Bay Breezes & Sawgrass: Miami’s Everglades + Biscayne Bay Combo Day
Two waterways, one day—airboats in the Glades and a breezy cruise on Biscayne Bay.
The morning starts at Bayside, where the palms lean toward the water as if to point the way. Biscayne Bay is already awake—gulls chattering, the skyline catching light like a row of polished sails. A boat idles at the dock, ropes creaking, while across the parking lot a bus loads daypacks and sunhats bound for the River of Grass. Miami likes to play both sides of the shoreline in a single breath, and this combo day—an Everglades airboat adventure followed by a laid-back bay cruise—lets you feel how the city hums between salt and sawgrass.
Trail Wisdom
Beat the Sun
Wear a UPF long-sleeve and brimmed hat; the airboat and bay cruise both offer little shade.
Ears and Eyes
Bring light ear protection for the airboat and compact binoculars for spotting birds and dolphins.
Bug Smart
In warmer months, a picaridin or DEET repellent makes the marsh far more pleasant.
Hydration Plan
Carry a full reusable bottle; hydrate before the airboat and again before the bay cruise.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Miami Circle National Historic Landmark at Brickell Point
- •The lobby murals of the Freedom Tower near Downtown
Wildlife
American alligator, Bottlenose dolphin
Conservation Note
Help restoration by not feeding wildlife, keeping a respectful distance from animals, and minimizing wake in shallow areas where seagrass is recovering.
South Florida is the only place on Earth where American alligators and American crocodiles coexist, and Miami’s mouth of the Miami River has been inhabited since the Tequesta built villages at the bay’s edge.
Seasonal Guide
spring
Best for: Comfortable temps, Active birdlife
Challenges: Occasional storms, Variable mosquitoes
Mild mornings and lively wildlife make spring a strong all-around choice for both the Everglades and Biscayne Bay.
summer
Best for: Lush greenery, Afternoon sea breezes
Challenges: High heat and humidity, Daily thunderstorms and biting insects
Expect hot, humid conditions with pop-up storms; start early and plan for quick shelter during downpours.
fall
Best for: Fewer crowds, Warm water and sunsets
Challenges: Hurricane risk, Mosquitoes lingering early season
Storm season tapers by late fall; check forecasts and enjoy warm bay breezes with smaller groups.
winter
Best for: Dry season wildlife viewing, Cooler temps
Challenges: Popular season crowds, Occasional brisk winds on the bay
Winter is peak for Everglades wildlife and comfortable cruising; bring a light layer for breezier days.
Photographer's Notes
Capture the best shots at the right moments and locations.
What to Bring
UPF Long-Sleeve ShirtEssential
Protects against strong sun on both the airboat and the bay cruise without needing constant sunscreen.
Brimmed Hat with Chin StrapEssential
Shields your face and stays put in wind from the moving boats.
Compact Binoculars (8x42)
Brings distant birds, dolphins, and shoreline details into crisp view.
Insect Repellent (Picaridin or DEET)Essential
Keeps mosquitoes at bay during warm, still periods in the marsh.
Common Questions
Is the airboat ride loud?
Yes—airboats are noisy. Ear protection is recommended and often provided; bringing your own light earplugs is a good idea, especially for children.
Will I definitely see alligators or dolphins?
Wildlife sightings are common but never guaranteed. Dry-season mornings improve odds for alligators and wading birds; calm bay days are best for dolphins and manatees.
What should I wear?
Lightweight, sun-protective clothing with a brimmed hat and sunglasses. Closed-toe shoes are best for boarding and moving around the boats.
Are restrooms available?
Yes—there are restrooms at the Everglades airboat base and at Bayside Marketplace. Boats typically do not have restrooms onboard.
Is the tour suitable for young kids or seniors?
Generally yes. Boarding requires a short step up; the airboat’s noise and speed may not suit all travelers. Check accessibility details with the operator.
Can I bring snacks and water?
Yes. Bring a reusable bottle and small snacks. Dispose of trash properly to protect wildlife and waterways.
What to Pack
UPF long-sleeve shirt and brimmed hat for relentless sun; insect repellent for marshy sections; reusable water bottle to stay ahead of the heat; compact binoculars to spot birds, gators, and dolphins without crowding wildlife.
Did You Know
South Florida is the only place in the world where American alligators and American crocodiles live side by side, thanks to the region’s unique mix of freshwater and brackish habitats.
Quick Travel Tips
Arrive 20–30 minutes early at Bayside to sort parking and check-in; summer brings fast storms—pack a light rain shell; choose an upwind seat on the bay cruise to avoid engine exhaust; confirm pickup and drop-off points for the Everglades segment the day before.
Local Flavor
Refuel with a Cuban sandwich and a cortadito along Calle Ocho in Little Havana, then cap the day with fresh seafood and bay views near the causeways. Craft beer fans can swing through Wynwood’s taprooms to toast a two-waterway day.
Logistics Snapshot
Closest airport: Miami International (MIA). Tour hub: Bayside Marketplace, Downtown Miami. Drive to the Everglades airboat base: roughly 45–60 minutes west depending on traffic. Cell service: Good in Miami; spotty in parts of the Glades. Permits: None needed for this guided experience—your operator handles tickets and timing.
Sustainability Note
Stay seated and hands-in on the airboat to avoid disturbing wildlife, use mineral-based sunscreen to reduce runoff impacts, and pack out all trash. In shallow bay areas, keep wakes low to protect seagrass and manatee zones.
Continue Reading
Wiltshire on the Rocks: An Outdoor Bouldering Workshop in England’s Quiet Downs
Trade gym plastic for ancient sarsen stone in a focused outdoor bouldering workshop on Wiltshire’s chalk downs. Learn spotting, pad placement, and precise movement while exploring an understated landscape tied to Stonehenge and Avebury.
Marlborough, Wiltshire
Under the Pendula Stone: A Wild Walk Above Lake Como
Explore Lake Como’s quieter side on a guided hike above Torno, where glacial boulders, medieval rock tombs, and the iconic Pietra Pendula share the forest with mule tracks and lake views. It’s a moderate, story-rich walk that blends natural history with old-world charm.
Torno, Lombardy