The route heads west out of the city on the Tamiami Trail, also known as US-41, the road that first connected Miami to Naples through the sawgrass and cypress of the Everglades. The change in scenery is quick — within half an hour the buildings give way to open marsh stretching to the horizon on both sides of the road.
The main stop is an airboat park, where a flat-bottomed airboat takes you out across the shallow water for a closer look at the marsh, followed by an alligator show. Airboat tickets are bought at the park and are not included in the ride price, though we can reserve them ahead of time so you are not waiting when you arrive. Alligators, birds and other wildlife are commonly seen in this part of the Everglades, though nothing in the wild can be guaranteed.
Depending on timing and interest, the route can include a stop at the Shark Valley visitor area or a roadside lookout over the marsh, and a lunch stop on request before the drive back to Miami. Bring sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent — the airboat ride and the walk to it are outdoors, with little shade.
Highlights
- A private drive along the historic Tamiami Trail
- Open sawgrass marsh stretching to the horizon
- An airboat ride across the shallow Everglades water
- An alligator show at the airboat park
- Chances to see birds and other wildlife
- Optional stop at the Shark Valley visitor area
- A roadside marsh lookout for photos
Itinerary
- 1
Pickup
Your driver-guide picks you up and heads west out of Miami on the Tamiami Trail.
- 2
Into the Everglades
The city gives way to open sawgrass marsh, with stops for photos along the road.
- 3
Airboat park
Arrival at the airboat park, where your airboat ride and alligator show take place.
- 4
Airboat ride
A ride across the shallow water on a flat-bottomed airboat, with a guide pointing out wildlife.
- 5
Alligator show and optional stop
Time at the alligator show, then an optional visit to the Shark Valley visitor area or a lookout.
- 6
Return to Miami
A lunch stop on request, then the drive back to your hotel or address.
Included
- Private car and driver-guide for the drive
- Pickup and drop-off where you are staying
- Bottled water on board
- Help reserving your airboat tickets in advance
- A stop at the airboat park for the ride and alligator show
Not included
- Airboat ride and alligator show tickets
- Lunch, if you choose to stop
- Insect repellent and sunscreen — bring your own
- Gratuity for your driver-guide
Good to know
- Sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent are strongly recommended
- Light, breathable clothing — the airboat ride is outdoors
- Wildlife sightings are common but never guaranteed
- Airboat tickets are bought at the park, or reserved ahead through us
- Suitable for most ages, though check height limits at the airboat park
FAQ
Are we guaranteed to see alligators
Alligators are commonly seen both from the airboat and at the show, but sightings in the wild are never guaranteed. The show portion gives you a close, reliable look regardless.
Do we buy airboat tickets ourselves
You can, at the park, or we can reserve them for you in advance so they are ready when you arrive. Either way, the ticket cost is separate from the ride price.
Is the airboat ride safe for young children
Airboat parks generally set their own minimum age or height rules and provide hearing protection. Tell us the ages of any children traveling and we can check current requirements before you go.
How hot does it get
South Florida is warm and humid most of the year, more so in summer. The car is air-conditioned throughout, and the airboat itself moves enough to stay comfortable, but the show and the walk to it are in the open sun.
