Top Fort Lauderdale Wildlife Watching in 2026

Harken back to yesteryear on a fun Fort Lauderdale sightseeing cruise aboard the Carrie B paddlewheeler. Sail past yachts, mansions, and cruise ships along the New River, Intracoastal Waterway, and Port Everglades. Spend time on the open sun deck, sit outside under a canopy, or in air-conditioned comfort on the main deck. The captain narrates the tour and a full-service bar and light snacks are available to purchase.

Perfect for those who want to squeeze a lot of sightseeing into a limited amount of time. A fully narrated 90-minute cruise along the New River through Fort Lauderdale will let you soak up such sights as the lavish homes and mega yachts along Millionaire's Row.

Make sure you tick off the most important highlights of the Everglades with an experienced guide in the lead when you book this Everglades airboat tour. Race through the River of Grass listening to in-depth commentary on the local environment and wildlife. Plus, round-trip transport from Fort Lauderdale is provided for a stress-free adventure.

Fly high above Fort Lauderdale's Gold Coast for ocean views you won't find anywhere else on this small-group parasailing adventure. Head out on the water with a captain and crew for a safe experience. Once you’re hundreds of feet in the air, take in views of Lauderdale Beach, the surrounding blue waters of the Atlantic, and even a glimpse of the Bahamas on a very clear day.

Escape to Everglades Holiday Park in Fort Lauderdale for a 1-Hour (approx.) Narrated Airboat Tour. This adventure is a great way to experience the unique subtropical ecosystem of the Everglades. Skim across the grassy water at speeds up to 40 miles per hour while looking for alligators, wading birds and an abundance of flora and fauna in their natural habitats.

Go for an immersive airboat ride through Everglades National Park—and leave the transit and logistics to someone else—on this half-day tour from Fort Lauderdale. Pick between morning and afternoon tour times, and meet your driver at your hotel. Then, head for the Everglades: upon arrival, transfer to your boat and zip along the waterways, soaking up the unique scenery and looking out for alligators and wildlife as you go.

Travel deep into Everglades National Park on a private airboat tour and wildlife encounter at Sawgrass Recreation Park. Experience the unique subtropical ecosystem on your own airboat, going deeper into the Everglades than on typical public rides. Skim across the grassy water at high speeds while looking for alligators, fish, turtles, and wading birds. This tour includes entrance to the park and admission to the Reptile and Glades exhibits.

Coconut Cove was once a mangrove and buttonwood swamp until the late 1920's, when the U.S. Army Corp. of engineers was granted permission to deposit the fill while dredging the Intracoastal. The fill caused the swamp to perish, which prompted Mr. Bartlett to plant rows of Coconut Palms where the current Bonnet House parking lot exists. The property is a blend of native and exotic flora including a desert garden, Orchid House, Shell Museum, Fruit Groves, Freshwater Slough, Wild Coffee, Silver Palms, Coontie Plants shaded by Gumbo Limbo, Seagrapes, Sabal Palms, and Paradise Trees to name just a few splendors in addition to the 1920 Bonnet House Museum with it's incredible architecture built around a Fountain Garden and displaying art, sculptures, and collectibles from all over the world. It is truly the last of Old Florida in the present day and a celebration of the protected history and the legacy of Frederic Clay and Evelyn Barlett's vision and talent.

This Fort Lauderdale Day/Night Time Reef Bottom Fishing Charter is perfect for anyone looking to experience deep sea fishing in just half a day. You’ll cruise past the stunning mansions on "Millionaire’s Row" before dropping your first line and feeling the thrill of the catch. The crew is always there to assist, and when you return, they’ll even clean your fish and recommend great local spots to cook it up fresh.

A combination of Jet Skiing, snorkeling, and scuba diving, the SEABOB is a truly remarkable experience that lets you swim with the fishes quietly and safely. After a short gear fitting and training session on the SEABOB, explore local reefs where you can dive up to 8 feet (2.5 meters) and see a variety of aquatic sea life.

Escape to the wilderness of Florida's Everglades on this guided, full-day adventure from Fort Lauderdale. This exciting small-group tour includes an airboat ride through Everglades National Park, a drive through Big Cypress National Preserve, a nature walk through a cypress forest, and a scenic boat ride through Everglades National Park in search of a variety of wildlife.

Fort Lauderdale’s beaches have soft white sand, sparkling waters, and a dreamy blue sky that you’ll want to spend hours enjoying. Make a date out of a beach trip with this private pop up picnic. Much more than just a blanket and a picnic basket, this luxury lunch includes everything you need for a relaxed afternoon. From finding the perfect spot to picking out the best ingredients for a meal, this service takes care of everything for you.