TESTIMONIALS
Thank you Captain Greg!! This is such an awesome airboat tour!! He has so many options to choose from- how long you want to be on the tour (1, 1.5, 2 hours…) and even the time of day! Daytime , SUNSET ( which we did and 10/10 recommend!!!) and nighttime! Going at sunset was perfect! We saw so many gators and birds! It was such an amazing experience to see at sunset! Captain gave us sooo much information and even took photos and videos of us!!! Please you have to book here if you wanna do an airboat tour (or he said he offers other types of tours as well!!) THANK YOU AGAIN CAPTAIN!! It was literally the coolest thing we’ve done!!
Lots of amazing history about the Florida Everglades to Lear on this tour! Not to mention the sights to see and the experience of a life time ! This tour is a must try ! Can’t wait to go again !
Captain Billy knew everything it was really amazing and very educational. I saw more alligators on this airboat trip than I ever have on any other trip. He really knows where to find everything.
I can't believe how entertaining an airboat ride could be . I didn't know how extensive the river of grass was.
ABOUT US
Everglades Timeline
🌿 5,000+ Years Ago – A Natural River of Grass
The Everglades began forming thousands of years ago as water slowly flowed south from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay. This shallow, slow-moving system created what became known as the “River of Grass,” supporting diverse plant life, wildlife, and seasonal flooding essential to the ecosystem.
🏹 Pre-1500s – Indigenous Stewardship
Native peoples, including the Tequesta, Calusa, and later the Seminole, lived in balance with the Everglades. They hunted, fished, and traveled its waterways without altering the natural flow, relying on the land while protecting its resources.
🧭 1800s – Exploration and Early Settlement
As Florida became part of the United States, the Everglades were widely viewed as wasteland. Early settlers and developers believed draining the wetlands would unlock farmland and growth. This mindset set the stage for major environmental change.
🚜 Late 1800s–Early 1900s – Drainage and Development
Large-scale canals, levees, and drainage projects were constructed to redirect water for agriculture and urban expansion. While this allowed farming communities like Homestead to grow, it disrupted the Everglades’ natural water flow and began decades of ecological damage.
🌾 Early–Mid 1900s – Agriculture Expands
The Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) emerged south of Lake Okeechobee, supporting sugarcane and vegetable farming. Homestead benefited from fertile soil and proximity to the wetlands, but wildlife habitats shrank as water control intensified.
🏞️ 1947 – Everglades National Park Established
Recognizing the ecological importance of the region, Everglades National Park was created—the first national park established primarily to protect an ecosystem rather than scenery. This marked a turning point toward conservation.
⚠️ 1960s–1980s – Environmental Awareness Grows
Scientists and environmentalists warned that altered water flow, pollution, and habitat loss were threatening the Everglades. Declines in wildlife populations and water quality raised alarms across South Florida.
🌪️ 1990s – Wake-Up Call and Restoration Efforts
Events like Hurricane Andrew (1992) highlighted the Everglades’ role as a natural buffer against storms and flooding. Public support for restoration grew, and policymakers acknowledged the need to repair decades of damage.
🔄 2000 – Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP)
The federal government launched the largest ecosystem restoration project in U.S. history, aiming to restore natural water flow, improve water quality, and balance environmental needs with urban and agricultural demands.
🌎 2010s–Present – Ongoing Restoration and Protection
Restoration projects continue today, including: Reservoir construction Wetland rehabilitation Wildlife protection Improved water management
The Everglades is now recognized worldwide as a critical ecosystem, essential to South Florida’s environment, economy, and way of life.