One of the Best Ways to Experience Florida’s Everglades National Park Is by Boat

Spanning more than 800 square miles of wetlands, Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States—a place where land and water blur into one. While you can drive into the park and explore on foot, unlike most national parks, the Florida Everglades are best experienced from the water.

In fact, nearly one-third of the park is made up of navigable waterways. Narrow channels wind through dense mangrove forests, and countless small islands fringe the Florida coast. “The boating experience here is unlike any other. A vast maze of waterways is composed of slow-moving rivers, marshes and mangrove forests,” said Boatmart in a blog post. “The more remote parts are only accessible by airboat, kayak, or canoe.”

So how do you get on the water if you’re not an experienced paddler or boater? What should you know before heading out, and what kinds of tours are available for first-time visitors? Here's everything you need to know.

Where to Rent a Boat

To rent your own boat, head to Flamingo Marina where you’ll find kayak, canoe, skiff, pontoon boat, and houseboat rentals along with fuel and supplies. To rent a powerboat within Everglades National Park you’ll need to first complete the park’s free Boater Education Program and get your certificate. Just keep in mind that renting a powerboat isn’t the best way to explore deep in the park, as powerboat rentals are only allowed in Coot Bay and Whitewater Bay.

How to Book a Boat Tour

Visitors who aren’t interested in navigating a boat or want to explore deeper into the park should consider booking a guided boat tour. There are three airboat tour companies that operate in the park—Coopertown, Everglades Safari Park, and Gator Park—along with some more traditional boat tours. Some of the latter travel through the park’s iconic Ten Thousand Islands and the expansive Florida Bay, while others venture into the Florida backcountry. 

What to Know About Boating in Everglades National Park

All boaters still need a park pass, which are $20 to $35, and anyone who wants to captain a boat within the park needs to complete the park’s free Boater Education Program. Boaters should print out the certificate and carry it with them while operating a vessel in the park. The park has several maps aimed at helping boaters understand how and where to travel by boat, along with information on manatee protection zones and where motorized boats are currently prohibited.