Little Havana Walking Tour + 1 Hour Everglades Airboat Ride

A Day in South Florida: Everglades and Little Havana in One Excursion

If you’re craving a mix of wildlife adventure and culture, this tour offers a compelling way to experience some of the most iconic sights in Fort Lauderdale and Miami. For $185 per person, you get roughly five hours of exploring the Everglades via a small, personalized airboat ride, followed by a lively walk through Little Havana, complete with cultural insights, a cigar shop visit, and authentic Cuban treats. The tour’s highlights include a narrated drive through the Everglades, a 60-minute airboat trip, and a lively neighborhood tour of one of Miami’s most famous cultural enclaves.

What really stands out are the small, personalized airboats—not the typical cattle-call rides—that give you a close-up view of alligators, turtles, and a variety of birdlife. The guides have a genuine enthusiasm and depth of knowledge that enriches the experience, whether they’re pointing out wildlife or sharing the story of Little Havana’s Cuban exile community. Plus, the included lunch at a local Cuban restaurant lets you savor authentic flavors in a lively setting.

A potential consideration is the early start time—8 a.m.—which means you’ll need to be ready for pickup promptly. While the tour is family-friendly and fairly accessible, pregnant travelers or those with mobility issues might want to check the specifics, especially regarding the airboat ride. This combination tour suits curious travelers eager to enjoy a half-day of excitement and cultural discovery without sacrificing time at the beach afterward.

If you love wildlife, vibrant neighborhoods, and local culture, this tour offers a practical way to pack in a lot without feeling rushed. It’s especially well-suited for those who appreciate guides who make history and nature come alive with stories and enthusiasm.

Key Points

• Unique combination of Everglades wildlife and Little Havana culture.
• Personalized airboats provide an intimate experience with wildlife.
• Knowledgeable guides enrich the journey with local stories and insights.
• Includes lunch at a Cuban restaurant, offering authentic flavors.
• Small group size (max 14 travelers) ensures a more personal experience.
• A great option for those wanting a half-day adventure with a mix of nature and culture.

Exploring the Experience in Detail

This tour is designed as an efficient yet immersive way to see two of South Florida’s most appealing sights. From the moment we are picked up at our hotel around 8 a.m., the journey begins with a scenic drive out into the Everglades. The guide’s narration turns the drive into a mini-lesson on the fragile ecosystem and its challenges, making the experience both educational and engaging. You’ll notice the lush greenery and open waters as your guide points out native plants and wildlife, setting the tone for an exciting adventure.

The Everglades: A Wildlife Wonderland

The highlight of the morning is undoubtedly the airboat ride, which lasts about an hour. Unlike the typical large, noisy tourist boats, these are small, personalized airboats—a detail that really improves the experience. It allows you to get closer to the wildlife and enjoy a more relaxed, less crowded ride. As Elvis (the guide’s name from reviews) expertly navigates, you can expect to see alligators both large and small, along with turtles, fish, and a variety of bird species.

We loved the way the guides shared stories about the ecosystem’s history and the native Miccosukee tribe, whose presence and culture you’ll learn about during a stop at a native tree island village. Our fellow travelers said, “Elvis found us so many gators,” which is exactly what you want—close encounters with the creatures that make the Everglades special.

Cultural Dive in Little Havana

After the boat ride, we head to Little Havana, a neighborhood bursting with life, color, and stories of exile and resilience. The guide takes you on a walking tour, highlighting Maximo Gomez Park, the vibrant street life along Cuban Memorial Blvd, and the famous Calle Ocho. The tour includes a behind-the-scenes look at a cigar shop, where you can learn about the traditional craft of cigar-making and sample some Cuban coffee—an authentic touch that many reviews appreciated.

You’ll have about 45 minutes of free time in Little Havana, which is ample to soak in the atmosphere, browse local shops, or grab a quick snack. We enjoyed practicing a little Spanish and watching the locals enjoy their daily routines. The lively music, the smell of cigars, and the colorful murals create a truly immersive environment.

A Well-Balanced Day

The entire experience lasts roughly five hours, making it a compact yet thorough way to see two different sides of South Florida. The price of $185 covers all activities, including the airboat ride, guided neighborhood tour, cigar shop visit, and lunch. For the value, you get a mix of adventure, culture, and delicious food, making it a worthwhile day trip.

Practical Details

The tour includes pickup from select hotels in Fort Lauderdale, with a typical start time of 8 a.m. and a return that leaves plenty of time afterward for relaxing at the beach or exploring more. It’s suitable for most travelers over age 5, though pregnant women may want to avoid the airboat ride. The small group setting (up to 14 people) ensures personalized attention and a more engaging experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is perfect for adventure lovers, culture seekers, and family travelers who want a taste of Florida’s unique ecosystems and vibrant neighborhoods. It’s especially suitable if you’re short on time but want a multi-layered experience that combines nature, history, and local flavor. Travelers who enjoyed the review quoted, “Gators galore and great Cuban food,” will find plenty to love here.

If you value knowledgeable guides who can tell stories beyond the surface, and you appreciate small-group intimacy for a more authentic experience, this tour checks all the boxes. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a full-day or more leisurely experience, you might want to consider spreading out your explorations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do we meet for the Little Havana Walking Tour and Everglades Airboat Ride?
You’ll be picked up at your hotel in Fort Lauderdale, with the exact time communicated after booking. Alternatively, you may also meet at the Shark Valley Visitor Center if preferred.

What time is pickup for this tour?
Pickup is usually around 8 a.m., but it can vary slightly depending on your hotel location. The tour operator will send a specific time via email.

How early should I arrive?
Be ready at least 15 minutes before your scheduled pickup to check in and avoid any delays.

Is parking available near the pickup points?
Most pickup locations offer parking, though rates and availability vary. It’s worth checking with your hotel or the tour provider if you plan to self-drive.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, it’s suitable for children over age 5. The activities and pace are designed to be accessible for most family groups.

Can pregnant women participate?
Due to the nature of the airboat ride, this tour is not recommended for pregnant guests.

Are pets or service animals allowed?
Animals are not permitted onboard the airboats for safety reasons, but service animals are generally allowed.

How long is the airboat ride?
The airboat cruise lasts about an hour, providing ample time to spot wildlife and enjoy the scenery.

What wildlife will I see?
Besides alligators, expect to see turtles, fish, and numerous bird species. The Everglades are teeming with life, and guides are skilled at pointing out and explaining what you encounter.

Is the airboat ride safe?
Yes, all captains are certified by the U.S. Coast Guard, and the boats are operated by experienced professionals.

Final Thoughts

This combination tour offers a fantastic snapshot of South Florida’s natural beauty and cultural vibrancy. The small, personalized airboats elevate the wildlife encounter, giving you a real sense of the ecosystem’s scale and diversity. Meanwhile, the Little Havana neighborhood immerses you in a lively, authentic Cuban-American experience, with guides eager to share stories that bring the area to life.

The value you receive—covering transportation, guides, activities, and a delicious Cuban lunch—makes this a worthwhile choice for travelers wanting a compact, engaging day. It’s especially attractive for those who appreciate knowledgeable guides, local culture, and wildlife close-ups without feeling rushed.

If you’re looking for a well-rounded adventure that balances outdoor excitement with cultural exploration, this tour delivers on all fronts. It’s a practical way to see two of South Florida’s most iconic sights, leaving you with great stories and memorable sights—and perhaps even a few new gator friends.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast eager for close encounters with Everglades wildlife or a culture buff wanting to soak up the sights and sounds of Little Havana, this tour offers a well-crafted, enjoyable day out.