Frequently Asked Questions

River of Grass Adventures of The Miami Everglades

FAQ's

Scroll down for some of the frequently asked questions we receive from guests before heading out on a Miami Everglades Airboat ride with The River of Grass Adventures. We hope this helps; but please don't hesitate to give us a call or email us with any other questions you may have. (305) 788-2418.

Construction work along US Highway 41, also known as the Tamiami Trail is ongoing to raise the road for Everglades Restoration. Drivers may experience up to 15-minute delays and should watch for personnel, equipment, and delays.

CONDITIONS IN THE DRY SEASON

November through April is the Dry Season in the Florida Everglades. Temperatures are typically cooler, and water levels are low - attracting wildlife abound the the last remaining pools of water for an Everglades feeding frenzy. Morning tours and late afternoons can be cold in the Everglades during these months. Be sure to bring along layers and a jacket (you'll likely be shedding them mid-afternoon.) Mosquitos can be bad year-round in the Everglades, but not on The River Of Grass airboat tour since we travel in open grasslands and not densely wooded areas. If visiting Everglades National Parks walking trails or densely wooded areas, bug repellent is recommended!

CONDITIONS IN THE WET SEASON

Florida Everglades wet season is May through October. These months bring hot, humid weather (heat index often over 100°F) and typical afternoon thunderstorms that pass quickly. Rising water disperses Everglades wildlife like wading birds (some heading north), making wildlife sightings trickier on airboat tours. However, our Captains are highly skilled at seeking out wildlife no matter the season. Lush flora shines during these months and new trails open for adventure. Mosquito's can be peskier this time of the year - typically only at our boat launch at dusk and dawn. Few worries on your River of Grass airboat ride through the open sawgrass; pack bug spray and lightweight sun-protective clothing for other Everglades areas.

Boat on narrow waterway through tall grass.

Path through vast grassy field under sky.

Do you need to make a reservation?

What is The River Of Grass refund policy?

What should we wear?

Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are all very important! The Florida Everglades is warm to hot about 75% of the year. Lightweight non-breezy clothes are great. Bug spray is not typically needed on our Airboat Rides, even in the summer! Sandals or sneakers are fine. It will be colder on the water or in the swamps if it is cool out, so wear warm clothes! The layers are great! It's always better to have more than less. You can put what you might not want to wear under the seats; we will have plenty of room.

How far is the Everglades River of Grass Boat Ramp from Miami Beach?

Do you provide transportation? What is the best way to reach the River of Grass?

What is the Pilot Travel Center, and how far is the River of Grass Adventures?

The Pilot Travel Center also known as Dade Corners Market Place and Shell Gas Station. This stop marks where Miami meets the Everglades. We recommend stopping here before your River of Grass Airboat tour primarily for restrooms. They are also a great stop for Everglades souvenirs, Coffee - American & Cuban, and fuel.

River of Grass Airboat Tours is 1.5 miles away (5-min drive west on Hwy 41/Tamiami Trail or SW 8th St). If going on a Swamp Buggy Tour, Swamp Walk, or Fishing Charters this can be your last stop for up to 20-60 miles.

Will I get bit by mosquitos?

Are there any age limits for the airboat adventures?

Will we see alligators?

It would be very unusual not to see an alligator on one of our sightseeing River of Grass Airboat Adventures.

However, since this is wildlife and tours take place in nature, not a roadside attraction - alligator sightings cannot be predicted or guaranteed.

We can guarantee beautiful scenery and thrilling ride through the Everglades, guided by highly skilled Captains who are great at finding the wildlife!

We want your experience in the Everglades to be terrific, guaranteed!

When is the best time of year for a Miami Everglades Airboat Adventure?

Dry Season (Nov-Apr)
Cooler weather (60-80°F), minimal rain, and low water concentrates wildlife like alligators and birds.

Wet Season (May-Oct)
Warmer (80-95°F), lush greenery, abundant fish/birds, but afternoon showers common. Morning and laate afternoon tours beat the heat and possible afternoon showers.

Top Pick
Winter dry season for comfort & peak wildlife viewing! But anytime on River of Grass tours guarantees thrills and unmatched scenery.

Does wildlife viewing change throughout the year?

The Everglades has only 2 seasons, not Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall! Just the Wet Season and the Dry Season.

During the Dry Season in the Everglades, our typical daily rainfall ceases, and water levels begin to drop each day. This can be a great time to see wildlife on private airboat tours of the Everglades! Most of the animals will be near the remaining bodies of water. Wading birds will enjoy easy picking for their nesting babies, and alligators won't be able to swim freely throughout the "river of grass" since most of it will be prairies of yellowing grass. It is not uncommon to see many alligators in canals and the remaining ponds of water during this time!

When the rainy season begins, typically around April - May, this is a great time of year for the parched Everglades! Water levels begin to rise, filling up the cypress domes and swamps, the freshwater marshlands and sloughs. Wildlife disperses across revitalized habitats amid vibrant green landscapes; fish and birds proliferate, offering diverse summer viewing despite the heat.

Is there more than one meeting location?

What is the River of Grass Adventures' hours of operation?

CURRENT Everglades CONDITIONS

February through April (sometimes into the early summer months) marks the peak dry season in the Florida Everglades. Water levels drop extremely low, concentrating fish and aquatic life in remaining pools—this sparks a feeding frenzy for birds, alligators, otters, and other wildlife, offering your best chance for abundant sightings. However, in the driest periods, we may encounter water too low to operate. Rainy season typically begins in May, reviving the parched marshlands with fresh water and lush growth. Wildlife remains active, but expect shifting patterns—vibrant prairies emerge as rains return.

JUNE UPDATE: We are currently experiencing EXTREME drought conditions in the Everglades, requiring us to suspend tours and adjust boat capacities in between sporadic bouts of rain. We are in need of a substantial amount of rainfall to fill our River of Grass. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause during your travels & appreciate your understanding. Safety and your Everglades experience are our top priority.