Sawgrass Recreation Park

The Basics

Take an airboat ride to see wildlife and learn about the area’s ecosystem, then visit the park’s exhibits: The Reptile Exhibit boasts dozen species (native and exotic) along with Cannibal, a 1,000-pound (454-kilogram) alligator. The Glades Exhibit features a variety of tortoises and iguanas. The Exotic Wildlife Exhibit (scheduled to open in 2020) will include large cats like panthers and caracals. Visitors looking for a unique thrill can also enjoy night time alligator-viewing trips.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Kids 6 and under must wear a lifejacket (which is provided) while onboard the boat; all other guests may also choose to wear a lifejacket if they desire.

• The boats are not wheelchair accessible.

• Airboat tours leave every 30 minutes, and private boat tours are also available.

• Fishing boats and camping spots are available.

• Children age 3 and under enter for free.

How to Get There

Sawgrass Recreation Park is located two miles north of Exit 23, off I-75 on US Route 27. The park is about 30 minutes from the Fort Lauderdale airport and about 45 to 60 minutes from Miami Beach. There is free parking available on site.

When to Get There

Boats leave every 30 minutes from morning through mid-afternoon. Animal exhibits close in the early evening, when the last boat boards. During the summer, it's best to visit in the morning; there can be wind and thunderstorms in the afternoons.

Exploring the Florida Everglades

There are a variety of ways to explore the Everglades. After enjoying an airboat ride, join a tram tour from the Shark Valley Visitor Center, visit the Big Cypress National Preserve, or stroll on the boardwalk through the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Hardcore campers can even spend the night in a chickee, a traditional Seminole or Miccosukee log-frame structure with palm or palmetto thatching.

What is Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, and what activities does it offer?

Sawgrass Recreation Park started as a fishing camp in the 1950s, and then evolved into an airboat attraction in the 1970s. Today, it’s one of the top airboat attractions in South Florida. In 2005, it expanded to include a 50+ animal reptile exhibit to further educate visitors on Florida’s diverse ecosystem.

What wildlife can visitors expect to see at Sawgrass Recreation Park?

The Everglades is a wild, uncontrolled ecosystem, so there are chances that certain animals may not be visible during a ride. However, most visitors should expect to see endemic wildlife such as alligators, birds, fish, snakes, and turtles. In the reptile exhibit, there are alligators, turtles, and snakes in captivity.

What should visitors bring with them when visiting Sawgrass Recreation Park?

Bug spray and sunscreen are recommended because the airboats are open-air vessels. It’s a good idea to dress for sun exposure, which means hats and clothing that is breathable and UV protective. If you need to bring luggage, there’s luggage storage available that you can call ahead and reserve.

Are there any age or height restrictions for participating in activities at Sawgrass Recreation Park?

No, there are no height restrictions for going on an airboat tour or visiting the exhibits at Sawgrass Recreation Park. There are no age restrictions, either, though ear plugs are recommended and children under seven must wear a life jacket when riding. Also, keep in mind the airboats have limited accessibility.

How long do airboat tours last at Sawgrass Recreation Park?

The airboat tours at Sawgrass Recreation Park range in duration depending on which type of tour you choose to book. There are two categories of tours—private and general. General tours may last 30 to 40 minutes, while private tours can last 40, 60, 90, or 120 minutes.

Are there any additional attractions or exhibits to explore at Sawgrass Recreation Park?

The airboat tours are the main attraction at Sawgrass Recreation Park, but there are other activities available, including camping and fishing. You can opt for one package that features an airboat ride and admission to the animal sanctuary. Another standalone option is a private reptile exhibit tour without an airboat ride.

Ways to explore

Most visitors come to Sawgrass Recreation Park to take an airboat ride and explore the park’s wildlife on a 40-minute guided tour. Prebooking allows you to pick a specific time slot to suit your schedule. After an airboat adventure, travelers typically visit the park’s reptile sanctuary—home to tortoises, iguanas, and more—and the main Florida alligator exhibit. For a luxury experience, some visitors book private airboat tours with just their party and crew, while other tours take place at night for an opportunity to spot wildlife under moonlight.

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessibility is limited, as a step is required to get into the boats. However, the exhibit area, which has a gravel walkway, is accessible; wheelchairs are available at no cost.

Age limits

There are no official age limits, but the noise and speed of the boats may make them unsuitable for young children.

What to pack

Insect repellent, bottled water, sunscreen

What to wear

Closed-toe shoes, lightweight clothing, hat

Not allowed

Drones, littering, touching wildlife

Amenities

Restrooms, gift shop, airboat tours, parking

Address 

Sawgrass Recreation Park is located west of Fort Lauderdale near the Everglades, and is around a 30-minute drive from Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport. It’s primarily reached by car, though some guided tours include transportation from city hotels.

Driving

To get to Sawgrass Recreation Park from Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport, drive west toward the Everglades via the I-595. On-site parking is available; it's free of charge for visitors to the park.

Public transportation

Sawgrass Recreation Park is not easy to get to by public transportation. It’s much better to drive, use a rideshare app, or go on a guided tour that includes transportation from nearby cities, such as Fort Lauderdale.

Best times to visit

For cooler weather, mornings are generally the best time of day to visit. Night airboat tours are also a great time for wildlife spotting.

Best days to visit

Weekdays are usually quieter than weekends, which can get quite busy with tourists and locals alike.

Best months to visit

November through April are the best months to visit, as the weather is drier and typically has fewer mosquitoes.

Special events

Special events include Gator Nights—which usually take place on Wednesdays and Saturdays—when you can go on a night airboat tour.