Sawgrass Recreation Park

Address:	1006 US-27, Weston, FL 33327, USA
Phone:	+1 954-389-0202
Site:	evergladestours.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM 8AM–6PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 6

Alex Franke

We did a private 1-hour tour with Captain John, and told him upfront that we primarily wanted it to be an educational experience for the kids with some fun thrown in (as opposed to the other way around). He really seemed to know his stuff and delivered on the request, with lots of great information about the ecology, history, plants/animals, conservation, human impact, human adaptation, etc. He was great with the kids -- very encouraging, enthusiastic, and helped guide them through the learning experience with questions. ("What do you think might cause a fire out here? How far would it burn? What might be a threat to a baby alligator?") He engaged with both kids equally, and answered every question we had -- even a couple rather obscure questions about alligator physiology. The photo at the end was a big disappointment, though -- at least $10 for a small, out-of-focus ink-jet printout taken from the next boat over in which the name of the attraction was fairly clear, but our faces were not. We had to pay upfront before we could see the printout, and they would not provide the original JPEG file so we could try to fix it -- "No, I dont have Internet here." I get that this is probably a money-maker for them, but they would probably benefit from better lens and better guest-centered composition (as opposed to boat-centered) -- maybe show guests a couple of sample poses and ask which one they want. The exhibit attendants were usually great and helpful with the exception of one who seemed more interested in his phone than interacting with guests. I suspect we probably could have drawn him out by asking questions directly, but we were already finishing up, so we decided not to interrupt him. Getting to hold the baby (~3 year old) alligator was a real treat! I love that they explained (with a sign) how the animals they have came to them. Overall, I think this was a very good value as private tours go. Booking and scheduling the tour time went pretty smoothly, and it was great to be on a small boat with just the family. Wed do it again in a heartbeat, although wed almost certainly skip the souvenir photo next time.

william lamb

I stayed in Weston and this location is conveniently located to Weston. There were several everglades excursions to choose from and since I was not sure what to expect in general, I chose this one. The boat ride was to be 30mins. Unfortunately, I did not time it to ensure accuracy. The ride seemed quick, however, I was pleased with the experience. The captain was cool and had us zooming about with air and water blowing in your face. I did see one gator and a few birds. Again, I wasnt sure what to expect anyhow. I cant imagine the everglades to offer much more than water, grasses, and wildlife no matter what tour you take. I guess one could want more educational info and an abundance of gators and wildlife. To me it all started looking the same. The animal exhibits were decent and you can get pretty close to the cages. The peacock and owl were gorgeous. I was in and out in 90mins tops that particular day. Overall, it was worth it to get the experience of the airboat and the glades. I can see it being good for younger kids or those who do not want a lengthy excursion. Again, I have nothing to compare it to at this time, but that gives me even more reason to check out the other excursions in the area.

Zan Hecht

Riding an airboat at high speed through the everglades was really a thrill. Our guide was very knowledgeable, and filled us in on a lot of the science and history of the everglades and its wildlife. We saw two alligators and a variety of birds, including osprey and cranes. After our boat ride, we went to the zoo area. There were three parts to the zoo. The first was a reptile section that featured a variety of large snakes and lizards, as well with alligators that had been injured and couldnt return to the wild. There was also a lone american crocodile and a caiman there, for comparison. The staff here were also very friendly and informative, and while the collection of animals was small, the staff made it very interesting. The second area of the zoo featured farm animals, but we skipped this area. The third area featured more exotic wildlife, including a Florida panther, a black leopard, and smaller mammals such as bobcats, skunks, racoons, and a fennec fox.

Mabel Felices

My family and I had loads of fun there today! The air boat ride was fun and informative, and we saw several alligators, as well as a blue heron, a vulture, and an osprey. Just make sure to stay seated until youre told to get off, otherwise the boat can tip over if everyone tries to get off all at once. Afterwards, when we went to the animal exhibit, we saw even more alligators, but most were small, baby alligators, and you are given the chance to hold one. There are so many more animals that you can see in the exhibit though, besides alligators, like boas, pythons, wolves, parrots, panthers, leopards, rabbits, pigs, iguanas, and a lot more animals than I thought Id see today. Turns out a lot of them are donated. Theres also an alligator show with Gator Tim, who is very cool and knowledgeable. Everyone seems to love what they do and what theyre doing, and Id definitely come back. Id highly recommend this place to anyone who loves the outdoors and animals.

Allie

Okay, would not recommend. So sad to say. We had high hopes. Went this weekend with friends. First of all.. saw 1 alligator and 2 birds.. that is it. Also, all of the adults raced to get on the boat first..knocking our kids out of the way. We were stuck in the 3rd row behind them.. couldnt see anything when we did get close to the 1 alligator we saw. Kids sitting on one side of the boat, driver flipped the boat to have the alligator on the other. We didnt even bother to get up.. no way we were seeing it. To top it off.. son comes off the boat and says "mom, the driver likes to say bad words".. Thanks driver for interjecting profanity into the conversation for my child.. that was awesome. All and all... I think there are probably better ways to spend your money. They only redeeming quality was the people who worked with the animals.. they clearly care about them. So for that I will give it 2 stars. No stars for the boat ride.

Yasir Raja

This is a great place for an air boat tour of the Everglades. If you have about an hour or so free when in the Fort Lauderdale area, I would recommend you check this place out. The staff is very friendly and knowledgable. The air boat tour is about 30 mins and then you have access to their exhibits. When we went, we saw about 5 alligators, but just like fishing, there is no guarantee youll see anything. Youre allowed to bring snacks and drinks on the boat. They also sell plenty of stuff where you buy tickets. You dont really have to make a reservation or buy tickets in advance. Probably a good idea during peak season but they have boats that run about every 30 minutes so youll be able to get on one. You can buy tickets through their site or sometimes they offer stuff on Groupon. They offer great discounts for military, law enforcement, and flight crews (dont forget to bring you ID).