hike, not too long, and found amazing plant life, including air plants and cypress trees! We happened along a pond with 2 alligators! We had a stop at a the Big Cypress National Preserve museum and learned about Seminoles wrestling with alligators, starting around the turn of the 20th century to earn $ from tourists! Lunch was great in Everglade City, and we loved the mini museum, the Smallwood store. We also stopped at a small art gallery on the way. We bought a few nice souvenirs! To round out the the busy day we took a boat ride out from the Smallwood store through the 10,000 islands area! We were incredibly lucky to see many dolphins, frolicking in the wake and swimming around our boat! We loved the entire day!! High Recommended!!
Thank you for such a wonderful review! It sounds like Reza and the wildlife really showed off for you. One of the things we love most about the Everglades is that no two days are ever the same, but dolphins playing around the boat, otters, alligators, and a pond full of wildlife is about as good as it gets. We're glad you enjoyed the mix of nature, history, local culture, and a few quirky Old Florida stops along the way. We'll be sure to share your kind words with Reza. His passion for the Everglades is contagious, and we're fortunate to have him on our team. Thanks again for spending the day with us and for the enthusiastic recommendation.
We were expecting an amazing adventure but regretted a waste of a day. Pick up and drop off at the rear of a shopping mall car park - not vey safe and on our return we were approached by drunks asking for money as we walked to the front of the mall to get an Uber. Why not meet opposite by Starbucks .. The mini bus was ok and guide , for the price expected more comfort though. Long drive which was fine and first stop airboat ride, which we were looking forward to , but due to water levels most of this was along a canal next to the highway with limited time actually in the glades. You should inform customer that due to water levels, experience would be impacted and offer them the right to cancel free of charge. The airboat, driver could hardly speak English, and find it insulting that pinned to the back of the seats ‘ driver works for tips’- no he works for the company that employs him and is there to offer a service to their customers who book and pay!!! Miccosukee Indian village, we were expecting to be able to purchase original arts and crafts not a store selling mass produced tat, completely miss-led by this description, and see something more cultural and local? Stopped at a gallery- museum , basically looking at photographs. Stopped at the smallest post office in the US- a shed with a-man sitting inside - why. Quite sad really and he was proud to be going into national geographic! Walk through the reserve, via a well trodden trail littered with plastic and rubbish in most part. “Delicious lunch” was offered- wow- absolutely awful which most of us left including the guide, heavily fired chips, embarrassing ‘ salad’, overcooked fish all served with plenty of single use plastic ( so much for the eco tour ) next to crabbing boats where the local find it acceptable to catch large crabs, pull off one claw and throw them back where it grows back- we were all shocked but assured by the guide doesn’t hurt the crab!!!! Smallwood store, old shop full of junk and a few overpriced tourist gifts ( most made in South America!) Mangrove wilderness boat cruise, only memorable part of the day, great captain, incredible trip with numerous dolphins spotted and following the boat - but again another sign posted to the back of the seat- don’t forget to tip the captain! In Europe you tip naturally for good service voluntary, not by being asked to, perhaps pay your employees more! Very disappointing day, would not recommend and completely oversold as an experience from the description.
We’re sorry the experience did not align with your expectations. Our Miami pickup location at the Galleria Mall Tesla Supercharging Station is a well-known, easy-to-find meeting point that has worked smoothly and safely for thousands of guests over the years. The Everglades is currently experiencing severe drought conditions, which have limited airboat access into shallow marsh areas throughout South Florida. During these periods, wildlife—including alligators—concentrates in the deeper canals, which is why those routes are used. We would also like to clarify that our Miccosukee airboat captains are local tribal members who often speak both Miccosukee and English. We are proud to partner with them and appreciate the cultural authenticity they bring to the experience. Stops such as the United States’s Smallest Post Office and Smallwood Store are long-standing regional landmarks that many visitors enjoy for their unique local history and connection to Old Florida. Smallwood Store in particular is a historic trading post museum featuring artifacts and exhibits from over a century of Everglades history, along with locally made items and Seminole crafts. Regarding stone crabs, Florida’s fishery is carefully regulated and widely recognized as sustainable. The crabs are returned alive to the water, where they regenerate their claws naturally. We are glad to hear you enjoyed the mangrove boat cruise and dolphin sightings, and we appreciate your comments. We understand that not every tour style is the right fit for every traveler, but we thank you for visiting the Everglades with us.
Company had a van in service- so they packed two tours- originating from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami into one van. We had an hour of pick ups before the tour even started. We would’ve rescheduled or canceled had been given the opportunity. Inappropriate to smash 14 people in this van, and no one was allowed to sit in the front seat either. We were in the back row with their knees up on wheelwells and couldn’t move. Let alone see out the one side window- there is an hour long stop and go pull off the shoulder tour, which was very unexpected and being in the back with 14 people it made us carsick. Second. We expected more walking and hiking. Not “look out the window narration” with stop and go along the shoulder of a highway. We couldn’t wait for this part of the tour to be over. All we saw was people’s yards and roof lines and fences. We saw nothing that was being shown in the ditch. On a normal day with half the people this would’ve been more acceptable the paid part of the tours, including the lunch and air boat and boat ride were great.. would suggest based on our circumstances to just organize those on your own if you run into a full tour- so unusual circumstances kind of ruined the day.
Thank you for your feedback. I’m sorry the van felt too crowded and that the front seat was not made available when it should have been. With 13 passengers, that seat should have been open, and that is on us. Because one of our vans was in service, we combined pickups from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami that day. We did let guests know the tour would return a bit later than usual, but I understand that did not address the discomfort of the extended pickup period. Regarding the wildlife portion, drought conditions have concentrated much of the wildlife in the canals, so that is where our guides go in order to give guests the best chance of seeing animals. Under more comfortable circumstances, that part of the day is often well received, but I understand why it was not enjoyable from the back row. I do appreciate your kind words about lunch, the airboat, and the boat ride. Your comments are fair, and we will use them to do better.
The guide was so knowledgeable and fantastic. We took the time we needed. He was always checking in with us and making sure we were ok. He did his best to educate us and had all the opportunities to see the wildlife in Everglades. He went above and beyond.
We have a great roster of biologists that make the amazing day even better. thanks for the 5-star feedback!
The air boat was restricted to the canals alongside the highway because the Everglades is in a two year drought and you can’t get into them off of the canals because there is no water depth available. The nature hike is off the side of the highway. It does get into some older growth trees. It’s a minimal hike. The thing that made the trip worth it was the extensive knowledge that Julio had and shared along the way during the trip.
Thank you for your review and for sharing your experience. You’re absolutely right that current water levels have impacted where airboats can safely operate. During periods of low water, routes are limited to the deeper canals, which are actually where much of the wildlife tends to concentrate. Our nature walk is designed to be an accessible introduction to the habitat, with opportunities to see native vegetation and wildlife up close, even within a shorter distance. We’re especially glad to hear that Julio’s knowledge and interpretation made the experience worthwhile—he’s truly passionate about what he does, and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with him. We appreciate you joining us and hope to welcome you back under different conditions in the future. 🌿
Mark was so knowledgeable & was amazing at spotting all the gators & birds for you to see. Loved the boat ride in Everglades City - we had dolphins playing in our wake. However, on the drive, those people on the right hand side of the van got to see but on the left side was nearly impossible.
Superb day trip to The Everglades and Big Cypress National Preserve Tour guide Mark was exceptionally knowledgeable about the wildlife whose neighborhood we shared for the day 220 miles in total We enjoyed several water rides including a great stiff ride on the Gulf of Mexico
I was very disappointed by this tour. The first five stops of the tour were right on the highway. The airboat also went parallel to the highway. To be fair, that was because of the unusually low water levels. But then I'd still expected to be able to veer off the highway somewhere else during the day. The "nature walk" was also parallel to the highway. There must be better places for a walk in the Everglades??? The last cruise of the day did go out on the water further, but that was literally the last stop of the day, after being on the highway the whole day. I do want to point out that our guide was extremely kind and knowledgable about the region, so he made it interesting. But if you're flying from across the world to see the Everglades, you want to at least get the chance to go into the wetlands or some kind of nature a little further than 10 feet from the car.
Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. Wildlife viewing in the Everglades changes with seasonal water levels, and this winter we are experiencing unusually low water due to drought conditions. When water levels drop, wildlife such as alligators and wading birds concentrate in canals where fish are easier to catch. Because our focus is always wildlife viewing, we take guests where the animals are most active at that time rather than following a fixed route. The canal areas you mention are currently some of the most productive wildlife viewing locations in Big Cypress National Preserve, which is why birds are feeding and nesting there and why alligators are basking along the banks. These conditions often create excellent opportunities to observe wildlife up close. Our nature walk takes place at a boardwalk site in the heart of Big Cypress National Preserve that allows guests to safely explore the swamp environment and learn about the ecosystem. Later in the day, our boat cruise travels into the Ten Thousand Islands region of Everglades National Park — one of the most remote wilderness areas in Florida. I’m glad to hear you found your guide kind and knowledgeable. Our guides work very hard to help guests understand the ecology of the Everglades and make the most of the wildlife conditions each day. While seasonal water levels can affect where wildlife is found, our goal is always to give guests the best possible opportunity to experience the Everglades and its wildlife.
This was a full day excursion that gave us a good overall Everglades experience. The boat tours were really fun and we saw a lot of wildlife and beautiful scenery. We got a lot of history of the park from our driver and enjoyed the little hike we did looking for wild orchids. Lunch was great too!
Thank you for the great 5-star review! We’re so glad you enjoyed the full-day Everglades experience. It’s great to hear that you had fun on the boat tours and were able to see plenty of wildlife and scenery along the way. The nature walk is one of our favorite parts of the day too—there’s always something new to discover out there. We’re also happy you enjoyed the history and insights from your guide, as well as the lunch. Thanks again for joining us, and we hope to see you back in the Everglades on another adventure!
