Miami: Everglades Airboat Ride and Tram Tour

If you’re planning a trip to South Florida and want to see the Everglades up close, this tour might catch your eye. It offers a combination of a scenic tram journey through Shark Valley and an exciting airboat ride with Everglades Safari. We haven’t personally done this tour, but based on the info and reviews, it could be a solid choice for anyone curious about this unique ecosystem.

What makes it appealing? First, the balanced experience of land and water exploration lets you see wildlife from different angles. Second, the knowledgeable guides and stunning views seem to add real value. One thing to keep in mind is the length of the day — six hours, so it’s a bit of a time investment, but if you love nature and wildlife, that’s often what you’re signing up for.

A possible consideration? The group size is limited to 12, which is nice for a more personal experience, but it also means you need to book ahead. Plus, since everything is included—like snacks, drinks, park fees, and rides—the pricing of $169 per person feels reasonable, especially when you factor in the full day’s activities.

This tour is well-suited for nature enthusiasts and anyone wanting a comprehensive look at the Everglades without strenuous physical activity. It’s not necessarily tailored for families with very young kids, but older children or teens who enjoy wildlife would probably love it.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Convenience: Tickets, park entrance, transportation, and snacks are included, so no surprises.
• Balanced Experience: Combines scenic tram rides with exciting airboat adventures.
• Wildlife Viewing: Expect to see alligators, birds, turtles, and more, with stops for photos.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides lead the way, enhancing your understanding of the ecosystem.
• Comfort & Safety: Reliable transportation and authorized, safety-conscious tour operators.
• Duration & Group Size: At around 6 hours, with limited groups (max 12), ensuring a more personal experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting the Adventure: From Miami to the Everglades

The tour kicks off with a pickup from a designated point in Miami, making the start straightforward and stress-free. The 50-minute drive into Shark Valley gives you a chance to relax and maybe chat with fellow travelers, setting the tone for an enjoyable day.

Once at the park, you’ll hop onto a tram for a 15-mile ride. This isn’t just a scenic drive; it’s an active wildlife hunt. The tram makes stops along the way, giving you chances to snap photos of alligators and the diverse birdlife—an aspect many reviewers say they found the most memorable.

One of the tour’s highlights is the lookout tower at midway, which offers an aerial perspective. From there, you get a bird’s eye view of the vast, green wetlands and can better appreciate the scale of the ecosystem.

Wildlife & Nature Viewing on the Tram

The tram ride is a real highlight. The guide’s narration is often praised for being informative and engaging, helping us all understand the importance of this fragile habitat. You might see alligators lounging in the water, turtles sunbathing, and a variety of bird species gliding above or perched nearby.

Many guests mention that the stops are well-timed, allowing sufficient photo opportunities and close-up glimpses of wildlife. The half-way lookout adds a scenic pause, giving you a panoramic view that stretches for miles — a perfect moment for photos or just soaking in the scenery.

While some reviews note that wildlife sightings depend on the day’s luck, most found the experience rewarding. The landscape is impressive, and the guides seem very skilled at spotting and pointing out animals you might miss on your own.

Refreshments & Rest Stops

After the tram adventure, it’s time to refuel. The included snacks are simple but flavorful — think watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, bananas, and a granola bar. Guests also have access to drinks like water, Gatorade, Capri Suns, beer, and hard seltzers.

Guests generally appreciate the thoughtfulness of the refreshments, especially after the walking and sightseeing. It’s a good chance to relax a bit before the next part of the tour.

The Airboat Experience: A Thrilling Ride

Once back at the starting point, the tour continues with a trip to Everglades Safari Park for the airboat ride. This is an exciting, adrenaline-pumping adventure that many reviews highlight as the tour’s most fun part. The airboats skim over the water at high speed, providing a different perspective of the wetlands.

Everglades Safari Park is described as a trusted, authorized concession with a long history of safe, educational tours. Their adherence to strict guidelines is reassuring, especially for travelers with families or those wary of safety issues.

During the airboat ride, you can expect to get close-up views of alligators—many of which might be sunbathing on the banks—and learn more about the creatures that inhabit this ecosystem. The guides are praised for their knowledge and ability to make the ride both fun and educational.

Guests often mention the thrill of spotting alligators from just a few feet away and the excitement of the ride itself. It’s a highlight that provides a memorable, photographic opportunity.

More Great Tours Nearby

Returning to Miami

After the airboat adventure, it’s a comfortable drive back to Miami. The entire experience, from pickup to drop-off, is designed to be seamless. The tour’s price covers all expenses, including park entrance and transportation, which simplifies planning.

The six-hour format is packed but manageable. You’ll go from wetlands to watersport excitement, all within a comfortable timeframe. The small group size adds a more personal touch, allowing guides to give better attention and answer questions.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Considering the price of $169, the experience packs in a lot: transportation, wildlife viewing, scenic vistas, snacks, and an unforgettable airboat ride. For those who love nature, wildlife, or just want an active, educational day out, it’s a good investment.

Many travelers appreciate that the guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making the experience more engaging. The scenic views and the chance to see alligators and native birds up close are definite highlights.

However, keep in mind that wildlife sightings are not guaranteed — nature is unpredictable. If you’re looking for a highly structured or family-friendly tour, this might not be the best fit for very young children, but older kids with an interest in animals would likely enjoy it.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts who want a meaningful experience without strenuous activity. It suits those who appreciate guided tours that combine education with adventure. If you’re traveling with teens or older children, they’ll probably find it exciting and memorable.

It’s also great for travelers who want to cover the essentials of the Everglades in a single day, especially if they prefer a small, intimate group setting. If you’re after a relaxing day with scenic views and a bit of adrenaline, this tour ticks those boxes.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes shuttle pickup and drop-off from a set location in Miami.

How long does the whole tour last?
It lasts about six hours, starting in the morning and including all activities.

Are park entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance fees are covered in the price.

What snacks and drinks are provided?
Guests enjoy fresh fruit like watermelon, cantaloupe, strawberries, bananas, along with granola bars and drinks like water, Gatorade, Capri Suns, and some alcoholic options.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made after that are not refundable, but tickets can be transferred.

Is this tour suitable for families?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, older children interested in wildlife should enjoy the experience. Check with the provider if traveling with very young kids.

What is the group size?
Limited to 12 participants, which helps create a more personal experience.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and cameras for photos are recommended. The tour provides snacks and drinks.

How do I find the meeting point?
The meeting point is in front of the bathrooms at Margret Pace Park, with plenty of street parking available.

What if I don’t see many animals?
Wildlife sightings depend on the day’s conditions, but guides are skilled at spotting animals and providing interesting commentary regardless.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-rounded outdoor adventure that blends education with thrill, this Miami: Everglades Airboat Ride and Tram Tour offers a compelling option. The combination of scenic tram rides and high-speed airboat adventures makes for a memorable day, especially if you love animals and wide-open landscapes.

The experience’s small group size and included amenities mean you’re well taken care of, without feeling rushed. While wildlife sightings can’t be guaranteed, the knowledgeable guides and stunning scenery significantly boost your chances of a rewarding trip.

This tour suits travelers wanting a fun, educational, and comfortable way to explore one of Florida’s most iconic ecosystems. It’s a great choice for those who value convenience and expert guidance, looking to tick off a must-see from their Florida itinerary.

Remember: Book early, as spots are limited, and get ready for a day of wildlife, scenery, and a bit of adventure in the Everglades.

You can check availability for your dates here: