Everglades City is a fantastic base for exploring the Florida Everglades, thanks to its proximity to diverse wetlands, mangroves, and wildlife habitats. Unlike more touristy spots, Everglades City offers a genuine slice of wild Florida, with tours that range from peaceful paddling to adrenaline-pumping airboat rides. We particularly love the Guided Kayaking Tour of the Wetlands, which allows you to glide quietly through mangrove tunnels while spotting alligators, eagles, and other native wildlife. It’s an intimate experience that combines adventure with education, perfect for those who want to connect intimately with the ecosystem.
For a high-energy adventure, the Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour and Boardwalk delivers a thrilling glide through the mangroves paired with a scenic walk that offers plenty of chances to see wildlife up close. Each tour offers a different way to experience this unique landscape—whether by kayak, boat, or on foot—and knowing your options helps you tailor your trip.
Quick Overview
The best tours in Everglades City include kayaking trips, airboat adventures, and boat tours that let you see wildlife and learn about the ecosystem. Prices range from around $48 for shorter backcountry boat rides to $389 for full-day trips including wet walks and multiple boat trips. Many tours are family-friendly, eco-focused, or adrenaline-packed, so there’s something for every type of traveler. Now, let’s explore each option in detail.
1. Everglades City: Guided Kayaking Tour of the Wetlands
Paddling through the mangrove tunnels and cypress ponds on a guided kayak trip is a peaceful way to experience the Florida Everglades. This 3-4 hour tour is rated 4.8 out of 5 based on 168 reviews, reflecting its popularity. It’s suitable for all skill levels, and your guide will point out wildlife such as alligators, osprey, and bald eagles, giving you an insider’s view of this completely unique ecosystem.
What makes this tour special is the opportunity to quietly approach wildlife in their natural habitat—no noisy boats here. After the paddle, you can relax in an air-conditioned meeting point, which is a thoughtful touch after your adventure. The guide’s knowledge about the ecosystem elevates the experience from simple kayaking to an educational outing. At $103 per person, it offers excellent value if you want an immersive, eco-friendly experience that balances adventure with learning.
Bottom Line: Ideal for nature lovers seeking a relaxed, close-up encounter with Everglades wildlife in a tranquil setting.
2. Everglades: Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour and Boardwalk
For those craving speed and excitement, the Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour offers a quick, energetic 50-80 minute ride rated 4.3/5 with over 500 reviews. Gliding through the twisting mangrove tunnels provides a real adrenaline rush and a chance to see alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds from a unique perspective.
The tour includes a walk on the Everglades City Boardwalk, allowing you to stretch your legs and observe the mangroves from above. This combination makes it a fantastic choice for families or travelers short on time but wanting a snapshot of the wetlands’ wild side. The $61 price point offers a budget-friendly option for an exciting, informative experience with a focus on local flora and fauna.
Bottom Line: Perfect for thrill-seekers and families looking for a fast-paced, wildlife-rich adventure in a compact time frame.
3. Everglades Kayak Safari Adventure Through Mangrove Tunnels
With a perfect 5-star rating from 18 reviews, the Kayak Safari Adventure takes you into the diverse ecosystems of the Turner River. Led by expert guides, this 3-hour tour emphasizes wildlife viewing and eco-education, with a very intimate group size (1 guide for 8 guests), making it feel more personalized.
The tour includes exploring mangrove tunnels and wildlife habitats, with the chance to see breathtaking flora and fauna. The kayaks are among the most stable and comfortable on the market, suitable even for beginners. At $99, this trip offers a fantastic balance of personalized attention, natural beauty, and educational insight.
Bottom Line: Best for nature enthusiasts who want a deeply immersive, small-group experience with top-notch equipment and expert guidance.
4. Everglades City: Guided Kayaking Tour and Airboat Ride
This comprehensive tour combines both kayaking in mangrove tunnels and an airboat ride across grasslands in a single 5.5-hour package, rated 4.6/5 from 49 reviews. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see multiple facets of the Everglades’ ecosystem, with the added benefit of learning about the region’s ecology and history.
The tour starts with the serene kayak experience, then shifts to the high-speed thrill of the airboat, offering a well-rounded perspective on the landscape. The $150 cost provides good value considering the length and variety of experiences included. It’s especially suited for those eager to maximize their time and see both water-based and land-based wildlife.
Bottom Line: Great for curious travelers wanting an in-depth, multi-activity adventure that covers different habitats.
5. Everglades National Park: Motorboat Eco Tour
At number 5, this Motorboat Eco Tour offers a 3-hour cruise through the 10,000 Islands rated 5/5 on just 13 reviews. Expect to see dolphins, manatees, and other marine wildlife up close, making it ideal for travelers interested in marine life.
The tour includes a stop at one of the park’s islands, providing a chance to explore and learn about the local environment. The $173 price reflects its high quality and exclusivity, promising a comfortable, wildlife-rich experience for those who prefer boat rides over active paddling.
Bottom Line: Best suited for wildlife lovers with a taste for marine mammals and scenic island stops.
6. Kissimmee: Boggy Creek Airboats Adventures Night Tour Ticket
If you’re after a different kind of thrill, the Night Tour on an Airboat takes you into the dark swamps to see alligators hunting after sunset. Rated 5/5 from 9 reviews, this hour-long ride offers a spooky and exciting experience.
Guided by a Coast Guard captain and accompanied by safety gear, you’ll look for the faint red eyes of alligators and listen to the sounds of nocturnal wildlife. Priced at $82, it’s an affordable way to add some adventure to your evening.
Bottom Line: Perfect for night owls and wildlife fans wanting a bit of adrenaline and a different perspective on the Everglades.
7. Miami: Half-Day Everglades Tour in French
Leaving from Miami or Miami Beach, this half-day tour in French combines a scenic drive and airboat ride into the park. It’s rated 4.5/5 from 35 reviews and costs $228 per person.
Travelers will enjoy a conversational guide and the chance to see the Miami skyline from the park, blending city views with wilderness. The experience offers a good mix of sightseeing, wildlife viewing, and cultural insight, especially for French-speaking visitors. It’s a bit pricier but includes transportation and a rundown.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a guided experience with language support and time-efficient sightseeing.
8. Everglades National Park: Pontoon Boat Tour & Boardwalk
Rated 4.3/5 from 39 reviews, this Pontoon Boat & Boardwalk Tour offers a 1.5-hour scenic journey through the Ten Thousand Islands. You’ll learn about local wildlife and history from expert guides while trying to spot dolphins, manatees, and birds.
The accessible pontoon boat makes it suitable for all ages, and the walk through the mangroves adds a chance to see plant life and birds from a different vantage point. At $60, it’s an affordable, family-friendly option with a good balance of travel and education.
Bottom Line: Great for families and first-time visitors wanting a relaxed, informative introduction.
9. Everglades: Mangrove, Grassland Airboat Tours, & Boardwalk
This tour combines two airboat rides and a walk on the Everglades City Boardwalk, rated 4.2/5 on 51 reviews. It explores mangrove and grassland ecosystems over 80-110 minutes for $104 per person.
The dual airboat experience offers different perspectives of wildlife, and the walk provides a chance to see birds and plant life close-up. It’s best for those who want to maximize wildlife sightings in a relatively short time while exploring two distinct habitats.
Bottom Line: Suited for eco-minded travelers eager to see both mangroves and grasslands in one trip.
10. Everglades: Everglades Alligators and Orchids Kayak Eco Tour
Rated 4.7/5 from 9 reviews, this Eco Kayak Tour emphasizes flora and fauna and is designed for families and eco-enthusiasts. It lasts 3 hours and costs $131 per person.
Expect to learn about the orchids and alligators that inhabit the area, with plenty of photo opportunities. Led by a naturalist, it’s an educational and leisurely paddle suitable for all skill levels, making it a prime choice for those wanting a relaxed, educational outing.
Bottom Line: A good pick for families and anyone interested in plants and wildlife in a calm setting.
11. Flamingo Marina: Backcountry Boat Tour of the Everglades
This 1.5-hour Backcountry Boat Tour provides a peaceful exploration of Buttonwood Canal and Coot Bay, rated 4.3/5 on 22 reviews. It’s an excellent way to see the biodiversity and learn about the area from a naturalist guide.
The tour is ideal for those who want an easy, scenic ride with wildlife viewing opportunities such as birds, turtles, and possibly dolphins. At only $48, it’s one of the most budget-friendly ways to experience the park’s waterways.
Bottom Line: Perfect for casual travelers and families looking for an accessible, wildlife-focused boat ride.
12. Everglades: Private Kayak Tour with Guide
Offering a bespoke experience, this Private Kayak Tour is tailored to your interests, with a 4-hour duration. The price is $130 per person, and it’s perfect for those seeking flexibility and privacy.
Explore Mangrove Tunnels, grass prairies, and Cypress Forest with a dedicated guide who helps you spot alligators, turtles, and wading birds. The small group size allows for a relaxed, personalized experience, and the flexible schedule makes it suitable for various travel plans.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers wanting a private, custom experience with expert guidance in a relaxed setting.
$130 per person
13. From Naples: Everglades w/ a Wet Walk, 2 Boat Trips & Lunch!
This full-day adventure from Naples combines a wet walk with a biologist, two boat trips, and lunch, rated no reviews yet but promising an immersive experience. At $389 per person, it’s a splurge, but includes visits to remote areas and wildlife sightings such as alligators, dolphins, pelicans, and sharks.
You’ll explore the 10,000 Islands, visit a remote tree island village, and enjoy round-trip transportation. It’s ideal for those wanting a comprehensive, guided experience of the entire ecosystem.
Bottom Line: Suitable for dedicated wildlife enthusiasts and travelers with a full day to spare for a deep dive into the Everglades.
$389 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Everglades Tour
When deciding among these options, consider your budget, time available, and interest level. For a relaxing, educational experience, the Guided Kayaking Tour of the Wetlands offers a peaceful underwater perspective. If you’re after a thrilling ride, the Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour presents a quick, high-speed adventure. For families or those wanting a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, the Pontoon Boat Tour & Boardwalk makes an excellent choice.
Booking early is a good idea, especially during peak season (winter months), as tours can fill quickly. Think about what kind of experience matches your interest—whether it’s wildlife, scenery, or adrenaline—and pick accordingly.
To sum it up, Everglades City offers a diverse menu of tours suited for every type of traveler. If you want a quiet, intimate connection with nature, the Kayak Safari or Private Kayak are excellent choices. For thrill-seekers and adventure lovers, the Airboat Tours provide excitement and scenery in one package. And for a well-rounded day, the Guided Kayaking and Airboat combo covers multiple ecosystems.
Whatever your style, booking early and choosing the right tour can make your Everglades experience unforgettable.