Sawgrass Recreation Park

Take an airboat ride to see wildlife and learn about the area’s ecosystem, then visit the park’s exhibits: The Reptile Exhibit boasts dozen species (native and exotic) along with Cannibal, a 1,000-pound (454-kilogram) alligator. The Glades Exhibit features a variety of tortoises and iguanas. The Exotic Wildlife Exhibit (scheduled to open in 2020) will include large cats like panthers and caracals. Visitors looking for a unique thrill can also enjoy night time alligator-viewing trips.

• Kids 6 and under must wear a lifejacket (which is provided) while onboard the boat; all other guests may also choose to wear a lifejacket if they desire.

• The boats are not wheelchair accessible.

• Airboat tours leave every 30 minutes, and private boat tours are also available.

• Fishing boats and camping spots are available.

• Children age 3 and under enter for free.

Sawgrass Recreation Park is located two miles north of Exit 23, off I-75 on US Route 27. The park is about 30 minutes from the Fort Lauderdale airport and about 45 to 60 minutes from Miami Beach. There is free parking available on site.

Boats leave every 30 minutes from morning through mid-afternoon. Animal exhibits close in the early evening, when the last boat boards. During the summer, it's best to visit in the morning; there can be wind and thunderstorms in the afternoons.

There are a variety of ways to explore the Everglades. After enjoying an airboat ride, join a tram tour from the Shark Valley Visitor Center, visit the Big Cypress National Preserve, or stroll on the boardwalk through the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Hardcore campers can even spend the night in a chickee, a traditional Seminole or Miccosukee log-frame structure with palm or palmetto thatching.

Sawgrass Recreation Park started as a fishing camp in the 1950s, and then evolved into an airboat attraction in the 1970s. Today, it’s one of the top airboat attractions in South Florida. In 2005, it expanded to include a 50+ animal reptile exhibit to further educate visitors on Florida’s diverse ecosystem.

The Everglades is a wild, uncontrolled ecosystem, so there are chances that certain animals may not be visible during a ride. However, most visitors should expect to see endemic wildlife such as alligators, birds, fish, snakes, and turtles. In the reptile exhibit, there are alligators, turtles, and snakes in captivity.

Bug spray and sunscreen are recommended because the airboats are open-air vessels. It’s a good idea to dress for sun exposure, which means hats and clothing that is breathable and UV protective. If you need to bring luggage, there’s luggage storage available that you can call ahead and reserve.

No, there are no height restrictions for going on an airboat tour or visiting the exhibits at Sawgrass Recreation Park. There are no age restrictions, either, though ear plugs are recommended and children under seven must wear a life jacket when riding. Also, keep in mind the airboats have limited accessibility.

The airboat tours at Sawgrass Recreation Park range in duration depending on which type of tour you choose to book. There are two categories of tours—private and general. General tours may last 30 to 40 minutes, while private tours can last 40, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.

The airboat tours are the main attraction at Sawgrass Recreation Park, but there are other activities available, including camping and fishing. You can opt for one package that features an airboat ride and admission to the animal sanctuary. Another standalone option is a private reptile exhibit tour without an airboat ride.