Everglades National Park is a 1.5-million-acre subtropical wilderness in South Florida and the only place on Earth where alligators and crocodiles coexist. The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The standard vehicle entrance fee is US$35 per vehicle (valid 7 consecutive days). Airboat tours — the most popular way to experience the Everglades — are available from multiple operators with tours starting from around US$28–30 for adults. The best time to visit is during the dry season, November through April, when wildlife concentrations are highest and conditions are most comfortable.
Everglades National Park is one of the great wilderness areas of North America — a UNESCO World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, and Wetland of International Importance encompassing 1.5 million acres of sawgrass marshes, mangrove forests, and tropical hardwood hammocks. More than a million visitors come each year to see its extraordinary wildlife, explore its watery trails, and experience one of the most ecologically unique landscapes on the planet.
This guide covers everything you need to plan a 2026 Everglades visit: entrance fees, airboat tour options from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, the best entrances to use, seasonal advice, wildlife viewing, and all major activities.
Top Tickets
# Everglades Airboat Tour at Gator Park – Wildlife Show Included
# Sawgrass Recreation Park – Daytime Airboat Tour & Exhibits
The standard vehicle entrance pass for Everglades National Park costs US$35 per private vehicle and is valid for 7 consecutive days at all park entrances. Motorcycle passes are US$25. Individual pedestrian, cyclist, or paddlecraft entry costs US$15. The America the Beautiful annual national parks pass (US$80) covers entry to all US national parks for 12 months and is excellent value for frequent visitors. Children 15 and under enter free. Active military and veterans enter free with appropriate ID.
| Ticket Type | Price |
| Private Vehicle Pass (7 days) | US$35 |
| Motorcycle Pass (7 days) | US$25 |
| Pedestrian / Cyclist / Paddlecraft | US$15 |
| Children (15 and under) | Free |
| America the Beautiful Annual Pass | US$80 |
The park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, the three main entrance gates have different operating hours. The Homestead (Ernest F. Coe) entrance is open 24 hours. The Shark Valley (Miami) entrance is open daily 8:30 am to 6 pm (no vehicle access after 6 pm). The Everglades City (Gulf Coast) entrance is open 24 hours with no entrance fee.
Airboat tours are the most popular way to experience the Everglades. They run on flat-bottomed boats powered by large aircraft-style propellers, reaching speeds up to 40 mph across the sawgrass prairie. Tours range from 30 minutes to 60 minutes, with guides sharing ecological and historical facts while spotting wildlife including alligators, wading birds, turtles, and on lucky days, Florida panthers. Ear protection is always provided. Both shared group tours and private airboat experiences are available.
If you have a car and can drive to the Everglades, these tours are the best value. You pay only for the tour experience itself, without the transport premium.
Gator Park – Airboat Ride & Wildlife Show:
A 40-minute airboat ride through the Everglades, followed by a wildlife show including alligator demonstrations — historically including a baby gator photo opportunity (note: from 2026, holding baby gators for photos is no longer permitted at Gator Park). The airboat park is located at 24050 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33194 and is one of the few operators inside Everglades National Park itself.
Sawgrass Recreation Park – Airboat Tour & Exhibits:
A 40-minute airboat tour at the Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, with access to reptile and wildlife exhibits. A popular choice for visitors staying in Fort Lauderdale or western Miami.
Long-Duration Small-Group Airboat Tour:
For a more personalised Everglades airboat experience, this highly-rated small-group tour seats just 6 people and offers a choice of 60 or 90-minute rides — giving you significantly more time in the wilderness than standard 40-minute tours.
Buy This TicketIf you prefer not to drive, these tours include round-trip transport from Miami to the Everglades and back — making them an ideal option for those without a car or who want a stress-free experience.
Miami Half-Day Everglades Tour:
A 5-hour programme departing Miami at 9:30 am or 1:30 pm. An air-conditioned double-decker bus takes you to Everglades Park for a narrated airboat tour, an alligator show, and wildlife exhibits before returning to Miami. Departs from 305 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach.
Buy This TicketMiami Everglades Airboat + Biscayne Bay Cruise:
A unique combination day trip: explore the Everglades wilderness on an airboat in the morning, then cruise the Miami skyline on Biscayne Bay in the afternoon. Hotel pickup from Miami included.
Buy This TicketEverglades Night Airboat Tour:
A 60-minute night airboat tour searching for American alligators — identified by their glowing red eyes in the dark. Available Wednesday and Saturday only, departing from Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston.
Everglades National Park has three main entrance areas — and critically, they are not internally connected by road. Choose your entrance based on which activities you want to do and where you are staying. The Homestead entrance (Ernest F. Coe) is best for hiking the Anhinga Trail and visiting the Flamingo area. The Shark Valley (Miami) entrance is best for the tram tour and cycling. The Everglades City (Gulf Coast) entrance is best for boat tours through the Ten Thousand Islands and has no admission fee.
Homestead Entrance (Ernest F. Coe): Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034. Open 24 hours. Best for: Anhinga Trail, Gumbo Limbo Trail, Royal Palm area, Flamingo Visitor Center, kayaking, camping.
Shark Valley Entrance (Miami): Address: 36000 SW 8th Street, Miami, FL 33194. Open daily 8:30 am–6 pm, no vehicle access after 6 pm. Best for: the 15-mile (24 km) Shark Valley tram tour, cycling, and wildlife viewing at the Shark Valley Observation Tower.
Everglades City (Gulf Coast) Entrance: Address: 815 Oyster Bar Lane, Everglades City, FL 34139. Open 24 hours. No entrance fee. Best for: boat tours through the Ten Thousand Islands and the vast mangrove estuary network.
The best time to visit Everglades National Park is during the dry season, November to April. Temperatures average 23–27°C (73–80°F), wildlife concentrates around water holes making viewing exceptional, insects are minimal, and all visitor facilities are fully staffed. The wet season (May–October) brings extreme heat above 32°C (90°F), daily afternoon thunderstorms, and intense mosquitoes that make outdoor activities uncomfortable. Visit early morning if you must visit in summer.
The Everglades spans three counties in South Florida. There is no public transit to the park — a car or organised tour with transport is essential.
From Miami to Shark Valley: Approximately 45 minutes. Take US-41 (Tamiami Trail) west.
From Miami to Homestead entrance: Approximately 50–60 minutes. Take Florida’s Turnpike (SR-821) south.
From Fort Lauderdale to Sawgrass Recreation Park: Approximately 30–40 minutes. Take I-75 west to Exit 23 on US-27.
Yes — the park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Individual visitor centres and entrance gates have their own operating hours.
Yes — most Everglades airboat operators run seven days a week. Night tours are typically available on specific evenings only (usually Wednesday and Saturday at Sawgrass Recreation Park).
Florida panthers, American alligators, American crocodiles (the Everglades is the only place where both coexist), West Indian manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, wild boar, white-tailed deer, and over 350 bird species.
Polarised sunglasses (helps spot wildlife under the water), sunscreen, hat, closed-toe shoes, and a bag with a zip-close. Leave hats that cannot be tied on — the airboat wind is powerful.
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