Everglades Day Safari from Ft Lauderdale

An ecotour along the Tamiami Trail offers a vivid glimpse into Florida’s wild heart. Guests travel through sawgrass prairies, cypress swamps, and wetland sloughs, surrounded by towering bald cypress trees draped in Spanish moss. Wildlife sightings often include American alligators, white-tailed deer, otters, turtles, and a dazzling array of birds like egrets, spoonbills, herons, and barred owls. The preserve is also rich in rare plants like ghost orchids and air plants clinging to ancient trees. Guides share stories of the Miccosukee and Seminole tribes, the area’s early development, and conservation efforts that saved this vital ecosystem. Each season offers something new—migratory birds, blooming bromeliads, or low waters that reveal the swamp’s secrets. Whether by van, boardwalk, or airboat ride, this tour is a chance to connect with nature and witness the timeless beauty of the Everglades.

Tour the “River of Grass” aboard an iconic airboat—flat-bottomed and perfectly designed to glide over the shallow wetlands of the Everglades. As the wind rushes past and birds soar overhead, your captain shares stories of the land, wildlife, and traditions passed down through generations. The journey leads to a remote chickee island, a thatched-roof platform built on stilts, where the tribe once lived in harmony with the swamp. Surrounded by sawgrass prairies and endless sky, this stop offers a rare chance to experience the cultural heart of the Everglades and gain insight into the resilience and legacy of the Miccosukee people.

Big Cypress National Preserve is a vast, wild landscape spanning over 700,000 acres in South Florida, just north of Everglades National Park. It protects a rich mosaic of swamps, pinelands, prairies, and hardwood hammocks that support a wide range of wildlife, including alligators, Florida panthers, black bears, white-tailed deer, and hundreds of bird species. Unlike a traditional national park, Big Cypress allows for multiple uses—hunting, off-road vehicle access, and tribal living—while still preserving its unique ecology.

A visit to the Oasis Visitor Center, located right along the Tamiami Trail, is the perfect introduction to the preserve. Guests can view educational exhibits about the swamp's wildlife, hydrology, and cultural history, chat with rangers, and enjoy up-close views of alligators sunning in the canal just outside. It's an ideal launch point for deeper exploration into this subtropical wilderness—whether by boardwalk, scenic drive, or guided ecotour.

Island Cafe in Everglades City offers a free and satisfying lunch menu featuring local flavors and classic favorites. Guests can enjoy fried oysters, perfectly crispy and full of coastal flavor, or savor a tender, flaky grilled Mahi filet. For something hearty and familiar, the grilled chicken and juicy burgers are always a hit.

Those craving bold flavors can dig into BBQ pork tacos or cheesy quesadillas, served hot and loaded with flavor. Lighter fare includes a variety of veggie wraps and fresh salads, perfect for guests looking for a plant-based or refreshing option. Whether you’re in the mood for seafood, comfort food, or something green, Island Cafe serves it up with a smile—completely free on tour!

A visit to the Historic Smallwood Store in Chokoloskee adds rich cultural depth to your adventure. Perched on stilts above the edge of the Ten Thousand Islands, this preserved trading post from 1906 offers a fascinating glimpse into frontier life in the Florida Everglades. Guests can explore artifacts, tools, and stories from early settlers, Gladesmen, and the Seminole and Miccosukee tribes who once traded goods here.

The museum is steeped in legend, including tales of infamous outlaw Ed Watson and the rugged isolation that shaped the region. Visiting the Smallwood Store is like stepping back in time—guests seeking history, mystery, and a deeper connection to the people of the Everglades. It’s a rare chance to see the human side of the swamp, and a powerful companion experience to the wildlife and ecology showcased on the safari.

Enjoy an unforgettable 60-minute boat tour into the heart of Everglades National Park, launching from the edge of Chokoloskee Bay. Glide through a maze of mangrove forests and coastal estuaries in the Ten Thousand Islands, where land and sea blur in a stunning display of natural beauty. Your captain, a local expert, shares fascinating insights into the Everglades’ unique ecology and the region’s rich history. Keep your eyes peeled for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, manatees, sharks, and a variety of coastal birds like ospreys, herons, and roseate spoonbills. This peaceful ride through Florida’s remote backwaters offers close encounters with wildlife and a deeper appreciation for one of the most diverse ecosystems in North America—a serene yet thrilling highlight of the day’s adventure.