Great for kids
A five-hour morning from Fort Myers for families: an airboat ride through the pond apple swamps of the Western Everglades and a hands-on reptile presentation with snakes and alligators.
Captain Bob’s Excellent Adventure from Fort Myers runs into the headwaters of the Western Everglades, where the pond apple swamps hold more alligators per acre than almost anywhere in Florida. It is the tour we recommend to families with children under six, and to anyone who wants the Everglades in a morning rather than a day.
The reptile presentation comes first at the marina, so the kids meet the snakes and alligators while they are still fresh and curious. Then it is out on the airboat with ear protection on, looking for the wild animals in the swamp rather than the ones in the enclosure.
We collect you at Perkins on Tamiami Trail in Fort Myers or at Embassy Suites in Estero and have you back by 1:30 p.m. Eat breakfast before pickup — food is not included on this tour.
Not included: gratuities, and anything you buy at the museum gift shop or along the way. Lunch is not included on this tour — eat breakfast before pickup.
Times are approximate — your guide will tell you the plan for the day at pickup and adjust it to the water, the weather and the wildlife.
Your guide collects you from Perkins in Fort Myers, Embassy Suites in Estero or Target in Naples.
Through the pond apple swamps at the headwaters of the Western Everglades.
Snakes and alligators up close with a naturalist who handles them every day.
Back to Fort Myers, Estero or Naples.
Round-trip pickup is included from the points below. If you are staying in Fort Myers, Estero, Bonita Springs or Naples we can often collect you directly from your hotel on a private tour — call to arrange it.
Families with small children, grandparents travelling with grandchildren, and anyone with a short stay who still wants an airboat and a close look at an alligator.
★★★★★
“We took this tour on our honeymoon, and it was one of our more memorable experiences! The tour guide was absolutely the best there is. We visited so many wonderful locations you would never know were there unless you lived here. My wife and I learned a lot. We’re really glad we took this trip, and highly recommend it for anyone else who enjoys nature.”
Nathan G. · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
“Outstanding day with Ben! He was loaded with knowledge for the entire day. Alligators, birds, ecosystems — Ben even had a bird checklist of 70 different varieties. We found 28 of those on the list.”
Rhicksjr83 · TripAdvisor
Before you book
Yes. Captain Bob’s Excellent Adventure is built for families and welcomes every age, including toddlers and infants. Life jackets are provided for children six and under, and ear protection is available for the airboat.
No. Eat breakfast before pickup; the tour returns between 1:00 and 2:00 p.m., depending on your departure city.
About five hours door to door, including transport, the airboat ride, the reptile presentation and the nature walk.
Sunscreen, water, hats and closed-toe shoes. Bring a camera for the reptile presentation — the kids will want proof.
Free cancellation when you call at least 48 hours before your pickup time. Inside 48 hours we charge $25 per person. No-shows are not refunded.
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before pickup. Reservations close at 5 p.m. the day before the tour.
