Homestead: Everglades Alligator Farm Entry and Airboat Ride
About This Experience
The Everglades Alligator Farm sits south of Miami near Homestead, on the road down towards the national park's Ernest F. Coe entrance, and it pairs a short, fast airboat ride with a full day's worth of alligator programming on land. It is the option that works best for families, because nothing runs to a rigid schedule.
The airboat here is deliberately a thrill rather than a nature cruise: 20 to 25 minutes of high-speed running with 360-degree spins, and it is a genuinely wet ride. Ear protection is handed out before you board. If your priority is quiet wildlife observation rather than spray and spin, one of the longer Tamiami Trail rides will suit you better.
Admission to the farm is bundled in, and that is where the time goes: live alligator feeding demonstrations, handling shows, and pens holding hundreds of alligators alongside other native species. You can arrive at any point during opening hours and join the next available boat, which makes it easy to slot around a Keys drive or a national-park morning.
Highlights
- A fast 20 to 25-minute airboat ride with 360-degree spins — a genuine thrill ride
- Live alligator feeding demonstrations and handling shows included with entry
- Hundreds of alligators plus other native species across the farm
- Arrive any time between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM — no fixed departure to plan around
- Ear protection provided before you board
- Close to the national park's Homestead entrance, so it pairs with a park day
What's Included
- ✓ A 20 to 25-minute airboat ride
- ✓ General admission to the Everglades Alligator Farm for the full day
- ✓ Live alligator feeding demonstrations
- ✓ Alligator handling and wildlife shows throughout the day
- ✓ Ear protection for the airboat ride
- ✓ Free on-site parking
Not Included
- Transport to Homestead — there is no pickup from Miami
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
What to Bring
- A change of clothes — this is a wet ride
- Sun protection
- A towel
- A waterproof phone case
Good to Know & Caveats
- Open daily 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM; arrive whenever suits and join the next available airboat.
- The airboat is a WET ride with high-speed spins — expect to get splashed.
- Homestead is roughly an hour south of downtown Miami, and no transport is included.
- This is a wildlife park as well as an airboat ride, so allow around two hours.
Meeting Point
Everglades Alligator Farm, 40351 SW 192nd Avenue, Homestead — arrive any time between 9:00 AM and 5:30 PM.
What Travelers Say
Rated 4.6/5 by 628 verified GetYourGuide travelers.
This was actually one of my favorite parts of our entire vacation. we sat in the front row (we got pretty wet) and it felt like we were in some sort of movie with the sea grasses all around and big white birds flying up into the air in front of us. The turns and spins were fun, but I mostly just loved being out there in that view.
— Molly, July 23, 2026
It was my second time there (1st was 20 years ago) - as nice as the 1st time- thank you!!!!
— Christian, July 5, 2026
We had an amazing time at the Everglades Alligator Farm! The airboat ride was exciting. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and made the whole experience enjoyable. We highly recommend this tour to anyone looking for a fun and unforgettable Everglades adventure!
— Andrea, June 30, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this inside Everglades National Park?
No. The Everglades Alligator Farm is a private wildlife attraction near Homestead, just outside the national park. It is, however, only a short drive from the park's Ernest F. Coe entrance, so plenty of visitors do both in one day.
How wet does the airboat ride actually get?
Wet enough that the operator warns about it in writing. The ride includes deliberate 360-degree spins at speed, and spray comes over the sides. Bring a change of clothes or at least a towel, and keep your phone in something waterproof.
Is it suitable for children?
It is one of the better family picks on this site, mainly because the schedule is flexible and there is plenty to do on land between boats. The airboat is fast and loud, though, so ear protection matters for younger children — it is provided.
Do I need to book a time slot?
No. Your ticket admits you any time during opening hours, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and you join the next available airboat once you arrive.
How do I get there without a car?
With difficulty — there is no included transport and Homestead is about an hour south of Miami. If you have no car, the tours on this site that include round-trip transfers are the practical alternatives.
Other Everglades Tours From Miami
Miami: Everglades Airboat, Wildlife Exhibit & Roundtrip Bus
From Miami: Everglades Airboat Ride and Nature Walk
Miami: Everglades Airboat Alligator Tour & free pick-up
Miami: Everglades Airboat Tour with French Live Guide & Transfers
Everglades Eco Tour: Airboat, Wildlife & Up to 2 Private Islands
Miami: Everglades Full-Day Tour with 2 Boat Trips and Lunch
Miami: Everglades National Park Airboat Tour & Wildlife Show
