Airboat tour to see alligators

[cruisin'mama]

Hi,

 

We have decided to fly into Ft Lauderdale early before our cruise in February so we will have a full day to do an airboat tour. We have a son who has Down Syndrome who wants to do a tour and see alligators in the wild. I am thinking of trying to find a private tour with a smaller boat so there aren’t all kinds of other people on the boat to block his view. I realize it will cost more, but this is his birthday trip so I want to make it special. I read about some tours that go through mangroves and some that go through grasses, but I have no idea which would be better. Some have shows afterwards and that’s ok but the boat part is the main focus for him.

If anyone could guide me in the right direction or even have a great recommendation, I’d really appreciate it. We will have a car to drive wherever we need to go!

Edited July 18, 2021 by cruisin'mama

[Ashland]

Sawgrass Recreational Park offers private tours...They also have a great reptile and wild animal exhibit. We have done this airboat and it was just amazing. Google them for all the info you'll need.

[FOPMan]

Another choice is to go to Shark Valley in the Everglades. Part of Everglades National Park, Shark Valley has a long paved trail out to an observation tower. You can walk, take a bike (rentals available or bring your own) or a guided tram out and back from the tower.

 

During the wet season especially, you will see alligators. Up close and personal.

 

https://www.nps.gov/ever/planyourvisit/svdirections.htm

 

One of the better known airboat centers is at http://www.evergladessafaripark.com/.

 

i wouldn’t worry too much about not having a good seat.

 

Edited July 19, 2021 by FOPMan

[capriccio]

I second FOPMan's recommendation of Shark Valley but I think you will see more alligators in the dry season (winter) and definitely more birds because wildlife congregates around the watering holes in the dry season.  You see alligators of all sizes - some very close up and personal as FOPMan said - plus beautiful birds. We've had very interesting and entertaining guides each time we've taken the tram ride and the NPS rangers give talks and sometimes guided walks throughout the day.

Edited July 19, 2021 by capriccio

[Ashland]

Good info from the two poster's above but I thought the OP was looking for a "private" airboat tour?

She seemed pretty specific on her reason why...but perhaps I misunderstood.

[capriccio]

6 hours ago, Ashland said:

Good info from the two poster's above but I thought the OP was looking for a "private" airboat tour?

She seemed pretty specific on her reason why...but perhaps I misunderstood.

 

10 hours ago, FOPMan said:

 

One of the better known airboat centers is at http://www.evergladessafaripark.com/.

 

 

The Everglades Safari park recommended by FOPMan - and close to Shark Valley - offers private airboat tours.

[Ashland]

6 hours ago, capriccio said:

 

The Everglades Safari park recommended by FOPMan - and close to Shark Valley - offers private airboat tours.

Thanks, I missed that on their website.... Now the OP has some good options.

Edited July 19, 2021 by Ashland

[cruisin'mama]

Thank you everybody for your great suggestions!! I looked into what you’ve said and these are wonderful ideas that should work well for us!! I appreciate your help!

[Ashland]

3 hours ago, cruisin'mama said:

Thank you everybody for your great suggestions!! I looked into what you’ve said and these are wonderful ideas that should work well for us!! I appreciate your help!

You're so welcome....I'm sure you'll all enjoy whatever you decide to book !!

[Capt_BJ]

A caution ..... an airboat ride will probably involve some amount of 'spray'

 

You may wan to clean up after the ride and b4 your flight ......

 

 

[FLLconcierge]

Here are 3 companies that provide small group tours, pick you up from the Ports, store your bags and have small airboats:

https://ecosafari.com/

https://wildlimeadventures.com/

https://www.miaminativetours.com/ (we have used them before and he does pick up in FLL)

 

[Ashland]

42 minutes ago, FLLconcierge said:

Here are 3 companies that provide small group tours, pick you up from the Ports, store your bags and have small airboats:

https://ecosafari.com/

https://wildlimeadventures.com/

https://www.miaminativetours.com/ (we have used them before and he does pick up in FLL)

 

OP will have a car pre-cruise so their options are open to many suggestions.