Everglades: Day Trips and Tours from Orlando

A day trip to the Everglades from Orlando promises an unforgettable trip for the entire family. This amazing natural region offers visitors a chance to see alligators, crocodiles and an array of other creatures in their natural habitat.

There are many different ways to experience the Everglades, so you are sure to find the perfect excursion whether you are looking for an adventure or simply want to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Check out our visitor's guide to the Everglades, one of the most impressive day trips from Orlando.

How to get to the Everglades from Orlando?

The Everglades National Park is located in southern Florida, several hours away from Orlando by road. However, the city of Kissimmee is known as the gateway to the Everglades by boat, and it’s just half an hour away from Orlando. Since the park is so large, you can access it from several different locations.

From Orlando to the Everglades by car

The journey from Orlando to Everglades National Park takes almost four hours to drive. If you're driving from Orlando, take I-75 South towards Naples.

Then, take exit 25A to merge onto FL-29 W/Tamiami Trail E toward Everglades City and continue for about 40 miles until you reach the park entrance. Note that some roads might have tolls, so have some change or a credit card ready.

From Orlando to the Everglades by air

The closest airport to the Everglades is Miami International Airport, which is about an hour drive from the park. There are many different airlines that offer flights from Orlando to Miami, starting from US$60 each way. From Miami the journey to the Everglades is just under an hour by car.

Guided tour from Orlando to the Everglades

The best way to travel on a day trip from Orlando to the Everglades is on an airboat tour. Most tours depart from Kissimee, which is a 30-minute drive south of Orlando. Lake Cypress in Kenansville is another popular departure point for airboat tours, and is about an hour drive from Orlando.

From your starting point, you will board an airboat which will take you deep into the Everglades. The ride is usually 30 to 60 minutes long and will have the opportunity to see alligators, turtles and a variety of birds up close.

You may even spot an alligator or two sunning themselves on the banks! This is arguably the highlight of any excursion to the Everglades.

How much does the entrance ticket to the Everglades cost?

It costs US$30 per private vehicle or US$15 per person to enter Everglades National Park. However, the cost of entry will usually be included in the price of your Everglades excursion. Unless you’re exploring the area by yourself, you won’t have to worry about paying this fee.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to the Everglades from Orlando?

Usually, an Everglades day trip from Orlando will begin in either Kissimmee or Lake Cypress, both of which are a short drive from Orlando. Some tours include a hotel pickup, or you can drive yourself to the meeting point.

From the tour starting point, you will board an airboat and head deep into the Everglades. Everglades day trips from Orlando typically include a 30- to 60-minute boat ride, as well as a stop at an alligator farm or wildlife center.

In some cases, an Everglades excursion will also include a "gator demonstration," where you can watch a trained gator handler put on a show. You’ll even be able to hold a small one yourself.

The best time to see alligators is before 10 AM, so Everglades day tours tend to leave early unless you're taking a sunset trip. Your tour will often include breakfast and/or a picnic lunch.

Sometimes a jaunt to the Everglades can also include a visit to Miami. There, you'll enjoy a boat tour of the islands and free time to explore areas like Bayside Marketplace and the famous South Beach.

What kinds of tours are available to go to the Everglades?

There are several types of Everglades day tours available, so you can choose the one that best suits your interests.

Airboat Everglades day tours

Airboat tours are the most popular type of tour, and for good reason! These fast and exciting rides give you a unique perspective of the Everglades, as you zip across the water at speeds of up to 45 miles per hour. You'll have plenty of opportunities to see alligators, turtles, and a variety of birds up close on your Everglades day trip.

Sunset Everglades tours

If you want to see the Everglades in a different light (literally), consider taking a sunset tour. These tours depart later in the day and offer a peaceful ride through the park as the sun sets.

Night tours

Night time Everglades tours are a great way to see nocturnal animals that you wouldn't normally see during the day. Alligators are particularly active at night, so you'll have plenty of opportunities to see them on a night tour and witness their eyes glow red.

Everglades day trip and manatee adventure

For something a little different, consider a manatee adventure tour. These tours begin in the Crystal River, where it's legal to snorkel and swim with manatees. After that, you'll experience more Floridian wildlife at Homosassa Springs State Park and enjoy an airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River.

Day tour to Everglades plus Miami

If you want to experience the best of both worlds, consider a tour that includes both the Everglades and Miami. These tours typically begin with an airboat ride through the Everglades, as well as a boat tour of Miami and some free time in the Magic City.

Day trip to Everglades plus Kennedy Space Center

These tours typically include an airboat ride through the Everglades, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. You'll also get to see a launchpad and meet an astronaut.

How much does a tour to the Everglades from Orlando cost?

Everglades day tours range from US$30 to US$199 per person, depending on the duration of your tour and whether you opt for a meal or not. Private tours tend to be more expensive, but offer a more personal experience.

If your tour includes a visit to Miami, you can expect to pay on the higher end of the price range. Night time tours also tend to be more expensive. Manatee adventure trips also fall on the higher end of the price range due to the volume of activities.

What will you see and do in the Everglades?

The Everglades is home to a variety of animals, including alligators, turtles, snakes and even dolphins. You'll also see plenty of unique plants and trees on your Everglades excursion, as well as the famous sawgrass prairies.

On an Everglades day tour, you can expect to see many alligators up close and even hold one during a gator demonstration. Some of the alligators weigh as much as 500 pounds, although the ones visitors hold are much smaller than this.

Some tours also include the opportunity to explore Miami or visit the Kennedy Space Center to learn about the history of space exploration.

Other packages offer the chance to swim with manatees in the Crystal River, which is one of the only places where it's legal to do so in the United States.

Of course, no Everglades jaunt is complete without sampling some of the local cuisine. You will have the chance to enjoy a picnic or visit a local barbecue restaurant, where you can try some of the famous Everglades swamp sauce.

It's also possible to explore the Everglades by bicycle. Popular cycling tours include the Snake Bight and Long Pine Key trails. Kayaking tours and hiking tours are also popular activities in the Everglades.

When are the Everglades open over the year?

The Everglades National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, some of the tours and activities offered by tour operators may only be available during certain times of the year.

For example, manatee swims are only available from November to March, when the water is warm enough for these creatures. Everglades tours are also weather dependent and do not operate when the temperature falls below 10 degrees Celsius.

When is the best time to visit the Everglades?

If you're interested in seeing alligators, the best time to take an Everglades day trip is between November and March. This is when they are most active.

December to April is also the dry season, when the weather is cooler and there is less chance of rain. However, this is also the busiest time of year in the Everglades, so expect crowds.

Are there any tours to the Everglades from other cities in the US?

Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in the US:

• Day trips to the Everglades from Miami
• Everglades day tours from Fort Lauderdale
• Day tours to the Everglades from Orlando
• Everglades day trips from Naples, Florida

Travel tips

• The Everglades is a large area, so it's best to book a tour rather than try to explore it on your own.
• Be sure to wear sunscreen and a hat, especially if you're planning on being out in the sun all day.
• The Everglades is very humid, so bring insect repellent to keep mosquitoes and other bugs at bay.
• Pack plenty of water and snacks, especially if your tour does not include meals.
• Wear loose and comfortable clothing to stay cool and prevent mosquito bites.
• If possible, try to avoid visiting during holidays or weekends, when the park is busiest.
• Follow the instructions of your tour guide and stay inside the boat at all times.
• To avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is during the week rather than on weekends.
• Some tours only operate during certain times of year, so be sure to check before booking.
• Do not feed any alligators or other animals you may see during your Everglades day tour.
• Remember to bring your camera to capture your Everglades journey.