Everglades airboat tours

[kassiopi]

We will be calling into Fort Lauderdale and want to take an airboat ride but not with the ships organised tour. I cannot find any private operators who offer collection and return to the ship. Could any of you recommend or know of one. Thank you in advance.

[capriccio]

We will be calling into Fort Lauderdale and want to take an airboat ride but not with the ships organised tour. I cannot find any private operators who offer collection and return to the ship. Could any of you recommend or know of one. Thank you in advance.

 

Unfortunately I haven't heard of the local parks providing transportation. Most folks take either the ship's excursion or rent a car for the day. You should ask this on the Florida Departures Board (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=495). You might also check http://www.sunny.org, the Fort Lauderdale tourism website that includes lots of info on attractions.

[SuiteTraveler]

Here's your go - have a wonderful time!

https://www.evergladesholidaypark.com

[euro cruiser]

Be aware, before you go, that airboats cause damage to the fragile ecosystem of the wetlands. They are prohibited in the National Park for that reason, and have been an issue for more than twenty years. See this article from the New York Times in 1994: http://www.nytimes.com/1994/05/30/us/airboats-banned-part-big-cypress-preserve-florida-protect-environment.html

 

It is legal, so you can certainly do it.

[kassiopi]

Thank you for the links everyone. Very interesting article Euro Cruiser, we may just reconsider.