Airboat rides, alligator shows, and up-close wildlife on the edge of the Everglades.
Pull off the Tamiami Trail in Ochopee and you've found one of those spots that earns its reputation the old-fashioned way: by actually delivering. This is airboat country, and Animal Sanctuary & Alligator Park leans into it fully. You get the boat ride, the animal show, and the chance to hold a gator (yes, really) all in one stop.
The airboat guides are the real draw here. They know their stuff, they know how to read the water, and they know how to make the ride memorable even when the wildlife is playing hard to get. Sit up front if you're feeling bold. You will get wet. That's part of it.
Back on dry land, the live shows are a family crowd-pleaser. Jeffrey and Charlie are the resident performers, and Pork Chop is the one guests keep mentioning by name. Holding a live alligator tends to do that to people. It's hands-on in a way that sticks with kids long after the drive home.
This stretch of the Tamiami Trail runs right through Big Cypress and puts you between the Gulf Coast entrance to Everglades National Park and the Ten Thousand Islands. It's a natural stop whether you're heading toward Everglades City or cutting down toward the Keys. Give yourself at least a couple of hours, and don't rush out before the show.
1,940 reviews
5 months ago
Such a fun last min tour we decided to do! The boat ride was so much fun! Definitely worth it! Tour guide was knowledgeable and learned new facts! Saw a little show, guy was hilarious so made that part fun! Alligator Charlie didn't move much, was explained he didn't get sun so he isn't so much fun lol animals are animals! Got to hold jellybean! So cute!! Thank you so much, will definitely be back to visit again!
4 months ago
On our way to the Keys, driving the back roads, we found this spot! My hubby has never ridden on an Air Boat, so we had to stop. We rode in front and let's just say we got wet! But it was so fun. Our guide was very knowledgeable and by the time we got back to the dock we were dry.
7 months ago
For the slow season it was ok. Definitely better in the summer. We didn't see any wildlife. Water was too low, unusually cool weather. The air boat guide was awesome!
7 months ago
When I was a kid, I watched a nature documentary on the Florida Everglades. Ever since then, I'd always wanted to visit and take an airboat tour. This place helped me achieve my childhood dream, and it was well worth the excursion. This place is awesome.
7 months ago
Boat ride was fun!! I don’t remember his name but he made the boat ride fun and memorable! He showed us pictures of his catches. Drifting around the water was so much fun!! Jeffrey’s & Charlie’s shows were cool and fun!! Holding Pork chop was even better. 100% worth it
Airboat rides, swamp buggy tours, gator shows, and a petting zoo — all in one stop deep in the Everglades.
Your starting point for Big Cypress, with a boardwalk where manatees and alligators show up unannounced.
Guided kayak tours through mangrove tunnels and wild waterways in the heart of the Everglades.
Private kayak and boat tours through Everglades mangrove tunnels, led by a guide who actually knows this ecosystem.
Guided kayak tours through mangrove canals with a lifelong local who knows every alligator by sight.
Airboat rides through mangrove tunnels with guides who actually know their stuff.