We picked up a leaflet for the activities at the Everglades Holiday Park from a tour guide shop in Miami South Beach. I am so glad we did!
We arrived relatively early, around 10am which I would recommend, not only because you avoid the bus tour, but also the weather tends to get stormy around midday and beyond.
There were around 20 people on our boat, but it didn’t feel crowded. Our captain was great (apologies don’t remember his name), straight out of red neck central casting, but he was really knowledgable and entertaining. The trip was around an hour long and included 3 speed sections which were exhilarating and great fun. We also saw a number of alligators (some very close up) and learned a lot about the plants and eco systems within the Everglades.
After the boat trip there was a show where an alligator expert (apparently a minor celeb, judging by crowd reaction). The show was quite theatrical, including opening alligators jaws etc and if I’m honest a bit uncomfortable. The alligators were clearly after an easy life basking in the sun and not interested in being paraded for tourists. Obviously, the chap is doing great work rescuing these animals, and the tickets and donations, help fund this. But I think it could be done in a more educational less circus like way.
The photos with the baby alligator was also a bit sad. The little thing had its mouth taped and was being passed around from pillar to post. Again, I think a similar experience could have been achieved in a more sensitive way.
Overall, the air boat ride is worth the price of the ticket alone. The alligator show and baby alligator photo are ok, but be prepared to feel sorry for the animals.
Відповідь від хоста
Aug 2018
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us. We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your day in the Everglades with us, we'll be sure to pass your compliments along to the Captain. We are happy that you were able to meet some of our gator friends on your adventure, and we hope you learned something along the way. We can't wait to have you back for some more adventures!