Fort Lauderdale’s private tours pack a punch for savvy travelers looking to escape the crowds. Skip the big buses and enjoy these intimate experiences that showcase the best of South Florida.
The standout choices include small-group Everglades tours with expert naturalists who know where to spot gators and rare birds. I love the private airboat rides – they’re more flexible than regular tours and let you linger at wildlife hotspots. For a different perspective, helicopter flights over Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale offer spectacular photo ops of the coastline.
The tiki boat tours along the Intracoastal Waterway are a fun twist on traditional sightseeing – you can customize your route and enjoy the mansions and yachts at your own pace.
Let’s explore the top private tours worth your time and money in Fort Lauderdale:
Key Points
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Private Everglades Sawgrass Park Reptile Exhibit Tour: A 1-hour intimate tour with expert guides, showcasing the diverse Everglades ecosystem and a chance to interact with a 1,000-pound alligator.
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Private Helicopter Tour from Fort Lauderdale to Miami Beach: A 35-minute aerial tour with stunning views of local wildlife and iconic landmarks, suitable for adults.
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Private Tiki Boat Tour on the Intracoastal Waterway: A customizable 2-8 hour cruise with music-themed options, accommodating up to 6 people and allowing for bringing own food and beverages.
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Private Airboat Adventure Tour in Sawgrass Park: A 1-hour personalized journey through the Florida Everglades, with opportunities to spot diverse wildlife and learn from an Everglades captain.
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Semi-Private Everglades Tour from Miami or Fort Lauderdale: A 5-hour tour featuring an airboat ride, alligator show, and wildlife spotting, with a live commentary by a driver-guide.
Everglades: Sawgrass Park Reptile Exhibit Private Tour
The Everglades: Sawgrass Park Reptile Exhibit Private Tour offers visitors an exclusive and educational experience within the breathtaking Everglades ecosystem.
This 1-hour private tour, priced at €28.60 per person, provides access to the park’s reptile exhibit, where guests can encounter a massive 1,000-pound alligator named Cannibal. The tour is limited to just 10 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience guided by knowledgeable park experts.
Participants can enjoy the Everglades’ unique wildlife, feeding tortoises and learning about their habitats. The highlight of the tour is the Meet a Baby Alligator experience, where visitors can get up close with these fascinating creatures.
The tour also focuses on conservation and the protection of the Everglades’ diverse ecosystem.
With convenient scheduling, wheelchair accessibility, and a flexible cancellation policy, this private tour is the perfect way to explore the wonders of the Everglades.
Visitors are encouraged to bring insect repellent, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes for an unforgettable adventure.
Read our full review: Everglades: Sawgrass Park Reptile Exhibit Private Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Ft. Lauderdale: Private Helicopter Tour to Miami Beach
Soaring high above the bustling streets of Fort Lauderdale, the private helicopter tour to Miami Beach offers a truly remarkable experience. This 35-minute aerial adventure takes passengers from KEEN FLY in Fort Lauderdale to the vibrant beaches and iconic sights of Miami, providing stunning aerial views along the way.
The tour showcases the region’s natural beauty, with potential sightings of local wildlife like sharks, turtles, rays, and manatees. Passengers will also enjoy panoramic vistas of millionaires’ mansions on Star Island and the stunning cityscapes of Downtown Miami and the Port.
With a live tour guide available in English and Spanish, as well as an included audio guide, travelers can learn about the landmarks and landscapes below. Priced from $315 per person, the tour includes headsets, fuel surcharge, insurance coverage, bottled water, and tips.
While not suitable for children under 4, the experience is perfect for adults seeking a memorable and unique way to explore the coastal region. With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this private helicopter tour is a must-try for visitors to Fort Lauderdale.
Read our full review: Ft. Lauderdale: Private Helicopter Tour to Miami Beach Review
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Fort Lauderdale: Private Tiki Boat Tour up to 6 People
For those seeking a unique and unforgettable way to experience the scenic waterways of Fort Lauderdale, the private Tiki Boat Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity.
Accommodating up to 6 people, this tour allows you to cruise the Intracoastal Waterway at your own pace, guided by a knowledgeable captain. Priced at $420 per group, the tour can last between 2 to 8 hours, giving you the flexibility to customize your experience.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy the beauty of the area, the Tiki Boat Tour delivers.
You can choose from morning or sunset cruises, each showcasing Fort Lauderdale’s stunning coastline. The boat is equipped with a marine head (restroom) for your comfort, and you have the option to bring your own food and beverages or customize the tour with local stops.
For a lively atmosphere, you can even request music-themed cruises with Bluetooth technology and karaoke microphones.
Read our full review: Fort Lauderdale: Private Tiki Boat Tour up to 6 People Review
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Sawgrass Park: Private 1-Hour Airboat Adventure Tour
Sawgrass Park’s private 1-hour airboat adventure tour offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the captivating Florida Everglades. Priced at €352.90 for a group of up to 4 participants, this private tour provides a personalized, 60-minute journey through the fragile ecosystem.
Whether you choose a daytime or nighttime excursion, you’ll have the chance to witness diverse wildlife, including endangered species, in their natural habitat. The knowledgeable Everglades captain will share insights on the local history and ecology, and you’ll even get to touch a baby alligator at the reptile exhibit.
The tour includes entrance to the Alligator and Reptile exhibit, the 60-minute private guided airboat tour, and all applicable taxes and gratuities. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are available, though the boats themselves aren’t wheelchair accessible.
With an impressive overall rating of 4.5/5 from 81 reviews, this private tour is a must-do for anyone seeking an intimate and educational exploration of the Florida Everglades.
Read our full review: Sawgrass Park: Private 1-Hour Airboat Adventure Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Semi-Private Everglades Tour From Miami or Fort Lauderdale
Frequently, visitors to South Florida seek an immersive encounter with the renowned Everglades ecosystem. The Semi-Private Everglades Tour from Miami or Fort Lauderdale offers an opportunity to explore this unique natural wonder.
Priced at $444 per person, the 5-hour tour includes an airboat ride, alligator show, and live commentary from a driver-guide. Participants can expect to spot a diverse array of wildlife, such as alligators, crocodiles, turtles, and potentially Florida panthers or black bears.
While the tour provides private transportation, the Everglades experience itself is semi-private, with the airboat ride and park entrance resembling a standard group tour. Some customers have expressed concerns about the price-performance ratio and unmet expectations of a fully private experience.
However, the tour still offers a convenient way to discover the Everglades, with flexible booking options and complimentary pickup from Miami or Fort Lauderdale accommodations.
Travelers should confirm availability and participant details before booking to ensure a smooth and enjoyable excursion.
Read our full review: Semi-Private Everglades Tour From Miami or Fort Lauderdale Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Everglades?
The best time to visit the Everglades is during the dry season, from December to April. The weather’s milder, and visitors can spot more wildlife as the animals congregate around the receding water sources.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Private Tours?
Visitors can typically bring their own food and drinks on private tours, but it’s best to check with the tour operator first. Some may have restrictions or provide food and beverages as part of the tour experience.
Are the Private Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
Many private tour companies strive to be wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to check with them directly to confirm accessibility for a specific tour. They can provide details on accommodations and assist in planning an enjoyable experience.
How Do I Get to the Meeting Point for the Private Tours?
To get to the meeting point for private tours, it’s best to check with the tour provider. They’ll typically provide detailed directions and transportation options, ensuring customers can easily access the starting location for a seamless experience.
Can I Customize the Itinerary of the Private Tours?
Yes, most private tour operators in Fort Lauderdale allow customers to customize the itinerary to fit their interests and preferences. This provides a more personalized and flexible experience for those booking the tour.
The Sum Up
Fort Lauderdale offers an array of private tour options that allow visitors to explore the city’s natural wonders and unique experiences. From private helicopter tours to Everglades adventures and tiki boat excursions, there’s something for every interest. These personalized tours provide a hassle-free way to discover the best of Fort Lauderdale and its surrounding attractions.