Jungle Erv's Airboat Tours (Mangrove Maze) — Local services in Everglades City

I'm late but a year ago my mother and law and I took a ride with Jungle Ervs airboats. This was this Pennsylvania girls first time to Florida. I'm an avid outdoors woman and anything in nature is absolutely my thing. We had an absolute blast. Our pilot I'm sorry I have forgot his name, used to use the airboat to go to the gas station during jr high through high school. In fact he said that was how he mostly got around which I found to be an intriguing way to grow up. We whipped around all the mangroves like I would have done if I knew how to drive an airboat. We got a history lesson and most importantly a bio diversity lesson that was very in depth. We saw a few small gators, many many birds and all the flora and fauna one could imagine. I was in my zenith cruising around the Everglades for the first time. Once we were through, we got a complimentary pass to Wootens. (Not sure if this is always customary as it was the off season) Wootens was cool too with all the gators and wildlife on display if that is your thing. I'm not super into wildlife being kept at a zoo-like area. But the animals all looked healthy and happy and who knows, they could be rehabbed animals that couldn't be released. Not a PETA nut, just love nature to be free and wild. I did get to hold a small gator which was indeed fascinating to feel and hold. So I guess I'm not entirely opposed to some animals being kept as educational tools. A lot warmer and softer than I thought a gator would be. A very cool day that this nature nut will never forget. The smells, sights and sounds were all amazing to me. It was an amazing adventure that just about anyone (wouldn't recommend for those with sensory issues, loud even with headphones that are supplied.) would enjoy. There were elderly to young people on board. I would advise bringing cash so you can (absolutely should) tip your airboat captain. There is a small gift shop at Jungle Ervs which was awesome and if you're into stickers like me they have many cool ones. Wootens had a bigger shop more tshirts and kiddie type souvenirs. Both were not a let down and we both enjoyed ourselves...

Terrific value.

Just under $100US for two people.

The airboat ride was 50 minutes, and they provided headsets with speakers and a mic so you could ask the driver questions and hear the answers plus other people's questions.

We saw a good number of gators and a 13' one right up alongside the boat.now that was close!!

Price included admission to a park down the road where you can hold small gators and get great pics.

Also, you get to see a dozen gators and crocs plus a lion and tiger.

Jungle Erv is our recommendation.

We did a second gator/airboat ride a few days later at Capt. Mitchell, hoping for the same terrific experience. We saw NO gators. Not one! And the headsets on the airboat ride had no mics or speakers.

And that ride was only 40 minutes for the same price as Earls.

We recommend...

This was our first airboat ride ever and we enjoyed it. It's important to understand the location for this one is within a private estate of the Everglades which is full of mangroves. Due to the time of year we wasn't expecting to see much wildlife (we remember visiting the Everglades 20 years ago in February and there were Aligates everywhere) but we did actually get to see one from the boat. Going full throttle when he could through the mazes and estate was thrilling.

Guide Captains are very friendly and knowledgeable, know their way around the boat and 'Glades. They do expect at least a 15% tip to do factor that into your budget!

The location was easy to find along the 41 just outside of Everglades City. Bring bug spray repellent and consider wearing clothing that fully covers your legs, arms...