Miami’s reputation as a glamorous beach destination often overshadows its proximity to some of Florida’s most intriguing natural landscapes. But with National Park Tours readily accessible from Miami, travelers can swap the city’s hustle for wildlife, wetlands, and stunning scenery. Florida’s Everglades National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site with unique ecosystems, abundant wildlife, and Native American cultural sites, making it a prime choice for outdoor exploration. Whether you’re after a quick glimpse or an immersive experience, Miami offers a variety of tours that bring these wild spaces to life.
What makes Miami special for National Park Tours is its diversity—less than an hour away, you can be paddling through mangroves, spotting alligators, or learning about the Native Miccosukee tribe. The tours listed here cover everything from half-day scenic adventures to full-day hikes and even a desert exploration from Las Vegas. If you want to see alligators in the wild, paddle amid estuaries, or combine city highlights with nature, there’s a trip tailored for you.
1. Half-day Everglades National Park Tour and 1-Hour Air Boat Ride
This half-day tour offers a compact but comprehensive introduction to the Everglades. It’s perfect for those pressed for time but eager to see wildlife and learn about the ecosystem firsthand. The tour includes a scenic drive with a naturalist guide who points out the various plant and animal species, followed by a nature walk in the park. A key highlight is the 1-hour airboat ride that whisks you out into the River of Grass, far from land and into the habitat of alligators, herons, and many bird species.
What makes this tour stand out is how it combines education and excitement in just over five hours. The small airboat lets you venture into narrower, less-traveled areas, giving you a more intimate experience. You also get to visit Native tree island villages, offering cultural insight. Reviews emphasize the naturalist guides’ friendliness and knowledge, with many guests praising the wildlife sightings—especially the alligators. The price of $179 per person reflects good value for a half-day nature immersion with transportation from Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
Bottom Line: A fantastic option for travelers who want a snapshot of the Everglades with the chance to see alligators and birds up close, all led by friendly naturalists.
2. Miami: Everglades National Park Hiking and Kayaking Day Trip
For those looking for a full-day experience, this Hiking and Kayaking Tour dives deep into the diverse habitats of the Everglades. It combines two different hikes with a two-hour kayak paddle, allowing you to explore different parts of the park’s estuaries and mangroves. The tour is highly rated, with guests appreciating the detailed guiding and the chance to see crocodiles, manatees, and a wide array of birdlife.
The itinerary includes round-trip transportation from Miami and a delicious picnic lunch amid the wilderness. The naturalist guide shares insights into the flora and fauna, making it a well-rounded educational experience. The kayaking is suitable for most skill levels and offers a peaceful way to experience the wetlands up close. The tour’s approximately nine-hour duration makes it ideal for travelers who want to see the Everglades in a comprehensive way.
Reviewers mention Zac’s enthusiastic guiding and the opportunity to witness wildlife “in their natural habitat,” with some even spotting alligators and manatees. At $275 per person, the trip offers excellent value for a full day immersed in nature.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want a combination of hiking and paddling, plus in-depth wildlife viewing and cultural insights.
3. Small Group Death Valley, Rhyolite Ghost Day Tour from LV
This full-day desert tour takes you from Miami’s familiarity to the stark beauty of Death Valley and the historic Rhyolite Ghost Town. While not in Florida, it’s a notable option for travelers interested in remote landscapes and fascinating history, especially if you’re combining multiple destinations or planning a trip to Las Vegas. The tour features stops at Badwater Basin—North America’s lowest point—and the colorful Artist’s Palette.
This tour is unique because it offers panoramic views of Mars-like landscapes and insight into mining history at Rhyolite. It’s well-suited to those who enjoy geological wonders and historic sites. The trip is guided and small-group, which means more personalized attention. Although reviews are mostly positive, some mention the long drive from Vegas, so it’s best suited for those with a strong interest in desert landscapes and geology.
At $259, it’s a good value considering the full day of exploration, especially for travelers with a penchant for adventure beyond the typical national parks.
Bottom Line: A great choice if you’re into desert scenery, geology, and historic ghost towns, especially as a complement to Florida’s wetlands.
4. Everglades National Park Day Tour from Miami
This day-long tour is perfect if you want a rundown of both Miami’s highlights and the Everglades in a single day. It’s designed for travelers short on time who still want to experience the city’s famous neighborhoods like Wynwood Walls, Little Havana, and Coral Gables, along with the wetlands. The itinerary packs in art, culture, and nature, with a highlight being the airboat ride through the Everglades.
The tour starts with a visit to the Wynwood Walls, showcasing the city’s impressive street art, followed by a drive through Coral Gables and a quick stop in Little Havana. After enjoying Miami’s vibrant neighborhoods, you’ll head into the Everglades for an airboat tour that immerses you in the native swamp environment. The tour offers a good balance for those who want city culture and wildlife in the same day, with transportation included.
While it’s more of a city-and-nature combo than a deep dive into Everglades specifics, reviews praise the guide’s commentary and the variety of sights. The price point of $117 makes it accessible for budget-conscious travelers wanting a taste of both worlds.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a quick, varied experience that blends urban culture with a swift Everglades adventure.
How to Choose
When deciding among these options, consider your time availability, interest level, and budget. For a shorter, wildlife-focused experience, the Half-day Everglades Tour offers solid value. If you crave an active, full-day immersion, the Hiking and Kayaking Trip provides a deeper connection to the environment. Budget travelers might prefer the Day Tour from Miami, which combines city landmarks with the Everglades at a lower price. For those interested in desert landscapes and historic sites outside Florida, the Death Valley tour is a compelling, if different, option.
Booking early is key, especially during peak seasons. Think about what kind of experience you want—wildlife viewing, active exploration, or a mix of city and nature—and choose accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Miami’s proximity to Everglades National Park and other extraordinary landscapes means you don’t have to go far to find adventure. Whether you prefer a quick wildlife sighting, a full-day hike and kayak, or a scenic desert drive, there’s a tour tailored to you. The Half-day Everglades Tour is ideal for a quick but memorable escape, while the Hiking and Kayaking Trip suits active travelers after a more in-depth experience. For a broader city-and-Nature combo, the Everglades Day Tour offers great value.
No matter which you pick, booking in advance will help ensure a smooth trip. Now, all that’s left is to lace up your shoes or hop on that airboat and explore Florida’s wild side.