excursion

I plan to take a Florida cruise next winter and I’d like to spend an extra week exploring South Florida before I fly home. I’d really like to take an airboat tour of the Everglades. I called one place that said they had wheelchair-accessible airboats, and they told me that I’d have to be carried aboard. I use a manual wheelchair, and I’d rather not be carried, but prefer to roll aboard. Do you know of a wheelchair-accessible airboat tour of the Everglades that is truly accessible?

A Truly Wheelchair-Accessible Airboat

I’m glad you are taking some extra time in Florida after your cruise, because there are really some great accessible sites to see, including the Everglades. And although I applaud the tour operator that you contacted for being willing to try and get you on the boat, carrying someone aboard does not equate to “accessible” in my book. Fortunately I’ve found a company that has a truly accessible airboat — Everglades Airboat Excursions (evergladesairboatexcursions.com).

Everglades Airboat Excursions has one wheelchair-accessible airboat. It’s equipped with a ramp in front, so wheelchair-users can just roll aboard. It can accommodate manual or power wheelchairs, and depending on the size of the wheelchairs there’s room for one or two in the level area in the front of the boat. There is also a railing around the accessible seating area, and a place to grab on if you feel you need a bit more support. And, because of how the boat is configured, you can also be close to the rest of your party. Best of all, you’ll get a great unrestricted view of all the action from the front seat.

The Tours

Everglades Airboat Excursions offers a number of private tours in their wheelchair-accessible airboat. At the top of the list are the one hour, 90-minute or two-hour day tours. These private tours depart from the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area and travel through the Everglades sawgrass marshes. Along the way Captain Gerald shares fun facts about the ecosystem, and points out the alligators, sea turtles and sea birds. It’s a fun outing — no matter the length — with plenty of great photo ops along the way.

They also have a sunset airboat tour. This two-hour tour lets visitors enjoy the colorful sunset over the Everglades, while cruising along on the water. It’s a great choice for photographers, and it also makes for a nice romantic excursion.

And for a real treat, book their Red Eye Gator Tour. This two-hour night tour offers a close-up look at the resident alligators. And although it sounds a bit risky, the tour is actually quite safe because the alligators are momentarily blinded by the lights on the approaching airboat. And since they are unable to see, the airboat can safely get closer. It’s also easier to spot alligators at night because you can see the light reflecting off their eyes, even under cover of the tall grass.

No matter what tour you choose, it’s essential to make advance reservations, as walk-ups are not accepted. It’s also a good idea to book the accessible tours as far in advance as possible, especially during the peak season. And if you have any questions or other concerns, then give the folks at Everglades Airboat Excursions a call at (561) 662-2419, or e-mail Captain Gerald at gerald.motes@gmail.com.

Have fun!