Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. An ecotour along the Tamiami Trail offers a vivid glimpse into Florida’s wild heart. Guests travel through sawgrass prairies, cypress swamps, and wetland sloughs, surrounded by towering bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. Wildlife sightings often include American alligators, white-tailed deer, otters, turtles, and a dazzling array of birds like egrets, spoonbills, herons, and barred owls. The preserve is also rich in rare plants like ghost orchids and air plants clinging to ancient trees. Guides share stories of the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes, the area’s early development, and conservation efforts that saved this vital ecosystem. Each season offers something new—migratory birds, blooming bromeliads, or low waters that reveal the swamp’s secrets. Whether by van, boardwalk, or airboat ride, this tour is a chance to connect with nature and witness the timeless beauty of the Everglades.

   4 hAdmission included

2. Tour the “River of Grass” aboard an iconic airboat—flat-bottomed and perfectly designed to glide over the shallow wetlands of the Everglades. As the wind rushes past and birds soar overhead, your captain shares stories of the land, wildlife, and traditions passed down through generations. The journey leads to a remote chickee island, a thatched-roof platform built on stilts, where the tribe once lived in harmony with the swamp. Surrounded by sawgrass prairies and endless sky, this stop offers a rare chance to experience the cultural heart of the Everglades and gain insight into the resilience and legacy of the Miccosukee people.

   1 hAdmission included

3. Big Cypress National Preserve is a vast, wild landscape spanning over 700,000 acres in South Florida, just north of Everglades National Park. It protects a rich mosaic of swamps, pinelands, prairies, and hardwood hammocks that support a wide range of wildlife, including alligators, Florida panthers, black bears, white-tailed deer, and hundreds of bird species. Unlike a traditional national park, Big Cypress allows for multiple uses—hunting, off-road vehicle access, and tribal living—while still preserving its unique ecology. A visit to the Oasis Visitor Center, located right along the Tamiami Trail, is the perfect introduction to the preserve. Guests can view educational exhibits about the swamp's wildlife, hydrology, and cultural history, chat with rangers, and enjoy up-close views of alligators sunning in the canal just outside. It's an ideal launch point for deeper exploration into this subtropical wilderness—whether by boardwalk, scenic drive, or guided ecotour.

   2 hAdmission included

4. Island Cafe in Everglades City offers a free and satisfying lunch menu featuring local flavors and classic favorites. Guests can enjoy fried oysters, perfectly crispy and full of coastal flavor, or savor a tender, flaky grilled Mahi filet. For something hearty and familiar, the grilled chicken and juicy burgers are always a hit. Those craving bold flavors can dig into BBQ pork tacos or cheesy quesadillas, served hot and loaded with flavor. Lighter fare includes a variety of veggie wraps and fresh salads, perfect for guests looking for a plant-based or refreshing option. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, comfort food, or something green, Island Cafe serves it up with a smile—completely free on tour!

   1 hAdmission included

5. A visit to the Historic Smallwood Store in Chokoloskee adds rich cultural depth to your adventure. Perched on stilts above the edge of the Ten Thousand Islands, this preserved trading post from 1906 offers a fascinating glimpse into frontier life in the Florida Everglades. Guests can explore artifacts, tools, and stories from early settlers, Gladesmen, and the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes who once traded goods here. The museum is steeped in legend, including tales of infamous outlaw Ed Watson and the rugged isolation that shaped the region. Visiting the Smallwood Store is like stepping back in time—guests seeking history, mystery, and a deeper connection to the people of the Everglades. It’s a rare chance to see the human side of the swamp, and a powerful companion experience to the wildlife and ecology showcased on the safari.

   30 minAdmission included

6. Enjoy an unforgettable 60-minute boat tour into the heart of Everglades National Park, launching from the edge of Chokoloskee Bay. Glide through a maze of mangrove forests and coastal estuaries in the Ten Thousand Islands, where land and sea blur in a stunning display of natural beauty. Your captain, a local expert, shares fascinating insights into the Everglades’ unique ecology and the region’s rich history. Keep your eyes peeled for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, manatees, sharks, and a variety of coastal birds like ospreys, herons, and roseate spoonbills. This peaceful ride through Florida’s remote backwaters offers close encounters with wildlife and a deeper appreciation for one of the most diverse ecosystems in North America—a serene yet thrilling highlight of the day’s adventure.

   1 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 511 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Showing reviews written in English.

• 5Everglades fun!

  Julio was a fantastic guide for the day and a great driver. He told us about the history, and ecology of the Everglades and he had an eagle eye for spotting wildlife. We saw a croc, gators, dolphins, spoonbills, etc on a hot August day (technically the off-season).

  sarahlT1070VMAugust 2026via Tripadvisor

• 5Great day trip to learn about the sea of grass

  Mark our guide made our time a very informative trip. He is truly passionate about his job and the Florida environment.

  Christopher_YJune 2026via Viator

• 5Awesome and Comprehensive Everglades Adventure!

  This tour was fantastic, from beginning to end. Our tour guide and driver, Reza, had an expansive knowledge of the Everglades and Florida in general. He knew about every bird we saw and was quick to spot them! He had detailed facts about all the species found there. He told us so much about the history, geography, and geology! You could tell he was passionate about the Everglades! We got to take take an airboat ride in a canal, spotting otters, fish, birds, turtles, and of course alligators! We took a most beautiful hike, not too long, and found amazing plant life, including air plants and cypress trees! We happened along a pond with 2 alligators! We had a stop at a the Big Cypress National Preserve museum and learned about Seminoles wrestling with alligators, starting around the turn of the 20th century to earn $ from tourists! Lunch was great in Everglade City, and we loved the mini museum, the Smallwood store. We also stopped at a small art gallery on the way. We bought a few nice souvenirs! To round out the the busy day we took a boat ride out from the Smallwood store through the 10,000 islands area! We were incredibly lucky to see many dolphins, frolicking in the wake and swimming around our boat! We loved the entire day!! High Recommended!!

  BarbericsonMay 2026via Tripadvisor

• 1Waste of a day

  We were expecting an amazing adventure but regretted a waste of a day. Pick up and drop off at the rear of a shopping mall car park - not vey safe and on our return we were approached by drunks asking for money as we walked to the front of the mall to get an Uber. Why not meet opposite by Starbucks .. The mini bus was ok and guide , for the price expected more comfort though. Long drive which was fine and first stop airboat ride, which we were looking forward to , but due to water levels most of this was along a canal next to the highway with limited time actually in the glades. You should inform customer that due to water levels, experience would be impacted and offer them the right to cancel free of charge. The airboat, driver could hardly speak English, and find it insulting that pinned to the back of the seats ‘ driver works for tips’- no he works for the company that employs him and is there to offer a service to their customers who book and pay!!! Miccosukee Indian village, we were expecting to be able to purchase original arts and crafts not a store selling mass produced tat, completely miss-led by this description, and see something more cultural and local? Stopped at a gallery- museum , basically looking at photographs. Stopped at the smallest post office in the US- a shed with a-man sitting inside - why. Quite sad really and he was proud to be going into national geographic! Walk through the reserve, via a well trodden trail littered with plastic and rubbish in most part. “Delicious lunch” was offered- wow- absolutely awful which most of us left including the guide, heavily fired chips, embarrassing ‘ salad’, overcooked fish all served with plenty of single use plastic ( so much for the eco tour ) next to crabbing boats where the local find it acceptable to catch large crabs, pull off one claw and throw them back where it grows back- we were all shocked but assured by the guide doesn’t hurt the crab!!!! Smallwood store, old shop full of junk and a few overpriced tourist gifts ( most made in South America!) Mangrove wilderness boat cruise, only memorable part of the day, great captain, incredible trip with numerous dolphins spotted and following the boat - but again another sign posted to the back of the seat- don’t forget to tip the captain! In Europe you tip naturally for good service voluntary, not by being asked to, perhaps pay your employees more! Very disappointing day, would not recommend and completely oversold as an experience from the description.

  stewkMay 2026via Tripadvisor

• 3Should’ve canceled this tour or given us the opportunity to reschedule

  Company had a van in service- so they packed two tours- originating from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami into one van. We had an hour of pick ups before the tour even started. We would’ve rescheduled or canceled had been given the opportunity. Inappropriate to smash 14 people in this van, and no one was allowed to sit in the front seat either. We were in the back row with their knees up on wheelwells and couldn’t move. Let alone see out the one side window- there is an hour long stop and go pull off the shoulder tour, which was very unexpected and being in the back with 14 people it made us carsick. Second. We expected more walking and hiking. Not “look out the window narration” with stop and go along the shoulder of a highway. We couldn’t wait for this part of the tour to be over. All we saw was people’s yards and roof lines and fences. We saw nothing that was being shown in the ditch. On a normal day with half the people this would’ve been more acceptable the paid part of the tours, including the lunch and air boat and boat ride were great.. would suggest based on our circumstances to just organize those on your own if you run into a full tour- so unusual circumstances kind of ruined the day.

  Lisa_KApril 2026via Viator

• 5Everglades from FT Lauderdale

  The guide was so knowledgeable and fantastic. We took the time we needed. He was always checking in with us and making sure we were ok. He did his best to educate us and had all the opportunities to see the wildlife in Everglades. He went above and beyond.

  Tedda_RApril 2026via Viator

Know before you go

How it compares in Fort Lauderdale

• Its from-price is 10% below the median of the 21 day trips we list in Fort Lauderdale.
• It is longer than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 4 of 21.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a Florida beach city built on canals, with a palm-lined oceanfront, a big yacht scene and the Everglades close to the west.

Fort Lauderdale sits on Florida's Atlantic coast about forty kilometres north of Miami, threaded by canals and the New River, earning the nickname Venice of America. Las Olas Boulevard is a tree-lined street of shops and restaurants, while the beachfront has a wavy promenade facing the ocean. Yachts line the waterways, and the city hosts one of the world's biggest boat shows each autumn.

Top-ranked sights in Fort Lauderdale: Historic Stranahan House Museum, Las Olas Boulevard, Sawgrass Recreation Park.

See all 519 experiences in Fort Lauderdale