An Everglades airboat tour from Miami is a half-day trip (about 4 to 5 hours with transport) to an airboat park around 45 minutes from the city, where you glide over the sawgrass wetlands looking for alligators, turtles and wading birds, then watch a live wildlife and alligator show. With CanalMarket Travel it starts from US$55 per person, with round-trip transport from Miami included. Here is what to expect and how to plan it.
What are the Everglades?
The Everglades are a vast wetland in South Florida, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. Much of it is a shallow, slow-moving sheet of water flowing through tall sawgrass, which is why it is often called the “river of grass”. It is home to alligators, turtles, fish and many species of birds. Because the water is so shallow, the classic way to explore it is by airboat: a flat-bottomed boat pushed by a large fan that skims over the grass.
What a typical half-day looks like
- Pickup in Miami: we collect you at your hotel in Miami Beach or downtown Miami, or at a central meeting point confirmed when you book.
- Drive to the Everglades: about 45 minutes from Miami to an authentic airboat park on the edge of the wetlands.
- Airboat ride: around 30 to 40 minutes over the sawgrass, with stops to look for alligators and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
- Wildlife and alligator show: a live show where you learn about the animals of the Everglades, with the chance to hold a baby alligator and take photos.
- Return to Miami: the drive back, so you are free for the rest of the day.
The tour does not require any physical effort, which makes it a good choice for families with children and older travellers.
What is included and what is not
- Included: round-trip transport from Miami, the airboat ride and admission to the wildlife show.
- Not included: meals, drinks and gratuities.
The price shown on the tour page is a “from” price per person. When you send your date and number of guests, we confirm the itinerary, pickup and final price before you pay.
Tips for spotting wildlife
- Keep your eyes on the edges of the water and the grass: alligators often rest very still, with only their eyes and nose above the surface.
- Look up as well as down: herons, egrets and other wading birds are common in the wetlands.
- Listen to your captain, who knows where animals are usually seen and when to stop.
- Wildlife is wild: sightings are never guaranteed, but most rides offer plenty to see.
- Stay seated and keep your hands inside the boat at all times.
What to bring
- Sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses: the Florida sun is strong, even on cloudy days.
- Insect repellent, especially in the warmer months.
- A light jacket or long sleeves: the wind on the airboat can feel cool.
- A strap or secure pocket for your phone and camera.
- Some cash or a card for drinks, snacks and tips.
- Airboats are loud: ear protection is usually provided, but bring earplugs if you are sensitive to noise.
Combine it with more of Florida
The Everglades are a half-day trip, so you can easily pair them with our Miami City and Little Havana Tour, which covers South Beach, the Art Deco district, Wynwood and Little Havana. Continuing to Orlando? See our Orlando theme park tickets and transfer. Browse all our tours in the USA, Panama, Colombia and Dubai, or compare prices on our tour prices page.
How to book with CanalMarket Travel
Open the Everglades Airboat Adventure from Miami page, choose your date and number of guests, and send your booking. Our team confirms the itinerary, pickup and availability before you pay, and you pay securely by card. Questions first? Contact our team, write to us on WhatsApp (+507 6148-9795) or ask Gabriella, our travel assistant, on this page.
Frequently asked questions
How long is an Everglades airboat tour from Miami?
It is a half-day trip of about 4 to 5 hours including transport. The airboat ride itself lasts around 30 to 40 minutes.
How far are the Everglades from Miami?
The airboat park is about 45 minutes from Miami by road.
How much does an Everglades airboat tour cost?
With CanalMarket Travel it starts from US$55 per person, including round-trip transport from Miami, the airboat ride and the wildlife show. Meals, drinks and tips are extra.
Is the Everglades airboat tour good for children?
Yes. It requires no physical effort and the wildlife show is a favourite with families. Tell us the ages of your group when you book.
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