Everglades River of Grass Adventures

Everglades River of Grass Adventures is a family-owned airboat tour operator on SW 8th Street, just across from Everglades National Park and a short drive from Miami. Its custom small airboats carry 5 to 8 guests, so the ride feels personal rather than like a roadside attraction.

Tours run in natural habitat only: no caged alligators and no staged wildlife shows. Options include semi-private rides of 60 or 90 minutes, private 1, 1.

5 and 2 hour charters, and private sunset tours that end the day at golden hour. Guests regularly describe alligator sightings, nests with hatchlings, wading birds and turtles, along with a captain who explains the ecosystem and history of the Everglades.

The company notes that the $100 per person National Park fee does not apply to its tours. Operating for more than 14 years, it also offers fishing charters and invasive species hunts.

Reservations are by phone or online, and the launch point is a short drive from Miami and on the way to the Keys.