flamingo everglades and air boat ride

Make sure you stop at the visitor center on the way in and find out about the Ranger Programs - Flamingo Campground is about 30 minutes in the Park from the Visitor Center. Depending on the water level - the Royal Pine/Anhinga Trail could have up to 40 to 50 alligators along the boardwalk/pond area.

There are no air boat tours in or near Flamingo.
You would have to get one on Rt 41 or Everglades city.

Jack l

Don't go on an airboat tour expecting to see wildlife. Ever heard the noise those things make? No wonder the Parks Department is not renewing any permits.

They are great for a thrill ride. Thats what they are.

Find a small operator with a much quieter boat if you want wildlife.

Do not know if this is close to where you will be but they won the 2013 tripadvisor award for their category.
Captain Mitch's

Riven1950, I believe down at Flamingo there is one boat operator concession that offers kayak and canoe rentals, plus two pontoon boat trips, all from the Flamingo Marina. At least this was the case in 2012. You book at the Marina Store.

(These were not airboat rides, and my understanding is that the National Park Service does not endorse air boats as an idea they want to encourage. I read something recently somewhere that the current Everglades airboat operators along the Tamiami Trail, 41, have the right to continue an operation but only through their lifetime,then no one else can take it over.)

Anyway, we took one of the pontoon boat tours and enjoyed it thoroughly, way into the backwater. Guide and boat captain were informative. Next time we'll book the second boat offering out into Florida Bay. Very reasonable pricing, I thought.

Enjoy! Be sure to also see the Anhinga Trail and ride the Shark Valley Tram at the northern part of the Glades.

We took the ride thru the Big Cypress for gators. Don't remember the price but a nice trip. Good info on gators. The trip was from a roadside store. Don't use the ride from the campground at Gator Park - RIP OFF. Stay at Midway for a less expensive stay. JMHO.