alligator tour 2023

Breaking News:

Gator Park is open every day. No reservations required, just show up!

NPS Entrance Fee is now $8 per person for adults, free for seniors, children under 16, National Park passholders, military and veterans.

Please be advised that holding live baby alligator for a photo is no longer allowed. Thank you for your understanding.

We have a limitied availability for private tours. Please call to make reservation in advance. 

Walk-ins are always welcome!

Attention Drivers: Please exercise increased caution while traveling on US41 due to current road conditions. Stay alert, reduce speed , and maintain a safe following distance. 

Welcome to GATOR PARK

An alligator adventure in the heart of the everglades national park..

Looking for some serious gator action? Gator Park is the premier airboat tour in the Florida Everglades to spy these fierce reptiles. Airboat rides depart every few minutes, so your Everglades experience begins the moment you arrive. We also offer private airboat tours for a more up close and personal look at the alligators .

The Everglades National Park is known for its vast wildlife, many of whom you’ll meet on your airboat tour. From endangered birds you won’t find anywhere else to small creatures that live among these wild alligators , you’ll see Florida as few people do.

The Everglades' marine life includes more than 200,000 alligators, so you’re guaranteed to spy quite a few on your Everglades tour! American crocodiles and fish, including large mouth bass,  blue gil and catfish, are also frequent guest stars on the tour.

More than 28 different snakes - a few of which are venomous – also call the Everglades home, alongside the beautiful and elusive endangered Florida panther.

Experience this unique Miami, Florida attraction by booking your airboat ride through the Everglades National Park today. Give us a call at 800-559-2205 or buy tour tickets online now.

Ready to meet the gators? You’ve come to the right place. Buy your airboat tour tickets online and save time and money at the park. No reservations required! Your tickets will be available at Gator Park on the day of your airboat safari.

Airboat Tours

Get ready for the ride of your life. The Gator Park Airboat Tour begins by winding down the canal, providing plenty of photo ops to catch wildlife in their natural habitat. Experienced guides offer tips to ensure you spot alligators large and small...

Wildlife Show

Go beyond the Everglades with Gator Park's famous alligator and wildlife show and watch alligators from just a few steps away! This barehanded technique was originally used to capture alligators and showcases the great power and agility of the gators.

ALLIGATOR TOUR HOURS & RATES

Looking for a unique change of pace from other Florida tourist attractions? An Everglades airboat safari is just what you need. Gator Park is open and ready for your Everglades adventure every day, rain or shine! (The gators like the rain.)

Monday – Sunday:

• 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Last wildlife show:

Last airboat departure:

Tickets to Gator Park include admission, airboat ride through the Everglades and watch alligators at the Wildlife show. Buy tickets online and save. 

• Adults: $29.99 ($29.99 at the gate)
• Children: $19.99 (Kids 1-5 years old ride for free!)

Private airboat tours run on your schedule and are a great way to get up close and personal with the gators. Rates are by the hour.

• 1-4 People: $525.00
• 5-6 People: $695.00
• 7-10 People: $895.00
• 11-15 People: $995.00
• 16-24 People: $1495.00

$8 National Park Service entry fee is not included.

Excluded from National Park entrance fees:

• Children under the age of 16
• National Park passholders
• Senior citizens (62+ years of age)
• Active Military personnel with proper ID

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club cards accepted for all our Everglades attractions.

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.

BEST AIRBOAT RIDE IN SOUTH FLORIDA

I went here today with my husband and paid about $60 for both of us, and that is already including airboat show in the package which I highly recommend. This is a great spot to check out when in South Florida. We spent about three hours in the place. Staffs are friendly and shows were very entertaining.

A quick adventure, not too long but enough to get a feel for the land. We loved the 360 turns, even got soaked (or a little wet) depending on where you sit. You can feed an Emu, see the anaconda and fun gift shop too. We loved the baby alligator pen and holding a baby alligator was unforgettable! The alligator feeding and alligator show was great, the gentleman who hosted was even better. Very friendly, patient with kids and informative/educational.

We had a lot of fun here, the animals look like they are taken good care of and Liz was great, she did all the shows on this day (gator, snakes, feeding) and we thought she did an amazing job! The airboat tour was also great, it’s loud but you get ear protection and we saw gators!

As an animal lover, this was just about the best part of our 5 day trip here. I loved the great info from both shows and got to hold a baby alligator too! Over 250 alligators to see of all sizes. If you cant decide whether to add the boat ride, think no more, add it. Very fun, safe and once in a lifetime experience. All so affordable.

Highly recommend visiting this place. It was one of the best experience on our holiday. We booked an animal experience tour which was great, we all loved it and many thanks to our great guide! He was so nice and knowledgeable and made the tour really enjoyable for the kids too. Thank you!

I hadn't had high expectations because the price was lower than other options I had looked into. Tyler was engaging and informative for the alligator feeding and show. Jose was a great tour guide on the fan boat through the everglades. There is a reptile exhibit among other animals to view included with the general admission. My two young kids had a great time as well. It's couple and kid-friendly!

Not just a roadside attraction - but also very educational. The folks who gave the talks where very informative about the reptiles and conservation starts with education. The airboat ride was very fun and VERY wet - too short though. Spent about 3 hours there.

They keep adding to it and it's grown substantially since my last visit. Well worth the admission fee of $27.00 USD which does not include the swamp bait ride. I think it was $32.00 all inclusive. This place does a great job through it's alligator feeding and taming exhibitions. In addition to alligators, they have crocodiles, bobcats, parakeets, large turtles, a snake exhibit, and much more. On this trip, there was no snake show with used to be part of the schedule. I'm not sure if it was discontinued or just not available on the day we went. You are free to bring in your own food and enjoy a nice picnic at one of their many picnic tables. Your entire experience takes about three hours. It's quite educational and I highly recommend it.

You can do the whole thing (feeding demo, airboat ride, show) in around two hours. They have over 400 alligators and a variety of other animals on exhibit. There are several enclosures with baby alligators. The airboat ride is 20 minutes of fun if you get the right guide. Ours was awesome. You actually learn a lot that you may not know about gators.

create unforgettable Everglades memories at captain jack's!

Zip through Everglades City on airboat tours

Venture through a cypress forest on a swamp buggy

Get a chance to see wild alligators, birds & more

Stay safe and comfortable 

See alligators & animals up close

Hold a baby alligator

Take home gifts and memories

Everglades National Park Boat Tour

Mangrove Tunnel & National Park Combo

Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

Mangrove maze airboat tours.

Race through a maze of Everglades mangroves on an airboat, away from other traffic.

• Mangrove Maze Ultimate Combo

• Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour

Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Combos

• Total Everglades Combo

Mangrove Tunnel & Grassland Combo

Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo

Private Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo

Mangrove tunnel airboat tours.

Take a high-speed tour of Everglades City's signature mangrove tunnels!

• Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour

• Private Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour

Grassland airboat Tours

Grassland & Buggy Combo

• Grassland Airboat Tour

4 Attractions Included with All Our Tours

When you book direct.

Animal Sanctuary

Alligator Show

Hug an Alligator

Why Choose Captain Jack’s?

Local Roots

Safety & Experience

Two-Way Headsets

Alligators & Animals

Quietest & Comfiest

Personal & Popular

Refreshments & Gifts

Guests love us.

“There is something about flying down narrow alleys of mangrove trees that is just a rush. I could never get tired of it. The guides always give more than just a ride. You learn so much about the Everglades and the total ecosystem that it is. We most certainly will be back!

—C. from Florida

“The mangrove tour was so much fun! We saw a family of dolphins swimming along the boat, several alligators, and a few fish jumping out of the water. Riding through the mangroves was beautiful and a fun way to see the Everglades. I would recommend to anyone.”

—J. from Massachusetts

“We really enjoyed seeing the alligators. The captain of the airboat gave a lot of information about the Everglades and habitat. The addition of the two-way headsets let us all communicate during the tour. This was really a highlight of having friends down visiting us new Florida residents. Plan to bring other guests."

—K. from Florida

“We did the combo package and it was amazing! Great way to experience all 3 ways to 'see' the Everglades! Would highly recommend. All the captains for each segment were fantastic! Had a great time!"

—J.T.

• Mangrove Tunnel & National Park Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel & Grassland Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo
• Private Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo
• Grassland & Buggy Combo
• Lodging Nearby
• Total Everglades Stay & Play
• Online Gift Shop
• Animals & Alligator Show
• Everglades City Boardwalk

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

Getty Images

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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ALLIGATOR RESCUE LIVE GATOR SHOW

Gator airboat tours & gator boys gator show.

We believe in offering more than just downright thrilling airboat tours through the Everglades—we also believe in providing a safe haven and animal sanctuary for rescued alligators who have found their way into pools, garages, backyards, and even bedrooms in Florida! Our one-of-a-kind LIVE Gator Shows are performed by the world-famous Gator Boys Alligator Rescue team. This rescue team of gator trapping experts not only hand-captures these alligators but has also been featured on Animal Planet’s hit show! In fact, many of the show’s episodes have been filmed right here at our park! Drop by, say hello, and enjoy our thrilling show as the Gator Boys perform stunts, tricks, and jaw-dropping feats with these rescued gators.

Watch a LIVE, 20-Minute Alligator Show Featuring the World-Famous Gator Boys Alligator Rescue team in our world-famous pit

• Watch as the famous Gator Boys perform wild, exhilarating stunts and tricks with our rescued American alligators. These alligators would have been harvested for their meat and hides if it was not for us giving them a place to live
• The live alligator show is included with each Everglades airboat tour ticket purchase – You can also purchase standalone gator show tickets here at the park if you only want to take in the gator show without going on the tour

LIVE GATOR BOYS ALLIGATOR SHOW IN OUR WORLD-FAMOUS GATOR PIT

All of our Everglades airboat adventures here at Everglades Holiday Park include one of the thrilling Everglades gator wrestling shows from the world-famous Gator Boys Alligator Rescue team! For 20 awe-inspiring minutes, you’ll witness a wildlife show adventure unlike any you’ve ever seen.

You’ll get to see a jaw-dropping, up-close and personal glimpse into the behavior and mannerisms of our rescued American alligators. Our exciting and educational LIVE alligator shows are one-of-a-kind, no matter who’s performing that day! When our expertly trained alligator handlers are on center stage with these amazing animals, guests are guaranteed a wild adventure unlike any other!

THE GATOR BOYS ALLIGATOR RESCUE IN THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES

We’re extremely proud to host an animal sanctuary and safe haven for rescued alligators here at the park, located in South Florida. The Gator Boys Alligator Rescue is a direct reflection of our commitment and dedication to educating the public on the importance of continued conservation and preservation efforts for our beloved Everglades ecosystem.

By providing a space for the talented and conservation-conscious Gator Boys Alligator Rescue team, we hope to showcase just how much positive influence this rescue team has and encourage others to contribute to the ongoing preservation of the Everglades, ecosystem too.

AIRBOAT TOUR & GATOR SHOW TICKETS NOW!

Don’t miss your chance to speed through the Everglades in our state-of-the-art airboats AND embark on the wild adventure of our LIVE Gator shows!

Live Gator Boys Alligator Shows

Our alligator shows are performed by the Gator Boys Alligator Rescue team in our alligator pit with stadium-style seating and a mechanical louvered covered roof that provides maximum shade and coverage from the powerful South Florida sunshine. Every Everglades airboat tour ticket purchase includes access to our 20-minute alligator show, where you’ll watch our expert alligator handlers perform tricks and stunts, all while teaching you all about the American alligator!

Featured on Animal Planet

Gator Boys, a team of experienced wranglers working out of their home base in our Everglades Holiday Park, were first featured on Animal Planet in 2012. The prominent figures being Paul Bedard, Jimmy Riffle, and Chris Gillette, among others, are shown wrestling alligators out of places those animals shouldn’t be. Their final episode aired in February of 2015 and showed the Gator Boys advocating for and pressing on policy reform for safe habitation of alligators.

Exhilarating Performances

The show includes many jaw-dropping, up close and personal looks at the behavior and mannerisms of American alligators. One of the tricks called the “face off” includes a Gator Boy holding the gator’s mouth shut with his chin!

A Unique Wildlife Experience

The most exceptional thing about these shows is that they aren’t just for entertainment purposes. Every show is interwoven with education so that the viewers better understand alligators, how to protect their environment, and how to act when seeing an alligator in the wild.

Preserving the Everglades

The Everglades ecosystem is subtropical wetlands spanning two million acres over central and south Florida. During the wet season, late May through June, Lake Okeechobee overflows into a shallow, slow-moving river affectionately named the “River of Grass” because of how dominated it is by sawgrass marsh. The water flows southward through many diverse habitats until it reaches Everglades National Park and then Florida Bay.

Originally, the Greater Everglades ecosystem was made up of a large diversity of habitats all connected by bodies of water and wetlands. However, since the 1800s, humans have been changing the Everglades landscape, unintentionally as well as intentionally. Water diversions and flood control structures, while important for human settlements, restrict the flow of water across what is a sensitive landscape. Once you factor in agricultural and urban developments as well, it’s not hard to see how the Everglades have decreased in size, which affects the quality of the included habitats.

By providing the Gator Sanctuary for the talented and conservation-conscious Gator Boys, we hope to showcase just how much positive influence this rescue team has by educating and encouraging viewers to contribute to the ongoing preservation of the Everglades ecosystem.

The Ultimate Alligator Experience

Encountering alligators in the wild can be scary and intimidating, especially as a visitor to Florida. These shows are the perfect way to get educated about alligators and have an immersive experience that will create lifelong memories.

The Gator Boys are very careful. Performers are trained for quite a while before ever being allowed to do a solo show, and there are always people on standby in case something goes wrong. No performer is ever left unattended. The viewers have protective barriers between them and the alligators as well as raised walls so that there’s no chance of the alligators finding their way into the crowd.

When you visit, we want you to feel comfortable and secure. The shows are intense, heart-pounding, and exhilarating, but every viewer is safe, and the performers are well-cared for.

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Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Airboat Swamp Tours

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Gulf Coast Gator Ranch & Airboat Swamp Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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There’s certainly no shortage of family activities in Orlando. Our Everglades alligator tour is one of the most unforgettable experiences you’ll ever have.  Visitors of all ages are thrilled at the opportunity to get up close to alligators in their natural habitat. Marsh Landing Adventures is a top-rated airboat tour in Orlando and one of the only alligator tour operators that offers four-hour airboat rides.

Best Alligator Tours in Orlando

You’ve seen alligators in zoos and aquariums, but you’ve never seen them like this. Our airboat captains know all the best places to spot alligators, from the Headwaters to the Florida Everglades—they lurk in freshwater swamps and marshes, hiding out in gator holes that dot the area. We go above and beyond to make your alligator tour a truly memorable experience. All of our alligator tour captains are licensed by the US Coast Guard. They are avid outdoorsmen with a passion for wildlife and in-depth knowledge of the Everglades ecosystem.

And, of course, our captains know their stuff when it comes to alligators. Children and adults love the thrill and adventure of our Orlando alligator tours, but they also appreciate the opportunity to learn more about these fascinating reptiles. You’ll leave with a better understanding of alligators, their habitat, and the importance of conservation.

Remember, Alligators are wild animals and we can not control where they are at all times.  Our captains are great about knowing where they normally “hang out” – but some seasons do make it a little more difficult to see a lot of gators.

Everglades Alligator Tours

Marsh Landing Adventures offers a variety of alligator tours:

One-Hour  Tour – If you’re spending a whirlwind weekend in the area, this tour allows you to have the alligator tour experience in a shorter amount of time. Explore Florida swamps and see alligators and other endangered wildlife in their natural habitat.

90-Minute  Tour – With this tour, you’ll be able to explore further into the Headwaters, Everglades, and Lake Tohopekaliga for more alligator encounters and opportunities for taking photos.

Two-Hour  Tour – We’ll venture into all the places other alligator tours just can’t go with this extended airboat ride. Nature lovers and photography enthusiasts have ample time to appreciate the wildlife and views from the airboat.

Four-Hour Eco-Safari – Our four-hour tours offer the ultimate Florida alligator experience. You’ll visit Shingle Creek, the headwaters of the Everglades, and take a walk on a pristine island that’s home to some of Florida’s most intriguing wildlife.

Private Group Tours – We offer private tours at an additional cost. For large groups or families just wanting to create their own tour. 

Our Airboat Tours Allow You To See Natural Florida Wildlife!

What Our Guests Have to Say

Our ninety-minute ride was everything we had hoped it would been, and it was made even more enjoyable by my comfy bucket seat in the front row (and a carabiner to secure my bag). Captain Wayde was friendly to us guests and, even more importantly to me, respectful of the animal life we encountered. I think that a Marsh Landing Adventures airboat ride is an excellent way to leave one's everyday world behind and get immersed in Central Florida nature.

Had a fantastic 1hr ride out with Capt Scott what a charmer very funny and knows his stuff for sure, had a wonderful exhilarating ride out into the swamps even had a beer at no charge if you are there in the area its a well worth trip.

We had a boat tour with Captain Chris and honestly if I had the time this holiday I would go again! It was amazing! The marsh was picturesque and full of wildlife. We were even lucky enough to see a few alligators! Our Captain was great ; very friendly and informative! An absolute 10/10.

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The BEST Place To See Alligators In Florida (2023)

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on the best place to see alligators in Florida! As longtime residents of the Sunshine State, we’ve had the unique privilege of living side by side with these magnificent creatures. From the awe-inspiring sight of them basking in the sun at our state parks, to the adrenaline rush of spotting one in our own backyard, alligators have been an integral part of our Floridian experience.

We’ve even had a few close encounters, with one adventurous alligator making its way to our neighbor’s front door! These experiences, while thrilling, serve as a constant reminder of the wild spirit of Florida and the respect these creatures command. They’re not just a symbol of our state, but also a vital part of our ecosystem, contributing to Florida’s rich biodiversity.

These experiences aren’t unique to us. In fact, they’re a part of everyday life for many Floridians. And it’s these experiences that we want to share with you, along with a wealth of knowledge about where to see alligators, how to safely observe them, and the conservation efforts that are helping to protect them.

So, whether you’re a fellow Floridian or a visitor looking to experience the wild side of Florida, we invite you to join us on this journey. Together, let’s explore the best places to see alligators in Florida, understand their role in our ecosystem, and learn how we can contribute to their conservation. Let’s dive in!

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BEST PLACE TO SEE ALLIGATORS IN FLORIDA: THE ULTIMATE LIST

Now that we’ve shared a bit of our personal experiences with Florida’s alligators, it’s time to dive into the heart of our guide. We’ve explored the state, from the sprawling wetlands of the Everglades to the sun-drenched shores of the Gulf Coast, to bring you the definitive list of the best places to see alligators in Florida.

Each location offers a unique perspective on these fascinating creatures, whether it’s a state park where alligators roam freely or a dedicated alligator park that provides a safe and controlled environment for close-up encounters. We’ve also included some local tips and addresses to help you plan your visit.

Everglades National Park

Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034

This World Heritage Site, known as “the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States,” is home to a significant number of alligators. The Everglades National park offers tram tours and bicycle rentals, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with these creatures. The Shark Valley tower provides a bird’s-eye view of the amazing “river of grass,” where alligators are often spotted.

Local Tip: Don’t forget to bring your binoculars for a better view of the alligators from the Shark Valley tower.

Wakulla Springs State Park

Address: 465 Wakulla Park Drive, Wakulla Springs, FL 32327

Located south of Tallahassee, Wakulla Springs is one of the world’s largest and deepest freshwater springs. Ranger-led boat tours offer visitors the chance to spot alligators sunning next to turtles and a variety of Florida birds.

Local Tip: After your boat tour, enjoy a meal at the park’s historic lodge.

Myakka River State Park

Address: 13208 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241

The Myakka River State Park in Sarasota County is a fantastic spot for alligator watching. The adventurous can take a five-mile round-trip hike to Deep Hole, a sinkhole that attracts dozens of alligators.

Local Tip: Only 30 daily permits are issued to this wilderness area, so plan your visit early.

GatorWorld Parks

Address: 492 W HWY 44, Wildwood, FL 34785

Near Orlando, this drive-thru alligator park guides visitors past specially designed pools where about 400 gators swim and feed. At the end, there’s a platform to observe and feed the reptiles.

Local Tip: Don’t miss the opportunity to feed the alligators from the platform at the end of the drive.

Address: 14501 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32837

This 110-acre alligator theme park in Orlando is home to about 2,000 gators. It offers a controlled environment to observe alligators, making it a great choice for families with young children.

Local Tip: Check out the park’s alligator breeding marsh, where you can observe hundreds of alligators from a raised boardwalk.

St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park

Address: 999 Anastasia Blvd, St. Augustine, FL 32080

The St. Augustine Alligator Farm zoological park offers a unique experience where brave souls can zip line over alligators and crocodiles. It’s a thrilling way to observe these creatures from a different perspective.

Local Tip: Don’t miss the park’s feeding times, which provide a unique opportunity to see alligators in action.

Address: 6180 US-27, Palmdale, FL 33944

Gatorama is an iconic Florida roadside attraction that has been drawing gator-curious tourists since 1957. It offers a controlled environment to observe alligators and other Florida wildlife.

Local Tip: Try to visit during the annual “Hatching Festival” when you can experience baby alligators hatching from their eggs.

Alligator and Wildlife Discovery Center

Address: 12973 Village Blvd, Madeira Beach, FL 33708

This smaller stop at the Alligator and Wildife Discover Center is perfect for kids who want to give a gator a smooch. It offers a controlled environment to observe alligators and learn about their behaviors and habitats.

Local Tip: Take advantage of the center’s interactive exhibits for a hands-on learning experience.

Jungle Adventures

Address: 26205 East Colonial Drive, Christmas, FL 32709

Located near Merritt Island on the Space Coast, Jungle Adventures features all sorts of Florida critters plus a jungle swamp river cruise. It’s a great place to learn about Florida’s diverse wildlife.

Local Tip: Don’t miss the Native American Village exhibit to learn about the area’s history.

Florida Aquarium

Address: 701 Channelside Drive, Tampa, FL 33602

Not a theme park exactly, but the Florida Aquarium in Tampa has a wonderful exhibit of baby gators in which they can be spied above and below the water through a glass wall.

Local Tip: After visiting the alligator exhibit, explore the rest of the aquarium to see a wide variety of marine life.

Alligator Tours and Experiences

Florida offers a variety of alligator tours and experiences that cater to different interests and adventure levels. Here are some types of tours you might consider:

• Airboat Tours : These are one of the most popular ways to see alligators in Florida. Airboats can navigate the shallow waters and marshlands of places like the Everglades, providing a thrilling ride and the chance to see alligators in their natural habitat. Some tours even offer night rides for a different perspective. 🐊 This airboat tour is one of the most popular and typically sells out quickly.
• Guided Park Tours : Many state parks and wildlife reserves in Florida offer guided tours where knowledgeable guides will take you to the best spots for alligator watching. They’ll also provide valuable insights into alligator behavior and the ecosystem. 🐊This guided Everglades National Park tour is awesome because it includes transportation and a guided airboat tour as well.
• Alligator Parks and Zoos : Places like Gatorworld or the St. Augustine Alligator Farm provide safe and controlled environments to see alligators up close. These places often offer educational shows and feeding experiences. 🐊Gatorworld is an awesome self-guided drive-thru park, making it super convenient! Get your tickets here for Gatorworld .
• Kayak and Canoe Tours : For the more adventurous, some tour operators offer kayak or canoe tours in alligator-rich waters. This is a quieter, more immersive way to experience Florida’s wetlands, but it’s not recommended for the faint-hearted! 🐊If you’re brave enough, we recommend this guided kayak sailing tour through the everglades!

Remember, no matter which tour you choose, always follow the safety instructions provided by your guides.

Fun Facts About Alligators

Alligators are fascinating creatures with a number of unique characteristics and behaviors. Here are some interesting facts about alligators:

• Alligators are one of the oldest living species on the planet and have been around for more than 150 million years. They survived the mass extinction that wiped out the dinosaurs.
• The largest alligator ever recorded in Florida was over 14 feet long and weighed more than 1,000 pounds. However, most adult alligators are between 6 and 12 feet long.
• Alligators have a powerful bite with a force of over 2,000 pounds per square inch – enough to bite through steel! However, the muscles that open the jaw are relatively weak. An adult human could hold the jaws of an alligator shut with their bare hands.
• Alligators can climb trees and fences, so don’t assume you’re safe just because you’re off the ground! They use their strong tails and claws to climb when they need to escape, find food, or bask in the sun.
• Alligators have a “death roll” maneuver, where they spin their bodies to tear off chunks of food. They are known to use this move when hunting larger prey.
• Alligators have between 74 and 80 teeth in their mouth at a time, and as they wear down, they are replaced. An alligator can go through 2,000 to 3,000 teeth in a lifetime!
• Female alligators are devoted mothers. They build nests for their eggs and guard them fiercely. When the babies hatch, the mother carries them to the water in her mouth and continues to protect them for up to two years.

These facts highlight the incredible adaptability and resilience of alligators, contributing to their survival over millions of years. They are truly one of nature’s most interesting creatures!

Understanding Alligator Behavior

Alligators are fascinating creatures with unique behaviors that can be intriguing to observe. Here are some things you might witness during your alligator-watching adventure:

• Basking : Alligators are ectothermic, which means they rely on external sources to regulate their body temperature. You’ll often see them basking in the sun to warm up.
• Mating Calls : If you’re visiting in the spring, you might hear the deep, resonating mating call of male alligators. They’ll also perform a variety of displays to attract females, including head-slapping the water and blowing bubbles.
• Feeding : Alligators are opportunistic feeders and will eat just about anything they can catch. If you’re lucky, you might see an alligator catching its prey.
• Nesting : Female alligators build nests to lay their eggs, usually in the summer. They’re very protective of their nests, so if you see a mound of vegetation near the water, keep your distance!
• Communication : Alligators have a variety of vocalizations and physical displays to communicate with each other. Young alligators make a high-pitched chirping noise, while adults will growl, hiss, and bellow.

Remember, while it’s exciting to observe these behaviors, it’s important to always keep a safe distance and never disturb an alligator in the wild. They are powerful animals and can be dangerous if they feel threatened

Safety Tips When Observing Alligators

Observing alligators can be an exciting experience, but it’s important to remember that these are wild animals and should be treated with respect. Here are some safety tips:

• Keep a safe distance: The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recommends staying at least 60 feet away from alligators in the wild.
• Never feed alligators: It’s illegal and can condition them to associate food with people, which can lead to dangerous encounters.
• Keep children and pets away: Alligators may see small animals as prey, so it’s important to keep children and pets at a safe distance.
• Stay alert near water: Alligators are most commonly found near freshwater environments, so be cautious when near water, especially at night.

Alligator Conservation Efforts in Florida

Alligators have a fascinating history in Florida. Once on the brink of extinction due to unregulated hunting and habitat loss, they are now a conservation success story. In the early 20th century, alligator populations plummeted, leading to their classification as an endangered species. This prompted aggressive conservation efforts, including strict hunting regulations and habitat preservation initiatives.

In 1967, the American alligator was listed as an endangered species under a law that preceded the Endangered Species Act of 1973. However, the combined efforts of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and other conservation groups led to a significant recovery of the alligator population. By 1987, the American alligator was removed from the endangered species list, though it remains under the protection of the Alligator Control Act of 1973.

Today, alligators are a protected species in Florida, and it’s illegal to hunt them without a permit. The state of Florida carefully manages alligator populations through a series of programs, including the Statewide Nuisance Alligator Program (SNAP), which addresses alligators that pose a threat to people or property.

Visitors can contribute to conservation efforts by respecting alligators and their habitats during their visit. This includes keeping a safe distance from alligators, never feeding them, and not disturbing their nests. Additionally, supporting local conservation organizations and participating in educational programs can help ensure the continued survival of these incredible creatures.

Florida is a fantastic place to see alligators in their natural habitat. Whether you’re exploring the vast Everglades National Park or visiting a dedicated alligator theme park, there are plenty of opportunities to observe these fascinating creatures. Remember to respect alligators and their habitats during your visit, and enjoy the unique experience of alligator spotting in Florida!

You may also like to read these articles about Florida Travel Tips:

• 15 Best Places to Deep Sea Fish In Florida
• The Best Place To Swim With Dolphins In Florida Keys + Bonus Options

21 Awesome Day Trips From Tampa

• Best Islamorada snorkeling tours in 2023

The Florida Traveler Guides Content Team is comprised of lifelong Floridians with over 20 years of in-depth experience exploring the state. We have lived in Florida for decades and traveled extensively throughout every region, from the panhandle to the Keys.

Our guides are based on personal first-hand visits to destinations and attractions, not outside research. As passionate Florida travelers ourselves, we are committed to helping others discover authentic Florida highlights, hidden gems, and special local flavors.

You can trust our recommendations come from genuine personal experience and a desire to share the true spirit of Florida. We cover the full range of Florida interests, from beach towns to theme parks to wilderness escapes. Whether you seek peaceful nature, family fun, or cultural discovery, we provide knowledgeable and honest Florida travel insights.

Our goal is to inspire your own memorable Florida adventures! As longtime residents, we feel honored to share our Florida with newcomers and help create travel memories that will last a lifetime.

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5 Best Alligator Tours Orlando To Take In 2024

READY TO BOOK YOUR ALLIGATOR TOUR IN ORLANDO?

You’re in the right place, as I’m about the tell you the 5 best tours that you should take.

It wouldn’t be a trip to Orlando without getting a closer look at the thousands of gators which call the area home, and taking an alligator tour is the perfect way to do so.

Unfortunately, there are lots of tours that are below par.

Luckily for you, I’ve visited Orlando on multiple occasions and I’ve created this list of the best alligator tours in Orlando to save you time researching for yourself.

This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps me to keep my site up and running! Read my disclaimer for more information.

🏆 EDITOR’S PICK: Best Tour = Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch with thousands of 5-star reviews.

Ready to explore the best options and book your tour? Let’s get straight into it!

My Top 3 Picks: Alligator Tours Orlando

#1 TOP PICK

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch ✔️ Over 1700 5-star reviews ✔️ 30 or 60 minute tours ✔️ Highest density of alligators

90-min Everglades Airboat Tour in Central Florida ✔️ Longest airboat tour ✔️ Max 15 people ✔️ See wild alligators

Orlando: Boggy Creek Airboat Ride with Options ✔️ See wild alligators ✔️ Live commentary ✔️ 5+ tour options

Best Alligator Tours Orlando

I know how amazing an experience it is getting to see alligators in the wild, it’s incredible. But you want to take a good tour. Nothing is worse than taking a tour that leaves you with a bad experience- it can completely ruin a whole day. This list only features the best of the best alligator tours in Orlando that I have taken myself and I can assure you that they will live up to the hype.

1. Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (1700+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 0.5-1 hour | 🐊 BOOK NOW

The highest-rated and most popular alligator tour Orlando is the Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch which has an extremely impressive 1700+ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ reviews.

When taking a tour, no matter what tour it is or where in the world it is, I always like to go with the tried and tested option. No one wants to book a tour that hasn’t got any reviews, right? This tour has more than passed the test of time. You don’t get a 5/5 rating after nearly 2000 reviews by chance – this tour is top quality.

Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch is the first alligator tour I took in Orlando, and I’ve re-visited on multiple occasions I enjoyed it so much.

The tour is an airboat tour, which is a type of boat that glides over the water rather than through the water thanks to the huge fan on the back. I’m not too sure how else to explain it.

It’s through the Everglades and leaves you with lots of opportunities to see wild alligators. From my experience, this tour features the highest density of alligators. One time on a 30-minute tour, I saw 6 or 7 gators, maybe even more. That’s so many!

Speaking of the length of the tour, you have the option of a 30-minute or a 60-minute tour. I would recommend the full-hour tour, because the longer you have exploring the Everglades looking for gators, the better.

Getting to see alligators in the wild is a memorable experience and one that not everyone gets to experience.

If you buy this tour, entry to Wild Florida’s gator park is also included. It’s my favourite animal park in Florida, beating Busch Gardens and Gator World. There’s so much on offer. From the drive-thru safari to the personal animal encounters, you’re guaranteed a great time at the park after you’ve taken your alligator airboat tour. There are also alligator shows and the option to feed some gators. It’s not to be missed!

Wild Florida is approximately 40 minutes or so from Orlando, but it’s more than worth the drive. You will find that it’s not really possible to take an alligator tour in the heart of Orlando because it’s a city. Instead, the Everglades is where most tours take place.

I genuinely can’t recommend this tour, and Wild Florida enough. If you’re looking for the best alligator tour in Orlando, you’ve found it. It’s Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch .

2. 90-min Everglades Airboat Tour in Central Florida

⭐ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (750+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours | 🐊 BOOK NOW

If you are looking for a longer Orlando alligator tour, then 90-min Everglades Airboat Tour in Central Florida is the tour for you.

This is the longest tour in this article , lasting a whopping 90 minutes (1 hour and 30 minutes). Taking a tour this long provides you with the opportunity to see so many wild alligators.

Seeing the fascinating creatures in the wild is a completely different experience to seeing alligators in captivity. It’s much more natural and feels more rewarding too. Nothing beats the feeling of spotting an alligator for yourself- especially if you manage to spot one before your tour guide!

90-min Everglades Airboat Tour in Central Florida is also incredibly high-rated, with a rating of 5 out of 5 after over 750 reviews. Just like the last tour, it’s more than passed the test of time. Seeing such a high rating from previous travellers should be enough assurance that this is a good tour.

Aside from seeing the wild alligators, the feeling of riding an airboat is also exhilarating. The thrill of gliding over the water with the wind blowing in your face and the gorgeous Floridian sun shining down is amazing. I’d still take an airboat ride in a boring lake with no alligators!

But honestly, this tour is great too. The offer to see gators in their natural habitat is one not to be missed out on. And taking an airboat tour is the best way to do so. The guides’ commentary is both entertaining and educational with lots of things to learn about, and they will point out any alligators they spot so you don’t miss any.

To have the most time exploring the Everglades and searching for wild alligators, book the 90-min Everglades Airboat Tour in Central Florida which is the longest tour on this list.

3. Orlando: Boggy Creek Airboat Ride with Options

⭐ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars (300+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 0.5-1 hour | 🐊 BOOK NOW

Another solid alligator tour in Orlando option is the Orlando: Boggy Creek Airboat Ride with Options which still has a very impressive rating of 4.7/5. The quality across the board of all of these Everglades airboat tours is excellent.

As the name suggests, Orlando: Boggy Creek Airboat Ride with Options offers lots of different tour options and add-ons. Firstly, you can choose from a 30-minute or a 60-minute tour. Again, I recommend the longer option.

But you can also pay for a private tour. It’s the most exclusive way of exploring the Everglades and allows for a more personal and luxurious experience. Note that normal airboat rides include up to 15 people usually.

Some tours include lunch, and other options include a sunset tour and a night tour. These are such unique opportunities and an entirely different tour from during the day. The sunset tour is pretty much just the same as the day tour but with a nice scenic sunset during the swamp tours.

But the night tour is where things start to get spicy. Alligators are nocturnal, meaning they are awake during the night. Taking an airboat ride at night allows you to see even more gators than during the day. It’s also quite exciting riding through alligator-infested waters at night when you can’t see much. It’s a true adventure. But seeing the alligators with the shine of a torch is a special feeling.

You can also opt for tours which include access to the rest of Boggy Creek, a lesser-known park, but one that I would consider underrated. There’s a butterfly garden, a Native American village, a fossil and gem mine and more. Some tours include mining for gems which is super fun for kids!

If you’re looking for an alligator tour in Orlando that offers a little bit more, then Orlando: Boggy Creek Airboat Ride with Options is the best choice for you.

4. Central Florida Everglades Airboat Tour from Orlando

⭐ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (125+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours | 🐊 BOOK NOW

If you want a hassle-free alligator tour from Orlando that picks you up from the city and drops you off afterwards, take a look at the Central Florida Everglades Airboat Tour from Orlando .

This tour offers pick-ups from Orlando, Disney and Kissimmee and takes you to the Everglades for your airboat tour and wild gator spotting. Then, afterwards, it drops you right back to where it picked you up. It’s super convenient and avoids all the hassle of making it to the Everglades yourself.

Depending on the day, it will either take you to Wild Florida, or to Boggy Creek , meaning you get to experience all of the amazing things listed above. Note that the 5-hour tour length begins when you are picked up and ends when you are dropped off, it is not the length of the actual airboat tour.

You can choose to book either a half-hour or full-hour airboat tour.

During an airboat ride, as well as being able to spot alligators lurking in the swampy waters, there’s an opportunity to see lots of other incredible wildlife. I’ve been lucky enough to see a bald eagle on a few occasions…it was unreal. Seeing an animal in the wild with such huge symbolic meaning and what the animal represents was special, even for someone like me who isn’t American.

Another common spotting is turtles , which are also pretty fun to see in the wild. As well as so many different species of birds, and lots of other fascinating wildlife. If you love animals, you will love an airboat tour.

Believe it or not, some people actually don’t know there are alligators in Orlando. They’re everywhere in Florida! People also don’t know very often that they’re in Tampa too.

But there’s no better place to see them than in the Everglades!

For an alligator tour from Orlando that brings you to and from the Everglades, definitely book the Central Florida Everglades Airboat Tour from Orlando .

5. Orlando: Wild Florida Everglades Airboat & Wildlife Park

⭐ RATING: 4.7 out of 5 Stars (335+ reviews) | ⌛ TOUR LENGTH: 0.5-1 hour | 🐊 BOOK NOW

Last but by no means least of these alligator tours Orlando is Orlando: Wild Florida Everglades Airboat & Wildlife Park . And it really is a case of “last but not least”, with over 300 reviews averaging at 4.7/5 stars.

Once again, this airboat tour brings you to Wild Florida. By the way, Wild Florida is worth visiting on its own. As I said, it’s my favourite animal park in Florida, and I like it so much that I actually wrote a full post on a Wild Florida review if you would like more information.

But as much as I love the park itself, it would be a shame to visit without taking an airboat ride, but I imagine that’s what you’re on this article for anyway.

Wild Florida’s airboat tours all but guarantee that you will see wild gators. They have over 4,200 acres of, and I quote, “beautiful lush scenery, including protected swamps, marshes and rivers, at the heart of the Central Florida Everglades”.

This could not be more true. What’s so good about the airboat rides, is that on top of seeing American Alligators in their natural habitats, aside from all of the other wildlife and the thrill of an airboat ride, is that the landscape is incredible.

Florida’s Everglades offer some of the most amazing natural beauty I’ve ever seen. Admiring the greenery around me while travelling at speed gliding over the water through tall reed grass, lily pads and water flowers, surrounded by tall trees is one of my favourite memories from the airboat tours I have taken.

For an unforgettable tour, and the time of your life, book the Orlando: Wild Florida Everglades Airboat & Wildlife Park .

Alligator Tours Orlando: FAQ

Below are some questions related to alligator tours in Orlando along with my answers.

The best airboat tours in Orlando are at Wild Florida, an animal park in Central Florida. The Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch is the best option and provides an airboat tour lasting 30 minutes or 60 minutes depending on your selection. You are as close to guaranteed to see wild alligators as possible

From May to November is the best time to see alligators in the Everglades because this is the rainy season, making environmental conditions ideal for alligators. You are able to spot them all year round though.

Wild Florida offers airboat tours which last 30 minutes or 60 minutes, you can choose between either. Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch is the best option and includes free entry into the amazing animal park at Wild Florida.

Alligator Tours Orlando: Conclusion

And there you have it, a complete guide to the best alligator tours in Orlando.

Remember, the best tour is the Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch with over 1700 5-star reviews.

But the truth is, no matter which of these tours you decide to go for, you are guaranteed to have a good time.

Taking an airboat ride through the Everglades is a pinch-yourself moment, and these tours will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

So enjoy your time in the Sunshine State, and most importantly, enjoy your Orlando alligator tour.

Josh Band is the founder of A Backpacker's World. He is a full-time traveller currently on a mission to visit every country in the world. As a full-time traveller, Josh knows exactly how to make the most of any trip and shares these tips with his readers. Josh mostly travels as a backpacker on a budget, so he is also an expert when it comes to getting the most of your money while travelling.

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We offer the best airboat rides in orlando, florida, airboat rides & tours near me.

Located right outside of Orlando, Florida on beautiful Lake Panasoffkee, we’re here ready to give you an adventure. So if you’re googling for ‘airboat rides & tours near me’ your search just got easier. Voted #1, Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures offers nothing but the best airboat rides at the most reasonable price.

Come experience Florida and enjoy an airboat experience you will never forget. Discover Florida’s swamps and meet the long-time swamp residents, the alligators. Though they look ferocious, gators are actually timid and friendly. Of course, our guides will make sure you’re going to have a safe and fun-filled adventure.

Why Ride With Us?

Full 1 Hour Thrilling Ride

FREE Photo Op with a Live Gator

Never-Ending Learning With Our Friendly Captain

Voted Best Airboat Rides In Florida

Experience Wildlife Encounters

FLORIDA AIRBOAT RIDES

Florida’s swamps are not just a natural habitat for alligators. During our Florida airboat rides, you’ll see other animals living in their habitat. You’ll also get to witness birds, fish and reptiles living peacefully in their natural habitat – our protected swamps.

BEST FAN BOAT TOURS IN ORLANDO

Our fan boat tours are exhilarating! Make sure to bring your A-game because we’re committed to giving you a fun ride all the way. Though we like you to have fun, we also want you to get to know Florida’s flora and fauna during the ride.

RIDE AND GLIDE

Get Ready For An Airboat Adventure!

Perfect Adventure For Groups and Families

Family-friendly airboat rides near orlando florida.

Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures is one of the leading airboat rides near Orlando, Florida. We offer airboat tours and adventures for people of all ages.

Our team gives the safest, most memorable airboat tours in Lake Panasoffkee. People staying in nearby places such as Tampa, Orlando, Kissimmee, Ocala, Crystal River, St. Pete, Clearwater, Clermont, Leesburg, Wildwood,  and The Villages, flock to Swamp Fever to experience airboat rides near Orlando! People love us because…

• We’re just a quick hour drive away from popular destinations.
• Florida’s natural beauty is nothing short of amazing.
• Our airboat ride is an hour full of exciting glides through swamps and marshes.
• It’s an adventure filled with learning and memorable encounters.
• Captain Ron and the entire team is the company you need for a stress-free vacation.

FLORIDA’S NATURAL BEAUTY

Go home with the memory of a lifetime. We offer an exhilarating ride yet relaxing as we pass through beautiful sceneries and observe animals in their natural habitat. Whether you’re seven or 70 years old, Swamp Fever’s airboat tours are one of a kind!

WILDLIFE ANIMALS

Catch the fever with Swamp Fever’s airboat rides in Central Florida. See alligators, turtles, snakes, ducks, and rare birds as we pass through Florida’s untouched territories. Meet your mascots in the form of live animals in the area and get to know their behavior as we traverse their habitat.

NATURAL THEME PARK

Swamp Fever is beyond theme parks. No long lines or large crowds, don’t miss Central Florida airboat rides. Florida’s natural theme parks are its swamps, lakes, and marshes. Of all Orlando airboat rides, we are committed to giving the most memorable airboat adventure for all ages.

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SWAMP FEVER TOUR GUIDE

Enjoy a Safe and Guided Ride!

Are you staying in Tampa for your Florida adventure? Swamp Fever is one of the go-to airboat rides and tours near Tampa, FL. With just a quick hour drive away, visit us here at Lake Panasoffkee, and you’ll experience fun and relaxation. Let’s enjoy Florida’s beauty and scenery as we ride an airboat manned by none other than Captain Ron, Swamp Fever’s tour guide and airboat operator.

Take A Trip Of A Lifetime

Best airboat tours in orlando, florida with captain ron.

Captain Ron is a United States Coast Guard (USCG) certified airboat operator. Our Captain Ron is one of the most sought-after tour guides in Swamp Fever, but our other tour guides can also give you the best airboat adventures. However, as the most experienced airboat operator with us, Captain Ron has his special moves that can give you the thrill while you’re out in the Florida marshes and swamps.

Our tour guides at Swamp Fever give a one-of-a-kind experience and are voted as best airboat tours in Orlando, Florida. As USCG-certified airboat operators, we ensure the safest and most memorable ride. Captain Ron has been a Florida native and a lover of airboats for over 50 years. At the age of seven, he experienced his first airboat ride, which later on led to a lifelong relationship with airboats. Now, he gives the best airboat rides at Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures as he makes our customers happy.

Aside from his expertise in airboat rides, Captain Ron also has a passion and knowledge about Florida Swamps in his experience as an airboat operator. Though he worked in construction for many years, Captain Ron decided to pursue a Master Captain License to be Swamp Fever’s best operator and tour guide for airboat tours in Florida.

Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures

Best airboat adventures in florida.

Captain Ron and our experienced captains are trained and prepared to provide the ride of a lifetime. Our captains also allow you to take pictures and videos as you visit Florida’s natural sceneries. So don’t forget to bring your smartphones or cameras because every inch of Florida’s swamps and lakes is worth the shot. At Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures, we’re sure that we’ll satisfy your thirst for adventure. Though there are other boat tours in Tampa, Florida, Swamp Fever believes that we provide the best possible experience for the best price.

Reserve your ticket now and get a chance to meet Captain Ron at Swamp Fever Airboat Adventures. Our daytime tours are available for adults and children of all ages. For a personal experience with your family or friends, our private tours require a minimum of six persons.

Catch The Fever With Us Now!

Book a reservation at 352-643-0708 , and don’t miss your chance to experience the best Orlando airboat tours.

Texas GATORFEST is an annual festival held in Anahuac, Texas that celebrates the American Alligator. Each year, thousands of visitors flock to Fort Anahuac Park for a weekend of family friendly fun and entertainment. Peruse this website to learn more about the festival, Anahuac and how you can get involved!

Texas gatorfest  sponsors

Thank you to our corporate sponsors. your support is what keeps  this festival going year after year..

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Tag: Alligator Tour New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS ALLIGATOR TOURS 2023 – CROCODILE & AIRBOAT SWAMP RIDES WITH VIATOR

New Orleans Alligator Tours ➔ Airboat Crocodile Rides ➔ Bayou Trips ➔ Click Here

Don’t miss out on visiting the alligator ridden swamps of New Orleans, Louisiana. Take an airboat swamp tour in and around the waterways of New Orleans. Get the cheapest, low-cost tickets as well as excellent family group rates and enjoy an amazing day out watching gators in their natural habitat. Book now with Viator in 2023.

All the articles below generally relate to New Orleans Alligator Swamp Tours 2023 , New Orleans , USA .

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Alligators Tram Tour

Of all the wildlife at Highlands Hammock State Park , none captures our attention quite like the reptiles. The park’s tram tour allows visitors that opportunity to observe alligators in their natural habitat.

Visitors who take this tour are always thrilled to see alligators lined up basking in the sun on the banks of South Canal on brisk mornings. It’s also not uncommon to see an alligator while hiking through Cypress Swamp or Fern Garden Trail.

It’s truly amazing what wonderful creatures inhabit the park.

Alligators are cold-blooded, which means their body temperature is primarily determined by the temperature of the environment. Other characteristics include the tough scaly skin that protects against desiccation and physical injury, and their young hatching from shelled eggs.

Alligators construct nests in the summer and deposit 20-50 eggs, which hatch around two months. While alligators are considered predators as adults, juveniles may fall prey in their younger years to wading birds, raccoons and even other alligators.

To reduce their vulnerability, young alligators from different nests may stay together for two years in a group referred to as a pod. If food is abundant, a young gator can grow about one foot per year with the greatest growth in the first year.

To learn more about these fascinating reptiles plan a visit to Highlands Hammock to take a tram tour!  

• $15 per adult, $10 per child (ages 6-12), children 5 and under are free.
• Park entry fees apply. Tickets are sold on the day of the tour at the Hammock Inn Concession.

Hours of Operation

• Trams tours are suspended for the summer. 
• Regularly scheduled tram tours will resume in the fall.
• Special tram tours may be booked, and some holiday trams may run during off season months, weather and road conditions permitting.
• Tram tour operation is subject to change based on season and holidays. Please contact the Hammock Inn for details. 
• Hammock Inn: 863-402-0061.

Video: PGA Tour Event Was Disrupted By Alligator On Thursday

An unexpected guest interrupted Thursday's Zurich Classic.

Play halted on the 17th hole when an alligator walked across the course. Golfers watched and waited at the tee box as the creature slowly strutted on the green.

The broadcaster noted that a three-legged gator aptly named "Tripod" is often spotted at TPC Louisiana. However, this one had all four legs.

Here's a look at the moment, courtesy of the PGA Tour :

The alligator caused a delay, but that was luckily the full extent of its disturbance. Nobody was harmed, just mildly inconvenienced.

Once play resumed, the teams of Bronson Burgoon and Jhonattan Vegas and Paul Barjon and Samuel Stevens each finished the hole on par. Burgoon and Vegas are 7-under through the opening round, and Barjon and Stevens are tied for sixth place at 9-under after birdying the 18th hole.

Ryan Brehm and Mark Hubbard lead the tournament with a 61 after opening the event with four consecutive birdies. They'll look to dethrone 2023 winners Nick Hardy and Davis Riley, who are five strokes behind in New Orleans.

Fans can watch Zurich Classic coverage on the Golf Channel and Peacock, with CBS televising part of the third round on Saturday afternoon.

American Alligator

In case you didn't already know, a chicken and an alligator both hatch from eggs. It seems unlikely that two such visibly different animals would both come from eggs, but there you have it, it's true. About every 2 years a female alligator lays up to 25 eggs. The American alligator  (Alligator mississippiensis)  grows about 1 foot per year for the first 4-6 years. Then a gator's growth slows down and stops at about 20 years old. They can live up to 50 years. A typical male alligator has the potential of growing up to a length of 15 feet, and about 500 lbs. But most gators stay in the 6 foot range. Northeastern North Carolina is about the northernmost region where alligators live and breed. Environmental temperature has an effect on the growth rate and overall size of an alligator. The pictured 6 footer was photographed on Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

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Alligator causes (unofficial) seven-minute delay at Zurich Classic

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Competitive golf often includes rain delays, and sometimes there are wind delays. Enter the alligator delay.

During Thursday’s opening round at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, an alligator crossed roughly 3 feet in front of the tee box at the par-3 17th hole at TPC Louisiana, requiring the group of Paul Barjon/Sam Stevens and Jhonattan Vegas/Bronson Burgoon to wait seven minutes for the gator to pass.

Stevens, 27, was readying to hit his tee shot at No. 17 when it appeared the gator would rest on the rope line for a minute, but he was called off by his caddie when the gator got up and started walking again. The group arrived on the tee at 11:38 a.m. local time and teed off at 11:45 a.m. (The tournament was not officially delayed.)

"The gator was a bit unusual," Barjon texted PGATOUR.COM afterward. "It wasn’t really getting close to anyone but moved very slowly and we had to probably wait five minutes or a bit more. It was pretty cool."

Alligators and the Zurich Classic have long been intertwined. A gator named Tripod once traversed the TPC Louisiana grounds, allegedly as early as 2004 and for nearly two decades, making for captivating social media fodder through the years.

Thursday’s spotted alligator (yet to be named) has four legs, in contrast to the three-legged Tripod.

“That particular critter has four legs. For a long time, a legendary alligator which was named Tripod was here; he has three legs, as you might imagine,” remarked a PGA TOUR LIVE broadcaster during the gator crossing. “There is another three-legged alligator that has been spotted around the course recently, but he is missing his front left leg. Tripod was missing his front right leg.”

Assume this won’t be the last gator crossing at TPC Louisiana.