Everglades Day Safari: Airboat, Mangroves & Wildlife from Ft Lauderdale

Summary

Wildlife, airboats and cypress forests on an Everglades day trip

You’ll ride an airboat through Everglades grasslands, walk beneath cypress trees in Big Cypress National Preserve with a naturalist guide, sample local seafood at lunch by the water, and drift through mangrove tunnels watching for dolphins or manatees—all with pickup included from Ft Lauderdale. Expect moments that stick with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing along the Tamiami Trail when I realized how different Florida feels out here—no city noise, just the low hum of our van and the occasional heron flapping past. Our guide, Mike, kept pointing out things I’d never have noticed: ghost orchids clinging to ancient trees, a barred owl blinking at us from a branch. There was this earthy smell in the air—kind of sweet and damp—and when we stepped into Big Cypress for the nature walk, my shoes squished on the boardwalk. Mike told us stories about the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes that made me wish I could remember half those details later.

The airboat ride is what I’d been waiting for. It’s louder than you think (bring earplugs if you’re sensitive), but once we started gliding over the “River of Grass,” it felt like flying low over another planet. The captain—he grew up nearby—shouted over the engine about alligator nests and pointed out a chickee island built by his grandfather’s generation. At one point, a spoonbill flashed pink across the sky and everyone just stopped talking for a second. Honestly, I didn’t expect to feel so small out there.

Lunch at Island Cafe was simple but good—fried oysters that tasted like the sea, and someone at our table ordered BBQ pork tacos that disappeared fast. The place sits right on the water; you can watch boats drift past while you eat. Afterward we poked around the Smallwood Store museum in Chokoloskee, which is stuffed with old tools and stories about outlaws and traders—I got lost reading about Ed Watson (look him up if you like weird history). The last part was this slow boat cruise through mangroves where we spotted dolphins surfacing beside us and an osprey balancing on a branch. Sunlight flickered through tangled roots; it all felt quiet in a way I still think about sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Everglades and Big Cypress exploration

• Travel along Tamiami Trail
• See wildlife and plants
• Take airboat tour on Everglades
• Visit remote chickee island
• Explore Big Cypress National Preserve
• Visit Oasis Visitor Center
• Enjoy lunch at Island Cafe
• Tour Historic Smallwood Store
• Take boat tour in Ten Thousand Islands

Top questions

How long is the Everglades day safari from Ft Lauderdale?

The tour lasts a full day, including transportation to and from Ft Lauderdale.

Is lunch included on this Everglades tour?

Yes, lunch at Island Cafe in Everglades City is included in your booking.

What wildlife might I see during this Everglades day trip?

You may spot alligators, otters, turtles, deer, dolphins, manatees, ospreys, herons, spoonbills and more birds.

Are airboat rides part of this safari?

Yes, an iconic airboat ride across Everglades wetlands is included.

Is hotel pickup available for this Everglades tour?

Pickup and drop-off are provided from select locations in Ft Lauderdale.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is wheelchair accessible according to tour information.

What should I bring for the day trip?

A hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended due to sun exposure.

Are there age restrictions for children?

The minimum age for travelers is 6 years old.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off from select Ft Lauderdale locations in an air-conditioned van; guided nature walk through Big Cypress; thrilling airboat ride; expert naturalist or biologist guide throughout; wildlife drive; entry to Smallwood Store museum; hearty lunch at Island Cafe with choices like fried oysters or BBQ pork tacos; plus a peaceful boat cruise through mangrove wilderness before heading back in comfort.