Miami often conjures images of sun-drenched beaches, pulsating nightlife, and iconic Art Deco streetscapes. Yet just a short drive from the city lies a landscape that is completely different, wild, and endlessly fascinating: the Everglades. I’ve found that the Everglades offer a unique mix of adventure, nature, and serenity that is hard to match anywhere else. Over the years, I’ve taken numerous day trips from Miami to experience this subtropical wilderness, and each trip has left me with unforgettable memories.
I’ll share three personal Everglades adventures I’ve done firsthand, including detailed experiences, services, pros and cons, and practical tips for getting there. I’ll also highlight four recommended activities that I haven’t done myself but are highly regarded by fellow travelers. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive blueprint for exploring Florida’s wild side in a single day from Miami.
Part I: My Personal Everglades Adventures
- Airboat Ride with Miami Everglades Connection
Location: Miami Everglades Connection, 24050 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194
Distance from Miami: Approximately 45 minutes by car
Booking & Tickets: Can be reserved online or by phone; private and shared tours available. Prices start around $50 per adult for a one-hour ride.
Experience:
The first time I took an airboat ride here, my heart was racing even before we left the dock. The boat’s engine roared to life, propelling us across the sawgrass marshes at thrilling speeds. The wind slapped my face as we twisted and turned, and alligators occasionally peeked out of the water with curious eyes. Our guide, a local with decades of experience, narrated stories about the Everglades’ history, ecosystem, and wildlife behaviors. He explained how the water levels change seasonally, how mangroves filter water, and why this delicate habitat is so important to the region.
The ride wasn’t just about speed—it was about perspective. Floating over the vast expanse of sawgrass and spotting a heron gliding silently above the water made me feel both insignificant and connected to the natural world. By the end of the tour, I felt exhilarated, drenched in wind and sun, and deeply grateful for having experienced the Everglades in such a visceral way.
Pros:
• Personalized experience with knowledgeable guides
• Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
• Thrilling adventure suitable for adrenaline seekers
Cons:
• Not ideal for those prone to motion sickness
• Can be noisy; ear protection recommended
Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Tips: Book early, especially for weekends or holidays. Private tours offer a more intimate experience and better wildlife spotting opportunities.
- Hiking the Anhinga Trail
Location: Anhinga Trail, Everglades National Park, 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034
Distance from Miami: About 1 hour by car
Booking & Tickets: Park entrance fee applies ($30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass). No advance booking required.
Experience:
The Anhinga Trail is a boardwalk that allows visitors to get close to the Everglades’ wildlife without venturing deep into the swamp. I remember walking along the trail early in the morning, when the air was cool and mist hovered over the water. Alligators floated lazily near the edges of the trail, turtles sunbathed on logs, and a pair of anhingas spread their wings wide, drying after a morning hunt. The trail is short, less than a mile, but it packs in a wealth of natural encounters.
What struck me most was how alive everything felt. Birds called out in the trees, dragonflies danced above the water, and every rustle in the grasses hinted at hidden creatures. I spent nearly two hours there, stopping to photograph and observe. The experience reminded me that even a short walk can reveal a whole ecosystem in action.
Pros:
• Short, accessible trail suitable for all fitness levels
• High likelihood of seeing wildlife, even without hiking experience
• Informative signage provides educational context
Cons:
• Can be crowded during peak season
• Limited shade, so bring sun protection
Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
Tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds and maximize wildlife sightings. Binoculars and a camera with zoom are highly recommended.
- Kayaking in the Ten Thousand Islands
Location: Everglades City, FL 34139
Distance from Miami: Approximately 1.5 hours by car
Booking & Tickets: Kayak rentals or guided tours available through local outfitters. Prices start at $40 for a half-day rental.
Experience:
Kayaking through the Ten Thousand Islands is a serene and meditative way to explore the Everglades. I rented a single kayak and paddled through narrow mangrove tunnels. The labyrinth of waterways felt like a secret garden, with calm water reflecting the sky and dense mangrove roots forming natural arches above me. Occasionally, a dolphin would surface, or a manatee would glide beneath my kayak, leaving trails of bubbles.
The physical effort of paddling was worth it—the stillness and connection to nature provided a sense of accomplishment and relaxation. I also stopped at small islands to rest and enjoy snacks I had packed, feeling completely immersed in the wilderness.
Pros:
• Peaceful, low-impact activity that lets you control your pace
• Excellent opportunities for wildlife observation
• Flexible schedule—half-day or full-day options
Cons:
• Requires moderate physical exertion
• Navigating without a guide can be tricky in the maze-like waterways
Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Tips: Bring waterproof bags for your phone and camera. Early morning paddles often provide the best wildlife encounters.
Part II: Recommended Everglades Activities
- Airboat Tour with Everglades Holiday Park
Location: 21940 Griffin Rd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33332
Distance from Miami: Approximately 45 minutes by car
Booking & Tickets: Tours can be booked online or on-site; prices start at $45 per adult. Shuttle service available from Miami.
Why It’s Recommended:
This park offers classic airboat experiences with an added wildlife show featuring rescued alligators. It’s perfect for families or visitors seeking a high-energy, educational adventure without leaving the comfort of the park facilities.
Pros:
• Family-friendly
• Educational wildlife demonstrations
• Convenient transportation from Miami
Cons:
• Can get crowded on weekends
• Airboats are loud; ear protection may be needed
Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
- Guided Eco-Tour with Everglades Area Tours
Location: Everglades Area Tours, Naples, FL
Distance from Miami: Approximately 2 hours by car
Booking & Tickets: Online booking recommended; tours start at $85 per person for a half-day guided experience.
Why It’s Recommended:
These eco-tours provide in-depth education about the Everglades’ ecosystem, wildlife, and conservation efforts. Led by expert naturalists, small groups allow for a personalized experience, perfect for travelers who want to understand the Everglades beyond just the sights.
Pros:
• Highly educational and interactive
• Focus on conservation and sustainability
• Small group tours for more attention
Cons:
• Longer duration; a full-day commitment is required
• Advance booking is necessary due to limited spots
Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
- Sunset Airboat Tour with Miami Everglades Connection
Location: Miami Everglades Connection, 24050 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194
Distance from Miami: 45 minutes by car
Booking & Tickets: Sunset tours can be booked online; prices start at $55 per adult.
Why It’s Recommended:
Watching the Everglades at sunset is breathtaking. The sky shifts colors over the water, and many species become more active as the temperature cools. These tours combine the thrill of an airboat with the tranquility of evening wildlife observation.
Pros:
• Beautiful sunset views over the wetlands
• Cooler temperatures in the evening
• Possibility of seeing nocturnal animals
Cons:
• Limited availability, requiring advance booking
• Reduced visibility as light fades
Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½ (4.5/5)
- Wildlife Viewing at Shark Valley
Location: Shark Valley Visitor Center, 36000 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194
Distance from Miami: About 1 hour by car
Booking & Tickets: Entrance fee applies; tram tours are available ($30 per adult), but walking or biking is free once inside the park.
Why It’s Recommended:
Shark Valley features a 15-mile loop that can be explored by tram, bike, or foot. An observation tower provides panoramic views of the Everglades, and wildlife—including alligators and wading birds—is abundant.
Pros:
• Multiple ways to explore (tram, bike, walk)
• Panoramic observation tower
• High probability of wildlife sightings
Cons:
• Hot, sunny conditions; bring hydration and sun protection
• Limited shade along portions of the trail
Recommendation Index: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
Practical Tips for Visiting the Everglades from Miami
• Transportation: Most day trips require a car or rideshare. Some tours offer pickup and drop-off from Miami hotels.
• Timing: Early morning or late afternoon often provides the best wildlife encounters and cooler temperatures.
• What to Bring: Sunscreen, bug spray, a hat, water, snacks, binoculars, and waterproof bags for electronics.
• Booking: Many airboat and guided tours fill quickly, especially on weekends. Booking at least a few days in advance is recommended.
• Seasons: Dry season (November–April) offers better conditions for hiking and spotting alligators; wet season (May–October) may be hotter and more humid but lush and full of birds.
Exploring the Everglades is one of the most rewarding day trips from Miami. Whether you seek the thrill of an airboat ride, the quiet reflection of a kayak in mangroves, or an educational eco-tour, there’s an experience for every type of traveler. For me, the Everglades are not just a park—they are a living, breathing ecosystem, full of surprises, stories, and moments of awe.
Every trip leaves me with a renewed appreciation for Florida’s natural beauty, the delicate balance of ecosystems, and the thrill of seeing wildlife in its natural habitat. If you’ve only experienced Miami’s beaches and nightlife, I urge you to step beyond the city limits and discover the wild side waiting just an hour away.
The Everglades are calling—and there’s no better way to answer than with open eyes, a sense of adventure, and a spirit ready for the wild.
