The best South Florida airboat tour experiences focus on performance and experience. That’s provided by covered airboats in the area that shade guests from the intense Fort Lauderdale sun. Some visitors prefer the closed canopy when exploring the sunny landscape; still others enjoy the open air.
Nature enthusiasts absorb the stunning scenery, highlighted by unique fauna and flora and other one-of-a-kind sights as they travel. The sounds of wildlife captivate the thrill-seekers hoping to lock eyes with live alligators and meet other exotic animals as they journey through the wetlands.
While fun is top on the list, an immersive and educational attraction is as important. Not only do parents choose airboat rides in Fort Lauderdale as an unforgettable activity, but these are also a favored choice for school field trips.
Knowledgeable and passionate guides share fascinating insights to deepen your appreciation for the Everglades and its history. The covered seating area provides protection from the elements and shade from the sun for a comfortable and immersive ride.
🍃 Know Before You Go: Preparing for an Everglades Airboat Ride
A Fort Lauderdale Everglades airboat tour is among many of the activities on guests’ bucket lists. While a covered vessel provides incredible shade from the intense south Florida sun, it’s also important to prepare for optimal comfort and safety while riding through the wetlands.
Most tour companies help visitors with a checklist to outline what to bring and how to dress to get the most from the day.
The Everglades Foundation outlines key tips for visitors, including how to prepare for South Florida’s intense sun exposure—where shaded transportation, such as covered airboat tours, offers a safer and more comfortable way to explore the wetlands – Top 10 Tips for Visiting the Everglades.
Consider the following tips so that you have everything you need for the most positive airboat ride.
What To Bring for the Airboat Tour
Some things are a must-have when taking an airboat journey. Make sure that you come prepared with the following items.
Capturing the Everglades on camera
Captains bring their guests as close to the unique and some close to extinct wildlife as possible. They will, in some cases, stop the boat so passengers can take photos to bring to loved ones to share their stories. No one wants to miss these shots while on a south Florida airboat ride.
Bring a camera or smart phone to get a high-quality photo for a lasting memory from a one-of-a-kind Everglades tour. You won’t forgive yourself if you forget to pack a camera to capture these unforgettable moments.
Water
Hydration is essential in everyday circumstances with the recommended daily amount being roughly 8, 8-ounce glasses each day. In the heat and humidity of the Fort Lauderdale temperatures, this is even more crucial. Extra consumption is essential, making it necessary to remember to bring electrolyte infused drinks.
Everglades airboat tour clothing
Despite riding in a covered airboat for shade, the sun, temperatures, and weather conditions will dictate your clothing options for the tour.
Comfortable and practical clothing
The weather forecast of the day will dictate your clothing choice. The recommendation is to avoid high-maintenance clothing in favor of cool and comfortable options. You will be traveling through the Everglades or wilderness and want to be relaxed and calm.
The idea is to have fun and enjoy your journey with practical clothing that can serve utility purposes ideally and breathe whether in the summer or winter of the year.
Go here for suggestions on why choose the dry season for airboat tours; this is when temps are milder and humidity is lower – conditions that still warrant thoughtful prep to endure extended exposure.
- In the summer, the recommendations are to wear a t-shirt, shorts, and sandals or flip-slops. It rains often in Florida in the summer and most airboats ride in average rain or shine. Guests need a poncho to stay dry on the airboat tour.
- In the winter, it’s suggested to wear jeans or long pants, and a blouse or long-sleeve shirt. A sweater or light jacket, maybe a windbreaker is wise to have on hand especially for airboats, which tend to reach high speeds and winds. This weather is rare in the Everglades.
- Sun protection essentials during airboat rides is a must. South Florida is hot as a rule. Florida is the Sunshine State. Despite being out on the water, it’s vital to protect your skin and eyes.
Guests should bring sunglasses and sunscreen to stay protected even in a covered vessel. Also, light-colored clothing will help with staying cooler in the sun’s brilliance.
A pair of polarized sunglasses help guests see marine life below the surface. A secured wide-brimmed hat is a great addition when gliding over the water on an airboat.
What To Leave Behind When Touring the Everglades by Airboat
The wind will be whipping when riding on an airboat, so many things should stay in the car or your hotel, such as a child’s favorite stuff toy, or anything you don’t want to fly away or get wet like unsecure jewelry.
Final Thought 📣
The main idea when traveling by Fort Lauderdale airboat tours is to stay shaded from the sun and be prepared to enjoy the best one-of-a-kind experience using practical tips to keep you safe and comfortable.