Everglades Airboat Night Tour: Spot Alligators After Dark

Hunt for alligators in the dark swamp and watch them surface around the boat

A one-hour evening airboat tour through Everglades National Park where you ride a 17-seater boat searching for nocturnal alligators by spotting their red eyes in the dark water. A live English-speaking guide leads the search, and all passengers wear hearing protection and safety vests. Arrive one hour before your scheduled departure time. The tour runs only with a minimum of six passengers and does not operate in temperatures below 50°F.

Step-by-step itinerary

Evening airboat ride and alligator viewing

• Arrive 1 hour before tour
• Check in for airboat ride
• Board 17-seater airboat
• Wear life vest and hearing protection
• Glide through dark swamp trails
• Search for red eyes of alligators
• Experience nocturnal wildlife viewing

The experience

The airboat cuts through tall grass trails at night, when alligators are most active. You'll scan the dark water for the red eyes of American alligators gliding past the boat: the moment the guide spots them is when the real action starts. The 17-seater airboat is regularly inspected and certified. Every passenger gets a life vest, hearing protection to manage the engine noise, and a radio so the guide can communicate with the crew. The boat's design lets you sit low enough to watch the water closely, and the guide's live commentary in English keeps you oriented to what's moving in the swamp around you.

Check in one hour before your reservation time. Tours run only when the temperature stays above 50°F, and the operator needs at least six passengers to depart. You'll be notified by 4:30 PM on the day of the tour if that minimum hasn't been met. Dress warmly. The water and wind make it roughly 10 degrees cooler than the air temperature on shore. Infants must sit on an adult's lap, and the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

• One-hour evening airboat tour through Everglades National Park with a live English-speaking guide.
• life vest and hearing protection for all passengers.
• safety equipment and regular boat inspection.
• local taxes.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 18:00 and 19:15

Book up to5h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 17

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomeInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

Is this one for you?The live guide speaks English, so you'll follow the commentary and the guide's directions to spot alligators as they surface. Arrive an hour early to allow time for check-in and a safety briefing before departure.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What time does the evening airboat tour depart?

Tour times vary by season and booking. You'll receive your exact departure time when you reserve, and you should arrive one hour before that time to check in and receive your safety briefing.

Will I definitely see alligators on the night tour?

The tour is specifically designed to spot nocturnal alligators by their red eyes in the dark water. The guide searches the trails actively, but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The tour operates whether or not alligators appear.

How many people fit on the airboat?

The airboat seats up to 17 passengers. The tour requires a minimum of six passengers to run, and you'll be notified by 4:30 PM on the day of your tour if that minimum is not met.

What should I wear for a night airboat ride?

Dress warmly. The water and wind make conditions roughly 10 degrees cooler than the air temperature on shore. All passengers are provided with a life vest and hearing protection, so you don't need to bring those.