Miami Everglades: Small Group Airboat Ride & Wildlife

Summary

Miami airboat ride through everglades wildlife habitats

You’ll glide through Miami’s Everglades on a small group airboat ride, spotting alligators and rare plants up close with a local guide leading the way. Feel the wind on your face as you learn about these wild wetlands—and share a laugh or two with fellow travelers along the way.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s not a log, that’s an alligator,” our guide joked, and I swear my heart skipped. We’d barely started the airboat ride in the Miami Everglades when the whole place came alive—birds darting low over the water, that weird earthy smell of wet grass and sun-baked mud. The engine was loud but somehow it felt right, like you’re supposed to shout a little over it. I kept squinting at every ripple thinking it might be something bigger (it usually wasn’t). Bottled water in hand, I tried not to spill as we bounced along.

The guide—his name was Marco, born somewhere nearby—pointed out these tiny purple flowers growing along the banks. He said their name in Spanish but honestly I forgot it right away; I just remember how he grinned when someone tried to repeat it. At one point we slowed down and everything got quiet except for this distant croak—felt like time stretched out there for a minute. Sun on my arms, wind in my face, I could almost forget how close we were to Miami. The airboat tour lasted about an hour but it felt both longer and shorter than that, if that makes sense.

I didn’t expect to feel so small out there—just us, the flat green world, and these prehistoric-looking alligators blinking at us like we were the odd ones. There’s something about seeing them up close (but not too close) that sticks with you. On the way back Marco told us how the seasons change everything here; I think he said winter is his favorite because of the birds. Anyway, I still think about that silence after the engine cut out—just wind and water and a bunch of strangers sharing bottled water under a big sky.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Everglades small group airboat tour

• Join small group airboat tour
• Explore Everglades wetlands
• See alligators and rare plants
• Learn about Everglades ecosystems

Top questions

How long is the Miami Everglades airboat tour?

The airboat ride lasts approximately 60 minutes.

Is bottled water included on this Everglades airboat ride?

Yes, bottled water is included for each guest during the tour.

Are infants allowed on this Everglades airboat tour?

Infants are welcome but must sit on an adult’s lap throughout the ride.

What wildlife can you see during the Miami Everglades airboat tour?

You may spot alligators, birds, and rare plant life native to the Everglades wetlands.

Is this Everglades airboat tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, this small group airboat ride is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What’s included

Your experience includes a 1-hour small group airboat ride through significant parts of Miami’s Everglades wetlands with a knowledgeable local guide pointing out wildlife and plant life along the way—and bottled water for everyone on board.