Everglades Airboat Excursions — Local services in Weston

Captain Gerald is the real deal. He is the OG, authentically living off-the grid while putting his energy into conserving and educating people about the Everglades’ ecosystem.

With 40+ years of personal history at the Everglades and having lived full-time at the homestead he built with his own hands for more than a decade, Captain Gerald is a wealth of knowledge. We were riveted with the tidbits of information he shared at every step of the boat.

The boat was comfortable, clean and spacious. I did wear the provided hearing protection while the fan was engaged. And I put my windbreaker on midway through the ride.

Our group enjoyed a 2-hour private tour of the Everglades and a visit to Captain Gerald’s homestead, including a breathtaking view from his rooftop observation deck. While at Captain Gerald’s home we saw up close three full-size and one young alligator, fed Oscar fish and then observed the alligator enter the water for its own turn at the fish and we were closely observed by a vulture who appeared to call the observation deck his home.

He was modest and barely shared the fact that he and his home have been featured in dozens of episodes and movies including the very scary movie, Lake Fear 2, The Swamp and an episode of Real Housewives.

More notable though is Captain Gerald’s commitment to educating young people and to our US service men. He opens his cabin up to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and other young people who want to learn and explore the Everglades. He has hosted fundraisers for military men killed in action and hangs pictures and flags to honor those who served.

Lastly Captain Gerald’s had the most majestic cypress trees on his “island.”

Book direct from Captain Gerald. You...

This was my second trip with the knowledgeable and fantastic Captain Gerald! I am so lucky that my first ever airboat tour was with him, because he’s the only guide with an awesome house smack in the middle of the Everglades. There is nothing cooler than cruising through the tall grass, turning a corner, and then seeing this amazing house on a small, man-made island. The views from his top deck (climb up and down the tight-winding staircase very carefully!) are so unique. I saw alligators at his home both visits, and this most recent visit had a little guy! He looked very young, but Captain Gerald said the size inducates he’s about two years old. He also has the only permit in the state to hatch a certain kind of Everglade’s turtle that had a big population decline, and he’s released over 10,000 babies! You can see hatchlings if you go during a certain time of year. Captain Gerald is full of information while taking you you through the Everglades and will stop to show you anything that he sees worth examining. He knows all the gator spots for alligators he knows as regulars, and I’ve seen at least six between my two excursions! He can also talk to you about the flora and fauna. He pretty much is “of the Everglades,” if you know what I mean. He’s a marvelously entertaining guide. I could not recommend this particular company’s excursions any...

Our airboat excursion with Captain Gerald Motes in the Florida Everglades was nothing short of extraordinary. From start to finish, Gerald’s deep knowledge and passion for the Everglades shone through, making this experience truly unforgettable. We spotted numerous alligators up close, but what really set this tour apart was Gerald's personal touch.

He took us to see his floating cabin out in the middle of the Everglades, a place where he's not only living but also doing some remarkable work. Gerald is singlehandedly running a softshell turtle hatchery, working tirelessly to restore a population that was once on the brink of extinction. His commitment to preserving the ecosystem is truly inspiring.

Beyond his expertise, Gerald was also incredibly funny and personable, making the tour both educational and entertaining. I've been on a few tours in my life, but this one was by far the most unique and memorable. I can't speak highly enough of Captain Gerald Mites—if you're looking for an authentic and enriching Everglades experience,...