Miami Everglades Questions

[robntawn]

My family and I are flying in at 0800 the day before our cruise, and wanted to see the Everglades and take an airboat ride. We are flying into Ft Lauderdale and renting a car, and will be staying at the Miami Hyatt Regency that night. I have done a lot of internet research, and would like some input on my findings please...

 

We will be taking the Tamiani Trail (Hwy 41 west), and I have come across the following airboat vendors:

 

1. Coopertown Airboats

2. Everglade Safari Park

3. Gator Park

 

Any suggestions on which of these is the best?

 

After that, we plan on continuing west on 41 to Shark Valley, and either bike the trail there or take a tram. Does this sound reasonable? I hope to start our trip at 0800, and plan on being back to our hotel by 1400...is that reasonable as well?

 

Thank you VERY much!!!!!

[Bequia]

We will be taking the Tamiani Trail (Hwy 41 west), and I have come across the following airboat vendors:

 

1. Coopertown Airboats

2. Everglade Safari Park

3. Gator Park

 

Any suggestions on which of these is the best?

 

All three are excellent choices. Coopertown has been around the longest. The kids really love Gator Park. Tough choice.

After that, we plan on continuing west on 41 to Shark Valley, and either bike the trail there or take a tram. Does this sound reasonable? I hope to start our trip at 0800, and plan on being back to our hotel by 1400...is that reasonable as well? Thank you VERY much!!!!!

 

Shark Valley is great, we bike it at least once a month. It will take you at least an hour to an hour and a half to bike it. Biking to the tower is the easy part, continuing on to the end is the killer. The tram always passes us three or four times. The tram operators are very knowledgeable and provide a very informative narrative on the tour. First timer, take the tram.

It will take you at least an hour to get to the airboat ride, you'll spend at least an hour or two there. From the airboat ride to Shark Valley is another 30-45 minutes maybe less. Shark Valley at least two hours. Return drive to the Hyatt 1.5 - 2 hours. I think you'll be able to pull it off if you skip a sit down lunch. You'll have a great time doing both activities. ;)

[robntawn]

All three are excellent choices. Coopertown has been around the longest. The kids really love Gator Park. Tough choice.

 

 

Shark Valley is great, we bike it at least once a month. It will take you at least an hour to an hour and a half to bike it. Biking to the tower is the easy part, continuing on to the end is the killer. The tram always passes us three or four times. The tram operators are very knowledgeable and provide a very informative narrative on the tour. First timer, take the tram.

 

It will take you at least an hour to get to the airboat ride, you'll spend at least an hour or two there. From the airboat ride to Shark Valley is another 30-45 minutes maybe less. Shark Valley at least two hours. Return drive to the Hyatt 1.5 - 2 hours. I think you'll be able to pull it off if you skip a sit down lunch. You'll have a great time doing both activities. ;)

 

Thanks for your quick reply. I've heard that there is a great BBQ place nearby...do you have a name for me?

[Bequia]

Thanks for your quick reply. I've heard that there is a great BBQ place nearby...do you have a name for me?

 

It's on 41 just west of Krome Avenue by the Miccosueqee Indian Casino. I pass it every so often and cannot remember the name. I'll get back to you on that one.

What route are you planning from the Hyatt?

[robntawn]

We're actually leaving from FLL airport...any suggestions?

[Bequia]

We're actually leaving from FLL airport...any suggestions?

 

Sure. Head west on I-595 to 75 West. Continue on 75 West to US 27. Take US 27 south to Krome Avenue (997). Turn right onto Krome (997) to SR 41 (Tamiami Trail) . Turn right (west) onto US 41 (Tamiami Trail) in about 12-15 miles you'll come across the airboat parks and a few more miles west, Shark Valley.

This route will take you away from the busy interstates. I-595 is the main east-west route that actually turns into Alligator Alley. US 27 and Krome Avenue border the Everglades. Once your onto US 27 it turns into a nice scenic route to your final destination.