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Sawgrass Recreation Park was previously a fishing camp. Over the next 30 years it transformed from a fishing camp, into a one boat airboat attraction in the 1970’s and finally became one of South Florida’s top destinations for visitors in the new millennium. In 2005, shortly after Hurricane Wilma hit, the Soverns’ family acquired Sawgrass Recreation Park. Since then, the park has expanded the exhibit areas to allow for the adoption and rescue of more reptiles and mammals. Sawgrass has also expanded community relations, offering an annual scholarship to a local student, and forging partnerships with local schools to educate students about the Florida Everglades.
Our store is well stocked with beverages, snacks, and lunch items. Tent Camping in the Everglades is primitive and available for $20.00 per site, per night. There is a maximum of 2 tents per site. Sites are available 7 days a week (reservations are required). Private guided fishing tours are available with advanced bookings (call for info). Group camping in the Everglades is also available for 20 or more campers (call for special rates). Sites are equipped with a picnic table and a campfire ring. Access to restrooms is a short walk. There are no showers on the property.
My family and I recently went on a great private ride with Captain Zack. Despite it being a busy time of the year (right after the holidays), we didn’t have to wait in any lines and got right on our own personal airboat. Captain Zack then took us on an informative 60 minute cruise through the Everglades, during which we spotted tons of wildlife - including gators and a variety of native birds (even an osprey). Overall it was a great day and I highly recommend booking a private ride if you’re looking for a memorable day out!
4/5
The good
* Wetlands and nature!
* gators
* professional and informative staff
* beautiful natural scenery
* Everglades!
For improvement
* the store can be better organized
* the animal exhibit can be more creative
* the presentation of the big gators can be improved
* I wonder if the use of engines means gators always hide, what about a way to get a boat around by paddle?
* what if the 4x6 picture cost $10? Maybe you’d move more stock and earn more overall?
* sell some food somewhere? You’d earn a lot since many tourists (Asians!!) love to eat and try new food.
Fun experience and enjoyed both the boat tour and the exhibits. Captain Disco was great and found us a few large gators as well as other wildlife. He was great at explaining things.
The exhibits were neat and the attendant even called us over to let us touch a baby alligator which was a highlight.
Good variety in their gift shop and nice to see things reasonably priced!
