5.Gator Park Airboat Tours
Sitting about 30 miles west of Miami, Gator Park operates airboat rides and offers travelers the opportunity to enter its on-site alligator park to see alligator wrestling at its wildlife show (both the ride and the show are included in your ticket price). You may even get the chance to hold a baby alligator. The park and the boat tours receive favorable reviews, with many visitors saying they had a fantastic experience and saw tons of alligators. Tickets start at $27.99 for adults if you buy online ($29.99 at the gate) and $18.99 for kids ages 6 to 11; children ages 5 and younger enter for free. Tickets do not include the entry fee to Everglades National Park. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with boat rides and wildlife shows taking place on the half-hour. The last wildlife show starts at 4:30 p.m. and the last boat ride leaves at 5 p.m. Gator Park also offers private tours.
6.Everglades City Airboat Tours
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 native birds. Tourists enjoy the ride and appreciate the headsets. Reviewers are also complimentary of the boat captain, who they describe as entertaining and knowledgeable. Tours depart multiple times Monday through Friday, although timing may be modified based on the season. Tickets cost approximately $40 for adults and $25 for kids ages 4 to 10; tickets for children 3 and younger cost approximately $10. Everglades City Airboat Tours is located approximately 85 miles west of Miami and 35 miles southeast of Naples, Florida.
