Most people visit Florida for the tropical weather, stunning beaches, and vast attractions; however, many also want a chance to explore nature. In the wilds of the Everglades, visitors can take in breathtaking landscapes and view exotic creatures as airboat captains steadily navigate the waters.
With sudden and unexpected wildlife sightings and captains cracking jokes and pointing out alligators, the experience is sure to be memorable. It’s an ideal way to appreciate Fort Lauderdale and Florida from a different perspective, aside from the beaches and popular attractions.
Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tours And Rides
21940 Griffin Rd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33332
(954) 434-8111
Before jumping on board, it’s essential to do some research to fully prepare for the ride. While the captains work vigilantly to keep passengers safe and comfortable, the guests must also pay attention to airboat guidelines to prevent problems along the way.
What To Know About Airboat Rides Through the Florida Everglades
Nature enthusiasts traveling to Florida are more interested in exploring the wilderness to capture images of exotic creatures native to Fort Lauderdale.
For a fully immersive experience, booking a ride with an airboat captain and a tour guide with the knowledge and expertise to explain what you’re seeing and what to expect as the boat maneuvers through the swamp is recommended.
With a few straightforward tips, you can rest assured of an adrenaline-pumping, albeit safe excursion from expert operators capable of maneuvering the waters skillfully and precisely. Here are some tips to prepare you for the journey.
Prioritizing Safety
The captains operating the airboats prioritize passenger safety. They undergo training to learn stringent safety protocols and heed guidelines to the guests to avoid problems while the vessel moves through the waters. Passengers should remain seated and relax while the airboat is in motion.
The captain moves along swiftly but will pull close or stop to ensure everyone can get photographs of the natural landscape and wildlife.
Dress appropriately
The Florida climate is generally warm and sunny, with periodic rain showers and some downpours. While you may want to wear shorts and t-shirts, it’s wise to consider the Florida sun’s harshness as well as the various pests the area is renowned for.
The recommendation is to wear breathable and lightweight long-sleeve tops with pants for optimum protection. Flip-flops or sandals are a sensible option when riding on the water.
Aside from applying lotion and bug repellent, you want to bring a hat and sunglasses to shield from the harsh glares. There’s always the possibility for rainfall, particularly with the unpredictability of the summer weather, even a downpour. If you want to stay dry, pack a rain jacket or poncho.
Wildlife encounters
The wildlife in the Everglades is fascinating; you can never be too sure what you might encounter from one trip to the next. It’s relatively certain that you’ll come across several alligators and tropical birds, many wading in the water or sunbathing on the banks.
The captains and the tour guides share a vast knowledge of the animals living there, along with the remarkable flora and fauna. They provide details on the area’s history and often pause to answer questions and allow photographs.
Booking a tour should be done in advance, particularly during the peak seasons, to secure space on the airboat; this is especially true if you’re part of a large group or booking for a family. Visit https://www.flyingandtravel.com/florida-everglades-airboat-tours/ for an in-depth guide on journeying through the Everglades on an airboat tour.
Safety Tips When Encountering Wildlife in the Everglades
Florida’s natural landscapes entice a vast wildlife population. Fort Lauderdale offers creatures a diverse habitat, from plush forests to vast beaches and the swamps of the Everglades. Visitors can expect to see an array of birds, snakes, and even an occasional bear.
It’s a fascinating experience, particularly for the kids, but it’s vital to maintain mutual respect with the animals and avoid approaching too close. Here are tips meant to keep you and the wildlife safe and protected.
View from a distance
When encountering Fort Lauderdale’s wildlife, it’s critical to understand that these creatures can be unpredictable. Attempting to approach one to get the closest shot with your camera can result in a harsh reaction if the critter feels fear or panic.
Guides and captains instruct passengers to remain at a safe distance from the wildlife. That means remaining seated with hands and arms in the vessel regardless of whether a gator is swimming around the airboat or a tropical bird comes up to grab a snack.
The recommendation is to keep food secured and to have binoculars to get the best view from afar.
Feeding wild animals
Despite birds or fish trying to snag a snack, keeping food under wraps and not feeding the creatures is vital. Doing so can be harmful for the animals and could result in you getting hurt. When wildlife becomes dependent on people for their food source, they start to trust humans, which can be dangerous.
If you must have food or drinks, these should be in tightly sealed containers with no chance of dropping anything or spilling beverages. When you’re ready to toss the waste out, the trash should go to a designated trash bin readily found throughout the city.
If you take time to place waste inside the receptacle, fewer animals will be drawn to them.
Maintain composure
Alligators are a common sight, particularly as you travel throughout the Everglades, with some swimming close to the airboats and others lying openly on the banks to absorb the sun.
If you’re on an airplane that’s taking a pause for photo ops and gators approaches, maintaining composure is vital to avoid the potential for a startled response from the creature. As a rule, the animals will pull back when they see people; however, if this isn’t the case, you should avoid eye contact or sudden moves.
You should also refrain from shrieking in excitement or speaking in a loud, boisterous voice, which can be perceived as a threat to the animal. What should you do if you encounter an alligator while in Fort Lauderdale? Here are a few safety rules to pay attention to.
- Alligators are most active as the sun rises and sets. Still, rules stipulate that people avoid walking or standing near the water’s edge at all times and should only swim in designated areas. At these spots, you’re less likely to have a gator interaction.
Final Thought
The Everglades are an experience nature enthusiasts won’t want to miss when traveling to Fort Lauderdale. It’s an extraordinary part of Florida, home to a vast wildlife and an array of unique plants found only in the state.
Airboat tours offer a safe and surreal adventure through the area where you can witness alligators up close and personal and watch other animals as they go about their daily lives. View here for essential tips to maximize your Everglade excursion.
Booking in advance is encouraged to ensure you catch a spot on the vessel, especially during the peak seasons. A good rule of thumb is to check with the captain or the tour guides to find out when the best time of day is for an exhilarating ride.
The adventurist looking to maximize a Floridian holiday must explore the Everglades, and an airboat captain makes the ideal guide.
