florida everglades safari park

Everglades Safari Park

Review Highlights

“ And had we stayed for the alligator show , we could have held the baby alligator and seen more up close. ” in 42 reviews

“ My husband ran the bag of gifts out to the rental car in a rush so we didn't miss the airboat ride! ” in 76 reviews

“ The show after was short and sweet and they gave us the option of taking a picture with a baby gator . ” in 28 reviews

Location & Hours

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26700 SW 8th St

Miami, FL 33194

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Visit the Florida Everglades' premier and most complete airboat attraction. Everglades Safari Park has a modern fleet of airboats of all sizes, capable of accommodating singles, couples, families, and large groups. Explore nature's River of Grass on an Eco-Adventure tour or on a small private airboat. Our experienced tour guides will describe you the wonders of this unique ecosystem and the native and exotic wildlife that inhabit it. All tours will include our world famous airboat rides, alligator wildlife show, and a walking trail filled with crocodilian exhibits. …

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257 reviews

We hired an air boat for a private tour for my husband and I. Manny was our "Captain", and did an amazing job. He told us so much about the Everglades, the ecosystem, the edible plants, non-edible plants, the leaves that keep mosquitoes away, the history...pretty much everything you thought you wanted to know plus more. After our tour, we watched a show with live alligators. We learned that alligators don't specifically hunt humans, but they will attack if they feel threatened or their babies are threatened. There is also a boardwalk area where you can see wild alligators. Overall a super cool place!!!

Great experience. Quick. Easy. We saw alligators and bird. Had a great time. Boat was awesome we saw lots. If you need to check off you to do list riding an airboat it's easy here. Writing this review for the sole purpose of letting everyone know about ride share. You can get an Uber to drop you off here. We were unable to get an Uber to pick us up. We were able to get a Lyft back. Be warned it took us about 20 -25 min to get a ride. Plan accordingly. It's also the Everglades so not a lot of 5G. Gift shop has wifi though.

The boat ride itself was kind of fun, but if you want a private boat, you need to book in advance, and there are definitely more authentic, non-corporate places than this one. The group boat was crowded, we had to wait for quite a while to board, and they make you attend an "alligator show" before you get on the boat, which is just a weird kind of sad display of alligators and snakes held in captivity. The boat ride was mostly just searching for alligators, not learning much more about the Everglades or seeing other interesting things. I liked our boat captain--he made it more fun than it would have been otherwise. Felt like a tourist trap, not recommended.

We stopped by here on our drive back from the keys. My husband had never been on an airboat before, so we took the opportunity. It was so incredibly hot. Luckily we had sunscreen and everything with us. We were able to get on a boat within 10 minutes, which was awesome. We watched their gator show and walked around the park after. They do offer military discounts too.

See all photos from Ashley S. for Everglades Safari Park

Tourist trap with rude staff in EVERY direction-so many better options for an authentic and enjoyable airboat experience.

Never been to the Everglades or on an airboat so I wanted to check it out. The tour was awesome with lots of great information from the guide. The airboat was a lot of fun and we saw some gators. After there's a gator show and nature walk. Also a restaurant and gift shop. This place was great, definitely for kids and families

They took away my chicken tenders when I was like halfway done and that made me very angy

This place was amazing!!! Did a private airboat tour and it was the highlight of our Miami trip. They are located a few miles outside the Everglades national park, shark valley entrance. We weren't going to do an airboat tour, but drove by and decided to stop by. Went on a Wednesday and did the 40 minute private airboat tour. Our guide was Gio and we can't say enough good about him. Knowledgeable, funny, and took us to all the good spots to see gators. We even saw babies in their natural habitat! Their alligator show at the park was fun and informative. We will definitely be back when in the area. Thanks Gio!!!

We stopped here on our way to the Everglades National Park Visitor Center (Shark Valley) we ended up spending the day here instead. My kids loved the experience, we enjoyed the airboat ride and saw a few alligators. The show was okay but again the kids loved it. Overall we had an amazing day and we would come back.

See all photos from michelle h. for Everglades Safari Park

Such an awesome place. It's a great experience to ride on a different kind of boat compared to a traditional boat since your in a swamp. The nice thing is it doesn't small since the water is constantly flowing slow but still flowing. We got to see a couple of alligators on our ride but I herd it's not guaranteed. They have a show and place you can them after the boat ride if you choose to go look. Overall experience is great if you are looking to do something interesting and fun outdoors with your family!

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Everglades Safari Park - Miami

• 26700 SW 8th Street Miami, FL 33194
• (305) 226-6923

Everglades Safari Park

• See all photos

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Everglades Safari Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Everglades National Park

Here's everything you need to know before planning a trip to Everglades National Park.

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

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Best Things to Do in Everglades National Park

Must-see wildlife and natural features, where to stay, where to eat.

Visit Florida

Those who associate wide-open wilderness areas with the Western United States likely haven’t been to Everglades National Park. The Florida park stretches across 1.5 million acres and protects the largest designated wilderness area east of the Rocky Mountains. In the Everglades, alligators and crocodiles coexist (and are seen regularly), and the flora and fauna are so robust that this national park was the first set aside purely for its biodiversity.

“Everglades is not only a national park, but also a World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected area under the Cartagena Treaty,” explained Allyson Gantt, chief of communications and public affairs for Everglades National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park, in an interview with Travel + Leisure . "I love sharing the complexities and beauty of this park with visitors.”

Meet the Expert

Allyson Gantt has been a National Park Service ranger for over 25 years, currently serving as the chief of communications and public affairs for Everglades National Park and Dry Tortugas National Park.

Gantt knows first-hand what makes Everglades National Park a special place — along with the ins and outs of what first-timers should know and what not to miss.

Stephanie Pollak/Travel + Leisure

Planning Your Visit 

Everglades National Park is massive, so Gantt says it is vital to show up with a plan for what you will do and see. “Because of the geographic spread of the park, visitors may want to focus on one area if they only have a few hours or one day.”

The park is open year-round but offers two very different experiences based on when you visit. The dry season (December to April) is busier, with better weather, more wildlife, and fewer mosquitos, while the wet season (May to November) is quieter. Visitors can buy a park pass in person at the Homestead or Shark Valley entrances to the park or at the Gulf Coast Visitor Center at the Everglades City entrance. If you’re visiting during the busy dry season, especially on a weekend, buy your park pass online through Recreation.gov to avoid waiting in long lines at the entrance gate. A pass for a single vehicle or vessel is $35 and is valid for seven days. 

Even if you do buy a park pass in advance, the Homestead and Shark Valley entrances are notoriously congested with limited parking during the busy winter season. The park website says , “It is recommended to visit these areas on weekdays, arrive early in the day (before 10 a.m.), and carpool to the park if possible.”

Due to its size, Everglades National Park has three entrances in three different cities. A car is a must because the park has no public transportation and the three entrances are at least an hour from each other.

The southern section of the park is best accessed from the Homestead entrance, which is the park’s primary entrance. The Homestead entrance is outside Homestead, Florida and has the Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center and the Guy Bradley Visitor Center (at Flamingo). Homestead also provides access to the neighboring Royal Palm State Park . 

The northern section of the park is best accessed from the Miami or Everglades City entrances. The closest entrance to Miami is Shark Valley, which has the Shark Valley Visitor Center. The entrance closest to Naples is the Everglades City entrance, which has the Gulf Coast Visitor Center.

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Best Time to Visit 

As we mentioned, there are two very distinct seasons in Everglades National Park: dry season and wet season. If you come between December and April, you’ll experience the dry season, which comes with cooler temperatures and fewer mosquitos. The dry season’s preferable climate aligns with the park’s busy season — and it's also when most of the wading birds (and their predators) can be seen.

The wet season in the Everglades typically runs from May to November, and it's rainy with lots of mosquitoes. The weather and bugs that come along with South Florida summers lead to fewer visitors — which can be a major plus.

“The wetter summer season offers incredible cloud formations and calmer waters for boating and fishing,” Gantt adds. “The shoulder seasons, especially November/early December and late April into May, can be less busy times to visit, but still have plenty of opportunities to enjoy all the park has to offer.”

It’s impossible to feel bored during a visit to Everglades National Park. The expansive park has more than its fair share of interesting ecosystems and wildlife. There are marine and estuary topographies, cypresses and mangroves. There’s a lot to see and do, but for a first-time visitor, Gantt has a few specific recommendations.

Drive the Homestead Entrance Road and hike.

“The Homestead entrance has a 38-mile road with multiple stops with short trails through a variety of the park habitats,” said Gantt, who notes that this is a good way to get acquainted with the southern section of the park.

She specifically recommended the Anhinga Trail , a short route that is wheelchair accessible and starts from the Royal Palm Visitor Center. Alligators, turtles, herons, and egrets are often seen along this trail.

Join a tram tour for wildlife sightings.

Near the Shark Valley entrance is a paved 15-mile loop that goes along the Shark River Slough, where alligators, turtles, and many bird species are often found. The trail is great for walking, but if you want to do the full 15 miles, your best bet is to rent a bike or hop on the tram — both of which are available through Shark Valley Tram Tours . There’s also an observation tower in the Shark Valley area with a viewing deck that overlooks alligators, turtles, fish, and birds. 

Gantt notes that at this part of the park, “Visitation is higher and parking can be challenging on busy weekends and holidays.” 

Take an airboat tour.

There are three airboat companies that operate in the park, and Gantt says cruising through the Everglades on a flat-bottomed boat is a must during your visit. The three operators with permission to operate in the park are Coopertown, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Park.

Visit the mangroves and Florida Bay.

From the Homestead entrance you can get to the Flamingo area, which is considered the gateway to Florida Bay. The bay and the mangrove-lined waterways that feed into it are home to much of the park’s marine life. 

“At Flamingo, we offer narrated boat tours through the mangroves and also on the open water of Florida Bay. There are several great trails in the area for paddling as well as the open area of Florida Bay. Manatees, crocodiles, and osprey are frequently seen around the marina,” said Gantt. 

Beyond the marina, which has a small store and a gas station, the Flamingo area of the park has a campground and kayak, canoe, and bicycle rentals (through Flamingo Adventures ).

Cruise through the Ten Thousand Islands along the Gulf.

If you want to play along the watery landscape of the Gulf Coast, head to the Everglades City entrance near Naples. This area is the gateway for expeditions to the Ten Thousand Islands, a maze of mangrove islands that are only accessible by boat. The Gulf Coast Visitor Center was destroyed by a hurricane in 2017 and is being rebuilt, but you can still book a boat tour to the Ten Thousand Islands with Everglades National Park Adventures . The two-hour tour takes place on a 49-passenger pontoon boat with a trained guide and occasionally an Everglades park ranger. 

Troy Harrison/Getty Images

The Everglades is essentially a giant wetland that consists of sawgrass marshes, pine flatwoods, and coastal mangroves. The boggy wilderness is both beautiful and daunting, especially when you consider that it’s home to a huge number of animals, including the Florida panther, the West Indian manatee, and the endangered leatherback turtle. 

But no creatures are as synonymous with the Everglades as the alligators and crocodiles. Gantt notes that “South Florida is the only place in the world where [alligators and crocodiles] coexist thanks to the combination of freshwater and saltwater areas.”

Beyond frequent sightings of the large reptiles, Gantt says the park has a huge number of birds, and it's “on the migratory path for a number of species, thus offering fantastic birding opportunities, especially in the winter.”

Animals aside, Everglades National Park has a large number of plants, trees, and landscapes, from coastal mangroves to hardwood forests. Remember, the park was originally protected because of its biodiversity, which is its biggest draw.

Flamingo Lodge

There is only one hotel within Everglades National Park, and it just opened in late 2023. The Flamingo Lodge is located at the southernmost tip of the Florida peninsula and can be reached via the Homestead entrance. The lodge has 24 rooms including eight two-bedroom suites that can accommodate up to six people. The highlight of each room is the east-facing balcony that provides sunrise and sunset views over Florida Bay.

Flamingo Glamping Tents and Houseboats

Beyond the new Flamingo Lodge, the Flamingo area of the park has two “glamping” options — one on land and one on water. Visitors can rent one of the safari-style glamping tents , which have a fan and electricity. You will need to bring your own sleeping pad and bag.

For a unique lodging option, book one of the 42-foot houseboats , which have kitchens, bathrooms, linens, and air conditioning. The houseboats can sleep up to six people and can be taken out on the water. 

Related: Best Places to Go Glamping in Florida

Long Pine Key and Flamingo Campgrounds

The only other in-park lodging options are the Long Pine Key and Flamingo campgrounds . Both campgrounds have RV and tent sites and can be driven to. The Long Pine Key Campground is the most accessible and is located near the Homestead entrance, while the Flamingo Campground is set deeper inside the park in the Flamingo area. Both campgrounds offer great stargazing and easy access to the Flamingo Marina, a popular launch site for fishing trips. 

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The new Flamingo Restaurant is adjacent to the Flamingo Lodge and is the only full-service restaurant in the park. 

“The new Flamingo Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus a full-service bar,” said Gantt. “Anglers heading out on the water with a licensed fishing guide can also try the restaurant's Cook Your Catch offering, bringing back their fresh fish to be prepared by the restaurant.”

There are plenty of dining options in cities surrounding the park — Miami, Naples, and Homestead — but most visitors bring their own food and drinks into the park. There are picnic tables at Long Pine Key and Flamingo campgrounds.

For grab-and-go snacks and drinks, Gantt says you can find a limited selection at the park’s visitor centers (Ernest F. Coe Visitor Center, Royal Palm Visitor Center, and Shark Valley Visitor Center) and at the Flamingo marina shop.

PRESENTED BY TRAVELODGE BY WYNDHAM

Everything you need to know about Everglades National Park

Plan your trip to the southern tip of Florida to visit the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.

Why you should go to Everglades National Park

Sprawling between South Florida’s Lake Okeechobee and the Gulf of Mexico, the Everglades is one of the world’s largest tropical wetlands. About 20 percent of the region is protected within the confines of Everglades National Park , the third largest national park after Death Valley and Yellowstone in the lower 48 states. While the park’s main purpose is preserving wilderness, Everglades also provides plenty of scope for outdoor adventure.

Although technically a wetland , perhaps it’s best to think of the Everglades as the nation’s slowest, widest river—a constant stream of freshwater roughly 60 miles wide, moving at a speed of around 2.5 miles per day as it makes its way south to Florida Bay. The Seminole people called the region Okeechobee (“river of grass”). And while a large part of the Everglades is covered in razor-sharp sawgrass, the region also encompasses mangroves , tropical hardwood hammocks (island forests), pine and cypress forests, freshwater prairie, and various marine and estuarine habitats.

(This ambitious new trail will someday connect South Florida’s two national parks.)

“A visitor with an untrained eye—especially one used to the dramatic vistas of some western national parks—might arrive at Everglades National Park and think ‘What's the big deal?’” says Eve Samples, executive director of Friends of the Everglades. “It's a park that requires you to really train your eye and be mindful and be present. When you do that, you can experience some really incredible and subtle nature.”

Where to find the best views in the park

With elevation ranging between sea level and eight feet, it’s not easy to snatch a lofty view of the park anywhere other than the 70-foot-high Shark Valley Observation Tower . Opened in 1984, the futuristic spiral renders views of up to 20 miles across the Everglades.

Fourteen miles west of Coe Visitor Center along the Main Park Road, the Pa-Hay-Okee boardwalk and elevated shade shelter provides another wide view across the river of grass.

One of the best coastal views is from the second-floor breezeway of the Guy Bradley Visitor Center in Flamingo.

Where to find the park’s best trails

Located near Coe Visitor Center, the Gumbo Limbo Trail (0.4 mile) and Anhinga Trail (0.8 mile) meander through Royal Palm hammock, while the 22-mile Long Pine Key Trails   penetrate the park’s largest stand of native pines.

Dead flat and paved, the 15-mile Shark Valley Trail varies between sawgrass marsh and tropical hardwood hammocks. Despite the name, there aren’t any sharks, just snoozing gators to step around (at a safe distance, of course).

Where to spot wildlife

Flamingo village is surprisingly good for wildlife. Osprey hatch and raise their young on nesting towers beside the marina, while manatees and American crocodile are sometimes spotted in the bay and nearby mangrove channels.

Alligators   routinely emerge from the swamp and sun themselves on or beside the Shark Valley Trail . It’s also a primo bird habitat for creepy-looking wood storks, gorgeous roseate spoonbills, and anhinga “snakebirds.”

Other places to watch gators and birdlife are the Anhinga Trail and Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk   in Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park adjacent to the national park.

(Go on a wildlife odyssey through the Everglades and Key West.)

How to visit the park like a Nat Geo Explorer

National Geographic Young Explorer and conservation biologist Gabriela Tejeda has guided visitors along the park’s Florida Bay coast in boats, kayaks, and on paddleboards.

Her favorite way to explore inland areas is "slough slogging." It entails hiking in knee-to-waist-high water through sawgrass to reach secluded hardwood hammocks   or cypress domes —flora and fauna rich arboreal islands in the sawgrass.

When viewed from above, the domes form a rough circle around a pond. “What I didn’t know the first time I explored a dome,” Tejeda recalls, “is that the water in the middle is an ‘alligator hole’—a place where they hang out in the winter when the rest of the Everglades is drying out.”

“[The cypress domes] are unlike anything I had ever seen,” Tejeda continues. “I like to equate them to a fairy tale—a little fairy dome where you just feel like there’s going to be something magical flying around.” No fairy sightings so far. “But I always see owls and alligators and snakes.”

She highly recommends joining a ranger-led slough slog to Double Dome or other cypress domes along the Main Park Road.

Notable activities and excursions

Driving:   The Main Park Road runs through a variety of Everglades ecosystems—freshwater prairie, cypress forest, mangrove, and coastal marsh — on a 38-mile journey between the Coe Visitor Center and Flamingo . Along the way are sideroads to the Royal Palm trails, Historic Nike Missile Site , the   Mahogany Hammock boardwalk trail, and West Lake Boardwalk .

Tours:   Shark Valley offers two-hour narrated tram tours that stop at the Shark Valley Observation Tower. January through April, rangers lead Full Moon/New Moon Bike Rides and other activities.

Narrated boat tours depart from Flamingo and Everglades City . The latter is also homebase for private outfitters offering airboat tours, including Everglades City Airboat Tours. History buffs should visit the town’s small but interesting Museum of the Everglades .

Paddling:   Flamingo and Everglades City bookend the Everglades’ ultimate kayak/canoe experience —the Wilderness Waterway —a 99-mile meander through mangroves and marshes with raised platform “chickee hut” campsites along the way. Everglades City is also the starting point for self-guided paddles along the Turner River Canoe Trails .

Best things to do for families

Bikes & boats:   If keeping kids active is your mission, rent bikes and dodge snoozing alligators along the Shark Valley Tram Trail or explore Florida Bay and the mangroves by boat. Flamingo Adventures   offers canoe and kayak rentals in two-hour increments, as well as full-day pontoon boat rentals.

Tours:   Hop aboard a narrated boat tour of Florida Bay (from Flamingo Marina) or the Ten Thousand Islands (from Port Everglades); or feel the wind in your face during an adrenaline-pumping airboat ride from outfitters around the periphery of the park.

Junior Rangers:   Offered in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole, the park’s Junior Ranger Booklet features hands-on and self-guided activities including a scavenger hunt to spot wild animals that call the park home.

The park also participates in the Every Kid Outdoors program that provides vouchers for fourth graders and their families in the U.S. to visit the Everglades (and other national parks) free of charge for an entire year.

Where to stay

Hotels: Destroyed by a hurricane in 2005, Flaming Lodge is open again with new waterview rooms. Outside the park, the closest hotels are in Homestead and Doral (on the eastern edge of the park) and Everglades City, Marco Island, and Naples (beyond the western edge).

Houseboats: Modern, six-person, 42-foot houseboats at Flamingo Marina are equipped with a bathroom (and with shower), an indoor galley, outside grill, air conditioning, bedding, and fish-cutting tables.

Camping: Long Pine Key Campground is open November 1 to April 30. Flamingo Campground is open year-round. Both feature bath houses, dump stations, and potable water. Reservations highly recommended. For camping with the comforts of home, Winter Glamping Tents are available November-April in Flamingo.

Wilderness camping is allowed on certain ground or beach sites or “chickees” (elevated camping platforms). Most sites are accessible only by water and all require wilderness permits. Reservations at Recreation.gov .

Here’s what else you need to know

Access: Although the entire coast is open to exploration via watercraft, land-bound visitors have three options for entering the park: Everglades Homestead in the east, Shark Valley in the north, and Gulf Coast in the northwest.

When to visit:   The dry season (December to March) is when most ranger programs and park concessions are available. This is also the best time to see wading birds and other wildlife. The wet season (April to November) is hot, humid, buggy, and has fewer park services.

“Many people prefer the winter for the terrific weather,” says ranger Allyson Gantt. “But each season offers something special. The shoulder seasons of fall and spring are less busy and may offer more solitude. Summer is especially great for boating and other water activities.”

Closures: A multi-year construction project to raise the level of the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) often features delays. Shark Valley parking is often full by 10 a.m. Check out the latest road, trail, and parking lot conditions, plus weather and prescribed burning alerts at the park’s   conditions page.  

Fishing: Unless you’re under 16 or a Florida resident 65 or older, a state fishing license is required. Anglers casting south of Nine Mile Pond need a saltwater fishing license; from Nine Mile Pond northwards, a freshwater fishing license is mandatory.

Swimming: Swimming and snorkeling are forbidden anywhere inside the park.

Remote control aircraft: Drones, model airplanes, and similar unmanned aircraft are not allowed in the park.

Read before you go:   Originally published in 1947, the definitive Everglades book remains The Everglades: River of Grass ,   by Florida writer and conservationist Marjory Stoneman Douglas.

Are pets allowed?  

Because of the park’s wildlife-rich environment—and the potential threat that it poses to both pets and wild animals—pets and service animals are only allowed in parking lots, on boats, and in the campgrounds and picnic areas at Flamingo and Long Pine Key.

How accessible is Everglades?

Among the accessible sites and services are seven trails, all four visitors centers, two developed campgrounds and one backcountry campsite, narrated boat tours, and the Shark Valley Tram Tour. Visitor information via TDD is available at (305) 242-7740.

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Everglades Safari Park

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Everglades Safari Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Everglade Safari Park: 5 Ways to Save Up to 21% Off

Dive deep into the heart of the Florida Everglades National Park. Familiarize yourself with every aspect of the majestic Everglades, from its thriving flora and fauna to the significance and necessity of protecting this valuable 1.5-million-acre marshland ecosystem.

Follow along as we share everything you need to know about Everglades Safari Park discount tickets and insider tips.

South Florida is home to Everglades National Park, the largest tropical wilderness in the United States and a wetlands preserve that provides important habitat for many rare and endangered species. Nature lovers will enjoy exploring Florida Everglades with opportunities to see the manatee, American crocodile, and even the elusive Florida panther up close.

It is impossible to explore every nook and cranny of this wilderness reserve, but those who are keen to experience parts of the Everglades will be glad to know that Everglades Safari Park has been helping people do so for over 50 years.

On your next trip to Miami, visit Everglades Safari Park and experience the beauty of Everglades National Park with an eco-friendly airboat tour. Look forward to an educational alligator wildlife show, the “Hold a Baby Alligator” experience, and a walking trail filled with crocodilian exhibits.

Everglades Safari Park Discount Tickets

Are you ready to experience an unforgettable journey through Florida Everglades National Park? Everglades Safari Park Tickets will get you there!

Your ticket includes the following:

• A 30-minute guided Everglades tour on a Safari Park airboat ride
• An alligator show with an opportunity to get up close and personal with the local wildlife
• Access to the jungle trail, observation platform, and exhibits

Everglades Safari Park Coupons and Discounts

Everglades safari park military discount.

Active duty U.S. military members and their dependents can score discount passes to the Everglades National Park. Additionally, guests attending the the Park can obtain $3 off admission.

Everglades Safari Park AAA Discount

You may be hoping to score discount Everglades Safari Park tickets with your AAA membership card. Unfortunately, there is no Everglades Safari Park AAA discount at this time.

Alternatively, check out Everglades Safari Park Admission Tickets from Tripster to save on tickets.

Everglades Safari Park Senior Discount

Everglades National Park offers a senior pass year-round. However, there is no Park senior discount at this time.

Related Post: 3 Days in Miami: How to Make the Most of Your Time

Still looking for a discount? No need for an Everglades Safari Park coupon code! Check out Tickets from Tripster to save on tickets.

Everglades Safari Park Group Travel Deals

Traveling with a group? The Park welcomes group tours of all sizes to enjoy the beauty of Everglades National Park together. Even if you have no Everglades Safari Park promo code, you can always request a group rate!

Everglades Safari Park Vacation Packages

Everglades National Park isn’t the only South Florida attraction that is worth visiting. Flamingo Gardens and Zoo Miami are equally fascinating for animal and nature lovers.

Meanwhile, indoor attractions like Escapology Fort Lauderdale and Paradox Museum are a huge hit for groups looking for fun and excitement.

Fortunately, it is possible to save big on tickets when you combine Everglades Safari Park admission tickets with any of these Miami attractions:

• Flamingo Gardens Combo
• Zoo Miami Combo Tickets
• Paradox Museum Combo
• Escapology Fort Lauderdale Combo

Hotels Near Everglades Safari Park

Spend a few days exploring the Park and the surrounding nature. There are dozens of hotels to choose from for all kinds of travelers; among them are our favorites:

• Parrot Key Hotel & Villas
• Kimpton Lighthouse Hotel, an IHG Hotel
• Hampton Inn Key West
• Margaritaville Beach House Key West

Miami Attractions

Vizcaya museum and gardens.

Treat yourself to a day well spent at one of Miami’s most popular historical landmarks. Vizcaya Museum and Gardens offers lavished architecture, a sublime art collection, and manicured gardens.

And when you book Vizcaya Museum and Gardens tickets through Tripster, roundtrip transportation from Miami Beach and Downtown Hotels is included as well.

Flamingo Gardens

Although the elegant flamingos are the stars of the show at Flamingo Gardens, visitors will enjoy so much more than viewing these adorable creatures from afar.

Flamingo Gardens tickets include a narrated tram tour that will take you through 46 acres consisting of a mitigated tropical rainforest, wetlands area, and a native hammock including some of the last natural jungle growth in South Florida.

Miami Guided City Tour

Southern Florida’s coastal gem has tons to offer, with a perfect blend of modern charm and natural beauty. Take some time to explore the city with a Miami Guided City Tour . Visit landmarks and must-see destinations with stops at Little Havana, Wynwood, and Bayside Marketplace.

Insider Tips

What to bring.

If you’re planning to visit Everglades National Park during the warm months of the year, don’t forget to bring mosquito repellent . Wet, warm summers at the Park create a perfect habitat that will harbor a high population of mosquitos.

Related Post: Indoor Activities in Miami: What to Do When the Weather Gets in the Way

And since changes in the weather are unavoidable, we recommend bringing a raincoat so you won’t have to get drenched while riding the airboat. But in case you forget yours, ponchos are for sale in the Safari Park’s gift shop.

Can I Bring Food into the Park?

Outside food and drinks are not allowed into the Park, with the exception of a small bottle of water.

If you’re up to it, head over to the on-site Safari Cafe and try their world-famous Gator Bites. Yes, it’s real alligator meat!

Everglades Safari Park Parking

Parking is free for visitors with admission tickets! The estimated driving time from the Florida Keys is an hour and a half, while a trip from Downtown Miami will take around 40 minutes.

Pin this address: 26700 SW 8th St Miami FL 33194

Want to find out what other readers think of the Park? Check out the most recent Everglades Safari Park reviews and Everglades Safari Park photos.

Go off the beaten path and take a closer look at some of the animals that call the Florida Everglades home. Explore the park on foot at your own pace, but of course, don’t miss the chance to experience Everglades’ unique ecosystem aboard an airboat. The world’s best airboat rides are offered here, after all!

What’s Your Favorite Way to Tour the Everglades?

Leave us a comment below!

Written by Nicole King

There are only two things that make Nicole really happy–books and travel! When her head’s not buried in a book, she’s most likely...

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Everglades Safari Park - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

The Original Everglades National Park Airboat Tour

Everglades safari t-shirt.

The Ultimate Guide to Everglades National Park

When thinking of the hottest tourist destinations in the world, there’s no doubt that Miami Florida comes to mind for many people. What’s not to like? We have sunny skies, beautiful beaches, great food, and so much more. But we’re not here to talk about the mainstream. We want to shed light on one of the hidden gems often overlooked by visitors and residents alike; the Florida Everglades.

With so much to do in South Florida, it’s easy to miss the adventure that can be found in our very own backyard. Many of our residents have limited knowledge of the Everglades and all the magical things we might encounter when visiting. Everything from unique and rare animals, plants, and birds to the beautiful pristine waters and stunning sunsets, it’s a wonder that more people don’t visit.

In this article, we’ll uncover some of the best-kept secrets tucked away in the mysteries of the Florida Everglades. Let’s dive in.

What is the Florida Everglades?

The Florida Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the Southeastern United States, covering nearly 1.5 million acres of protected wetlands. Officially sanctioned in 1947, the Everglades National Park is the largest protected area this side of the Mississippi — that would be East of the Mississippi for those of you who are curious. Before the official sanctioning, specifically since 1916, the area was known as the Royal Palm State Park.

Host to a vast yet delicate ecosystem, the Everglades also acts as a natural water filter, most of which flows down from Lake Okeechobee in central Florida or comes by way of rainfall – about 60 inches of rain a year. The Biscayne Aquifer, responsible for roughly two-thirds of the water consumed by South Floridians, sits directly under the Everglades. The water that flows into the aquifer is filtered through nutrient-dense soil and limestone, producing some of the purest water found anywhere in the world. Whether you know it or not, if you’re in South Florida, you’re most likely drinking Everglades water every time you turn on the tap.

Sadly, over the past 100 years, rising sea levels coupled with overdevelopment of the land have caused the natural filtration system to change – and not for the better. Due in part to rising sea levels, saltwater has contaminated the Biscayne Aquifer presenting challenges to the ecosystem. This has also driven up the cost of desalinating our drinking water and strained the natural filtration system. According to the Everglades Foundation, the ultra-pure water we have enjoyed has fallen to about 50% of what it used to be.  However, there is hope; the National Park is working hard to restore the flow of fresh water into the Everglades, which has successfully managed to push back against the intrusion of the saltwater.

Because of the ecosystem’s delicate nature, even small fluctuations in the amount of water can have devastating effects on the flora and fauna that call the Everglades home. Too much or too little water can be disastrous for wildlife, depending on the time of year. Everything from the water the animals drink to the estuaries where young fish and amphibians are spawned relies on the balance of water in the Everglades.

In March 2020, South Florida experienced record dry conditions with only a quarter-inch of rainfall. Combined with one of the driest Septembers on record in 2019, South Florida has experienced a massive rainfall deficit for over 7 months.

Once connected to Lake Okeechobee, the Everglades ecosystem was well equipped to deal with drought conditions but those conditions are no longer present. Currently, the Everglades ecosystem has shrunk to an astonishing 50 percent of what it once was resulting in a disconnection from Lake Okeechobee. This disconnection has led to very low water levels with all areas of Everglades National Park experiencing very low water levels; areas such as Northeast Shark River Slough are very dry creating a high risk for fires.

As if the dry conditions weren’t bad enough, dry marsh conditions contribute to further loss of habitat for aquatic animals including fish, crayfish, alligators, and wading birds. Additionally, there are much greater consequences for peat soils, the foundation for the Everglades ecosystem. As these areas dry, they decompose and release dangerous levels of the greenhouse gas, carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Decomposing soils also become a source of water pollution, releasing nitrogen and phosphorus into the waters making it unsuitable for wildlife and plant life leading to massive die-off and land loss due to collapsed marsh conditions.

The ensuing consequences of the drought conditions and shrinking ecosystem have also increased salinity levels of the coastal areas where the Everglades meets the ocean. This hyper-salinity is harmful to the estuarine seagrass and wildlife that inhabit the areas further highlighting the need for restoration projects that focus on building environmental resilience instead of dumping excess water when it is wet.

If restoration projects are successful, we can expect to see great improvements to our environment, our water supply, and even our way of life in South Florida.

Wildlife of the Everglades

As unique as it is beautiful, the Everglades is home to some of the rarest species of animals ranging from amphibians, reptiles, and fish to insects, birds, and mammals. You never know what you’ll see when you visit. There’s a good chance you’ll come across alligators, frogs, and snakes, although they are less common to see than birds, fish, and everyone’s favorite insect, mosquitoes *eye roll*. If you’re paying attention and know what to look for, you might come across some rare finds like the elusive Florida panther or a beautiful Miami-blue butterfly.

The deeper you venture into the uncharted waters of the famous River of Grass , the more likely you are to uncover breathtaking views and rare wildlife sightings. 

Endangered Species in the Everglades

Among the varying wildlife you’ll encounter, you’re likely to find a few endangered species. We mentioned the Florida panther and the Miami-blue butterfly, but there are many other endangered species that can be found in the Florida Everglades.

Endangered wildlife isn’t always near extinction; there are many that may have critically low numbers of their species that could potentially disappear if circumstances don’t shift in their favor. It’s good to know that not every endangered species has a critical habitat in the Everglades too. These factors can add to the successful growth of endangered populations and give hope that our future generations will enjoy the splendors we and past generations have had the pleasure of experiencing.

Let’s take a look at some of the endangered species you’re likely to encounter in the Everglades. We’ve compiled a list based on the animals listed by Everglades National Park. 

• Cape Sable seaside sparrow
• Ivory-billed woodpecker
• Kirtland's warbler
• Red cockaded woodpecker
• Everglade snail kite
• Bachman's warbler
• Smalltooth sawfish
• Largetooth sawfish
• Nassau grouper

Invertebrates

• Florida leafwing butterfly
• Miami-blue butterfly
• Bartram's scrub hairstreak
• Florida bonneted bat
• Florida panther
• West Indian manatee
• Green sea turtle
• Leatherback sea turtle
• Hawksbill sea turtle
• Kemp's ridley sea turtle

Wildlife Conservation in the Everglades

Now that we’ve covered some of the endangered wildlife in the Everglades, it is important that we help you understand how delicate the ecosystem is and the role it plays in their sustainability. As we mentioned earlier in this article, even a slight change in the water levels can cause big trouble for the wildlife and their habitat, depending on the time of year. A very pressing threat is the effect humans have on the environment, adding to the challenges the wildlife face. Specifically concerning is the overdevelopment of local land, which destroys the animals’ natural habitats pushing them further into unfamiliar territory and in some unfortunate cases towards extinction. It is our responsibility to make sure these animals remain safe, and their habitats remain untouched.

Another problem created by humans is pollution. It may not seem like a big deal when you toss that plastic wrapper out of your car window, but we can assure you the impact is far more significant than you can imagine. Consider those wild animals who don’t understand the difference between garbage and food. This confusion can lead to the consumption of our non-biodegradable waste. When animals consume the trash, it can cause several digestive issues with more severe problems resulting in their demise. It is unfortunate how what is perceived as a simple sleight can cause population numbers to fall and lead to species becoming threatened or worse, extinct.

Due to these circumstances, our government has protected large areas of the Everglades, restricting human access to support different species in stabilizing their population numbers.

Invasive Wildlife Species in the Everglades

Among the native wildlife and plants you might see when venturing into the Everglades, you’re likely to find invasive or nonnative species. The invasive species can range from fresh and saltwater fish, amphibians, and reptiles to birds, mammals, and even plants. These species are very aggressive in adapting to their new environment, often presenting several challenges for native wildlife and plants. In certain circumstances, thriving populations have been brought close to extinction or pushed out of their invaders’ natural habitat. Nonnative species are generally wildlife; however, invasive plant species have made their way into the ecosystem, too.

You might be wondering how nonnative species find their way into the Everglades. If you think humans are responsible, you’d be partly correct. However, humans are primarily at fault for unintentionally introducing these species by importing them on ships and even airplanes and intentionally by importing them for the pet trade. There are other factors that we will highlight in this article.

South Florida is surrounded by water on three sides coupled with freezing temperatures from the north, forming an ecological boundary resulting in conditions similar to tropical islands and account for much of the susceptibility to exotic animal invasions. The most successful invaders outcompete native species and typically do not have biological controls or predators to keep them in check. There are so many invasive species in the Everglades that it has become challenging to keep track of the growing diversity, let alone control the growth and spread of their population.

An unfortunate problem with the pet trade is the reckless act of abandonment for unwanted pets like reptiles or amphibians. Specifically concerning snakes, one of the most dangerous species that is taking over is the Burmese python. These massive snakes, often growing beyond 20 feet long, with massive girths, have decimated the region’s small- and medium-sized mammal populations and wreak havoc with the delicate ecosystem. In recent years the Everglades National Park has taken action to control the spread of invasive species throughout the ecosystem. We’ve compiled a list of invasive species that are often found in the Everglades.

• Greenhouse Frog
• Cuban Treefrog
• Monk Parakeet
• Blue Tilapia
• Bullseye Snakehead
• Mayan Cichlid
• Sailfin Catfish
• Walking Catfish
• Asiatic Clam
• Bromeliad Beetle
• Giant African Snail
• Island Apple Snail
• Lobate Lac Scale
• Burmese Python
• Green Iguana
• Nile Monitor
• Tegu Lizards

How you can help:

• Be a Responsible Pet Owner! Many exotic species require more special care than average pets. Do your research and avoid impulsive commitments.
• Learn about the laws and regulations regarding your pets. Even previously allowed pets, like the Burmese pythons, have new restrictions to safeguard the local ecosystem.
• If you no longer want or can care for your pet, find someone who can. DON'T RELEASE IT INTO THE WILD!
• Adopt traditional pets like cats and dogs from shelters and save a life.
• Call local authorities to handle nuisance animals or unwanted exotic pets.
• Report sightings of nonnative species to the appropriate authorities.
• Do your homework to learn more about invasive species in the Everglades.

Plants in the Everglades

From mountain tops to sea floors, our planet is covered in vegetation. Plants, just like animals, vary widely in their shapes, sizes, and colors – some plants can be medicinal, edible, and very nutritious; others should probably be avoided if you value your health. In the Everglades, you’ll find thousands of different species of plants serving their specific purpose to keep the ecosystem in check and thriving.

Wetland plants serve many purposes, including food and shelter for the wildlife as well as environmental filters, trapping impurities such as toxins and excessive nutrients along with silt and larger debris as water flows through the ecosystem. These incredible plants and the sediment they thrive within also balance nutrient sources in the ecosystem. A great example is how the plants produce oxygen that is used by other organisms, while the sediment contributes to environmental health by trapping beneficial elements like atmospheric carbon. Additionally, wetlands are much like environmental sponges, absorbing and temporarily storing excess water caused by runoff from storms; this property helps to prevent flooding.

Invasive Plants in the Everglades

Just like wildlife, plants also face the challenges of nonnative species invading their habitat. It’s equally important to understand that not all invasive plants are created equal; some are far worse than others. Many invasive plant species are collected by home gardeners who may not be aware of their rapid growth rates, just like weeds. Other species recognized as weeds are often very difficult for property owners to control and tend to spread very quickly. Several plant invaders do not become invasive until they have been neglected for long periods of time, with a few that aggressively colonize small areas. Some may spread, eventually dominating large areas in just a few short years.

These invaders find their way into the Everglades by different means; some spread when their habitat is disturbed. A good example of a habitat being disturbed is when water levels fluctuate due to construction when draining and pumping operations take place. Another could be when runoff from agricultural processes flow extra nutrients into the waters. Everglades National Park gives the example of native cattails (Typha species) quickly dominating disturbed or nutrient-enriched areas and replacing the native sawgrass (Cladium Jamaicense). This type of invasion can be devastating to other native plants and animals that depend on a certain balance within the ecosystem to thrive.

We’ve compiled a list to give you a better idea of the plant invaders Everglades National Park is working to control. 

• Australian Pine (Casuarina equisetifolia)
• Latherleaf (Columbrina asiatica)
• Old World Climbing Fern (Lygodium microphyllum)
• Melaleuca (Melaleuca quinquenervia)
• Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius)
• Seaside Mahoe (Thespesia populnea)

Things To Do in the Everglades

Now that you’ve learned about the splendor tucked away in the Everglades, you might be wondering what you can do when visiting. Depending on your interests, there are tons of ways to experience the grandeur of Florida’s backyard. You can hop on airboats, kayaks, and canoes to ride along with expert guides, join Ranger-led tours through trails and sloughs, or even enjoy a few days and nights of front or backcountry camping and fishing. Let’s take a look at the most popular things to do when visiting Everglades National Park.

One of the most fun ways to get up close and personal with the plants and wildlife is an airboat ride like the ones we offer here at Everglades Safari Park. General tours are always available for budget-minded travelers, but if you really want to go off the beaten path, a National Park private airboat tour is the thing for you. Our skilled guides take you deeper into Everglades National Park through trails explicitly designated for Everglades Safari Park private airboat tours. This means that nobody can venture into these parts of the park without our guides, giving you an exclusive view of what the Everglades is all about. Check out our tour options and book your unforgettable journey here.

Hiking Trails & Guided Walking Tours

There are many trails for visitors to explore throughout Everglades National Park. Guided tours are also available depending on where you are planning to visit. The Anhinga Trail offers one of the most popular guided walking tours around. Knowledgeable guides lead visitors through a half-mile long boardwalk along a man-made canal where you can experience breathtaking views and native wildlife of the Everglades. There are plenty of trails of varying lengths, so be sure to do your research before visiting.

Shark Valley is another noteworthy attraction welcoming visitors to explore 15 miles of flat road known as the Tram Road, you can walk, run, or bike the trail, or you can hop on the tram for a guided tour. Bicycle rentals are available from the Shark Valley Tram Tour Company. You’ll also find two dedicated hiking trails at Shark Valley. The Bobcat Boardwalk is a self-guided half-mile walking trail that winds through the sawgrass slough and tropical hardwood forests located off Tram Road just behind the Shark Valley Visitor Center. The Otter Cave Hammock Trail is a quarter-mile of rough limestone pathways through a tropical hardwood forest with small footbridges over a small stream. We recommend checking with the Shark Valley Visitor Center for trail conditions as it can flood during the summer months.

Bird Watching

Take some time to observe the thousands of different birds that call the Everglades home. From Great Blue Herons to very colorful Roseate Spoonbills, you find some pretty incredible sights. Be sure to bring binoculars for a closer look and your camera to capture the memories!

Want to experience the Everglades overnight? Long Pine Key and Flamingo campgrounds offer both front country camping and backcountry camping along with a few welcomed amenities like drinking water, picnic tables, grills, restrooms, and tent and trailer sites with showers and electrical hookups. Want something closer to nature? Primitive campsites and beach sites are available in the Everglades backcountry.

Kayaking & Canoeing 

Glide through 99 miles of pristine waters, wildlife, and vegetation along the Wilderness Waterway. Taking anywhere from 7 to 10 days to traverse, you’ll experience tranquility as you silently cruise along, taking in the majesty of Everglades National Park. If you’re looking for something shorter, there are plenty of well-marked trails available, too.

Slough Slogging

If you’re feeling adventurous and want a hands-on look at native plants and wildlife in Everglades National Park, we recommend slough slogging; a Ranger-led guided tour. Along the way, you’ll get your feet wet and hands dirty while you explore the waterways and encounter various wildlife and plants that are unique to the Everglades ecosystem.

Visit Today!

These are just a few of the wonders you may encounter, as well as some of the activities you can experience while you visit Florida’s Everglades National Park. We encourage you to check out everything the National Park has to offer and hope you enjoy your next adventure while you Explore Your Nature™ in our backyard.

Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to get the freshest content delivered straight to your inbox every month. Feel free to bookmark this article, too, we will be updating and expanding this article with fresh content and new downloadable guides!

Park Information

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

Use Promo Code "SPRING24" to save $15 per ADULT on the full day safari

EVERGLADES DAY SAFARI

Full-day and half-day everglades airboat eco-tours, departing from ft. lauderdale, miami, ft. myers, naples binoculars browse tours the best everglades safari starts here, please select your location, from ft. lauderdale/miami area, from ft. myers/naples area.

• The Full Everglades Experience

Everglades Day Safari

The Everglades Day Safari offers an in-depth, naturalist-guided day trip into the majestic Everglades! Includes an airboat ride, nature walk, mangrove wilderness boat ride and a delicious lunch!

Featured Florida Everglades Tours

• Hour Glass 9 hours

Everglades Day Safari from Miami

• Great for Kids!
• Hour Glass 5 hours

Captain Bob's Excellent Adventure

Explore the Western Everglades with a wildlife biologist! Guided transportation from the Fort Myers area, interactive reptile presentation and an airboat ride!

Join us on an in-depth, naturalist-guided day trip into the majestic Everglades! Includes an airboat ride, nature walk, mangrove wilderness boat ride and a delicious lunch!

• Nature Walk, Airboat Ride & Reptile Show!
• Hour Glass 4 hours

Western Everglades Adventure in Immokalee

Enjoy an educational, hands-on reptile presentation with snakes and alligators and explore for reptiles (including alligators!) and birds on an airboat ride!

Captain Bob’s Everglades Adventure Tour from Naples

Explore the Western Everglades with a wildlife biologist! Guided transportation from the Naples area, interactive reptile presentation and an airboat ride!

IN-DEPTH GUIDED DAY TRIPS INTO THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES!

Every everglades adventure includes:.

• Round-trip transportation from the greater Fort Myers or greater Fort Lauderdale areas
• A well-educated, highly trained biologist or naturalist guide
• A nature walk under the canopy of towering bald cypress
• A scenic boat cruise into the Ten Thousand Islands mangrove forest in Everglades National Park
• A delicious lunch in the heart of the Everglades
• And a spectacular airboat tour through sawgrass prairies and pond apple forests

WHY CHOOSE US

• The Everglades Day Safari is the only Florida SEE certified safari.
• We are the only van tour permitted to operate in Big Cypress National Preserve.
• We are a locally owned company.
• We offer small, personal tours.
• We have never and will never feed or harass wildlife.
• We employee local    guides who have strong ties to the Everglades.
• Our tours are fun, educational and one-of-a-kind.

TOP-RATED ACTIVITY IN SOUTH FLORIDA ★★★★★

We planned to just venture through the park on our own but decided to book a tour instead. So happy we did. Pete, our guide, was a wealth of knowledge and so passionate about this unique habitat. It was also very convenient and professional. Rather than just "look" at the Everglades, I felt like we got to "experience " the Everglades. Book with confidence.

Outstanding day with Ben! He was loaded with knowledge for the entire day. Alligators, birds, Ecosystems, Ben even had a bird checklist of 70 different varieties, We found 28 of those on the list.

We took this tour on our honeymoon, and it was one of our more memorable experiences! The tour guide was absolutely the best there is. We visited so many wonderful locations you would never know were there unless you lived here. My wife and I learned a lot. We're really glad we took this trip, and highly recommend it for anyone else who enjoys nature.