Florida Everglades: Airboat Tour & Wildlife Park Entry

Summary

Get close to Florida wildlife on airboat rides with park entry

You’ll skim across wild Everglades marshes on an airboat tour with a local captain, spot alligators and rare birds up close, then wander Wild Florida’s animal park at your own pace. Choose your ride length and add lunch if you want — it’s all easygoing but leaves you with that real Florida feeling.

What’s the experience like?

Hands gripping the rail, wind whipping past my ears — that’s how our Everglades airboat tour started. The captain, Mike, grinned back at us before revving the engine. I didn’t expect the water to smell so fresh, almost sweet under the morning sun. Spanish moss dangled from cypress trees, and every so often we’d slow down so Mike could point out a heron or — yeah — an alligator half-submerged and watching us like we were the odd ones here. I tried to snap a photo but fumbled it; too busy just looking, honestly.

After the boat ride (we picked the 30-minute one), we wandered into Wild Florida’s animal park. There was this moment when a keeper tossed food to a group of gators and they barely moved — just blinked, lazy in the heat. A little girl next to me squealed when she saw a sloth hanging upside down. The whole place smells like grass and barbecue smoke from somewhere nearby. If you book the lunch option, you get pulled pork with tangy sauce — not fancy, but somehow perfect after being out on the water.

I’m still thinking about that first rush of wind as we sped through the tall grass. Our guide told us these wetlands stretch for thousands of acres, almost untouched except for these narrow boat trails. It’s weirdly quiet out there except for birds calling and frogs croaking — makes you realize how far you are from city noise. We left with mud on our shoes and a phone full of blurry photos, which feels about right.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Everglades airboat tour and wildlife visit

• Drive to Kenansville from Orlando
• Take 30-minute or 1-hour airboat tour
• Observe gators, birds, and plants
• Visit Wildlife Park and watch demonstrations

Top questions

How long is the Florida Everglades airboat tour?

You can choose between a 30-minute or 1-hour airboat ride.

Is admission to Wild Florida included?

Yes, entry to Wild Florida’s animal park is included in your ticket.

Can I bring small children or strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can join and strollers are allowed.

Are service animals permitted on this tour?

Yes, service animals are welcome throughout all areas.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

The entire experience is wheelchair accessible.

Where does the tour depart from?

The experience starts in Kenansville, about an hour outside Orlando.

Do I need to arrive early for my airboat time?

Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled airboat departure for check-in.

What’s included

Your day includes admission to Wild Florida’s Gator Park plus a 30-minute or 1-hour guided airboat ride through protected Everglades wetlands (your choice). If you want more, there’s an option to add a barbecue lunch and even snap a photo holding an alligator before heading home muddy but happy.