Sawgrass Recreation Park

Choose Your Everglades Airboat Adventure

Take your pick of two unforgettable airboat experiences, each offering a unique way to discover the Everglades' beauty and wildlife:

• 40-Minute Daytime Airboat Tour: Hold on tight as you race along the river at speeds of up to 40mph, venturing deep into the Everglades wilderness. Keep your camera ready — you'll get closer than ever to Florida's native wildlife, including the famous Florida alligator, with your expert captain sharing fascinating insights along the way.

• 60-Minute Night Airboat Adventure: Brave enough to explore the Everglades after dark? This one-hour tour takes you to exclusive locations deep in the wilderness, where alligator eyes glow in the torchlight and the sounds of native reptiles and amphibians fill the air. Tours depart at 8:30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays, advance reservations required.

Meet a Baby Alligator

Get ready for one of the most unforgettable photo ops of your Florida trip! Hold a baby alligator in your arms, strike a pose, and earn yourself some serious bragging rights. Friendly handlers will guide you through the experience, making it a safe and exciting moment for visitors of all ages - kids and grown-ups alike.

Visit the Reptile Exhibit

Take a walk on the wild side and step back in time with the original dinosaur — the Florida alligator! This standout exhibit is home to dozens of native and exotic reptile species, including Cannibal, the park's incredible 1,000-pound alligator. You'll also meet friendly turtles, iguanas, rescued exotic snakes, and a variety of monitor lizards, with expert handlers on hand to demonstrate how these animals live and survive in the wild.

Explore the Glades Exhibit

Dive deep into the rich history of the Everglades and uncover the stories behind one of Florida's most remarkable natural treasures. This exhibit shines a light on key conservation efforts, the challenges facing the Everglades today, and how visitors can help protect this incredible ecosystem for generations to come.

Discover Turtles, Iguanas & African Spur Tortoises

Brush up on your reptile knowledge as you meet a fascinating collection of turtles, iguanas, and the park's impressive African Spur Tortoises — one of the largest tortoise species in the world. Learn what makes each creature unique, how they've adapted to survive, and why these animals play such an important role in their ecosystems.

See Rescued Panthers & Leopards

Come face-to-face with some of the park's most majestic rescued residents. Learn the stories behind these incredible big cats, discover how Sawgrass cares for and protects them, and get a rare glimpse into the lives of panthers and leopards up close — an experience that's as educational as it is awe-inspiring.

Mine for Gems & Shark Teeth

Channel your inner explorer at the brand-new Sawgrass Mining Co. area, where budding adventurers can sift through sand and stones to uncover sparkling gems and real prehistoric shark teeth. It's a hands-on activity that's perfect for kids (and curious adults!)

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