From Miami: Everglades Wildlife Show, Airboat & Bus Transfer

Experience the Florida Wilderness and Miami’s City Lights on a Full-Day Tour from Miami

This tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into both Florida’s wild side and its glamorous urban landscape. Starting from Miami, you can choose a half-day or full-day experience that includes a lively airboat ride through the Everglades, a live alligator show, and a scenic boat cruise around Biscayne Bay. The full-day option adds a double-decker city tour covering Miami Beach, Wynwood, Little Havana, and more. The cost is about $40 per person, with guides and transportation included.

What we love most about this experience is how smoothly it combines nature and city—you get to see alligators in their habitat and then cruise past millionaire mansions. The guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making even novice wildlife enthusiasts feel welcome. Plus, the airboat ride offers a thrilling glide over the “River of Grass”, giving you a real sense of Florida’s unique ecosystem.

One possible drawback is the duration and timing—the transfer to the Everglades park takes about an hour each way, which can feel long, especially if traffic is heavy. Also, some visitors mention that the airboat ride might not always guarantee multiple alligator sightings, which is something to keep in mind. But overall, this tour suits anyone eager to see wildlife up close and experience Miami’s highlights in a single day.

If you’re after a balanced, value-packed day that blends adventure and urban exploration, this tour is a solid pick. It caters well to families, first-time visitors, or wildlife lovers who want an authentic taste of Florida’s contrasting environments.

Key Points

• Combines nature and city: See wildlife in the Everglades and explore Miami’s vibrant neighborhoods.
• Wildlife experience: Over 200,000 alligators can be spotted from the airboat, and a live alligator show adds an educational touch.
• Two tour options: Choose between a half-day or full-day experience, including a city bus tour and boat cruise in Biscayne Bay.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides like Will, Josh, and Captain Andrew are praised for their friendliness, humor, and expertise.
• Good value: For around $40, you get transportation, park admission, airboat, live show, and at least one scenic boat cruise.
• Consider timing: The transfer to the Everglades is about an hour each way; traffic can influence your schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Full Experience in Detail

We found that this tour offers a nicely balanced itinerary, allowing you to see some of Florida’s most iconic sights without feeling rushed. Starting from the Miami Double Decker office (located conveniently across from CVS), the journey begins with a comfortable, air-conditioned bus ride towards Everglades Park. You’ll need to pay a small fee of $2 onsite for the transfer, but the transport is generally smooth and well-organized.

The Transfer and Arrival at Everglades Park

The transfer from Miami takes approximately 50-60 minutes. While this might seem like a long drive, it’s a good chance to relax and get into the mindset of exploring Florida’s sparse, expansive wetlands. The bus itself is praised for being comfortable, and the driver often shares useful tips for the day ahead. As some reviews mention, traffic can affect timing, so it’s wise to be flexible with your schedule.

The Airboat Ride: Gliding Through the “River of Grass”

Once at the park, the real highlight begins—the 40-minute narrated airboat tour. This is where you’ll feel the thrill of skimming over the mangrove tunnels and shallow waters. The boats are fast and loud, making it a fun ride for both kids and adults. Guides like Captain Andrew are known for their dad jokes, but also for their sharp eyes—spotting alligators, birds, and other wildlife.

Reviews shine a positive light on this part, with visitors noting they saw multiple gators (though not always in large numbers). One traveler said, “We managed to see 2 alligators in the grass,” which, depending on the day, can be considered a good sighting. It’s worth mentioning that some reviewers felt the airboat ride could be more eco-friendly, as the boats sometimes disturb the natural habitat. Still, most agree it’s an exhilarating, photo-worthy experience.

The Alligator Show: Close Encounters

After the boat ride, you’ll attend a live alligator presentation. This 40-minute show allows you to get up close to these reptiles in a controlled environment. Knowledgeable handlers explain the alligator’s life cycle, habits, and safety tips. Several reviews mention how interesting and engaging the guides are—Catherine praised Will and Josh for their brilliant presentation, making the learning fun for all ages.

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Free Time and Exploration

Following the show, you’re free to explore the park at your own pace. There are exhibits with other reptiles, birds, and plants to discover. Some visitors appreciated this relaxed period, while others wished the park offered more interactive activities. Still, it provides a great opportunity to take photos, stroll through nature, or visit the souvenir shop.

The Scenic Boat Cruise in Biscayne Bay

For those who upgrade, the tour continues with a 1.5-hour boat cruise in Biscayne Bay. You’ll glide past Millionaires Row, enjoying views of lavish homes and yachts. Travelers have described the cruise as “fantastic,” with the highlight being seeing the opulence of Miami’s most famous residents up close. The boat also passes Star Island, Palm Island, and Hibiscus Island, giving you plenty of photo ops.

The Miami City Tour (Optional)

On the full-day option, the tour adds a 2.5-hour double-decker bus tour of Miami’s key neighborhoods, including Miami Beach, Wynwood, Downtown, Little Havana, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables. Our favorite part was how the guides shared stories about the city’s architecture, art, and multicultural vibe. Stops in Wynwood’s graffiti district and Little Havana’s cafes make for memorable cultural moments.

The Return Journey

After a full day of exploring, the bus takes you back to Miami. The return trip usually takes about 50-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Many reviewers happily note the comfortable ride and friendly drivers, making the journey home just as pleasant as the day’s adventures.

Price and Value Analysis

At around $40 per person, this tour offers quite a bit of variety. You’re getting transportation, park entry, wildlife encounters, and scenic cruises. For many, this represents excellent value, especially since guided commentary and the opportunity to see alligators, dolphins, and luxury homes are included. Additional options like the city and boat tours, priced separately, further enrich the experience.

However, it’s important to recognize that food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan for a meal during the day. Also, if wildlife sightings are your main goal, be aware that gators are wild animals and sightings can vary day-to-day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families, first-time visitors to Miami and the Everglades, and nature lovers wanting a close-up look at Florida’s wildlife. If you enjoy scenic boat rides and are curious about urban Miami, the full-day option provides a well-rounded day. It’s also suitable for those with limited time but still eager to cover several highlights in one trip.

Final Thoughts

This tour delivers a balanced mix of adventure and culture, all at a reasonable price. The guides stand out for their friendliness and knowledge, making the day both informative and fun. While wildlife sightings may be unpredictable, most visitors leave with great photos and stories. The scenic boat cruise and city tour add layers of interest, catering to diverse tastes.

If you’re looking for an authentic, value-focused day that introduces you to Florida’s natural beauty and shiny urban scene, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially worthwhile if you have a full day to spare and want to experience the wild and the wonderful of Miami from different angles.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation to Everglades Park is provided via an air-conditioned double-decker bus, with a small onsite fee of $2 per person.

What is the duration of the tour?
The full tour lasts between 5 to 9 hours, depending on your chosen option and traffic conditions.

Can I see alligators during the airboat ride?
While many visitors do see alligators, sightings depend on the day’s wildlife activity. The guides will give tips for spotting them.

What’s included in the tour?
The tour includes transportation, park admission, the airboat ride, the alligator show, and free time in the park. Upgrades include a boat cruise and Miami city sightseeing.

Is food provided?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan to bring snacks or eat beforehand.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight guides like Will, Josh, and Captain Andrew as friendly, funny, and full of interesting facts.

What should I wear?
Long sleeves are recommended for the boat ride to protect against wind and spray, even on sunny days.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

What time does the tour depart?
Departures are at 9:00 am and 1:00 pm, so choose the time that best fits your schedule.

This tour combines adventure, education, and sightseeing, making it a great way to see the diverse sides of Florida in one well-organized day. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast or just eager to tick off Miami’s must-see sights, it offers a memorable experience for all ages.

You can check availability for your dates here: