The Ten Thousand Islands archipelago covers more than 35,000 acres (14,164 hectares) of Florida’s southern tip. The eponymous national wildlife refuge lies in the northern portion, while the southern part is in Everglades National Park. The islands—which number in the hundreds, not thousands—are a perfect place to decompress in nature.More
Situated in heart of what many call the “true Everglades”—a river of grass that stretches 100 miles (161 kilometers) from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico—Shark Valley is part of a freshwater ecosystem with incredible biodiversity. It’s one of the best places in Everglades National Park to spot alligators, birds, and other wildlife.More
Big Cypress National Preserve is the northern neighbor of Everglades National Park, but with fewer crowds and more wildlife. Among the first national preserves to be established in the US, Big Cypress still permits many of the activities that are forbidden in national parks, inviting visitors to go off-roading, hunt, take an airboat ride through the swamp, and more.More
The Loop Road is known for alligator viewing and being the Wild West of the Florida swamp. The 24-mile (38-kilometer) unpaved road offers an opportunity to get off the main road and explore Big Cypress National Preserve at a slower pace. The vegetation and swamps lining both sides of the road make it ideal for spotting alligators, birds, and otters.More
Roughly 10 miles (16 kilometers long and 2 miles (3 kilometers wide, Chokoloskee Bay is located along Florida’s Gulf Coast and is separated from the Gulf of Mexico by the Ten Thousand Islands. The bay is known for its fishing and water sport activities.More
The scenic 2-lane Tamiami Trail stretches across the bottom of the Florida peninsula from Tampa to Miami. And while it may not be the quickest way to explore the region now, at the time of its completion in 1928 it was considered a feat of engineering comparable to the Panama Canal.More
As the first welcome site upon entering the Everglades National Park, the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center is a useful resource for first-time or returning guests. Offering educational exhibits and detailed maps, the visitor center provides a helpful overview of the park, its unique ecosystem, and animal inhabitants.More
If you have a finite amount of time to visit the Everglades National Park, then stop at the Royal Palm Visitor Center and State Park to experience two out of nine distinct Everglade ecosystems, as well as access two of the most popular trails in the park.More
Set on the bay at Everglades National Park’s south entrance, Flamingo Visitor Center is the jumping-off point for exploring the southern Everglades. The visitor center is next to a marina, campground, and a network of trails and waterways. At the center, find maps, information, and rangers to help you get started on your adventure.More
Just inside the entrance to Everglades National Park, the Anhinga Trail is many visitors’ first chance to explore the Everglades. The accessible, less-than-a-mile long (1.2-kilometer) boardwalk is one of the premier wetland viewing trails in the national park system. While named for the Anhinga (snake birds) that populate the marsh, the trail is also famous for its easy-to-spot alligators.More
Boasting a tropical climate, white-sand beaches, and luxury resorts, Marco Island is the only inhabited island in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge set off Florida's southwest coast. Visit the island for a beach vacation that offers options to explore the surrounding labyrinth of mangroves, waterways, and wildlife.More
While the self-guided Gumbo Limbo Trail only stretches for a mere 0.4 miles (0.64 kilometers, it is, perhaps, one of the most popular trails in the Everglades for its glimpse into a hardwood hammock ecosystem. Defined by its slight rise in elevation above the marshy waters, the arbored habit is comprised of a lush, tropical grove of trees.More
Take a break from paradise and head to the mainland for mangroves, manatees, the Everglades’ less-frequented neighbor, and more—all less than a 5-hour drive from Key West.
Recent reviews from experiences in Everglades National Park
Alligators in plain sight
Kaonta_L, Apr 2022
Florida Everglades Airboat Tour from Fort Lauderdale
We were able to see several alligators in plain sight.
Alligator Al picked us up from a near by hotel. The during the ride our tour guide gave us some fun facts and jokes. He also made sure we knew what to expect during our visit. Our airboat operator was awesome. I hate that I forgot his name but he did a great tour. Seen plenty Of alligators while trailing through The Everglades. The alligators came out that day. We were able to see several alligators in plain sight. Alligator show was good too. Great experience.
Florida Everglades Airboat Tour from Fort Lauderdale
Our guide Joshua made sure we knew where to be, what to see and just made the experience above all our expectations!
This experience was better than we ever expected! We purchased the rice td and transportation package and it was so worth it! Joshua gave us the ultimate VIP treatment from the minute he picked us up at our hotel. During the ride he let the kids watch videos on gators and gave a ton of information! The Everglades were beautiful and we saw 4 gators along our ride. The food and drinks prices are kept on the lower end which was great for large families. Our guide Joshua made sure we knew where to be, what to see and just made the experience above all our expectations! So glad we visited and did the Florida Everglades airboat!
Everglades National Park Small Group Guided Boating & Walking Tour Expedition
We were able to see the flora and fauna of the Everglades National Park close up and understand what we are seeing.
Captain Jerry is a great tour guide and boat pilot. His knowledge of the area made our tour very interesting. We were able to see the flora and fauna of the Everglades National Park close up and understand what we are seeing. We saw dolphins, White Pelicans and two different Night Herons. We definitely recommend this tour.