Everglades: Airboat Tour & Hotel Pickup with Local Gladesmen

Summary

Florida Everglades airboat ride with local guides and wildlife close-ups

You’ll feel the rush of wind as your airboat glides over the River of Grass, spot alligators hiding in plain sight, and hear local Gladesmen share their stories. With hotel pickup included and a group photo to remember it by, this Everglades tour is as much about connection as adventure.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the grass moved — not really waving, more like breathing. We’d just clambered onto this flat-bottomed airboat at Everglades Holiday Park, and our guide, Captain Rick (who looked like he’d been born in a pair of sunglasses), grinned at us before firing up the engine. The sound is wild — sort of like standing next to a jet, but sharper. I could taste that earthy, wet smell you only get in swamps. My nephew kept pointing at birds I couldn’t name.

Once we got out into the open water, Rick cut the engine and let us drift. He pointed out an alligator half-hidden in the reeds — I almost missed it, honestly. He called it “Old Lady” and said she’s been around longer than some of the boats. There was this weird hush when he stopped talking, just insects buzzing and the slap of water against metal. I tried to take a photo but my hands were shaking a bit — not scared, just excited, maybe? Or maybe it was that wind from moving so fast earlier.

I didn’t expect to laugh so much on an Everglades airboat tour; Rick’s stories about growing up here were half history lesson, half stand-up routine. At one point he mimicked an egret’s walk and nearly lost his hat to the breeze (he caught it without missing a beat). The whole thing lasted about an hour but felt shorter somehow — time moves differently out there. We got a group photo at the end (included in the price), everyone squinting into that bright Florida light. Even now I can hear that engine starting up if I think about it too hard.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Everglades airboat tour experience

• Travel to Everglades Holiday Park
• Board airboat for tour
• Glide across the River of Grass
• Observe alligators, snakes, and birds
• Listen to captain's expert guidance
• Experience engine cut for quiet nature

Top questions

How long is the Everglades airboat tour?

The narrated airboat tour lasts approximately 60 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included for this Everglades tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

Are infants or small children allowed on the airboat?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; specialized infant seats are available.

Is this Everglades airboat tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

What wildlife might I see during the tour?

You may spot alligators, snakes, wading birds, and unique vegetation native to the Everglades.

Does this tour include any photos?

Yes, each party receives one free professional-grade group photo at the end of the tour.

Is lunch or food included on this Everglades day trip?

No meals are included; only the guided airboat tour and group photo are part of your package.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off for easy arrival at Everglades Holiday Park, a fully narrated 60-minute airboat ride led by experienced Gladesmen guides who know where to find wildlife, plus taxes covered and a complimentary professional group photo before you head back home.