What to expect

Airboats are flat boats pushed by a big fan, so they can skim across shallow water and sawgrass. Most rides last 30 minutes to an hour and are loud, so most operators hand out ear protection. Tours run through mangrove tunnels or open grassland, and alligators and wading birds are common. Combo tickets add a swamp buggy ride or a wildlife show.

Everglades City is about 45 minutes from Naples and 30 from Marco Island, along US 41 (Tamiami Trail).