miami tour everglades

Fall Discount: 10% off ALL TOURS.

Discover The

Welcome to everglades airboat expeditions.

We would like to invite you to climb aboard one of our touring airboats and take off for the ride of your life on an Everglades Tour in Miami!

Our goal is to leave you in awe, with memories that will last a lifetime of this breathtaking wonderland we call the Florida Everglades, of the wildlife you encountered and the knowledge you walked away with while on one of our Miami Everglades airboat rides.

Adventure Awaits

Ready to embark across the largest continuous sawgrass prairIe in north america?

Semi-Private Tours

1 HOUR / 15 MILES OF EVERGLADES

Private Tours

1 - 2 Hours / 15+ MILES OF EVERGLADES

Sunrise + Sunset Tours

1 - 2 HOURs / SEASONAL

NO WALK-IN RESERVATIONS - ALL RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE ONLINE!!

• Likely To Sell Out

EVERGLADES ECO-ADVENTURE TOUR

Quick Details

• Clock Duration: 4 hours
• Checkered Flag Daily: Yes
• User Tour guide language: English

Ticket Reservations:  RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED .  You can make reservations online, or over the phone with a debit or credit card.

🚌  Transportation: Round-trip hotel transfer from Miami Beach hotels only.

🐊 EXPERIENCE THE  BEST EVERGLADES TOUR   IN MIAMI (4 hours)  🐊

Experience the best Miami Everglades Tour with us! The excursion starts with a smooth 60-minute drive to the Everglades Park. Our experienced driver will pick you up from your hotel in our brand new 14-passenger Mercedes Sprinter.

Upon arrival at the park, you’ll embark on an exciting journey through the world-famous Florida’s Everglades National Park on a 60-minute guided airboat tour, where you’re likely to see alligators, crocodiles and other exotic wildlife. Everglades National Park is also home to hundreds of bird species and lush native flora.

After the 60-minute airboat tour, you will attend a live alligator wildlife nature show for about 30 minutes. Once the show is done, you’ll also have access to the jungle trail, observation platform and permanent exhibits before traveling back to Miami.

The duration of the tour from pick-up to drop-off is 4-4.5 hours. Round-trip hotel transfer from Miami Beach hotels only. The total time spent at the park is 2-2.5 hours.

• 60-minute Everglades airboat ride
• Enjoy an alligator show and demonstration
• Watch a 20-minute live alligator show
• Round-trip hotel transfer from Miami Beach hotels

SHARED 60-MINUTE AIRBOAT RIDE

This thrilling 1 hour airboat ride takes you to the legendary Florida Everglades National Park, recognized as the most unique ecosystem. Our professional tour guides will guide you through this natural wonder where you will encounter lush vegetation and tranquility. You will see alligators, native flora and fauna & other exotic wildlife in their habitat as you thrust through this River of Grass.

Our expansive fleet of airboats guarantees safety, comfort, and weather protection. Encounter American alligators and capture stunning photos while encountering some of the Everglades’ most fascinating creatures up close. The enclosed airboat ensures a more comfortable journey, enhancing your adventure.

20-MINUTE LIVE ALLIGATOR WILDLIFE SHOW

Witness our exclusive LIVE Gator Shows presented by the renowned Gator Boys Alligator Rescue team. These experts in gator trapping not only hand-capture these creatures but have also starred in Animal Planet’s acclaimed show! In fact, numerous episodes of the series have been filmed right at the park!

Fun & educational experience! Discover alligators, crocodiles & other exotic creatures. Learn about the conservation and preservation of one of the world’s most delicate and vital ecological systems and its inhabitants.

• Chevron down What's Included
• Round-trip hotel transfer from Miami Beach hotels only
• Narrated 60 min everglades airboat tour
• Alligator show performed by the very own Gator Boys
• Chevron down Not Included
• Food and drinks

* At the Everglades Park you’ll find the Everglades Gator Cafe where you can purchase Gator Bites and more! *

• Chevron down Hotel Pick-ups
• We pick up from most of the hotels in the Miami Beach area, if your hotel is not listed please call us or send us a message via chat.
• Pick-up location is selected at the time of booking.
• Exact pick-up time will be assigned the day before the tour date. (Pick-up times are between 7:30 AM – 10:00 AM)
• The drop-off location will be at the same location our driver picked you up from in the morning.

Transportation is in a new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter Van. Maximum amount of passengers is 14.

Amenities for your comfort

14-Passenger Mercedes Sprinter

Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in a brand new Mercedes Sprinter, which can take up to 14 passengers. All seats have seat belts.

Everglades Airboat Ride

The enclosed Everglades airboats are equipped with safe, comfortable seating. You have a panoramic view from every seat.

Peer into the eyes of an American alligator and capture incredible snapshots while getting up close and personal with the Everglades’ most unique and thrilling creatures!

• Chevron down Additional Information:
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
• Exact pick-up time will be assigned the date before.
• Not wheelchair accessible.
• Infants must sit on laps.
• Miami- Dade County has lifted the mandatory mask mandate, therefore we will be only recommending customers to wear their face-mask as they choose to; along with this, capacities are no longer mandatory.
• Chevron down Cancellation Policy:
• You can cancel up to 48 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
• For a full refund, you must cancel at least 48 hours before the experience’s start time. (no exceptions).
• If you cancel less than 48 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
• Any changes made less than 48 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
• Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

QUESTIONS ❓

If you still have questions, feel free to give us a call or text us at 305-639-8395 .

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Miami's Best Everglades Airboat Rides!

Airboat tours starting at $50.

Explore the wide expanse of the famous River of Grass and catch a glimpse of exotic and rare plants and animals that open your eyes to the beauty of Mother Nature’s work.

Airboat Tours Starting at $200

Our private tours are designed to give you, your family, and friends the airboat ride of a lifetime by having them carried out by the most passionate and well-informed tour guides.

Airboat Tours Starting at $275

Our sunset tour take you through the beautiful scenery to witness the sunset, surrounded by greenery, water, and a sense of tranquility.

Airboat Tours

Private and Group Everglades Airboat Tours in Miami

Discover the magic of the Everglades with our scenic airboat tours, a must-try experience in Miami. We specialize in creating extraordinary airboat adventures, perfect for those looking for an up-close encounter with Florida's unique ecosystem. From private, romantic airboat rides to fun-filled group tours, our offerings are diverse. Each tour is meticulously crafted to showcase the beauty and excitement of the Everglades, ensuring your time with us is unforgettable.

AIRBOAT RIDES EVERGLADES MIAMI

Glide through these legendary wetlands, where each turn reveals the untamed beauty of alligators, exotic plants, and a kaleidoscope of wildlife. Our tours offer more than just a scenic ride; they are an educational voyage into the heart of the Everglades’ ecosystems. Perfect for first-time visitors to South Florida, an airboat experience with us is not just a trip but a journey into the wild, creating memories that will last a lifetime

Miami's Everglades Sunset Tour

Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Everglades with our Sunset Airboat Tour, a highlight among Everglades airboat tours. Perfect for those seeking airboat rides that offer a unique perspective, this tour combines romance with the breathtaking scenery of the Everglades at dusk. Navigate the peaceful waterways on our state-of-the-art airboats and be captivated by the stunning sunset, creating a magical atmosphere.

Everglades Boat Tours in Miami

Customer reviews.

Such a blast! We saw dozens of alligators on the trip as well as other wildlife! The boat ride was fun and smooth! Our boat captain and guide Taylor was awesome! He was personable and very knowledgeable! He made our experience special! Everyone had a blast! I would highly recommend this company! Thanks for the awesome man Experience!.

I met the tour guide driver today and it feels like i’ve known him for years. His name is Taylor and is probably one of the most friendliest people I have ever met. I was worried it was going to be an awkward and quiet boat ride the whole tour, but it was an amazing experience! 11/10 would do again!!!.

We went out with Taylor on Saturday morning; my brother and nephew visiting me from California • We’ve never been on an airboat and what an incredible experience!!! Taylor couldn’t have been more informative, friendly, professional and just an awesome guide!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this tour, just an incredible experience! I would love to do it again!! Thank you Taylor!

Had a fantastic time experiencing all of the wildlife within the habitat...Taylor took the time to share several stories involving his many experiences within the Everglades.....5 plus stars .....A definite must...WE WILL BE BACK.....

Excellent tour. We were a group of 7 and all enjoy it. The reservation and organization was impecable. The tour guide was excellent and fun. I fully recommend Everglades boat tour.

Captain Taylor was the best guide I ever had! He was so personable and fun and did an excellent job of explaining all the beautiful intricacies of what makes the Everglades so great! I would highly recommend him over any of the other tour guides. Plus they have a new boat with cool green gator coverings that made for a smooth safe ride.

First time in Miami and first time to the glades and it was beyond what we expected! Taylor was incredibly knowledgeable about the area due to him growing up and being in the glades since a young child. We got up and close with gators. My son (10) had an unbelievable time. Definitely would recommend taking private tours over anything. We will be back and will definitely take another tour with Taylor!

We had such a great time on this airboat ride! From the get-go Jodi was so kind and responsive on the phone, answering all our questions and just generally being very friendly. We wanted to do a sunrise tour, which she said they didn't normally do, but she checked and accommodated us as she thought it would be an interesting experience as well. It turned out to be really, really nice. We met up with Taylor, who was also very kind and friendly. He didn't rush the experience at all and was very knowledgeable about the area, wildlife and plant life. They are a family owned business and local to the Everglades, so if you want a great experience...go with them!

Had a great 1hr tour with Taylor. This was the only company that managed to sqeeze us in on short notice. It was easy to find the departure point. Taylor is very knowledgable about the history and ecology of the everglades. Learned a lot and saw a few gatoors and birds. Because our tour was pretty late in the day, we saw a wonderful sunset. I would definitly recommend everglades airboat tours to anyone. They are the best.

Book Your Everglades Airboat Tour

If your travels take you to Miami or the Florida Keys, don't miss the chance for an Everglades airboat tour, a thrilling addition to make your trip truly unforgettable.

• Book your Everglades adventure today
• CALL NOW: (888) 428-6770
• Book Online

DISCOVER THE EVERGLADES BY AIRBOAT

Welcome to Miami Everglades Connection Airboat Tours. We are a family-run business of Florida locals offering guided tours of the Miami Everglades.

Whether you seek the thrill of seeing alligators up close, or discovering diverse wildlife, birdwatching, or wanting to have a shared family adventure, Miami Everglades Connection has something to offer.  

Our tours are led by highly-knowledgeable guides and provide a private and intimate experience that is simply unparalleled. Get ready to embark on the Everglades adventure of a lifetime.  

We offer private, semi-private and sunset tours.

BOOK YOUR MIAMI EVERGLADES AIRBOAT TOURS

Looking for a family adventure this summer, semi-private airboat tours.

On this one hour, semi-private tour, you and up to 6 other guests will embark on a guided tour of the Everglades. Our custom-made airboats are designed to get you up-close-and-personal with alligators, turtles, native fish and much more. Your personal guide will point out the local flora and fauna, while they take you through the breathtaking river of grass, on an adventure you won’t soon forget. Bring your camera! You won’t want to miss an opportunity to capture the wild Florida Alligator in its natural habitat! Perfect for families, couples and solo travelers wanting to join a group.

1 Hour Airboat Tours starting at $60.00

*We charge $60.00 for each additional passenger 13 years or older, and $30.00 for each additional passenger between the ages of 6 and 12. Children 5 and under ride FREE!

*Maximum 7 people per tour – please contact us if you are interested in booking a larger party.

Private Airboat Tours

Our private, guided airboat tours are perfect for friends and families seeking an unforgettable Everglades airboat experience. Enjoy the luxury of total serenity of the Everglades in an intimate and exclusive setting. Let our highly-knowledgeable guides educate you on the local ecosystems, and show you around all of the beauty the river of grass has to offer. Interested in finding Alligators? Great! Prefer to go birdwatching? Awesome! Interested in flora and fauna? We can do that too! On our private tours your group is sure to have a personalized and exclusive experience that is like no other.

1 Hour Airboat Tours starting at $200.00

The perfect amount of time to explore the Everglades on airboat.  

1.5 Hour Airboat Tours starting at $275.00

Great for those who want to explore the Everglades further, spending a little extra time with the wildlife.  

2 Hour Airboat Tours starting at $375.00

For photographers and nature enthusiasts, this extra time lets you go even further into the expansiveness of the Florida Everglades, with plenty of video and photo opportunities to capture its beauty.

*Prices above include first two passengers. We charge $60.00 for each additional passenger 13 years or older, and $30.00 for each additional passenger between the ages of 6 and 12. Children 5 and under ride FREE!

*Maximum 7 people per tour – please contact us if you are interested in booking a larger party.

Private Sunset Tours

Come join us on a 1.5 or 2-hour guided sunset tour and see the Everglades like never before. This unique tour is the perfect ending to a day exploring the flora and fauna of the Everglades. After touring through the river of grass, we’ll stop to enjoy the epic Everglades sunset before returning to the boat ramp for the evening. Tours may return 20-30 minutes after sundown, and departure times may vary.

1.5 Hour Sunset Airboat Tours from $375.00

Great for those who want to explore the Everglades further, spending a little extra time with the wildlife.

2 Hour Sunset Airboat Tours from $475.00

*Our private sunset tours are seasonal and are only offered November thru March.

*Prices above include first two passengers. We charge $60.00 for each additional passenger 13 years or older, and $30.00 for each additional passenger between the ages of 6 and 12. Children 5 and under ride FREE!

Helpful Tips and Discount Information

To reserve your tour, we require full payment at the time of booking.

Please note: Seeing wild life such as alligators and wild birds are not guaranteed during the tour. All dates and times are subject to change for availability. If your trip is cancelled less than 24 hours prior to tour departure, you will be issued a 50% refund. If your tour is cancelled by MEC due to weather, you will be entitled to a full refund.

Senior, Military and First Responder Discounts are available. Use these coupons when booking your tour! ID must be presented on site or tour will be charged full price.

5-STAR RATED BY OUR CUSTOMERS

Awesome tour. Jack showed us 4-5 different gators throughout the session and explained all about gator culture. Highly recommend!!

We did the Everglades tour with Chris. He was super knowledgeable about the land and wildlife and spotted all the alligators that were hiding in between the trees. It was ... read more a great ride!

Un posto magico, dove la natura prevale su tutto! Guida simpatica e vivace. Il punto di ritrovo (e di rientro) e’ proprio in mezzo al nulla: meglio organizzarsi per tempo ... read more per acqua/cibo e trasporti!

Captain Chris was very knowledgeable and perfect for our family. We appreciated the time he took to educate us about the everglades and the entire ecosystem. Highly recommend ... read more Chris to any and all ages.

The private tour with our professional and knowledgeable tour guide, Chris a local born and raised Floridian, was a big hit for my family and will be something we remember ... read more forever! The airboat ride was fun! We got to get really close to some alligators! We also felt comfortable asking a lot of questions about Florida, the Everglades, local plants and all things alligators! Chris was friendly and we learned so much from him! Although the alligators were the stars of the show, we also enjoyed seeing all the birds, fish, and local plants! As a bonus cruising around on the airboats was quite enjoyable and relaxing!!

Excellent airboat tour with lots of birds and gators! Captain Jack did a great job, even if he lost a fish or three in a tree ? Definitely recommend ... read more the 2 hours to get deeper into the Everglades and enjoy the ride!

Esperienza veramente interessante, dove abbiamo appreso come funziona quel complesso ecosistema che sono le Everglades (non è una "normale palude" come ingenuamente pensavamo!), spiegato molto bene dal nostro pilota/guida. Non ... read more sono mancati gli alligatori, ed è molto bello anche solo guardare l'ambiente mentre sfrecci sull'acqua

What an awesome experience. Capt. Chris knew his stuff and made is so much fun. Of course, we saw gators, birds, etc. But the ride itself, though the ... read more marsh and over the grass is an experience all on its own. Thanks Chris!

Amazing time out on the water. Captain Jack loves the Everglades and shares his knowledge with guests. We learned a ton and saw alligators. It was awesome.

Amazing. My kids loved it. Ask for Jack. He's awesome.

We had such a GREAT TIME, even with the weather. Captain Jack gave us a fun and informative tour and truly enjoys what he does. We saw gators, various birds, ... read more learned about local fauna, and even learned some fun local stories. Highly recommend and plan on bringing my family next time!

Captain jack was the man to do the job for us. It was pouring rain and he still kept our dream alive and showed us a beautiful gator. Not to ... read more mention he is very knowledgeable in his field and can answer anything your curiosity can think of! If you have Jack as your captain then you are in for a treat for sure!!

General Information

Airboat Ramp 5334 FL-90, Miami, FL 33185

Phone: (888) 428-6770

Email: [email protected]  

Don’t miss out! Schedule a Tour Today!

Miami everglades connection airboat tours.

Our airboat ramp is conveniently located only 27 minutes from Miami Beach and 22 minutes from Miami International Airport. We are 1.2 miles west from the Miccosukee Resort & Gaming.

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Nature’s Perfect Predator

MIAMI AIRBOAT TOURS ABOARD CUSTOM EVERGLADES AIRBOATS

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Miami airboat   rides and tours.

air-boat: Pronunciation[air-boht] – a small open boat having a very shallow draft and driven by a caged airplane propeller mounted above the rear transom, capable of traveling at relatively high speeds through shallow water, swamps, etc.

There’s no better way to see the Florida Everglades than by taking an airboat ride. Safe, exhilarating, and fun for all the family, an airboat tour brings you face-to-face with some of the most beautiful Everglades scenery to be found in Miami Florida, as well as colorful wildlife. An airboat ride also gives you the opportunity to come face to face with Florida’s most famous residents – the Florida Alligator for which the state is justly famous.

The Everglades are one of America’s last great wildernesses – a fascinating and diverse ecosystem that remains surprisingly unspoiled. Despite the best efforts of Man to encroach on their territory, the Everglades are home to some of the most unusual and exotic bird and animal life to be found anywhere in North America, and there’s no better way to see them than on an airboat ride with Miami Airboat Tours.

Birdlife in the Everglades is particularly rich and diverse, from herons and egrets to cranes and ospreys. But it’s perhaps for the Florida gators that the Everglades are best known, and an airboat tour won’t disappoint you on this score. Our airboat rides are conducted by experienced captains who grew up in the Everglades, so they know just where to take you to see the best that Everglades’ natural habitat has to offer.

Our airboat rides are comfortable and exciting, and the boats themselves are made to the highest standards. An airboat tour is really a great way to see the wetlands of the Everglades. Indeed, after the alligators themselves, airboats are probably one of Florida’s most famous sights! But an airboat tour isn’t just a thrill ride – our mission is also one of education and conservation. On a Miami Airboat Tour, you’ll learn about the fragile and unique ecosystem that sustains the wildlife of the Everglades, and hopefully come away with a renewed sense of how precious these wetlands are to our country’s ecology. Miami Airboat Tours is committed to protecting the environment of the Everglades, and so our airboat rides keep to designated waterways and operate at all times with safety in mind – the safety not just of our guests but also of the residents of these ancient wetlands and rivers.

Miami Airboat Tours operates out of the west Miami area, our location is easily accessible depending on your location in south Florida, we have ample parking please call us for detailed directions. (305) 280-4812

Airboat safety is one of our top concerns, and we’re glad to be able to assure you that airboat rides are absolutely safe for all members of the family. Our airboats are inspected daily and conform to all applicable safety statutes. In addition, we take pains to ensure that all boats are equipped with first aid kits, flotation devices, and communications systems, so in the unlikely event of any mishap, there would be no cause for concern.

All of our captains have USCG certification and are local to the Everglades, so they know these complex waterways like the back of their hands, and you couldn’t be in better ones.

You’ll find that an airboat tour is cheaper than you think – and offers unbeatable value for money for thrill-seekers looking for an exciting way to see the Everglades and a bit of local wildlife. Children between 6 and 12 ride half price, and children under 6 ride for free – so it’s a great way to organize a family outing, as well. In fact, kids of all ages are sure to be enthralled by the airboat ride! You’ll find that an airboat ride with Miami Airboat Tours is something you’ll never forget.

OUR AIRBOAT RIDE  EXPERIENCE FEATURES

• Expert Tour Guides
• U.S.C.G. Certified Captains
• High-End Custom Airboats
• Multiple Departures Daily
• Photographic Sightseeing
• Family & Child Friendly

Miami Florida

• Do not show up at the Office, we are by appointment only. Email or Call for ramp schedules and availability
• Phone: (305) 280-4812

© 2024 Miami Airboat Tours All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy

+ COVID-19 Safety Measures

[!ServiceName] has always maintained robust cleaning practices. Now that we are open again post-lockdown, we have adopted even more enhanced cleaning measures such as wiping/spraying seats (blankets in the winter) and frequently-touched surfaces after EACH tour with disinfecting wipes and spray that kill 99.9% of bacteria & viruses. Booking online will highly minimize your interaction with drivers and other street sellers. Therefore, we highly recommend reserving using our site before you show up.

Conclusively, we will continue to monitor recommendations and protocols established by the various national health organizations and we will remain 100% committed to providing our guests with the highest quality service in the SAFEST environment.

• Star Island Miami Boat Tour

Everglades Tour

• Key West Day Trip
• VIP Miami Yacht Rentals
• Miami City and boat combo tour 🚤 🚌
• VIP South Beach Golf Party Ride

A must-do experience when visiting Miami is to tour Everglades national park and our Everglades Adventure tour allows you to do just that, allowing you to explore a unique ecosystem that exists nowhere else in the world!

After we pick you up from your hotel and make the trip to the park, you will start the experience with an Everglades boat tour which will take you up close and personal to all the species and plants that make up the Everglades. You may spot an alligator or two during the ride as well! After that, you will enjoy an alligator show conducted by a professional who will entertain the crowd by showing his unique skills of wrestling and controlling a live alligator. Then, you will have a chance to take a picture with a small real alligator (mouth closed)! You will also have time to order and eat lunch on-site with the menu including alligator meat to complete your Everglades tour!

What’s included:

✅ Hotel pick-up/drop-off 🚌 ✅ Guided airboat ride of the Everglades ✅ Live alligator show 🐊 ✅ Free picture with a baby alligator 📸

• Duration: 4 to 4.5 Hours
• Start Time: 10am or 2pm
• Price: $69 per adult, $59 per child

Everglades Tours & Airboat Rides Near Miami, Florida

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• Most Popular
• We are currently at our secondary location on HWY 27, please review your confirmation email for more details!
• Clock 1 - 2 hours

Private & Semi-Private Airboat Tours

On this custom tour, you see and hear remarkable stories of the history of the Everglades while experiencing Florida wildlife.

• Clock 1.5 - 2 hours

Take a Walk Tour

This vastly preserved ecosystem is sure to surprise even the most educated biologist/naturalist. Prepare to be in awe as you venture into the Everglades.

• Clock 2 - 4 hours
• User All ages

Everglades Swamp Buggy Mud Tour

This is the perfect high-seat adventure through the landmass of what is known by many as the North American Amazon.

We are an educational thriller affiliated with the National Park Service (NPS). We are a true eco-naturalist company exploring in the raw Everglades, sharing its natural beauty and teaching along the way. We take you on many different venues that venture into different sides of the Everglades. We offer airboat, swamp buggy, canoe, kayak, pole boat, flat-bottom boats, fan boats, game trail hikes, swamp walking tours, as well as guided hunting and fishing excursions in the everglades and big cypress. Join us on a nature tour!

Fantastic Experience

Very enjoyable and unique boat tour. Knowledgeable tour guide with a great ability to interact with, and embrace nature. Some of the experiences you get on this tour are things you will not experience with any other. They run on a smaller boat, making you feel more connected to your surroundings, and allows you to interact with the guide all the more. It’s also on a route not used by other companies so you can be sure the nature you see is unspoiled and will give you the best experience of the Everglades!

-BDuggan123 | TripAdvisor

Incredible Tour

If you prefer an authentic and more intimate experience, this is the company for you. We had a fantastic trip! It was both exhilarating and educational. Our guide was very knowledgeable and keen to show off the Everglades for what it truly is – a wondrous ecosystem that we need to treasure and protect. We saw frogs, baby alligators, and birds. The scenery is breathtaking. Even our normally sulky teens were raving about it. An experience we’ll never forget, which was made all that more special by a considerate and professional guide. I recommend wholeheartedly!

-Georgina T. | TripAdvisor

Vacation Highlight

My wife, 8-year old daughter and I booked a 90-minute tour. Our guide was very engaging and knowledgable. Along the way, we stopped many times and saw all sorts of animals and plants up close including turtles and alligators (never felt dangerous). The whole experience from start to finish was stellar. Felt personal, ecologically focused, and loads of fun. It’s as wonderful as you’d expect zooming through the glorious Everglades. Will do again next time we visit and will be sure to book with these folks again. Highly recommended!

-RobinH011 | TripAdvisor

Protect Your Trip »

The 9 best everglades airboat and swamp tours.

See much more than alligators during one of these exciting trips.

The Top Everglades Airboat & Swamp Tours

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If you're planning a trip to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida , visiting Everglades National Park should be on your to-do list. The South Florida national park is known for its expansive beauty, as well as its varied population of wildlife that includes everything from bobcats to alligators.

To see all the Everglades has to offer, sign up for a guided tour. U.S. News consulted both traveler sentiment and expert opinion to identify the top Everglades tours. Before you go, make sure you read through the National Park Service's Wildlife Viewing Ethics to keep both yourself and the animals safe during your time in the park. When choosing the best Everglades tours, we avoided recommending operators that promote wildlife shows or encourage feeding or holding the animals for photo-ops.

Visitors should plan to pay a fee to enter the park, as it may not be included in the price of the tour ticket. You should also keep in mind that many of these tour operators are located at least 30 miles west of Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Tours that run on airboats – open-air vessels with huge fans at the back that propel the boat – can be very loud. Companies will generally offer ear protection, but if you or your companions are sensitive to loud noises, contact the tour provider to discuss options before you book.

The Best Everglades Airboat and Swamp Tours

Everglades swamp tours – one hour group tour.

Price: Adults from $60; kids from $30 Duration: 1 hour

This sightseeing trip takes you out on an airboat to cruise through the Everglades' main waterways in search of alligators, birds and interesting vegetation. Throughout the ride, knowledgeable guides share facts about the area's history and ecology. Many travelers recommend booking this tour, describing it as fun and informative, with plenty of wildlife sightings. Departures generally take place daily at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., but availability may vary by month.

Children 5 and younger can ride for free, but still require a reserved seats. Also check out Everglades Swamp Tours for private airboat tours that last up to two hours.

Check prices & availability on:

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures – 30-Minute Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $35; kids from $30 Duration: 30 minutes

Located at the headwaters of the Everglades in Kissimmee, Florida (about 40 miles south of Orlando), Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures earns praise from reviewers for its personable, experienced staff and the family-friendly environment. On the airboat ride, you and up to 16 other passengers will glide through the tall grass in search of eagles, alligators, raccoons and more. In addition to airboat rides, the site houses a replica of a Jororo Tribe village, as well as a gem and fossil mining activity for kids.

Tours depart throughout the day from 9 a.m. to 5 pm. You can buy your tickets online, but there are no reservations for this tour. For a longer adventure, consider the company's hourlong airboat ride. There are also sunset and night tours, if you're hoping to avoid the midday heat and crowds.

Marsh Landing Adventures – 90-Minute Everglades Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $65; kids from $60 Duration: 1.5 hours

For wildlife lovers who want more than half an hour to experience the Everglades, this 1.5-hour airboat ride from Marsh Landing Adventures is an excellent experience. Located in Kissimmee on Lake Tohopekaliga, Marsh Landing Adventures promises travelers an in-depth look at the headwaters of the Everglades and the plants and animals that inhabit its waters. What's more, the company says it can reach areas of the Everglades that are inaccessible to larger boats because of its small crafts. Travelers give kudos to the boat captain for their educational and entertaining delivery. Many call the experience the highlight of their Florida vacation.

Tours are offered Monday through Saturday at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations are required, and there is a 1% fuel surcharge added to each ticket. Marsh Landing Adventures also offers hourlong, two-hour and four-hour airboat rides.

Everglades City Airboat Tours

Price: Adults from $47; kids from $31 Duration: 1 hour

Everglades City Airboat Tours sets itself apart from other companies by offering participants two-way headsets, which allow passengers and guides to better engage with one another throughout the hourlong ride. As you navigate through narrow creeks and shallow bays, you may spot alligators, manatees and birds. Tourists enjoy the ride and appreciate the headsets. Reviewers are also complimentary of the boat captains, who they describe as entertaining and knowledgeable.

Tours depart multiple times Monday through Saturday, although timing may be modified based on the season. It's a good idea to reserve your tour in advance. Everglades City Airboat Tours is located approximately 85 miles west of Miami and 35 miles southeast of Naples, Florida.

Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours – 45-Minute Standard Airboat Tour

Price: Adults from $45; kids from $27.50 Duration: 45 minutes

For an excursion that combines cultural immersion and wildlife viewing, consider this outing from Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours. The Miccosukee family-owned company's standard tour focuses on introducing visitors to the homelands of the Miccosukee people: an American Indian tribe that migrated to Florida before it became a state. During the tour, you'll not only see local wildlife, but also will get to see a Miccosukee Indian camp and take a nature walk. Visitors recommend the tour, describing it as an amazing experience thanks to the small, intimate group size.

Tours run daily at multiple times between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The company also offers private outings.

Everglades River of Grass Adventures – Semi-Private River of Grass Airboat Tours Everglades

Price: Adults from $85; kids from $45 Duration: 1.5 hours

One perk of this tour is that it is capped at six to eight travelers per boat. During the excursion, you'll get the chance to see the famous flora and fauna of the Everglades, including herons and alligators. Visitors say this is a family-friendly tour and call the trip "memorable" and "amazing."

These tours run seven days a week; since they're semiprivate, you must call or email to find out the best times to depart. River of Grass Adventures also offers sunset tours of the Everglades.

Other Popular Everglades Tours

Shurr Adventures Everglades – Three Hour Mangrove Tunnel Kayak Tour Small Group Adventure

Price: Adults from $109; kids from $99 Duration: 3 to 4 hours

Enjoy an up-close view of animals and nature, and get some exercise in too, on this kayak tour of the Everglades' mangroves. As you paddle your way through the mangrove tunnels, you may spot orchids, birds and, of course, alligators. Kayakers say this tour is excellent and appreciate the patient, experienced guides who share a wealth of information about the plants and animals that reside in this unique ecosystem. What's more, reviewers appreciate that the tours are limited to just eight participants.

Tours are available Monday through Saturday from August to April; times vary by season. Children must be at least 7 years old to participate. Tourgoers will enjoy three to 3.5 hours out on the water but should plan to spend a total of four hours on-site from start to finish. Shurr Adventures Everglades also offers a full-day tour of the mangrove tunnels, as well as a motorboat tour in the Ten Thousand Islands region of Everglades National Park, among other options.

Shark Valley Tram Tours

Price: Adults from $31; kids from $16 Duration: 2 hours

These naturalist-led excursions not only include a tour around Everglades National Park in an open-air tram, they also give tourgoers the chance to explore on foot. Halfway through the tour, participants can climb a 45-foot-tall observation deck to see sweeping views of the surrounding vegetation. During the two-hour tour, travelers also have the opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife. Tourgoers enjoy learning about the Everglades from the expert guides and say riding the tram is part of the fun. Many also recommended taking a morning tour to avoid the midday heat.

From mid-December through late April, tours depart on the hour daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. From May through mid-December, tours depart at 9:30 and 11 a.m. and 2 and 4 p.m. Shark Valley Tram Tours also offers self-guided bike tours. (Note that you'll have to pay a separate fee to enter Everglades National Park for any tour.)

Everglades Florida Adventures – Ten Thousand Islands Tour

Price: Adults from $59; kids from $29 Duration: 3 hours

If you're hoping to see the Everglades by boat, but want something a little quieter than an airboat ride, consider this cruise. Departing from Port of the Islands Marina in Naples, this 45-foot passenger catamaran glides across the Faka Union Canal while guides share information about the history and ecology of the area. Tourgoers report spotting lots of birds, turtles, dolphins and manatees. They also call out the insightful crew and clean, comfortable boat as highlights.

Cruises are offered Monday to Friday at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Everglades Florida Adventures also offers kayak and canoe rentals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Like any other form of transportation, riding an airboat may come with some risks. To stay safe on your Everglades airboat tour, be sure to choose a company run by experienced, professional boaters (most of which undergo special training and are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard) and adhere to all rules set forth by your guide. Parents should keep a close eye on children and be sure they are properly fitted for their life jackets, and all passengers should protect against the heat by wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated. Commercial airboats typically do not exceed speeds of 30 to 40 mph to ensure a safe, smooth ride, and most operators will reschedule your tour in the event of lightning or other inclement weather. Tour companies will also generally provide riders with proper ear protection, as the boats are quite loud.

Typically, passengers will feel the most comfortable in lightweight, sleeveless clothing and shorts while on an Everglades airboat tour. If you are taking a wintertime tour, keep an eye on the weather – pants and long sleeves may be a better option, but you likely won't need a heavy jacket. Be sure to bring sunglasses, sunscreen and water to protect yourself from the effects of the sun; you may also want a hat to provide further shade and keep hair in place. Passengers with long hair are advised to wear it in a ponytail or bun to keep it from becoming knotted in the wind. Tourgoers may also wish to apply some bug spray prior to embarking on their adventure.

Airboat tours last about an hour, though duration will depend on the tour company.

An airboat's top speed is about 30 mph.

Not normally, but you run a small risk of getting misted with water. If you take a tour when it is raining, expect to get wet.

In winter, you'll want to time your visit for midday, when it warms up. In summer, you'll want to visit in the morning or later afternoon when it's coolest. Visiting at these times can increase your chances of seeing wildlife, but you'll likely see all kinds of critters no matter when you visit year-round.

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airboat rides miami

  in everglades national park, experience the everglades up close.

Airboat Rides Miami is one of a select few facilities operating inside the heart of Everglades National Park. The Everglades are the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, home to a variety of reptiles, birds, turtles, deer, wild boars and the elusive Florida Panther.

Private & Group Everglades Airboat Tours

Airboat Rides Miami offers daily airboat tours departing every 20 – 30 minutes throughout the day. There are plenty of photo ops to catch wildlife in their natural habitat. Our experienced guides help you spot alligators, soft-shelled turtles and a variety of birds you won’t find anywhere else but the Florida Everglades.

Private airboat tours are also available for a more personal experience and extended trips into the Florida Everglades. Private tours are available by the hour. Booking in advance is recommended but not required.

Tickets purchased online will be available at the gate under your name. No additional reservations required! Airboat rides depart from: 24050 SW 8th street Miami FL 33194 Gator Park Airboat Tours. Tickets purchased online are non-refundable. Please note that National Park Entrance is not included. It is $8 for adults, free for children under 16, NPS Pass holders, military, veterans and seniors over 62.

BUY TICKETS

305.559.2255

Alligator Adventure

Looking for some serious gator action.

Tickets for Airboat Rides Miami include access to Everglades Park, the premier facility to see Florida Alligators up close.

Restaurant & Souvenir Shop

The restaurant at Gator Park offers a full lunch menu, including specialties like alligator tail and alligator sausage. Sit outside on our shaded deck and enjoy the lush scenery, and browse our Souvenir shop for that perfect gift or take-home keepsake.

BUY TICKETS 305.559.2255

Catch Up On Our Blog

Top 3 reasons to hop on an airboat ride through the everglades, alligators in the everglades national park, amazing animals you might see on everglades airboat tours.

Visit the Blog BUY TICKETS

Airboat Tours & Park Hours

9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Airboat Tours depart every 20-30 min, no reservations required! Tickets purchased online are available at the gate under your name. Just show your payment receipt at the will-call counter, and we will print your tickets!

Last airboat ride: 5:00 pm

Adult Airboat Ride Admission $29.99

Included in this package.

• Free admission for children ages 5 and younger
• Guided Airboat Tour of the Everglades National Park  35-40 min
• Amazing Photo Ops to capture native wildlife in their natural habitat Don’t forget your camera!
• Souvenir Shopping: Everglades souvenirs, Native American crafts, hand crafted leather goods
• Opportunity to try some of the best alligator tail, frog legs & catfish the Everglades has to offer at our cafe

Child 6-11 y.o.  Airboat Ride Admission $19.99 Children under 6 ride for free!

Private airboat experience starts at $425.00  gratuity is included.

Want more out of your Everglades experience? Charter your own private airboat, and have one of our top notch guides take you on a personalized adventure. Travel 12-15 miles into the heart of everglades national park. This is a once in a lifetime experience your family will never forget.

• Private Airboat Tour of the Everglades National Park*
• Amazing Photo Ops to capture native wildlife in their natural habitat Don’t forget your camera!

*Tickets purchased online are available at the gate. Tours depart from 24050 SW 8th street Miami FL 33194.

Airboat Rides Miami

Gator Park 24050 SW 8th Street Miami, Florida 33194 305.559.2255 [email protected]

Transportation to the park: Lyft or Uber. For group transportations please contact us at 305-559-2255

Additional services may be purchased at our best available rate. National Park Entrance Fee will be collected at the gate.

Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offer or contract. Gratuities are not included, unless otherwise noted.

Customers are no longer allowed to hold a live baby alligator for a photo. Thank you for your understanding!

The management reserves the right to postpone or cancel tours due to weather.

Transportation provided by a third party.

GENERAL ADMISSION + AIRBOAT TOUR (WALK-IN): Adult $35 | Child (4-11): $27 | Ages Under 4: Free

Buy Online Today and Save!

Airboat rides, shows & encounters.

Open Daily 9 am to 5:30 pm. Come and Escape to the everglades with us! Closed December 25th, open every other day normal operating hours.

DISCOVER THE EVERGLADES ON AN AIRBOAT ADVENTURE

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ALLIGATOR ENCOUNTER

Come meet some adorable baby gators and even get a chance to hold a three-foot alligator! Our tour allows you to feed over 250 of these amazing creatures. It’s a must-do for all the gator enthusiasts in your group!

• Hour Glass 1 hour

FEATURED EVERGLADES ALLIGATOR ADVENTURES

• Hour Glass 3 hours

VIP EXPERIENCE

Love all things gators? Book this incredible three-hour experience in the Florida Everglades that includes our best three tours in one! See alligators, cruise through the Everglades, and more.

• Hour Glass 45-60 minutes
• Users All ages

EXTENDED PRIVATE AIRBOAT TOUR

Take a private airboat tour with room for up to 15 people in one party! Learn all about the natural wildlife in the beautiful Everglades and get general admission to the park.

AT EVERGLADES ALLIGATOR FARM

South Florida’s oldest alligator farm, the Everglades Alligator Farm, is located near the entrance of Everglades National Park and contains more than 2,000 alligators.

A trip to the Everglades Alligator Farm includes an exciting airboat tour, an alligator show, and an alligator feeding demonstration! If you are headed to Key Largo or Key West, this is an attraction you absolutely won’t want to miss.

🐊 Everglades Park Tour (With Airboat Ride & Gator Show)

The only 1-hour airboat ride.

• Adults $ 59  –  $ 64
• Children ( Ages 3 - 17 ) – $ 54
• Infants   (Under 3 years) – Free

Book Now — SAVE $5

View photos.

Listen to the tour introduction before you go

The main pick-up spot, hotel pickup and return, your tour includes....

• Holiday Park admission (a $41 value!)
• 1-hour airboat tour (50% longer than other places)
• Live show by the Gator Boys from Animal Planet TV
• Free professional grade group photo (a $7 value)
• Luggage storage on the bus

Customer reviews

What you should do now.

• We have already escorted a group much like yours . (We've been guiding tours around Miami for over 10 years.) 5-star reviews are fairly common. So if you'd like us to be your guide —to dramatically improve the experience of everyone in your group— check availability now . If you prefer to buy tickets by phone, call us directly at 305-260-6855.
• Still have questions? We appreciate how hard it can be to take a tour with a company you just met, so here is how we made it easy: you contact us letting us know what you need. You don't need to provide anything, if you just have some questions.
• If you want to receive a proposal, please tell us the dates, amount of people, and what you want to do. For example, the name of this shared tour is the "Everglades Adventure" . All tours are covered by our Bad Weather Guarantee, which is described here . Why wait? Check availability now.

The Original Everglades National Park Airboat Tour

Everglades safari t-shirt, experience the beauty of everglades national park while riding an airboat, discover the next level of family fun while our captains navigate through the pristine waters of everglades national park aboard our world-famous airboat tours. you can bet it is one of the safest social distancing options to explore your nature™..

The Original Eco-Experience Airboat Tour

Take an unforgettable journey on an airboat ride through florida's everglades national park, join our expert captains for 30 to 40 minutes of educational family fun in the florida everglades. learn about the unique plants and animals that live in your very own backyard..

Travel Deeper into Everglades National Park Aboard A Private Tour

Go off the beaten path as we journey deeper into florida's everglades national park, as expert guides, our captains have unparalleled knowledge of the trails, plants, and animals. join us for a truly unique and unforgettable experience today.

So much fun!! We did a private tour with LOU, and had an absolute blast!! Thanks to all the staff for being so friendly and knowledgeable! Make sure you go to the alligator show!

Wonderful place, excellent your guide and really awesome Alligator show. Highly recommend!!! Will definitely be back

Wondering What to Do When Visiting the Everglades?

From airboats to camping, we've listed our top picks in our latest article: Top 7 Things to Do in the Everglades!

On Vacation & Need A Ride? We Can Help!

We recommend Xpedition Tours! They provide reliable service to and from our park, from select locations.

So fun!  Beautiful tour flying around the everglades on an airboat!  Wear the ear buds they give you. And you can hold Snappy!

This place is awesome!  We saw a Snail Kite, momma alligator and her nest. The boat ride was sooo much fun. We actually drove by it and turned around just to see the place.

Planning Your Visit? Woo!

Find out everything you can do during your visit to the florida everglades, from airboats to nature walks, wildlife shows to gator bites, we offer family fun in the warm florida sun all year long. we're sure your experience will be unforgettable., ever wonder what that alligator is doing.

Top 7 Things to do in the Everglades

If you ask anyone about the Everglades, they will most probably say that it is the greatest swamp in Florida. They are close but not exactly right! It is a slow-running river that entails around nine contrasting, elegant ecosystems.

History of Airboats

In 1930, airboats started becoming popular in the United States. Many Floridians made them famously known when they began to invent them independently, these Floridians mostly lived in or near the Florida Everglades.

Ultimate Guide: Animals of the Everglades

Did you know the Florida Everglades sustains a unique environment that provides safe refuge to the wildlife that inhabits the wetlands, some of which are not found anywhere else in the world? This guide tells you all about them!

The Ultimate Guide to Everglades National Park

With so much to do in South Florida, it’s easy to miss the adventure that can be found in our very own backyard. In this article, we will shed light on one of the hidden gems often overlooked by visitors and residents alike; the Florida Everglades.

Searching For The Perfect Deal? Look no further!

We offer various discounts to make your Everglades National Park experience more memorable and less stressful on your wallet.

We recommend Xpedition Tours! transportation companies in Miami to provide you reliable service to and from our park, from select locations.

Traveling With A Group? Group Rates & Arrangements Are Available.

Group tours of all sizes are welcome to enjoy the adventure, together! Our custom made, twin rotor airboats are the largest in the industy, holding a whopping 45 visitors each!

Meet Our Partners

Park Information

Tour information, things to do in miami, navigation & more, want safari deals.

An aircraft carrier off Miami and other things to see during Fleet Week

After more than three decades in fort lauderdale, fleet week will be held in miami this year from may 5-12, by brian hamacher • published may 5, 2024 • updated on may 5, 2024 at 6:51 pm.

If you've ever wanted to see an aircraft carrier off the coast of South Florida you'll have your chance this weekend as Fleet Week Miami kicks off.

After more than three decades in Fort Lauderdale, Fleet Week will be held in Miami this year from May 5-12.

NBC6 cameras captured the moment ships started arriving for Fleet Week on Sunday.

Get South Florida local news, weather forecasts and entertainment stories to your inbox. Sign up for NBC South Florida newsletters.

The aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman will also appear off Miami and remain a few miles offshore.

The 1,092-foot long supercarrier has a 4.5-acre deck, and carries a crew of around 3,200 and 85 planes.

While the Truman won't be within reach of Miami, three other Navy warships and a U.S. Coast Guard cutter will be docked at PortMiami and available for public visits.

The ships include the USS Bataan, an 843-foot amphibious assault ship, the guided missile cruisers USS Normandy and USS Leyte Gulf, and the Coast Guard cutter USCGS Seneca.

Tours of the ships are planned for Monday through Saturday May 6-11. The weekdays will focus on afternoon and evening tours from 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., while Saturday tours are slated to be 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m. All tours are free.

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Visitors wishing to tour the ships must reserve a time through the www.fleetweekmiami.org website 48 hours in advance of their desired visit.

In addition to the ships, displays of Naval history, recruiting information, Navy and Marine technology, and Navy environmental programs will be available for visitors to see as they wait for their tours.

More than 3,000 members of the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard are expected to arrive in South Florida for Fleet Week and participate in various events including flyovers of military aircraft, Navy and Marine Corps Band concerts, and visits to local schools.

South Florida's Fleet Week began in 1990 and was previously held at Port Everglades.

For more information, visit fleetweek.org .

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Oil drilling has endured in the Everglades for decades. Now, Miccosukee Tribe has a plan to stop it

Within a thicket of the Big Cypress National Preserve, established a half-century ago to protect the marshes and sloughs here that make up a vital part of the Florida Everglades, a series of wells extracts oil from more than two miles underground.

The oil field is situated deep within a pine forest of the preserve—the first in the country—which channels more than 40 percent of the water flowing into Everglades National Park and shelters iconic and imperiled species like the fabled ghost orchid and Florida panther, the official state animal. The wells penetrate thousands of feet beneath an underground aquifer, an important drinking water source, and draw up oil from the so-called Sunniland trend, a reserve stretching across southwest Florida from Miami to Fort Myers, although most of the reserve is situated beneath Big Cypress.

READ MORE: There's a new plan to end decades of drilling in Big Cypress

For decades oil production has endured in this corner of the fragile Everglades, a watershed that spans much of the peninsula and is the focus of a $21 billion federal and state restoration effort, one of the most ambitious in human history. Big Cypress is among some 10 percent of federally protected lands nationwide where the government owns the surface terrain while private entities retain the mineral rights underneath.

“Big Cypress National Preserve is very sacred to us,” said Talbert Cypress, elected chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, a federally recognized tribal nation located in the Everglades. “We have a lot of ceremonial grounds that have been in Big Cypress National Preserve, burial grounds, places where we gather our traditional medicine. So just seeing that sort of damage in a place that really matters to us a lot, it’s sad to see it.”

Now the Miccosukees, longtime environmental stewards in Florida who perhaps most notably helped steer stringent water quality standards for their sacred river of grass, have a plan for phasing out oil drilling within Big Cypress.

The tribe has joined with WildLandscapes International, a nonprofit land conservation group, to engineer a multi-million-dollar deal with the Collier family, which owns the vast majority of the mineral rights beneath the preserve. If the agreement is finalized, the family would give up the mineral rights associated with some 465,000 acres to the federal government.

“Unfortunately I cannot share. It’s under a non-disclosure,” said David Houghton, director of WildLandscapes International, when asked about the details. “The deal includes all the lands that the Colliers own the mineral rights on, minus what they currently have under lease.”

The proposal comes amid interest in expanding oil exploration and development within Big Cypress, even as rising global temperatures associated with fossil fuel emissions represent yet another threat to the Everglades, a watershed responsible for the drinking water of some 9 million Floridians. Most recently a Texas oil and gas company submitted a permit application to the National Park Service for two new sites within the preserve.

“We think we’ve got a deal here. We don’t know that, but we think,” Houghton said. “We’ll get a number, and that number either will work or it won’t—and I think it will.”

The Everglades are Florida’s most important freshwater resource. The watershed spans central and south Florida, encompassing the Kissimmee River, Lake Okeechobee, sawgrass prairies to the south and Florida Bay. It includes several federal- and state-protected lands including the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. Various efforts over the last century to drain the Everglades, the largest steered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, have made modern Florida possible and left the river of grass drastically altered.

The Humble Oil and Refining Company, a predecessor of ExxonMobil, discovered oil in Southwest Florida in 1943, after the governor and cabinet at the time offered a $50,000 reward to those who first found oil in the state.

Today Florida is responsible for less than 0.04 percent of the nation’s oil production, according to a report the Conservation Economics Institute, a nonprofit research organization, prepared for the Natural Resources Defense Council. The industry employs fewer than a thousand members of the state’s workforce and accounts for $25.4 million or 0.0002 percent of its gross domestic product. A separate study by the American Petroleum Institute concluded the oil and natural gas industry contributes nearly $22.1 billion to the Florida economy and supports nearly 266,800 jobs.

The vast majority of the state’s oil production occurs in the Panhandle, according to the Conservation Economics report. The two oil fields within Big Cypress, Bear Island and Raccoon Point, together were responsible for 585 barrels a day in 2020, about one-seventh of the state’s daily total. Oil was discovered at Bear Island, which is located partially within the preserve, in 1972, before the preserve was established, and production began a year later. At Raccoon Point, southeast of Bear Island, oil was detected in 1978. Production began in 1981, and the field was expanded in 1992.

Big Cypress was established in 1974. Two years later the Collier family, for whom Collier County, where a large portion of the preserve is situated, is named, conveyed 76,790 acres to the National Park Service to help create the preserve, with the family maintaining the underground mineral rights. The Colliers can trace their family tree to the early 20th century advertising magnate Barron Gift Collier, at the time the largest landowner in Florida. In 1996 the family conveyed an additional 83,000 acres to the National Park Service to expand Big Cypress. Today Big Cypress encompasses more than 700,000 acres, including much of the western Everglades.

In 2003 the federal government agreed to purchase the Colliers’ mineral rights for $120 million, but the purchase fell through. At the time various appraisals valued their mineral rights beneath Big Cypress, the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge at between $5 million and $475 million.

The oil here is of the heavy-sour variety, with a consistency of liquid tar, according to a website of the Collier Resources Company, which manages the family’s mineral holdings. When refined, the oil is used in auto, aviation and diesel fuels, lube oils and asphalt. Edward Glab, director of the Global Energy Security Forum in the School of International and Public Affairs at Florida International University, characterized the oil as not high-grade or worth a lot of money. Multiple phone calls to the Collier Resources Company were not returned.

“To me it makes no sense drilling for oil anywhere in the Everglades,” Glab said. “It just doesn’t because the reserves are simply not going to be there to justify that sort of investment.”

“It’s a lot of trouble for something that’s not producing a ton of oil, and it’s not like premium-grade oil. It’s like machinery oil, the kind used for heavy machinery,” said Cypress, chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. “For us when we see the amount of work that goes into the extraction, the damage that they do, it doesn’t seem worth it.”

Acidizing rather than fracking is more likely to be used in Florida to extract oil because of the state’s geology, which is characterized by porous limestone that harbors underground aquifers, according to the Conservation Economics report. Acidizing involves injecting the oil-bearing rock formations with a mixture of acid, water and other chemicals, dissolving the formations and allowing the oil to flow more easily to the well. Some 93 percent of the state’s population depends on groundwater for drinking water, far more than any other state in the nation.

Wastewater from such techniques can contain pollutants and threaten the groundwater, although the Collier family says multiple precautions are taken throughout the drilling process to protect the sensitive environment here, according to the Collier Resources Company website. For instance, to safeguard the aquifers a series of steel casings and thick layer of cement surround all oil-producing wells. At the well sites a limestone pad is constructed with a berm around it to prevent stormwater runoff from carrying pollutants into the environment. The pads also include a liner to protect the groundwater. The Collier family website also says water sampling has revealed no evidence of groundwater contamination.

But spills have occurred. A spill at Raccoon Point in October 2018, caused by corrosion in a production well, released 2,000 gallons of wastewater mixed with oil. The operator at the time, under lease with the Collier family, said the fluids stayed within a bermed area, and most of the fluids were recovered, according to a Florida Department of Environmental Protection report .

“There’s just so many potential damages that can happen here, and when it’s such a small amount of oil that’s being produced it does not make economic sense,” said Evan E. Hjerpe, executive director of the Conservation Economics Institute and author of the report. “It’s kind of an antiquated or artifact of previous times, and it would benefit the public much greater to move forward without having these potential risks going on.”

'The reason we survived'

For hundreds of years the Miccosukee people hunted, fished and held religious ceremonies among the soaring cypress swamps and sweeping sawgrass prairies of Big Cypress. During the First and Second Seminole Wars, in the first half of the 19th century, they were pushed deep within the watery wilderness and found sanctuary on the tree islands scattered here.

“We have a mother-child relationship with the Everglades because it helped us survive the removal era as well as the termination era, and so without it we would not exist as a sovereign entity. We would have either been annihilated or removed to the West,” said Curtis Osceola, chief of staff for the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida. “Our land is the reason we survived. It is the reason why we’re here, and so we have a duty to the land that once protected us. And so that’s what it is to be Miccosukee, is to serve and protect the lands of our environment.”

Today most of the 600-member tribe lives on tribal lands within Everglades National Park, although some 100 to 200 Miccosukees, members of the Seminole Tribe of Florida and other native people of Miccosukee and Seminole heritage live in 15 villages within Big Cypress. About eight of the communities, as well as a school, are situated downstream from Raccoon Point, raising concerns that spilled oil could flow in their direction, affecting surface water and the underground aquifer, which some residents have tapped with residential wells. Osceola said back when Big Cypress was established and the Collier family maintained the underground mineral rights, the Miccosukees were left out of the negotiations.

“Part of our culture tells us that the land should rest, and those fluids beneath the land should go undisturbed. That includes natural gas, oil, things like that,” he said. “So the extraction of oil is a very unnatural act.”

Oil drilling within Big Cypress is the latest environmental issue the tribe has taken up. After the federal government sued the state in the 1980s over water pollution in Everglades National Park and the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge, the Miccosukees got involved in the issue as defenders of the river of grass. The litigation led to a monumental state cleanup effort, which remains in progress today.

The tribe’s pending deal with the Colliers would halt all future drilling within Big Cypress, although existing production could continue at least for now. The agreement likely would upend a plan for two new sites in Big Cypress that Burnett Oil Co., Inc., an oil and gas company based in Fort Worth, Texas, is pursuing.

In 2017 and 2018, Burnett, under a lease with the Collier family, conducted an off-road seismic survey of 110 square miles of Big Cypress. The survey involved applying vibrating plates to the ground and sending seismic signals deep beneath the surface to map potential oil. To access the remote area, 33-ton vibroseis trucks were used. The hefty vehicles sank into the soft, water-soaked soils, leaving deep ruts, consequential in an ecosystem where the boundary between land and water is blurred and inches of elevation can mean vast differences in habitat. The effort also harmed slow-growing mature dwarf cypress trees. As many as 500 of the trees were cut down to allow the trucks to move through the area, according to a 2023 report by the National Parks Conservation Association.

“This would be creating brand new fossil fuel infrastructure in a time where we need to be transitioning away from that.” Christina Reichart, senior attorney in the Florida office of Earthjustice

Six years later the landscape has not recovered, the report said. The survey left lasting scars including soil compaction and deep twisting furrows, and almost none of the felled cypress trees has shown signs of regrowth. The National Parks Conservation Association wants the National Park Service to compel Burnett to replant the trees and address the other problems. Burnett did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

The two new sites Burnett is proposing would be similar to that at Raccoon Point, according to the company’s permit application to the National Park Service. The document said the project is designed to minimize environmental impacts and avoid historical, cultural and archeological resources, including Miccosukee and Seminole areas.

If the National Park Service were to approve Burnett’s plan, that would contradict the Biden administration’s demonstrated commitment to confront climate change, said Christina Reichart, senior attorney in the Florida office of Earthjustice, a nonprofit litigating environmental issues.

“It doesn’t match up to the promises that we’re hearing and the focus that this administration should be having on fighting the climate crisis. This would be creating brand new fossil fuel infrastructure in a time where we need to be transitioning away from that,” she said. “Wetlands are carbon sinks. One of the things they do is absorb carbon from the atmosphere and store it. So it doesn’t make sense to destroy wetlands and then build fossil fuel infrastructure.”

Hjerpe of the Conservation Economics Institute said closing an oil well can be difficult and costly, sometimes making it more advantageous to continue operating the well even when the oil is not of the highest quality. He said it is possible Burnett’s lease agreement with the Collier family mandated exploration plans or focused on increasing new development.

“When you see the path forward, and there’s certainly potential for a buy-out of your minerals and buy-out of your operations, then it completely makes financial sense to make sure that you are heavily invested in the area and that you keep producing and illustrating the value and increasing the value of your operations,” he said.

Climate change associated with fossil fuel emissions is poised to have a big impact on the Everglades. Rising temperatures will increase evaporation, stressing the watershed that already is pressured by explosive population growth and development. The hotter temperatures also will lead to precipitation changes, raising concerns about whether the water management infrastructure here, some of the most complex in the world, is up to future challenges.

The agreement involving the Miccosukees, Colliers and WildLandscapes International includes three phases. Under the first phase, completed last year, the Collier family sold 11,141 acres including the mineral rights, to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and South Florida Water Management District. The second phase, focused on the mineral rights beneath Big Cypress, still faces several steps, said Houghton of WildLandscapes International.

“The way the deal is set up we have a floor value, and if the appraisal meets that or above then the Colliers are obligated to sell,” he said. “If the appraisal is below, the Colliers could get out.”

If the agreement moves forward, Congress would appropriate the funding, which could take a few more years. The money would come from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, a federal program that puts earnings from offshore oil and gas leasing toward land conservation. The third phase involves land near Everglades City, a small town outside of Big Cypress.

Cypress, chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, said future plans go further. Eventually the tribe wants to stop all oil drilling within Big Cypress for good.

“Florida is going to need more freshwater, more drinking water, and we don’t have that without the Everglades,” he said. “It matters to everybody in Florida.”

This story was produced in partnership with the Florida Climate Reporting Network, a multi-newsroom initiative founded by the Miami Herald, the South Florida Sun Sentinel, The Palm Beach Post, the Orlando Sentinel, WLRN Public Media and the Tampa Bay Times. Copyright 2024 WUSF 89.7. To see more, visit WUSF 89.7 .

Fleet Week Miami: Schedule of events, information

MIAMI — Fleet Week is anchoring in Miami for the first time.

After more than three decades at Port Everglades, Fleet Week has shipped farther south to PortMiami.

Broward County had been home to South Florida's Fleet Week since 1990.

More than 3,000 servicemembers representing the U.S. Marines, U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard are converging in Miami for a week of activities.

U.S. Navy veteran and WPTV anchor Mike Trim will guide viewers through the week. He'll show you how many Navy connections the Palm Beaches and Treasure Coast have from the Navy Reserve Center in West Palm Beach to a Navy mom from Loxahatchee who has a son on active duty.

West Palm Beach

West Palm Beach Navy reservists ready to support the fleet

What ships are coming.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman will serve as the centerpiece of Miami's inaugural Fleet Week.

Because the Truman will be several miles offshore, public tours are not available.

Although the Truman can't be toured, four other U.S. military ships will be docked at PortMiami for public visits.

They are the following:

• USS Bataan: amphibious assault ship
• USS Normandy: guided missile cruiser
• USS Leyte Gulf: guided missile cruiser
• USCGS Seneca: Coast Guard cutter

How can I visit?

Tours of the ship are available Monday through Saturday.

Weekday tours are available in the afternoons and evenings, while Saturday's tours are available in the morning and afternoon.

Tour times are as follows:

• Monday to Friday: 1-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
• Saturday: 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Entry is free but tickets are required. Free tickets are available 48 hours in advance of each day. Links to claim tickets will be posted here beginning at 8 a.m.

Visitors will receive a designated time to minimize wait times. All ticketed visitors are asked to arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes ahead of their designated times. Government-issued photo identification is required for adults.

Tickets will only be available for 48 hours in advance and until all tickets have been reserved for each day. There is a limit of six tickets per tour.

Visitors can tour as many ships as they would like, but each ship requires a reservation. It is recommended that visitors allow at least two hours between each tour time.

Open-toed footwear is not permitted on the ships for safety reasons. Anyone not wearing proper footwear will be denied boarding.

Photography is only allowed in designated areas.

For more information about Fleet Week, including how to get free tickets, click here.

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