Sawgrass Recreation Park
1006 N. US Hwy. 27, Weston, (954) 389-0202; www.evergladestours.com.
Though this family-owned and -operated attraction is located way out there, the experience is well worth the journey. A visit to Sawgrass Recreation Park includes a 30-minute airboat tour through the swamp grass of the Florida Everglades. Though the fastest they go is 40 m.p.h., it feels more like 100 m.p.h., so hold on to your hat! The amiable guides pass along some history and do their best to get you up close to the native wildlife. Our captain took us to a fabulous spot where he stopped the boat and let us enjoy viewing several alligators, plenty of grackle birds (which are nicknamed “sky rats”), and some big turtles. After, we toured the facility’s Exotic Wildlife exhibit--a small zoo that displays pythons and iguanas as well as the famous 1,000-pound alligator known as Cannibal. We also saw the endangered Florida Panther in several hues, plus a too-cute big-eared fennec fox. Also in the complex, the Gator Grill snack bar serves up gator tacos. This is a popular shore excursion tour with cruise ships.
Things to do in nearby Fort Lauderdale.
images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
Though this family-owned and -operated attraction is located way out there, the experience is well worth the journey. A visit to Sawgrass Recreation Park includes a 30-minute airboat tour through the swamp grass of the Florida Everglades. Though the fastest they go is 40 m.p.h., it feels more like 100 m.p.h., so hold on to your hat! The amiable guides pass along some history and do their best to get you up close to the native wildlife. Our captain took us to a fabulous spot where he stopped the boat and let us enjoy viewing several alligators, plenty of grackle birds (which are nicknamed “sky rats”), and some big turtles. After, we toured the facility’s Exotic Wildlife exhibit--a small zoo that displays pythons and iguanas as well as the famous 1,000-pound alligator known as Cannibal. We also saw the endangered Florida Panther in several hues, plus a too-cute big-eared fennec fox. Also in the complex, the Gator Grill snack bar serves up gator tacos. This is a popular shore excursion tour with cruise ships.
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| speeding airboat at Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, Florida |
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| driver/guide at Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, Florida |
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| tour group at Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, Florida |
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| alligator plus grackel bird at Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, Florida |
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| alligator at Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, Florida |
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| bird resting on sawgrass at Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, Florida |
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| sea turtle at Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, Florida |
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| python in zoo at Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, Florida |
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| iguana in zoo at Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, Florida |
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| sign description of Cannibal the alligator in zoo at Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, Florida |
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| Cannibal the alligator in zoo at Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, Florida |
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| yawning black panther in zoo at Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, Florida |
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| fennec fox in zoo at Sawgrass Recreation Park in Weston, Florida |
Things to do in nearby Fort Lauderdale.
More ideas for exploring the U.S.
images ©2018 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
Your posts are easy reads-simple, to the point, with good photos. I can see why Sawgrass Recreation Park is a fave of cruise ship excursionists.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great attraction!! The air boat ride as well as your up close animal and bird viewing. Great post!! I must get back to Florida and revisit some of the fun and educational attractions offered there!
ReplyDeleteI think we have some of those grackle birds aka “sky rats” in Ontario too! Fortunately no alligators - I'm terrified of them :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful variety of animals at Sawgrass Recreation Park - I can see why it is so popular!
ReplyDeleteA great way to see wildlife up close. I recently read about concerns about airboat safety after a death in Florida.
ReplyDeleteOh dear. I wonder where and how it happened. I hate to see anything change on these boat tours because they are so much fun as is.
DeleteVery nice to see these animals. I really enjoyed. Thanks
ReplyDelete