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EVERGLADES AIRBOAT TOURS

• Native Floridian Tour Guides
• Comfortable Cushioned Seats
• Airboats seat up to 10 adults comfortably
• Everglades Gift Shop
• Hold a live baby alligator and have your picture taken
• Open 7 days a week
• 45 minute airboat rides
• Clean restrooms

Captain Mitch's * Everglades Airboat rides

Everglades City Fl , Swampland Airboat Tours

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Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours

EVERGLADES Airboat Tours with Captain Mitch’s OPEN 7 a days week 8:30 to 4:00

CAPTAIN MITCH’S Airboat Tours Everglades City, FL. THRILLING Everglades airboat tours on thousands of acres of private swampland. At the same price as our competitors. So join us on a Everglades City Airboat ride.

Oldest family in the airboat ride industry of south Florida.

• Come let us show you the great Everglades rides in Florida on an Airboat.
• The best way to travel is Everglades Airboat Rides, Everglades City, FL.
• Skim over the water on one of our  Airboat Tours  and see the grasslands of the Florida Everglades the way it was meant to be seen.
• Captain Mitch House of  Everglades Private Airboat Tours , and his family has been in the airboat tour business for more than 60 years.
• This is the original small Airboat Tours in Everglades City, FL.
• In our private Everglades Airboat ride park we see gators, birds, fish, snakes come see all of our friends!
• For more  Everglades  info.

Everglades Private Airboat tours Captain Mitchs  History

TRAVEL LIKE THE OLD PIONEERS WITH A REAL PIONEER FAMILY.

Know that your time at  Everglades Private Airboat Tours  will be one of your cherished memories of your Florida Everglades Airboat experience, whether you are visiting or a year-round resident. We’ll see you soon!

Email us at  Everglades Private Airboat Tours  .

1-800-368-0065

Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours 31000 Tamiami Trail E Naples, FL 34114

A Florida Everglades airboat ride, Everglades City, FL. Just south on US 41 in the swamps from Naples or Marco Island, FL. Ft Myers or Miami fl are great day trip of aprox 1 1/2 hrs drive. Private Everglades Airboat Tours through the swamplands and Everglades island.

**SPECIAL**

$5.00 OFF (ADULTS ONLY) Mention Verbal Code: ***EARTH DAY*** at check in to receive discount ***EXPIRES: 04/30/2024

*Cannot be combined with any other coupons* **Verbal Code must be mentioned at check in to receive the discount. Coupons will NOT be accepted after purchase**

COUPONS NOT VALID ON PRIVATE TOURS

Airboat Ride Adventures

Experience this THRILLING once in a lifetime one hour Everglade airboat tour in the Florida Everglades swampland at Captain Mitch’s airboat park.

Reservation Request

*All online reservation requests should be done 72 hours in advance. If you are planning same day service (less than 72 hours), please call our office to ensure we can get you in right away.

**Current prices effective 04/07/2022**

Adults: CASH PRICE: $45.00 per person, plus tax. CREDIT CARD PRICE: $50.00 per person, plus tax (1 hr ride) Child: CASH PRICE: $20.00 per person, plus tax. CREDIT CARD PRICE: $25.00 per person, plus tax (1 hr ride)

(Boat minimum 2 adults)

AIRBOAT PIONEER BARREL HEAD HOUSE

• 31 reviews of Everglades Private Airboat Tours in Everglades City

Our local Airboat tour captains

Capt Mitch.

Born and raised in Everglades City Fl. Raised commercial fishing the Everglades National Park and running airboat tours.

Raised in Chokoloskee, FL crabbing, commercial fishing the Everglades 10,000 Islands and airboat rides

Capt  Hunter

Raised in Chokoloskee, FL airboating the Everglades all his life

Born in Ohio relocated to Everglades City fishing and airboating the Everglades 20+years

Naples Florida redneck. Airboat Captain from the swamp.

Captain Cory

Our newest Airboat Captain living the island life on Chokoloskee, FL

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Thinking about stopping by and experiencing a fun thrilling everglades airboat ride adventure? Give us a call and learn more about the experience.

Phone: (239) 695-3377 Address: 30999 Tamiami Trail E Everglades, FL 34139

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Best Airboat Tour on Tamiami Trail - Buffalo Tiger's Airboat Tours

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• Buffalo Tiger's Airboat Tours

They were outstanding! We only had 30 minutes for a ride and Fabian was amazing. We went to a small... read more

A really great airboat trip into the Everglades. Captain Brody introduced us to his favourite... read more

Best Airboat Tour on Tamiami Trail

I've taken friends visiting the state on several different airboat rides through the Everglades and this one is by far the best one. The guides are excellent and informative. This is the one to visit.

Buffalo Tigers Air Boat Tours was a great start to week of fun in the sunshine state. I have always wanted to go on an air boat tour and when I was going to have a chance to make a stop on our way to Miami I had to go for it. I am so glad that I did and I am am very happy that I trusted all of the reviews of Buffalo Tigers. I do not have a frame of reference of what other tours are like so all I can do is give praise to Ernie "our guide". Ernie was really great.....he was friendly.....he gave us a lot of "Everglade facts"....drove the boat like a champ and allowed us as much time as we wanted for picture/video taking. If you are thinking about going on an air boat tour....make sure it is at Buffalo Tigers!!!!!!

Great experience, our guide Fabian was awesome. Beautiful landscapes, not so crowdy like the other places. I definitively recommend it for everyone.

This is the second time I have used this Company and it as never failed to deliver. I traveled from Claremont to visit the everglades US27/29/W41 its approx. 500miles and the day will last 15hrs, We saw a panther on the US29 and also stopped in the everglades park. This trip is not for children danger is everywhere not just Alligators but also Panthers/snakes inc the African python .and you are in THEIR backyard. You may not see them but they are there. So if you want the real deal and don't mind a bit of danger go if not visit gatorland.

Ernie our tour guide was very knowledgeable about about Everglades,gators,turtles and birds.We enjoyed hearing about the Miccosukee Indians.The board walk was interesting.The boat made some thrilling turns,The cute little shop has genuine made native american Indian items for sale.The boat ride was the most affordable around.All for of us enjoyed the air bot trip.

If what you are looking for is for the REAL experience of the everglades, look no further. Our Guide, Fabian, was excellent, telling us about the alligators, the birds, the indians that used to live in an island we visited during the almost 1hr the visit lasted. Truly, amazing experience!!! HIGHLY recommend it.

Captain Dougs

I am Captain Doug, owner of Captain Doug’s Airboat Tours in Everglades City, Florida. Thank you for taking the time to visit my web site.

I want you to know that I DID NOT change the name of my business. There was a company that was using my name illegally for over two years. We prevailed in this matter and now our family name is back where it belongs.

I would like to invite you to come and enjoy an airboat tour with my family. I no longer handle the daily operations of the business, but my family does. I retired in 2007 after 25 years of being in the tour business. Over the years I was able to teach and pass down the family heritage and traditions to my son’s. Today they keep my visions, passion, and love for the business alive. I’m happy to see my hard work and training still being used today, just as I was taught by my forefathers. You can usually find me at one of the two places these days just hanging out talking to our customers.

  Captain Mitch, my son’s place –  Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours, located at 31000 US 41 (Tamiami Trail) East, Everglades City, FL. Here at this location we do a grass lands tour of the Everglades .   To learn more about this tour go to his website: www.captainmitchs.com .

  Captain Bruce, my son-in-law’s place – “The Original” Everglades City Airboat Tours, located at 907 Dupont Street, in Everglades City . Here at this location we do the m angrove jungles tour of the Everglades . To learn more about this tour go to his website: www.evergladescity-airboattours.com .

  **** You may also call 1-800-282-9194 and follow the prompt as to which tour your interested in.****

 I have always said, “Don’t be fooled by my competitors, there is only one Captain Doug’s (Doug House) in the Everglades”.

 Our family looks forward to meeting you and taking you on the journey of your life in the majestic Everglades of south west Florida!

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Miami's Best Everglades Airboat Rides!

Airboat tours starting at $50.

Explore the wide expanse of the famous River of Grass and catch a glimpse of exotic and rare plants and animals that open your eyes to the beauty of Mother Nature’s work.

Airboat Tours Starting at $200

Our private tours are designed to give you, your family, and friends the airboat ride of a lifetime by having them carried out by the most passionate and well-informed tour guides.

Airboat Tours Starting at $275

Our sunset tour take you through the beautiful scenery to witness the sunset, surrounded by greenery, water, and a sense of tranquility.

Airboat Tours

Private and Group Everglades Airboat Tours in Miami

Discover the magic of the Everglades with our scenic airboat tours, a must-try experience in Miami. We specialize in creating extraordinary airboat adventures, perfect for those looking for an up-close encounter with Florida's unique ecosystem. From private, romantic airboat rides to fun-filled group tours, our offerings are diverse. Each tour is meticulously crafted to showcase the beauty and excitement of the Everglades, ensuring your time with us is unforgettable.

AIRBOAT RIDES EVERGLADES MIAMI

Glide through these legendary wetlands, where each turn reveals the untamed beauty of alligators, exotic plants, and a kaleidoscope of wildlife. Our tours offer more than just a scenic ride; they are an educational voyage into the heart of the Everglades’ ecosystems. Perfect for first-time visitors to South Florida, an airboat experience with us is not just a trip but a journey into the wild, creating memories that will last a lifetime

Miami's Everglades Sunset Tour

Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the Everglades with our Sunset Airboat Tour, a highlight among Everglades airboat tours. Perfect for those seeking airboat rides that offer a unique perspective, this tour combines romance with the breathtaking scenery of the Everglades at dusk. Navigate the peaceful waterways on our state-of-the-art airboats and be captivated by the stunning sunset, creating a magical atmosphere.

Everglades Boat Tours in Miami

Customer reviews.

Such a blast! We saw dozens of alligators on the trip as well as other wildlife! The boat ride was fun and smooth! Our boat captain and guide Taylor was awesome! He was personable and very knowledgeable! He made our experience special! Everyone had a blast! I would highly recommend this company! Thanks for the awesome man Experience!.

I met the tour guide driver today and it feels like i’ve known him for years. His name is Taylor and is probably one of the most friendliest people I have ever met. I was worried it was going to be an awkward and quiet boat ride the whole tour, but it was an amazing experience! 11/10 would do again!!!.

We went out with Taylor on Saturday morning; my brother and nephew visiting me from California • We’ve never been on an airboat and what an incredible experience!!! Taylor couldn’t have been more informative, friendly, professional and just an awesome guide!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this tour, just an incredible experience! I would love to do it again!! Thank you Taylor!

Had a fantastic time experiencing all of the wildlife within the habitat...Taylor took the time to share several stories involving his many experiences within the Everglades.....5 plus stars .....A definite must...WE WILL BE BACK.....

Excellent tour. We were a group of 7 and all enjoy it. The reservation and organization was impecable. The tour guide was excellent and fun. I fully recommend Everglades boat tour.

Captain Taylor was the best guide I ever had! He was so personable and fun and did an excellent job of explaining all the beautiful intricacies of what makes the Everglades so great! I would highly recommend him over any of the other tour guides. Plus they have a new boat with cool green gator coverings that made for a smooth safe ride.

First time in Miami and first time to the glades and it was beyond what we expected! Taylor was incredibly knowledgeable about the area due to him growing up and being in the glades since a young child. We got up and close with gators. My son (10) had an unbelievable time. Definitely would recommend taking private tours over anything. We will be back and will definitely take another tour with Taylor!

We had such a great time on this airboat ride! From the get-go Jodi was so kind and responsive on the phone, answering all our questions and just generally being very friendly. We wanted to do a sunrise tour, which she said they didn't normally do, but she checked and accommodated us as she thought it would be an interesting experience as well. It turned out to be really, really nice. We met up with Taylor, who was also very kind and friendly. He didn't rush the experience at all and was very knowledgeable about the area, wildlife and plant life. They are a family owned business and local to the Everglades, so if you want a great experience...go with them!

Had a great 1hr tour with Taylor. This was the only company that managed to sqeeze us in on short notice. It was easy to find the departure point. Taylor is very knowledgable about the history and ecology of the everglades. Learned a lot and saw a few gatoors and birds. Because our tour was pretty late in the day, we saw a wonderful sunset. I would definitly recommend everglades airboat tours to anyone. They are the best.

Book Your Everglades Airboat Tour

If your travels take you to Miami or the Florida Keys, don't miss the chance for an Everglades airboat tour, a thrilling addition to make your trip truly unforgettable.

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Captain Mitch's Everglades Airboat Tours

• 31000 E. Tamiami Trl. Everglades City, FL 34139
• (239) 695-4637

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airboat rides miami

  in everglades national park, experience the everglades up close.

Airboat Rides Miami is one of a select few facilities operating inside the heart of Everglades National Park. The Everglades are the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, home to a variety of reptiles, birds, turtles, deer, wild boars and the elusive Florida Panther.

Private & Group Everglades Airboat Tours

Airboat Rides Miami offers daily airboat tours departing every 20 – 30 minutes throughout the day. There are plenty of photo ops to catch wildlife in their natural habitat. Our experienced guides help you spot alligators, soft-shelled turtles and a variety of birds you won’t find anywhere else but the Florida Everglades.

Private airboat tours are also available for a more personal experience and extended trips into the Florida Everglades. Private tours are available by the hour. Booking in advance is recommended but not required.

Tickets purchased online will be available at the gate under your name. No additional reservations required! Airboat rides depart from: 24050 SW 8th street Miami FL 33194 Gator Park Airboat Tours. Tickets purchased online are non-refundable. Please note that National Park Entrance is not included. It is $8 for adults, free for children under 16, NPS Pass holders, military, veterans and seniors over 62.

BUY TICKETS

305.559.2255

Alligator Adventure

Looking for some serious gator action.

Tickets for Airboat Rides Miami include access to Everglades Park, the premier facility to see Florida Alligators up close.

Restaurant & Souvenir Shop

The restaurant at Gator Park offers a full lunch menu, including specialties like alligator tail and alligator sausage. Sit outside on our shaded deck and enjoy the lush scenery, and browse our Souvenir shop for that perfect gift or take-home keepsake.

BUY TICKETS 305.559.2255

Catch Up On Our Blog

Top 3 reasons to hop on an airboat ride through the everglades, alligators in the everglades national park, amazing animals you might see on everglades airboat tours.

Visit the Blog BUY TICKETS

Airboat Tours & Park Hours

9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Airboat Tours depart every 20-30 min, no reservations required! Tickets purchased online are available at the gate under your name. Just show your payment receipt at the will-call counter, and we will print your tickets!

Last airboat ride: 5:00 pm

Adult Airboat Ride Admission $29.99

Included in this package.

• Free admission for children ages 5 and younger
• Guided Airboat Tour of the Everglades National Park  35-40 min
• Amazing Photo Ops to capture native wildlife in their natural habitat Don’t forget your camera!
• Souvenir Shopping: Everglades souvenirs, Native American crafts, hand crafted leather goods
• Opportunity to try some of the best alligator tail, frog legs & catfish the Everglades has to offer at our cafe

Child 6-11 y.o.  Airboat Ride Admission $19.99 Children under 6 ride for free!

Private airboat experience starts at $425.00  gratuity is included.

Want more out of your Everglades experience? Charter your own private airboat, and have one of our top notch guides take you on a personalized adventure. Travel 12-15 miles into the heart of everglades national park. This is a once in a lifetime experience your family will never forget.

• Private Airboat Tour of the Everglades National Park*
• Amazing Photo Ops to capture native wildlife in their natural habitat Don’t forget your camera!

*Tickets purchased online are available at the gate. Tours depart from 24050 SW 8th street Miami FL 33194.

Airboat Rides Miami

Gator Park 24050 SW 8th Street Miami, Florida 33194 305.559.2255 [email protected]

Transportation to the park: Lyft or Uber. For group transportations please contact us at 305-559-2255

Additional services may be purchased at our best available rate. National Park Entrance Fee will be collected at the gate.

Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offer or contract. Gratuities are not included, unless otherwise noted.

Customers are no longer allowed to hold a live baby alligator for a photo. Thank you for your understanding!

The management reserves the right to postpone or cancel tours due to weather.

Transportation provided by a third party.

The Original Everglades National Park Airboat Tour

Everglades safari t-shirt, experience the beauty of everglades national park while riding an airboat, discover the next level of family fun while our captains navigate through the pristine waters of everglades national park aboard our world-famous airboat tours. you can bet it is one of the safest social distancing options to explore your nature™..

The Original Eco-Experience Airboat Tour

Take an unforgettable journey on an airboat ride through florida's everglades national park, join our expert captains for 30 to 40 minutes of educational family fun in the florida everglades. learn about the unique plants and animals that live in your very own backyard..

Travel Deeper into Everglades National Park Aboard A Private Tour

Go off the beaten path as we journey deeper into florida's everglades national park, as expert guides, our captains have unparalleled knowledge of the trails, plants, and animals. join us for a truly unique and unforgettable experience today.

So much fun!! We did a private tour with LOU, and had an absolute blast!! Thanks to all the staff for being so friendly and knowledgeable! Make sure you go to the alligator show!

Wonderful place, excellent your guide and really awesome Alligator show. Highly recommend!!! Will definitely be back

Wondering What to Do When Visiting the Everglades?

From airboats to camping, we've listed our top picks in our latest article: Top 7 Things to Do in the Everglades!

On Vacation & Need A Ride? We Can Help!

We recommend Xpedition Tours! They provide reliable service to and from our park, from select locations.

So fun!  Beautiful tour flying around the everglades on an airboat!  Wear the ear buds they give you. And you can hold Snappy!

This place is awesome!  We saw a Snail Kite, momma alligator and her nest. The boat ride was sooo much fun. We actually drove by it and turned around just to see the place.

Planning Your Visit? Woo!

Find out everything you can do during your visit to the florida everglades, from airboats to nature walks, wildlife shows to gator bites, we offer family fun in the warm florida sun all year long. we're sure your experience will be unforgettable., ever wonder what that alligator is doing.

Top 7 Things to do in the Everglades

If you ask anyone about the Everglades, they will most probably say that it is the greatest swamp in Florida. They are close but not exactly right! It is a slow-running river that entails around nine contrasting, elegant ecosystems.

History of Airboats

In 1930, airboats started becoming popular in the United States. Many Floridians made them famously known when they began to invent them independently, these Floridians mostly lived in or near the Florida Everglades.

Ultimate Guide: Animals of the Everglades

Did you know the Florida Everglades sustains a unique environment that provides safe refuge to the wildlife that inhabits the wetlands, some of which are not found anywhere else in the world? This guide tells you all about them!

The Ultimate Guide to Everglades National Park

With so much to do in South Florida, it’s easy to miss the adventure that can be found in our very own backyard. In this article, we will shed light on one of the hidden gems often overlooked by visitors and residents alike; the Florida Everglades.

Searching For The Perfect Deal? Look no further!

We offer various discounts to make your Everglades National Park experience more memorable and less stressful on your wallet.

We recommend Xpedition Tours! transportation companies in Miami to provide you reliable service to and from our park, from select locations.

Traveling With A Group? Group Rates & Arrangements Are Available.

Group tours of all sizes are welcome to enjoy the adventure, together! Our custom made, twin rotor airboats are the largest in the industy, holding a whopping 45 visitors each!

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Tour information, things to do in miami, navigation & more, want safari deals.

Making the best of every opportunity to travel with our family

Everglades Shark Valley Tram Tour & Airboat

Read about our adventure to the Everglades National Park Shark Valley area. The Everglades has 3 main entrances and we’re excited to visit the Shark Valley area to do the tram tour. Yesterday, we visited the Gulf Coast Visitor Center as we explored the Tamiami Trail – A Scenic Drive into Real Florida . But read below for more info on the Everglades Shark Valley tram tours and airboat rides!

For Paul’s birthday this year, he wanted to spend time with as much family as possible on the beach. So, we booked a week stay at a timeshare in Pompano Beach right on the ocean. A week at the beach sounds nice, but Paul was looking for adventure. So, he planned 3 different days of adventures in South Florida with different members of our family. Visiting the Everglades Shark Valley area is one we had planned in advance.

There are basically two ways to explore Shark Valley’s and its 15 mile paved loop trail: by bicycle or by tram. You can rent bikes for $22 on a first-come, first served basis. If you can get bikes for everyone, a typical ride around the loop would take 2-3 hours. Or you can book a 2-hour guided tram tour for $28 with discounts for seniors and children. Along with us, we had our moms as well as our daughter and Becky’s brother Kelly. Our daughter still has her training wheels and who knows the last time our moms rode a bike. There is no way we could do 15 miles on a warm day in June, so we decided on the guided train tour. You can read about these offerings at: Everglades National Park Tours | Everglades Tram Tours (sharkvalleytramtours.com) .

After reading their webpage, Everglades National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) , we decided to book in advance. Luckily we were not going in the peak winter season, which apparently can get very crowded. But we wanted to ensure we could get there early enough since it was about 1.5 hours from where we are staying. So, we booked the tram tour for 11:00 in the morning, planning to get there early. There is a $30 fee per vehicle just to enter the Everglades Shark Valley entrance. However, we bought an annual pass last year for $80 before our road trip to Arizona, and it was still valid. If you are planning to visit multiple parks in a year, this is a great deal. And unlike Disney World, 1 annual pass is valid for up to 4 adults.

The other thing Paul wanted to do for his birthday week, was an airboat ride. We had never done one and just had to do it! There are 3 authorized airboat tour companies that operate inside the Everglades. All 3 we pass on Tamiami Trail on the way to Shark Valley, and all seemed very similar and each had a restaurant. We had decided we would pick one the next day and grab lunch after we leave Shark Valley. After lunch, we could do the airboat tour.

Shark Valley Visitor Center

We arrive at the entrance to Shark Valley a little after 10:30. Luckily there was no line to get in. We flashed our national park pass and were waived in. There was ample parking this day, and we parked near the visitor center and the trams. We figured out where we needed to be for the tram and had about 15 minutes to spare. We all hit the restrooms before the 2-hour tram ride and went in the visitor center and store to look around.

We already packed water and some snacks for the ride, but of course our daughter had to get a snack. We then walked outside to a seated and covered waiting area until they called us for the tram. Sure enough about 5 minutes before 11:00 we started to board. There was plenty of room for us though the tram seemed fairly full. It was good we booked early we thought. We have sunscreen and bug spray on and are ready for the ride.

East Tram Trail at Everglades Shark Valley

The tram starts off slow through sawgrass prairies. Besides the driver, we have a guide who points out things of interest along the way. Even though it is June, it has been dry in Florida so far so you have to look for gators more than usual. The driver and guide do a good job of spotting them though.

The driver stops suddenly and the guide points out a gator and we do this along the way. We spotted so many gators at Big Cypress National Preserve the day before, we weren’t used to looking for them. But, they also talk about some interesting facts about the Everglades as well as point out a few gator nests. You really feel in the middle of it all from the comfort of the tram. We go along the trail for almost 50 minutes before we stop about half way at the observation tower.

Shark Valley Observation Tower

The 45-foot high observation tower gives you an opportunity to see for up to 20 miles in all directions. There is a nice short paved walkway to the tower which has a ramp that slowly winds to the top. There are also restrooms at the base. We climb to the observation platform where you can get a 360 degree view all around. Looking forward, you look above the tree canopy where you see birds nesting in the tree tops. In between the tower and the trees is a body of water that resembles a creek. We spot a nice size gator in the water.

This was a nice place to just stop and look and listen to what’s around you. And it was nice to get off the tram half way and walk around for a little bit. The walk to, up, down and back was pleasant for all. Almost back to the tram, there was a short trail named the Borrow Pit Trail.

Everyone goes back to the tram except Paul. He ducked into this narrow trail that skirts the edge of a borrow pit created during oil exploration. He passes a pool of water with a great blue heron sitting still as if her hiding place was found. There were a couple of others on the trail and they started to turn around and so did Paul. We all get back on the tram, but a person is missing. One guy is still not back so we wait for him for about 10 minutes. The guide didn’t want to leave him because it is 7-8 miles back. He finally showed up and we started heading back.

West Tram Trail at Everglades Shark Valley

The tram returns back on the West Tram Trail. Unlike the East trail, this one skirts what looks like a canal on the left along the road. When the road was made, the limestone was dug out creating these holes that the water then filled. So, as the tram is going there is water alongside and better opportunity to spot wildlife.

The guides point out plenty of birds including snowy egrets and great blue herons as well as more gators. There are some pretty flowers the guides talk about as well. We spot a Florida softshell turtle on the side of the road near the water’s edge. There is a little breeze and the tram ride back is relaxing back to the visitor center parking lot. The tram ride was a great tour and ride for all of us.

Bobcat Boardwalk Trail

When we get back everyone wants to get back to the car for some more water and AC, except Paul of course. It was pretty humid as you would imagine but Paul still wanted to explore. So he did a solo walk down the Bobcat Boardwalk Trail.

We all like boardwalks and this was a nice trail through a sawgrass slough and tropical hardwood forest. There wasn’t really any wildlife sightings until the end. It comes out at the end of the West Tram Trail a little ways from the parking lot. Again, this is where the canal of water is located off the road and is abundant with wildlife. Paul spots an anhinga eating a fish on the shore before leisurely walking back to the car. With our snacks gone it is now time to get lunch.

Lunch at Everglades Safari Park

We passed each of the 3 authorized airboat companies on the way. Each airboat company also has a restaurant. And they are 5 minutes between the 3 of them. We pick Coopertown hailed as the original airboat tour. Their restaurant also looked the best online. However, when we parked the lot was full. We found a spot and walked into the restaurant to find out they are closed. Apparently they were closed for a production company. They will rent out the place to film there from time to time. So we headed back towards Shark Valley.

We then decided to stop at Everglades Safari Park which also had a restaurant. By this time we are starving so we go inside and order. The food is overpriced of course and wasn’t very good. We really wished we would have packed a picnic lunch instead. With so few food options, you have to plan better.

Airboat Ride in the Everglades

After lunch, we go to buy tickets, but by this time afternoon rain clouds are coming in. And Everglades Safari Park says they’re not taking any more boats out! We’re upset we ate at their restaurant first, but that leaves us with only 1 option – Gator Park . Luckily, they’re still selling tickets and their boats are still going out for now, but we have to hurry. We wanted to get on before the rain, so we bought the tickets for the next ride at 4:00.

As we are boarding the large airboat, a 6-foot gator floats from the bridge behind us right past us. We put in our hearing protection provided with our tickets and the boat captain/guide gives us the safety briefing. Shortly, we are on our way in the packed airboat starting slow as we leave. Rain is sprinkling as we pick up speed. The fan howls down the waterway for a few minutes until we stop.

The guide stops the boat and talks more about the Everglades. We are far enough away from the dock we can’t see it and are out in the open. All we see around us is a river of grass – the “Everglades”. The tram ride was great, but being on the water out here gives you a different perspective. It is a beautiful view and we take it in for a little while before we head back. On the way back the guide points out a snowy egret and some pond apples. While alligators and other wildlife may eat pond apples, our guide says they taste like rotting melons. Now we know! The ride lasts about 30 minutes.

With our tickets came a show as well. After we get back, we are escorted to a little outdoor theatre. The show is reminiscent of shows at the old Silver Springs. A handler comes out holding a baby gator and puts on a little educational show. The handler is pretty funny and you get to see alligators and a crocodile up-close and out of the water. He has probably done this show a dozen times this day and this was his last. It was a short show about 15 minutes but a good ending for the day.

Summary of Everglades Shark Valley Tram Tour & Airboat Ride

The Everglades National Park Shark Valley area was a fun stop along the Tamiami Trail. We were glad we scheduled the tram tour and on a separate day from other planned activities. Though it was hot and humid there was plenty of shade and fresh breezes that kept the bugs away. It was well worth the money. If we come back during the winter months, the real wet season, it could be a completely different experience. Seeing the tram loop, I can see the appeal of renting bikes to take your own time. We could have spent more time along the trail and especially at the tower.

One thing we learned, is we should have planned to pack our lunch. We could also have bought airboat tickets online ahead of time. But you never know with the weather in Florida on a summer afternoon. I think most of us thought we can say we did an airboat ride and not want to do it again. It was a bucket list thing for us and we checked it off. However, the 2 days we had on the Tamiami Trail in and around the Everglades were fun for all. We really got to experience real Florida and enjoyed the Everglades Shark Valley Tram Tour & Airboat! To see all of our stops along the Tamiami Trail, check out our separate post: Tamiami Trail – A Scenic Drive into Real Florida .

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

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The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.