Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale
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September 2026
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Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 505 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale worth booking?
Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale is a 10-hour experience in Fort Lauderdale, United States, from $199 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 505 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (505)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $199 per person
Explore the wilderness of the Everglades on a full day adventure from Ft Lauderdale. With your naturalist guide, take a thrilling airboat tour in Everglades National Park, spot wildlife on a drive through Big Cypress Nat
What you get
About this experience
Explore the wilderness of the Everglades on a full day adventure from Ft Lauderdale. With your naturalist guide, take a thrilling airboat tour in Everglades National Park, spot wildlife on a drive through Big Cypress National Preserve, enjoy a nature walk through a towering cypress forest, and relax on a boat cruise along mangrove-lined waters to see manatees, dolphins and osprey. Learn about the Everglades from your guide and have lunch at a waterside restaurant, where you'll get to try some appetizers!
What's included
Included
- Nature Walk
- Airboat Ride
- Expert naturalist or biologist guide
- Lunch
- Mangrove Wilderness Boat Cruise
- Wildlife Drive
- Transport by air-conditioned 13-passenger van
- Pickup and drop-off from select locations
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Everglades Day Safari
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.
240 minutes here · Admission included
Miccosukee Indian Village
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.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Big Cypress National Preserve
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.
120 minutes here · Admission included
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!
60 minutes here · Admission included
Smallwood Store
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 minutes here · Admission included
Everglades National Park
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.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Fort Lauderdale
Flamingo Gardens Botanical Gardens (3750 South Flamingo Road, Davie, FL 33330) - Guests can park on the south side of SW 36th Court for a pickup at 7:45am.
Meeting point
Fort Lauderdale
Tesla Supercharging Stations at The Galleria Mall - Guests meet at 7:15am near the Tesla Charging Station (2352 Northeast 9th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304) behind the Macy's at the Galleria Mall.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Flamingo Gardens Botanical Gardens (3750 South Flamingo Road, Davie, FL 33330) - Guests can park on the south side of SW 36th Court for a pickup at 7:45am.
Ends at
Tesla Supercharging Stations at The Galleria Mall - Guests meet at 7:15am near the Tesla Charging Station (2352 Northeast 9th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304) behind the Macy's at the Galleria Mall.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 9 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Everglades Day Safari
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Minimum age is 6 years old
- Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 505 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
505 verified traveler reviews for Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Everglades 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).
Response from the operator: That's a pretty good Who's Who for August. I'm glad you enjoyed your day and the time spent with Julio. He always does a great job! Thanks for the 5-star review!
via Tripadvisor
Great 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.
Response from the operator: Technically, Marjory Stoneman Douglass named it the "River of Grass" that flows from Lake O to the mangrove forests but it does look like a sea! Glad you enjoyed Marc's expertise. We are lucky to have him as a guide.
via Viator
Awesome 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!!
Response from the operator: Thank you for such a wonderful review! It sounds like Reza and the wildlife really showed off for you. One of the things we love most about the Everglades is that no two days are ever the same, but dolphins playing around the boat, otters, alligators, and a pond full of wildlife is about as good as it gets. We're glad you enjoyed the mix of nature, history, local culture, and a few quirky Old Florida stops along the way. We'll be sure to share your kind words with Reza. His passion for the Everglades is contagious, and we're fortunate to have him on our team. Thanks again for spending the day with us and for the enthusiastic recommendation.
via Tripadvisor
Waste 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.
Response from the operator: We’re sorry the experience did not align with your expectations. Our Miami pickup location at the Galleria Mall Tesla Supercharging Station is a well-known, easy-to-find meeting point that has worked smoothly and safely for thousands of guests over the years. The Everglades is currently experiencing severe drought conditions, which have limited airboat access into shallow marsh areas throughout South Florida. During these periods, wildlife—including alligators—concentrates in the deeper canals, which is why those routes are used. We would also like to clarify that our Miccosukee airboat captains are local tribal members who often speak both Miccosukee and English. We are proud to partner with them and appreciate the cultural authenticity they bring to the experience. Stops such as the United States’s Smallest Post Office and Smallwood Store are long-standing regional landmarks that many visitors enjoy for their unique local history and connection to Old Florida. Smallwood Store in particular is a historic trading post museum featuring artifacts and exhibits from over a century of Everglades history, along with locally made items and Seminole crafts. Regarding stone crabs, Florida’s fishery is carefully regulated and widely recognized as sustainable. The crabs are returned alive to the water, where they regenerate their claws naturally. We are glad to hear you enjoyed the mangrove boat cruise and dolphin sightings, and we appreciate your comments. We understand that not every tour style is the right fit for every traveler, but we thank you for visiting the Everglades with us.
via Tripadvisor
Should’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.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your feedback. I’m sorry the van felt too crowded and that the front seat was not made available when it should have been. With 13 passengers, that seat should have been open, and that is on us. Because one of our vans was in service, we combined pickups from both Fort Lauderdale and Miami that day. We did let guests know the tour would return a bit later than usual, but I understand that did not address the discomfort of the extended pickup period. Regarding the wildlife portion, drought conditions have concentrated much of the wildlife in the canals, so that is where our guides go in order to give guests the best chance of seeing animals. Under more comfortable circumstances, that part of the day is often well received, but I understand why it was not enjoyable from the back row. I do appreciate your kind words about lunch, the airboat, and the boat ride. Your comments are fair, and we will use them to do better.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $199 to $250
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 177
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Why this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Fort Lauderdale.
How much does Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale cost?
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Prices start at $199 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Fort Lauderdale usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Fort Lauderdale is not rushed.
Is Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 505 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Fort Lauderdale, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale?
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Around 177 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Fort Lauderdale can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Fort Lauderdale and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Fort Lauderdale within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Fort Lauderdale?
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Fort Lauderdale sells canal and Millionaire's Row boat cruises, Everglades airboat trips, snorkel and dive charters on the reef, and Miami and Key West day trips. Boat size and reef conditions drive the quality of the water tours. On Outty we rank every Fort Lauderdale experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include 1-Hour Interactive Pirate Cruise (arrive 30 minutes early), Fort Lauderdale Segway Tour, Half-day Everglades National Park Tour and 1-Hour Air Boat Ride. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Fort Lauderdale?
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November to April, with warm water year round. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Fort Lauderdale?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
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