Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale

If you’re visiting Florida and craving a true taste of wild nature, the Everglades Day Safari offers a compelling way to experience one of America’s most unique ecosystems. Priced at $225 per person, this approximately 10-hour tour takes you from the urban comfort of Fort Lauderdale into the heart of the Everglades National Park, with stops that include an exhilarating airboat ride, a scenic cruise through mangrove forests, and a nature walk among towering cypress trees. Led by expert guides, often naturalists or biologists, this small-group experience is designed for travelers eager to see wildlife, learn about conservation, and enjoy a full day outdoors.

What we particularly love about this tour is the attention to detail — the personalized group size (capped at 13) means plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get close to wildlife, and the variety of activities ensures you’re not just looking at the scenery but actively engaging with it. Two standout moments are the airboat ride for its adrenaline rush and the scenic boat cruise into the Ten Thousand Islands, where dolphins and manatees might just steal the show.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a physically moderate experience — comfortable walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. It’s ideal for families with children over 6, nature lovers, and anyone wanting to see Florida’s wild side without the hassle of planning multiple outings. If you enjoy wildlife—with reviews praising sightings of alligators, dolphins, and even elusive panthers—you’ll find this tour both educational and fun.

• Comprehensive experience: Combines airboat rides, nature walks, a wildlife drive, and boat cruises.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable naturalists enhance the trip with interesting commentary.
• Wildlife sightings: Expect to see alligators, dolphins, manatees, and various bird species.
• Small group size: Ensures a more personal, less rushed experience.
• Included meals: Lunch features local options, including alligator appetizers.
• Flexible cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The tour begins bright and early with hotel pickup in Fort Lauderdale around 7:15 am. From there, you’re whisked away in a comfortable, air-conditioned van to the Everglades, a vast, slow-moving wilderness that’s unlike anything else in the U.S. The first activity often features an airboat ride — a hallmark of Everglades exploration. These flat-bottomed boats skim across the shallow waters of the sawgrass prairies, giving you a thrilling sense of speed and close encounters with wildlife.

One traveler noted, “The airboat ride was so fun. We saw more than 70 alligators in the wild,” which highlights just how abundant these reptiles are. The guides usually have a wealth of information, sharing insights into the ecosystem’s delicate balance, and some, like Julio, are praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge. The silent, yet powerful airboats are a great way to cover large areas quickly while keeping a safe distance from the wildlife.

Next, the tour continues with a wildlife drive through Big Cypress National Preserve. Here, you’ll pass through pine savannahs and cypress forests, watching for alligators, turtles, a variety of birds, and perhaps the rare sighting of the Florida panther. The reviews consistently mention the guides’ ability to spot and point out these creatures, making the experience both exciting and educational. One guest shared, “Our guide Reza was very knowledgeable and personable, and we saw all kinds of wildlife.”

Afterward, a nature walk beneath towering cypress trees offers a peaceful pause. You might see herons, egrets, and possibly otters, pigs, or deer, depending on the day’s wildlife activity. This part of the tour emphasizes quiet observation and appreciation of the natural habitat, giving you time to soak in the sights and sounds of the swamp.

Lunch is a highlight, especially for anyone who enjoys local flavors. The Triad Seafood Market & Cafe provides over 20 meal options, including burgers, chicken, fish, and salads. Notably, the lunch includes alligator appetizers, adding a touch of local authenticity. Many reviews praise the quality and variety, with one describing it as a “great meal in the heart of the Everglades.”

Post-lunch, the adventure shifts to the Ten Thousand Islands via a scenic boat cruise. This tranquil ride through mangrove forests is often described as the tour’s most relaxing part. Here, the chances of seeing dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles are high, with Captain Dave often praised for his expertise. Reviewers frequently mention dolphins “playing in the wake of the boat” or spotting sharks and rays in the nearby waters.

The tour wraps up with the return trip to Fort Lauderdale, arriving around 5 pm, tired but enriched from a day spent among some of Florida’s most captivating landscapes.

While $225 might seem steep initially, the value becomes clear once you consider the scope of activities, the inclusion of lunch, and the expert guidance. The tour’s all-inclusive nature means you don’t need to worry about additional costs for transportation, entry fees, or meals. The small-group format also ensures you’re not just another face in a large crowd — instead, you get more personalized attention and the ability to ask questions that deepen your understanding of the ecosystem.

What truly sets this tour apart is its variety. It’s a full day of outdoor exploration, wildlife spotting, and scenic cruising, all within one trip. The reviews highlight that guides like Julio and Reza make the experience memorable with their friendliness and knowledge, often going out of their way to point out wildlife or share stories.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour involves a fair amount of walking and sitting outdoors in the sun. If you’re sensitive to heat or have mobility issues, plan accordingly with sunscreen, hats, and water. Also, since the tour runs rain or shine, a light rain jacket might be helpful.

This experience suits nature enthusiasts, families with children over 6, and anyone eager to see Florida’s wildlife in its natural habitat. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate educational guided tours with plenty of opportunities for wildlife sightings, especially if seeing alligators, dolphins, and manatees excites you.

It’s also well-suited for travelers who want a well-organized, all-in-one day trip without the hassle of planning multiple excursions. If you’re looking for a blend of adventure, education, and scenic relaxation, this tour hits the mark.

Is hotel pickup included? Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from select Fort Lauderdale locations. If your hotel isn’t listed, you can meet at Flamingo Gardens in Davie.

How long is the entire tour? Expect about 10 hours, starting around 7:15 am and returning in the late afternoon.

What activities are included? The tour features an airboat ride, wildlife drive through Big Cypress, a nature walk, a scenic boat cruise, and lunch at a local restaurant.

What wildlife can I expect to see? Alligators are the stars, but you might also see dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, a variety of bird species, and occasionally elusive animals like panthers and otters.

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, the minimum age is 6 years old. Kids generally enjoy the boat rides and wildlife sightings.

What should I bring? Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Tour vehicles are air-conditioned, but outdoor parts are exposed to the sun.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

The Everglades Day Safari from Fort Lauderdale is a well-rounded introduction to one of Florida’s most fascinating ecosystems. It’s a chance to see high concentrations of wildlife, enjoy scenic boat rides, and learn about conservation from knowledgeable guides. The small-group setting makes it feel personal and flexible, while the variety of activities keeps the day lively and engaging.

If you’re after a day immersed in nature, don’t mind a bit of sun and water, and want expert insights, this tour offers excellent value and authentic experiences. It’s particularly ideal for those who want to see the wild side of Florida without sacrificing comfort or convenience. Whether you’re a wildlife lover or simply looking for a memorable outdoor adventure, this trip hits all the right notes.

Remember: Pack sunscreen, bring your curiosity, and prepare for a day of surprises from the sawgrass plains to the mangrove tunnels. The Everglades have a way of captivating even the most seasoned travelers, and this tour helps you do it comfortably and informatively.