everglades national park boat tours

Took the canal boat trip, because we are from the midwest it was interesting for us. Our guide and boat captain were both very informative. We saw alot of birds, huge group of pelicans and some dolphins. A decent way to spend a couple of hours. However, it is no way comparable to the east side of the everglades. Everything on the west side is by boat only. I love our National Parks and have never been disappointed. This comes fairly close.

We did not have great weather for our boat tour, chose the canal one. Just not that much to see. LOTS of Mangroves. Some of the info was interesting, but it just wasn't great. Perhaps another day we might have experienced more wildlife- saw 1 gator. $65 for the 2 of us.

The Back Country Boat Tour from the Flamingo Marina proved to be well worth the fee.We learned about the poisonous manchineel tree and Calusa Indian uses, heard stories about how pythons have invaded the Everglades, saw gorgeous, interwoven aerial and prop roots from mangrove trees, and viewed anhingas, ibis, osprey, a crocodile, as well as as manatees and alligators.All this was after a delightful 45 minute park entry drive through a river of grass, dwarf cypress, and hammocks.Very enjoyable and informative trip.

Everyone was very nice here and we bought the $30 ticket the same day so no problem with space. It lasted for a while but we only saw two tiny alligators and a few birds on a tree resting. We enjoyed the other parts of the park much more and felt this sort of wasted our time. We toured the bay. I would spend more time on the trails seeing things up close. Anhinga trail is the absolute best part of the park.

We knew about the boat tours and made a point to get to Flamingo in time to catch one. I actually thought we would have a better time on the inland River tour, but timing was better for the bay. I'm so glad we took it! Wee saw tons of sea birds including several successful catches by osprey, including two that caught fish as part of a pod of dolphins who were catching fish by making a circle in the mud like a net (like the whales do with bubbles). A lifetime event, I'm sure. So glad we made the trip!Our captain did a great job with his interpretive narration and our first mate, Cedric, was a lot of fun.

The land ends at Flamingo, but the Everglades continue in Florida Bay. The bay is only 2 to 4 feet deep and is a continuation of the unique Everglades experience. Two boat tours are available at Flamingo. Because of the timing of our visit we took the boat tour of the bay. There probably wasn't the abundance of wildlife as on the wilderness boat tour, but it was very enjoyable. The boat captain/tour guide gave us a wealth of information on this unique bay. Most of the action is below the surface of the water and, because of the silt levels, is hidden from view. A couple of dolphins did break the surface to entertain us. At the marina we were able to observe manatee and American Crocodiles. You can bring food and drink onto the boat, but non are available for purchase on board. We bought some food at the marina store because we did not know where the restaurant was. At the end of the tour the captain point out that it is located at the visitor centre. There are no signs. So take note if you want something more to eat than snack food.

We weren't sure we wanted to drive the 45 min through the park but we were so glad we did! It was a beautiful drive, stopped a couple times to see different points. The boat guide pointed out so many things we would have missed on or own. We saw manatees in the marina, crocodiles, numerous birds, so many interesting plants and a dolphin! Definitely worth the trip and money.

We visited in October .Really good value for money, this tour takes an hour and 40 minutes, but the time flies by. You get to see gators and crocs , as well as large wild birds and mangrove trees. There is a store before you get on the boat where you can buy food and drink, but be warned no bathrooms on the boat.. A fantastic journey, the boat captain and guide were brilliant too. We would love to go again.

On the last run of a weekday...Capt John was great! Just one alligator, one croc, tons of birds...but the info Capt John and his first mate Shiest.....(sorry...cant remember)....provided was informative and funny. Allowed the little ones behind the wheel, under supervision...which was thrilling to them :) Adults $30, kids under 12 are $15..... about an 1.5 hour tour

Everglades National Park has many things to offer - good trails and sights. Bring bug spray and apply often. Boat trip out of Flamingo was enjoyable, except for biting flies. Guide was very informative and saw numerous salt water crocs. Saw manatees in the harbor. NPS Staff was great to deal with and were very energized.

The captain was very nice and informative. I am traveling with my parents and two daughters. My parents and I enjoyed it, but my girls were kinda bored. The boat was very slow moving, and there wasn't a whole it to look at. The green stinging flies were horrible, but the captain did provide fly seaters.

A two hour experience with our guide and crew was very informative and restful. No, we did not experience a Disneyesque ride and had to pay attention to the detail of the of Everglade flora and fauna and yes it way a rewarding overview of glade life.

The boat up the man-made channel tour was great. We learned why the channel was made and maintained. We also learned about crocs and alligators, osprey, snakes and many native trees and mammals. I spent 45 years in forestry and I learned many interesting facts about many new trees. The tour wasn't long (about 2hrs) but it wasn't all that expensive. The guide was very knowledgeable and was able to answer many tree related questions. If you are in the area, I would highly recommend this tour.

Very bad experience... And expensive ($30). 1h30 mn in a flat boat, very slow, and nothing else to watch than water. Captain was happy to tell us when a bird was flying

This was the highlight of our time in the USA! In Florida Bay, we saw so many ospreys in every possible situation - feeding young, flying, on the nest, catching and carrying and eating fish - amazing plus lots of pelicans, various herons, mangroves, dolphins and a manatee in the harbour plus a crocodile when we got back. A brilliant trip - not to be missed.