Experience the raw power and wildlife of Florida's Everglades with Sawgrass Recreation Park’s airboat tours and outdoor adventures in Weston. From private sunrise rides to primitive camping, this park offers an unforgettable adventure close to Miami.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
40 minutes to full day
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly seated airboat rides with optional light walking
Wildlife
History
The Everglades was designated a National Park in 1947, reflecting its importance as a fragile subtropical ecosystem.
Conservation
Sawgrass Recreation Park practices sustainable tourism by limiting boat sizes and encouraging habitat respect to protect Everglades wildlife.
Sawgrass Recreation Park
Experience the raw power and wildlife of Florida's Everglades with Sawgrass Recreation Park’s airboat tours and outdoor adventures in Weston. From private sunrise rides to primitive camping, this park offers an unforgettable adventure close to Miami.
Sawgrass Recreation Park is a public Everglades destination located in Weston, Florida that offers guided airboat tours, private excursions, fishing rentals, reptile exhibits, and primitive camping. The park operates multiple tour formats including a general admission 40-minute airboat tour, private sunrise and nighttime airboat adventures, and exclusive options such as the Red Eye Exclusive Nighttime Airboat Adventure and Gator Night Airboat Tour. Sawgrass Recreation Park also provides jon boat fishing rentals, peninsula island primitive camping close to Fort Lauderdale, and private Sawgrass Reptile Exhibit tours for small groups.
All experiences are staffed by trained captains and on-site personnel who lead tours, provide safety briefings, and present facts about local ecology and rescued reptiles. The park includes on-site amenities such as the Gator Grill and a retail store offering snacks, drinks, and souvenirs. Fishing participants are required to hold any applicable fishing license. Limited-session experiences—like private reptile tours and primitive camping—are available by reservation and often have restricted capacity. Located minutes from Fort Lauderdale, Sawgrass Recreation Park serves as a convenient gateway to the Florida Everglades for anglers, families, photographers, and nature enthusiasts seeking guided encounters with native wildlife and nighttime wildlife viewing opportunities.
Location
Weston, Florida
Minutes from Fort Lauderdale
Tours Offered
11
Airboats, fishing, camping & exhibits
Private Options
Available
Private airboats & reptile tours
Tour Lengths
40 minutes
Standard airboat tour duration
Book airboat tours, private tours, fishing rentals, reptile exhibit access, or primitive camping — limited availability for private and nighttime experiences.
Arrive Early for the Best Light and Wildlife
Morning tours offer cooler temperatures and increased chances of spotting active alligators and birds.
Bring Bug Spray Year-Round
The Everglades’ marshy environment can attract mosquitoes, especially in warmer months—pack insect repellent to stay comfortable.
Secure Loose Items on the Airboat
High speeds and wind can easily carry away hats, sunglasses, and light gear—use straps or stow items safely.
Wear Sun Protection
Florida sun can be intense; wide-brim hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are necessary for open airboat rides.
Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from reflected sunlight on the water.
summer
Insect Repellent
Keeps mosquitoes at bay in Florida’s wetland environment.
summer
Lightweight Long Sleeve Shirt
Protects skin from sun and bugs while keeping you cool.
summer
Camera or Smartphone
Capture wildlife and Everglades scenery during your tour.