Miami Beach to the Everglades: your airboat trip planner
You're staying on the beach, and the Everglades are only an hour or less away. This planner covers the practical side of the trip: how to get from your hotel to the airboat, when to go, how long to set aside, and what to bring. When you're ready to book, tours are run by Airboat In Everglades from Tamiami Trail on the western edge of Miami.
- ~30 milesfrom South Beach to the departure point
- 40–60 minby car, depending on traffic
- Mon–Sat8 AM to 5 PM, closed Sundays
- 1 to 2 hourson the water, plus travel
Step 1: Decide how you'll get there
Hotel pickup (no car needed). The 1.5-hour and 2-hour private tours can include door-to-door transportation from anywhere in Miami-Dade, Miami Beach hotels included. It's the simplest option if you don't have a car or don't want to deal with parking and tolls. See tours with Miami Beach hotel pickup.
Drive yourself. Head west across the causeway and out to Tamiami Trail (SW 8th Street). The route, tolls and meeting-spot tips are in How to get from Miami Beach to the Everglades.
Rideshare. A ride out is easy to book; a ride back from the edge of the Everglades can take longer to find, so plan your return before you go.
Step 2: Pick a time of day
| Time | Why choose it |
|---|---|
| Morning | Cooler air and calmer water, and you're back at the beach by early afternoon. Good for families. |
| Midday | Easy to fit between breakfast and an evening out. Bring sun protection; there's little shade on the water. |
| Sunset (from 4:00 PM) | Softer light for photos and a quieter feel. Book at least a day ahead. |
Season matters too: the dry months (roughly November to April) are cooler and less buggy, while summer brings heat and afternoon storms. More in What to bring and when to go.
Step 3: Choose how long to ride
Private rides run 1, 1.5 or 2 hours and cover about 8, 13 and 17 miles of sawgrass and open water. A 1-hour ride is a good taste; the longer rides go farther out and turn up a wider mix of wildlife. A shared, semi-private 1-hour ride runs at 10 AM, 12 PM and 2 PM. Current prices are on the Airboat In Everglades tours page.
Step 4: Build the rest of your day
An airboat ride fills a half day from Miami Beach. Ready-made plans for a morning trip, an afternoon-to-sunset trip and a family day are in Everglades day itineraries from Miami Beach. Traveling with children? Read our guide to an Everglades day trip with kids.
Common questions
How far are the Everglades from Miami Beach?
The airboat departure point at 17696 SW 8th Street is roughly 30 miles west of South Beach. Allow about 40 minutes to an hour by car, longer at rush hour.
Do I need a car?
No. Private 1.5-hour and 2-hour airboat tours can include door-to-door transportation from anywhere in Miami-Dade County, including Miami Beach hotels. Transportation is not offered with the 1-hour or semi-private rides.
Are tours open on Sundays?
No. Tours run Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and are closed on Sundays.
When do sunset tours start?
Sunset tours start from 4:00 PM. Book at least one day ahead.
Can we bring food and drinks?
Yes. Private airboats carry ice and bottled water, and you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks on board.
What is the cancellation policy?
Airboat In Everglades uses a 48-hour cancellation policy. Check the details when you book.