South Florida is renowned not only for its stunning beaches but also for the vast and unique ecosystem known as the Everglades, or the "River of Grass." The best way to experience this natural wonder is by taking an airboat ride, and Sawgrass Recreation Park offers the perfect gateway to this extraordinary environment.
When early explorers saw the expansive fields of grass, they named the area the Everglades, combining "ever" from the word "forever" and "glades," an old English term meaning a grassy open place. Today, the Everglades remain one of Florida's most remarkable treasures, offering visitors an unforgettable adventure.
At Sawgrass Recreation Park, airboat tours operate daily, providing an eco-adventure that also serves as an educational experience. These tours take visitors deep into the Everglades, where they can witness the region's diverse wildlife, including birds, turtles, and, most notably, alligators.
You can feel the excitement as you glide across miles of river at speeds up to 40 miles per hour. "Our main goal here is to let people come and enjoy our amazing ecosystem here in the Everglades and show them what's in our own backyard," says Tim Schwartzman, COO of Sawgrass Recreation Park.
Beyond the airboat rides, Sawgrass Recreation Park features an animal sanctuary home to reptiles that have been adopted, rescued, or donated over the years. Admission includes access to exhibits showcasing alligators, crocodiles, monitor lizards, turtles, snakes, and other fascinating creatures.
"We do want to have the opportunity for people to come in and really have a one on one time of seeing these animals," says curator Nick Font. "We can teach them that everything you've heard is not quite true. You can see this thing and they can leave this place with a better outlook and idea of the world around them."
Handlers at the park demonstrate how these animals live and survive in the wild, providing educational insights into their behaviors and habitats. Among the stars of the sanctuary is a massive 1,000-pound alligator named Cannibal, one of the largest male alligators alive.
After exploring the park and enjoying the airboat tour, visitors can stop by the Gator Grill food truck for lunch. The menu includes unique offerings such as Gator Bites, providing a true taste of Florida's adventurous cuisine.
Sawgrass Recreation Park's mission extends beyond providing an enjoyable experience; it aims to educate the public on the importance of preserving and protecting the Everglades. The park strives to make each visitor's experience meaningful and enlightening.
"Our main goal is to let people come and enjoy our amazing ecosystem here in the Everglades and show them what's in our own backyard," said Schwartzman.
Visitors can return multiple times this summer with the Adventure Pass, ensuring they can explore and appreciate the Everglades' beauty again and again.
For more information about airboat tours and other offerings at Sawgrass Recreation Park, visit evergladestours.com.
