Everglades Winter Airboat Tours
While much of the country bundles up against the cold, South Florida offers a warm winter reprieve — and the Everglades puts on its finest show. Migratory birds arrive by the thousands, including red-shouldered hawks and ospreys, and flocks fill the sky. Our winter airboat tours are prime bird-watching in mild, sunny weather: a true winter wonder on the water.
“Text or call me and I’ll get you out on the water — I can’t wait to see you out in the swamp!”— Captain Billy, owner & native Everglades guideOne Everglades, Four Distinct Seasons
The Everglades is never the same marsh twice. Across the year it moves through four utterly distinct, enchanting moods, and at Aces Airboat Tours we time our rides to each one. Spring is the season of discovery, when returning birds and fresh sawgrass wake the marsh. Summer nights turn the sawgrass into a nocturnal safari of glowing gator eyes. Autumn brings a golden hue and the finest freshwater fishing of the year. And winter is the great migratory spectacle — warm, sunny days on the water while migratory birds fill the South Florida sky.
This page is all about winter on the River of Grass. When cold grips the rest of the country, the Everglades offers a warm reprieve and its best bird-watching of the year. It is the high season for a reason: mild weather, comfortable rides and a marsh alive with soaring flocks, hawks and ospreys. For anyone escaping the winter chill, there is no better way to feel the South Florida sun.
Winter Wonder on the River of Grass
While much of the country digs out from the cold, the Everglades offers a warm, sunny reprieve. Mild days, low humidity and clear blue skies make winter the most comfortable time of year to be on the water. Glide out on one of our Everglades winter airboat tours and you'll trade snow and gray for warm sun, fresh air and the wide-open River of Grass.
Winter is also the marsh's greatest wildlife spectacle. Migratory birds arrive by the thousands to escape the northern cold, including red-shouldered hawks and ospreys wheeling overhead, alongside herons, egrets, ibis and roseate spoonbills working the shallows. Flocks soar across the sky and gather at the feeding flats, making winter our prime bird-watching season. Your native captain knows exactly where the birds concentrate and will cut the engine so you can drift, watch and take it all in — a true winter wonder.
- A warm-weather escape — mild, sunny days and low humidity while the rest of the country freezes.
- Migratory raptors overhead — red-shouldered hawks, ospreys and more arrive for the winter season.
- Prime bird-watching — flocks soaring, feeding and gathering across the marsh in the season's best light.
Text or call Captain Billy today — a real South Florida local answers.
The Winter Wonder Season
Snowbirds and locals alike from Fort Lauderdale, Parkland and Boca Raton make winter our busiest, most beloved season. Here's why.
Escape the Cold
While the rest of the country bundles up, you'll be riding warm, sunny days on the open marsh. There's no better winter reprieve than the Everglades sun.
Peak Bird-Watching
Migratory birds arrive by the thousands — red-shouldered hawks, ospreys, herons, egrets, ibis and spoonbills. Winter is the marsh's greatest bird show.
Soaring Flocks
Watch flocks wheel and soar across the wide South Florida sky and gather at the feeding flats. It's a spectacle you won't forget.
Perfect Weather
Mild temperatures, low humidity and clear blue skies make winter the most comfortable, pleasant season to be on the water.
Gators in the Sun
Cool winter days bring alligators out to bask in the warm sun along the banks, making them easy to spot and photograph.
The High Season
Winter is our busiest and most beloved season for good reason. It's the complete Everglades experience — book ahead, as slots fill fast.
Make the Most of the Winter Marsh
Winter is our high season, so the most important tip is simple: book ahead. Snowbirds, families and visitors from across the country fill our winter slots fast, especially around the holidays. Bring sunglasses, a light layer for the cooler mornings, and binoculars if you have them — the bird-watching is the best of the year.
If your heart is set on birds, tell us and we'll route the trip around the rookeries, raptor perches and feeding flats — see our dedicated bird-watching airboat tour. Want the full overview of everything we run and where the Everglades takes you? Start with our Everglades airboat tours hub. Whatever you choose, a native captain who has navigated this marsh for a lifetime will make your winter ride unforgettable.
Text or call Captain Billy today — a real South Florida local answers.
Text or Call Captain Billy Today!
“Text or call me and I’ll get you out on the water — I can’t wait to see you out in the swamp!”— Captain Billy, owner & native Everglades guideBook Your Winter Tour in Three Steps
Reserve Early
Text or call Captain Billy at 561-660-2419. Winter is our high season, so reserve ahead — especially around the holidays.
Choose Your Launch
Meet us at Stub Canal in Tamarac, the Sawgrass Expressway at Atlantic Blvd, or The Landing in Parkland.
Ride the Warm Marsh
Grab your hearing protection, glide into the sunny sawgrass and watch the winter sky fill with soaring flocks.
3 Convenient South Florida Pickup Points
Choose the launch closest to you — every ride heads into the same wild, gator-filled Everglades sawgrass.
Stub Canal
Off the Sawgrass Expressway area — easy access from Broward County.
Book From HereSawgrass Expressway at Atlantic Blvd
Convenient ramp right off the Sawgrass Expressway at Atlantic Boulevard.
Book From HereThe Landing
Our north Broward launch on Loxahatchee Road near Parkland.
Book From HereWhat Winter Guests Say
“We escaped the snow up north and this was the perfect antidote. Warm sun, blue sky and more birds than I have ever seen — hawks, ospreys, herons, the works. Our captain knew exactly where they were. Unforgettable winter morning.”
“Booked a winter bird-watching ride and it was spectacular. Flocks soaring everywhere, a red-shouldered hawk right overhead, and gators basking in the sun on the banks. Mild weather made it so comfortable. Highly recommend.”
“Came down from Fort Lauderdale for a warm-weather reprieve and got the best wildlife show of the year. So many birds, easy gator sightings and a captain full of stories. Winter is the season to go.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is winter such a popular time for an Everglades airboat tour?
Winter offers a warm reprieve from the cold that grips the rest of the country — mild, sunny days and low humidity make it the most comfortable season to ride. It's also the marsh's greatest wildlife spectacle, as migratory birds arrive by the thousands. That combination makes winter our busiest and most beloved season.
What birds will we see on a winter airboat tour?
Winter is prime bird-watching. Migratory birds arrive to escape the northern cold, including red-shouldered hawks and ospreys soaring overhead, plus herons, egrets, ibis and roseate spoonbills working the shallows. Flocks fill the sky and gather at the feeding flats. For a dedicated trip, see our bird-watching airboat tour.
Is it cold on the water in winter?
South Florida winters are mild and sunny — a welcome reprieve from northern cold. Mornings can be cool on the open water, so bring a light layer and sunglasses, but most days are warm, dry and comfortable. It's the most pleasant season to ride.
Will we still see alligators in winter?
Yes. On cool winter days, alligators come out to bask in the warm sun along the banks, which actually makes them easy to spot and photograph. We see gators on the vast majority of winter tours, alongside the season's spectacular birds, though as with any wild wildlife nothing is ever guaranteed.
How do we book a winter tour?
Winter tours launch from any of our three pickup points: Stub Canal in Tamarac, the Sawgrass Expressway at Atlantic Blvd, or The Landing at 15490 Loxahatchee Rd in Parkland. Winter is our high season and slots fill fast, especially around the holidays, so book early. Text or call Captain Billy at 561-660-2419.
Explore the Everglades Year-Round
Ready to Escape the Cold?
Book your Aces winter airboat tour today — warm sunny days, soaring migratory flocks and the best bird-watching of the year. Winter is our high season and fills fast, so text or call Captain Billy at 561-660-2419 to reserve your reprieve.
“Text or call me and I’ll get you out on the water — I can’t wait to see you out in the swamp!”— Captain Billy, owner & native Everglades guide