Miami: Everglades Airboat & Wildlife Exhibit with Bus

Airboat at 40 mph, then a thousand-pound alligator up close

You ride an airboat across the Everglades at 40 mph with a captain who points out native wildlife, then walk through a reptile sanctuary with over 50 rescued animals including a 1,000-pound alligator. Roundtrip bus from Miami handles transport and parking. Priority boarding gets you on the water without waiting. Bring sunscreen and water, arrive 15 minutes early, and plan for about five hours total.

Step-by-step itinerary

Everglades airboat and wildlife tour

• Meet travelers at meeting point
• Travel round-trip by Big Bus from Miami
• Enjoy thrilling Everglades airboat ride
• Spot wildlife including alligators and birds
• Explore reptile sanctuary and see Cannibal
• Visit The Gator Grill for snacks

The experience

"Wait, we're going how fast?" That's what most people say the moment the airboat captain opens the throttle and you're skimming across the Everglades at 40 mph, wind in your face, the flat water stretching out in every direction. The boat cuts through the marsh with almost no resistance. It's built for shallow water, so you're gliding over places where a regular boat would get stuck. Your captain knows where the wildlife hangs out, and the ride itself is the whole point: the speed, the spray, the sudden quiet when he kills the engine to point out a turtle or a bird you'd have missed otherwise.

After the airboat comes the reptile sanctuary at Sawgrass Recreation Park, and this is where the tour shifts from adrenaline to something more like wonder. You walk through the wildlife exhibit and there's Cannibal, a 1,000-pound alligator in an enclosure that makes you understand the scale of these animals in a way a photo never does. There are over 50 rescued reptiles here: snakes, crocodiles, turtles, all of them adopted or rescued, and the staff gives presentations that explain what you're actually looking at instead of just letting you stare. The Gator Grill is there if you want to grab food, and the whole thing moves at a pace that doesn't feel rushed. You get a group photo before you leave, which is one of those small touches that makes the day feel complete.

The roundtrip bus from Miami handles the logistics. You don't drive yourself, don't navigate, don't spend an hour figuring out where to park. The motorcoach is air-conditioned, which matters because the drive to the Everglades takes 45 to 60 minutes and you're coming from the city. Priority airboat boarding means you're not standing around waiting for your turn. You get on, you go. The whole thing is about five hours from start to finish, which is long enough to feel like a real escape but short enough to fit into a day without eating your whole schedule.

What’s included

• Roundtrip bus transfer from Miami in an air-conditioned motorcoach.
• guided airboat tour with priority boarding.
• wildlife exhibit with over 50 rescued reptiles.
• access to the reptile sanctuary and presentations.
• group photo at Everglades Park.
• no additional fees for any inclusions.

Options for this experience

2 options

Departure from Downtown MiamiGuide in English or Spanish · 09:05, 09:35, 10:00 and 14:35Pick-up at Bayside Marketplace: the 10:00am tour is offered in English and Spanish (commentary on the bus only). Meeting point: Bayside Marketplace, 401 Biscayne Blvd, Miami, FL 33132, USA

Departure from Miami BeachGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30, 09:00, 09:30 and 14:00Pick-up at Soundscape Park: the 9:30am tour is offered in English and Spanish (commentary on the bus only). Meeting point: 1680 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139, USA

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day8 departure times: the first at 08:30, the last at 14:35

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 75

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

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

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled 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

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Big Bus Tours - USA

Is this one for you?Book this if you want the Everglades experience without arranging your own transport or timing the park visit. The bus handles the drive, priority boarding skips the queue, and the five-hour window fits a half-day without eating your whole schedule.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

How fast does the airboat go?

Up to 40 mph. The captain controls the speed and slows down to point out wildlife like alligators, birds, and turtles.

What animals are in the wildlife exhibit?

Over 50 rescued reptiles, including snakes, crocodiles, turtles, and a 1,000-pound alligator named Cannibal. Staff give presentations about each species.

How long is the whole tour?

Approximately five hours total, including the 45–60 minute bus ride each way from Miami, the airboat ride, and the wildlife exhibit.

Is the bus air-conditioned?

Yes, the roundtrip motorcoach is air-conditioned.

Do I need to pay extra for the airboat or the wildlife exhibit?

No. Airboat ride, wildlife exhibit, priority boarding, and the group photo are all included. No additional fees.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. Inform the operator in advance if you need accessibility arrangements so they can prepare.

What should I bring?

Sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing. The airboat ride is fast and wet, so dress accordingly.

When do I need to arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before your chosen departure time at the meeting point in Miami.

Is there food available?

Yes, The Gator Grill is at Sawgrass Recreation Park if you want to grab a bite during the tour.