
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Experience the thrill of the Everglades on an airboat tour and get up close with alligators and other reptiles at Sawgrass Recreation Park.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Wildlife is often more active.

Sawgrass Recreation Park
Best Time
Wildlife is often more active.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the thrill of the Everglades on an airboat tour and get up close with alligators and other reptiles at Sawgrass Recreation Park.
"This was the most incredible day out that we had on our holiday. The boat tour on the everglades was amazing!"

👂 Ear Protection Recommended
Airboats are loud! Bring earplugs or use the ones provided to protect your hearing during the ride.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The Florida sun is intense. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for your airboat adventure.

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 7,215 reviews
Type
Tour Agency
Website
evergladestours.comHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Everglades Airboat Tour
Soar through the 'River of Grass' and spot alligators and other wildlife in their natural habitat. A thrilling eco-adventure!

Gator & Reptile Encounters
Get up close with baby alligators, snakes, and iguanas after your airboat ride. Educational and fun for all ages!

Wildlife Viewing Area
See various reptiles, including large and baby alligators, in a sanctuary setting. Learn about their behaviors and conservation.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Airboat Adventure
Embrace the Wild
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👂 Ear Protection Recommended
Airboats are loud! Bring earplugs or use the ones provided to protect your hearing during the ride.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The Florida sun is intense. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for your airboat adventure.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the wildlife and the unique Everglades landscape.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get hot and humid. Bring water or purchase it at the park to stay refreshed.
Tips
from all over the internet
👂 Ear Protection Recommended
Airboats are loud! Bring earplugs or use the ones provided to protect your hearing during the ride.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
The Florida sun is intense. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for your airboat adventure.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera or phone to snap photos of the wildlife and the unique Everglades landscape.
💧 Stay Hydrated
It can get hot and humid. Bring water or purchase it at the park to stay refreshed.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about the thrilling airboat tours and the educational reptile encounters at Sawgrass Recreation Park. Many highlight the knowledgeable and passionate staff who make the experience both fun and informative. While wildlife sightings can vary, the overall experience is highly recommended for its unique glimpse into the Everglades ecosystem.
"If you’re thinking about going, DO IT! I can’t put into works just how much I recommend this experience. This was the most incredible day out that we had on our holiday. The boat tour on the everglades was amazing, we saw multiple alligators and lots of wildlife. Even just being out there was such an experience and our guide ‘Captain Disco’ was brilliant, he was incredibly knowledgeable and made us feel extremely safe out on the water. After we got to go to the exhibition and look round, we got to hold a baby alligator too! There was a worker there that got inside an enclosure and did a talk, this was brilliant and we got to know so much about the alligators. As we walked around looking at the reptiles we got to talk to him quite a bit and he told us so much about the animals inside the sanctuary, I unfortunately can’t remember his name (he’s photographed below) but he was a superstar. It was so clear to see that him and every member of staff at this place has such a passion for those animals and it is so much more to them than a job. The animals look extremely well taken care of and it’s so beautiful to see."
Ashleigh Whittaker
"Native Floridians, but my wife and I have never done an airboat tour in the Everglades. We looked at some close to where we were for a recent trip and selected Sawgrass
Recreation Park. Easy to find, plenty of parking, and nice gift shop to look through. We arrived around 12:00 pm and after just a short wait we boarded our airboat with Capt. Disco. He did a great job piloting around the grasses and berms, going between the row of hammock near the levee. Disco was knowledgable, well informed, and masterful at maneuvering the craft around. Maybe the time of year (Nov) and day (midday) and higher water levels (5-6 feet), but Disco was still able to find one large gator, about 7-8 feet long, sitting in the grasses. Several different bird types, and even a couple of iguanas hanging out in the trees.
Definitely something everyone should experience. YMMV as nature isn’t always predictable and doesn’t always work on your schedule. Fun to see and experience regardless. They WANT you to see as much wildlife as possible!
And don’t forget about the Gator and Reptile encounters after your boat ride! Several large gators as well as several adolescents and baby gators. Cooler weather meant some animals were brought inside for their health and safety and weren’t displayed."
Jason Taylor
"It just goes without saying that when you visit Southern Florida, you have to take an airboat tour through the Everglades and hopefully you get to see some of the wildlife! We really enjoyed our tour, although we didn't get to see any Alligators on this run, but the boat tour was still fun and beautiful to experience! You definitely take a gamble on what you will get to see, so future tours are in our plans with hopes to see more. In any case, Sawgrass offers a wildlife viewing area where you can still see and meet some amazing Gators and other reptiles. The staff was excellent and very friendly and I highly recommend taking a tour for yourself! We will be back again!"
Steve Pelehos
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sawgrass Recreation Park is conveniently located off Alligator Alley (I-75), making it easily accessible from Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Many visitors find it easy to locate with ample parking available.
Yes, it's about a 40-minute drive from Miami, making it a perfect day trip or escape from the city.
There is plenty of parking available at the park, which is a relief for many visitors.
Public transportation options are limited for reaching Sawgrass Recreation Park due to its location. Renting a car or using ride-sharing services is generally recommended.
While the airboat itself may have limitations, the main park areas and exhibits are generally accessible. It's advisable to contact the park directly for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but many visitors mention booking through platforms like Fever for potential deals. Private tours are also available at a higher cost.
It's highly recommended to book your airboat tour in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot and avoid long waits.
Typically, the airboat tour ticket includes the ride through the Everglades and access to the gator and reptile exhibits afterward.
Some visitors have found discounts by booking through third-party sites like Fever. It's worth checking for deals before your visit.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Sawgrass Recreation Park website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on hours and tour availability.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You have a good chance of seeing alligators in their natural habitat on the airboat tour. The park also has exhibits with various reptiles like snakes, iguanas, and different sizes of alligators.
Airboat tours typically last around 45 to 60 minutes, offering a comprehensive experience of the Everglades ecosystem.
Yes, many visitors enjoy the opportunity to hold a baby alligator as part of the post-tour reptile encounters.
Besides alligators, you might spot various bird species, and the exhibits often feature iguanas, snakes, and other reptiles.
Yes, the airboat rides are generally considered suitable and exciting for children, offering a unique educational experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, food trucks are often available on-site, providing convenient dining options for visitors.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally a good idea to check the park's policy on outside food and beverages. However, with food trucks on-site, it's usually not necessary.
Food truck offerings can vary, but they typically provide casual and quick meal options suitable for a day trip.
Sawgrass Recreation Park primarily relies on food trucks for dining. There isn't a full-service restaurant on the premises.
Food truck menus can differ, so it's best to inquire directly with the vendors on the day of your visit regarding specific dietary options.
📸 📸 Photography
The airboat ride itself offers incredible photo opportunities of the Everglades landscape and wildlife. The reptile exhibits also provide close-up shots.
Yes, you can take photos during the airboat tour, but be mindful of the speed and wind. Ensure your equipment is secure.
Photography is generally allowed in the reptile exhibits, allowing you to capture detailed shots of the animals.
While general photography is permitted, it's always good practice to be respectful of other visitors and the animals. Avoid using flash photography directly at the animals if it seems to disturb them.
A camera with a good zoom lens is beneficial for capturing wildlife from the airboat. For exhibits, a standard lens or even a smartphone camera will work well.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit