Everglades Airboat Cruising

Last week was my birthday and I made a quick stop down to Miami for the weekend with some friends. After spending time in the famous Wynwood Art District, the Everglades seemed like a funky place to check out next. I had never been there and wanted to get away from the city.

Coopertown

Located 30 miles west of Miami, this small town (population 8 people) sits right on the southeast border of the Everglades. This place is extremely easy to get to for a quick day trip from Miami if you are interested in seeing the Everglades. I found a Groupon for a private airboat cruise through the everglades -> Airboat Everglades Tour

We got there and hopped aboard. The airboat driver started up the engine and we started cruising into the Everglades. 

We cruised out in the open where the water mirrored the sky and it was absolutely breathtaking. Soon enough, the driver stopped in the middle of the Everglades and let me get out to film and walk into alligator territory with my camera! I was honestly cringing with every step I took. After about 10 minutes, I decided I wouldn’t take my chances any further and hopped back into the airboat.

Here is a video compilation of the entire Everglades tour: Everglades Tour

There were all different kinds of wildlife as we went down narrow water ways. Alligators lined the sides of the boat looking for fresh meat (like me) to hop back out into the water.

Towards the end of the trip, our driver showed us where he feeds alligators in the swamp. I picked up a little baby gator that didn’t look like it wanted to eat me. He was very relaxed and took a liking to me.