Everglades Holiday Park

The Basics

The park is most famous for its airboat tours. Head out with a guide to see where Florida gators make their home and learn why it's so important to protect these areas. You’ll also see wild birds, snakes, and other flora and fauna that are not found anywhere else in the United States.

The Everglades Holiday Park boasts an animal rescue operation, and the park’s management believes that the best way to raise awareness about the importance of conserving natural wetlands is by allowing its visitors access to some of its best-known inhabitants. All of the alligators featured at Everglades Holiday Park are native inhabitants of the Everglades or rescue animals, and their health and wellbeing is taken very seriously.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Airboat rides are considered safe for babies and young kids; children 3 and younger are admitted for free.

• The boats are covered to protect against the sun, but be sure to wear sunscreen.

• Remember to bring insect repellent, especially if you are visiting during the summer.

How to Get There

Everglades Holiday Park is located at the western end of Griffin Road, off US 27, in Fort Lauderdale. If driving, take the I-595 or the Sawgrass Expressway to I-75 south, then continue to Griffin Road west (exit 13B). If you book a VIP tour, the park will provide pickup and drop-off from hotels in Broward, Miami-Dade, or Palm Beach counties.

When to Get There

Airboat tours operate daily, departing every 20 minutes from morning through late afternoon. Tour schedules vary seasonally. The area can be hot and humid in the summer, so the best time to visit the Florida Everglades is from November through March.

Why Are Airboat Rides Popular in the Everglades?

Everglades National Park is comprised of swampy, shallow water, so the area is difficult to navigate with traditional boats. Airboats (the first of which was invented by Alexander Graham Bell) were introduced to South Florida in the 1920s and became a popular method for exploring the waterways and, eventually, a fun tourist attraction.

Ways to explore

Most visitors come to Everglades Holiday Park to head out on an airboat adventure; some packages include round-trip transportation from Miami. Airboat rides typically take you into swampland, where you might spot alligators, turtles, snakes, birds, and other wildlife native to the region. These tours are led by a guide who provides in-depth commentary as you travel. Some combo tours also include a Biscayne Bay cruise upon returning to Miami, and showcase views of Fisher Island, Star Island, and the Miami skyline.

Accessibility

Accessibility information varies depending on which vessel you book, so it’s best to check before booking.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Insect repellent, sun protection, bottled water

What to wear

Light layered clothing, closed-toe flat shoes, hat

Not allowed

Drones, feeding wildlife, littering

Amenities

Visitor center, gift shop, restrooms, parking

Address 

The Everglades Holiday Park is located in Fort Lauderdale, on the edge of Broward County. It’s easiest to get here by car, but for the sake of convenience, many travelers opt for a guided tour with transfers included.

Driving

Everglades Holiday Park is on Griffin Road, off US 27, in Fort Lauderdale. If driving, take I-95 or Florida’s Turnpike to I-595 west, followed by I-75 south. Take Exit 13B. Drive west on Griffin Road until you reach the park.

Public transportation

It can be time-consuming to get to Everglades Holiday Park by public transportation, so it is much better to book a guided tour, drive, or use a rideshare app instead.

Best times to visit

Come for an airboat tour earlier in the day to avoid the heat and daytime crowds.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are usually calmer than weekends, which attract larger visitor numbers and longer wait times.

Best months to visit

December through April are good months to come, as this is the dry season and a good time for alligator viewing.