Great for kids
Five hours out of Naples with a biologist driving and guiding: an airboat ride through the Western Everglades and an up-close reptile presentation. Back by 1:30 p.m.
The Naples departure of Captain Bob’s Everglades Adventure is the shortest way for families in Collier County to reach the Western Everglades. Your biologist guide drives, narrates and stays with you all morning — rain ponchos and insect repellent are on board if the weather turns.
Toddlers, grandparents and everyone in between ride along. Little ones three and under pay $20, children four to twelve pay $65, and there are life jackets for children six and under. The reptile presentation is interactive but never forced: anyone who would rather watch from the back is welcome to.
We meet at Embassy Suites in Estero or the Target on Tarpon Bay Blvd in Naples at 8:30 a.m. and have you back by 1:30 p.m.
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 planned to just venture through the park on our own but decided to book a tour instead. So happy we did. Pete, our guide, was a wealth of knowledge and so passionate about this unique habitat. It was also very convenient and professional. Rather than just ‘look’ at the Everglades, I felt like we got to ‘experience’ the Everglades. Book with confidence.”
Danya J., Lenexa, Kansas · Yelp
★★★★★
“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
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.
