
I have a slight confession to make. Not only was I born and raised in Florida~ and have never been to the Everglades but I am DEATHLY afraid of alligators. It’s just something about their cold blooded, double eyelids, and their sharp teeth that could eat me in one bite that does it for me. Anybody with me? My children have been requesting to go to the Everglades for months, so I sucked up my fears and headed down to the Everglades Holiday Park. Featuring magnificent Florida views, plant life, wildlife, the Famous Animal Planet’s Gator Boys, and thrilling airboat rides……..I was in for quite the adventure.

The kids were soooo excited to get on board, little ones in their vests (provided) and my 5 yr old clinging to Daddy’s arm for dear life.

Luckily for me, the airboat tours featured covered passenger boats ensuring my safety against the ferocious gators. I think they say the cover is for protection from the elements- but I’m going for protection from gators. As we picked up speed, I was glad that I had protection from the wind, water, and bugs. I loved feeling the wind through my hair- helps with this Florida heat! All the littles squealed WEEEEEEEEEEEE!!

Our airboat tour guide took us out into the middle of the Everglades to experience wildlife in their natural habitat. The views were amazing! Through the tall grasses we could see birds, turtles, and fish…….but I had my eye out for the prize.

Finally, out of the corner of my eye I spotted him. The airboat tour guide brought us closer and shut off the engine so as not to scare him away- we wouldn’t want that to happen now would we ;).

Within another 10 feet or so was another one. I was surrounded. They swam closer to the boat without any care of their danger- all the while I feared mine. The airboat tour guide told us that they aren’t really a threat to anyone and prefer to just be left alone. They were “almost” majestic in the water. My boys LOVED it- I kind of lightened up a bit.

Back on land, we got in line for the Gator show put on by none other than one of the Gator Boys- or in our case one of the Gator Girls! Filming for this hit Animal Planet show takes place right there in the park (or in the surrounding Everglades). But it isn’t just about their crazy alligator wrestling skills, it’s about the rescue.

Ashley taught us all about alligators, from their teeth to their skin. She also taught us about the rescue, and why these large ferocious appearing creatures need to be rescued from lakes, ponds, and even pools in neighborhoods. Some are injured and some just get accustomed to being fed that they get a little too close for comfort. This trick Ashley did was a little too close for me.

And these gators were nothing like the ones we saw in the wild……they were ENORMOUS!

The show is very family friendly, and the kids got a front row view! Luckily, they had thick mesh fencing, so no little fingers could poke the alligators. They all wanted to be face to face with them.

If that just wasn’t close enough for you, the have a baby alligator you can hold for a $5 donation. My kids just wanted to touch it…..even the baby!


It was a overall amazing educational experience that I am sooo glad my children had the opportunity to do. It’s been a few weeks and they still tell all their friends about the time they were face to face with a real Florida gator! We can check air boat ride off our bucket list now! Holiday Everglades park offers airboat tours 7 days a week!
Check out Everglades Holiday park online, and on social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter! They frequently have deals~ so be sure to follow along!
DISCLAIMER: We received tickets in order to facilitate this review. We have provided our honest opinion. Please refer to our PR policies for more information.
Everglades Holiday Park - Re-Opening!
moreHow Does Cold Weather Affect the Everglades?
moreWhen Is the Best Time of Year to Visit the Everglades?
moreEverglades Holiday Park Is Exciting For All
moreEverglades Holiday Park
moreEverglades Holiday Park: Experience the Excitement of the Eveglades & Save with Discount Coupons!
moreFamily Travel Deal: Everglades Holiday Park
moreEverglades Holiday Park |Florida Everglades Airboat Ride |Gator Boys Alligator Rescue
moreEverglades Holiday Park: We Took an Airboat Tour of the Everglades!!
moreEverglades Holiday Park (Home of the Gator Boys) Review
moreExperience Everglades Holiday Park (Home of The Gator Boys!)
moreEverglades Airboat Tours and The Gator Boys! Score BIG Savings this summer
moreDon't miss the Gator Boys
moreJump Aboard The Everglades Airboat
moreEverglades Holiday Park - Our Visit with the Gator Boys
moreEverglades Holiday Park ~ Home of the Gator Boys
moreEverglades Holiday Park And Gator Boys
moreEverglades Airboat Tours and The Gator Boys!
moreVisit Florida's Everglades Holiday Park ~ Get up close with Nature (Gators!!!) #Familytravel
moreFamily fun with airboats and alligators: Everglades Holiday Park
moreEverglades Holiday Park Home of the Gator Boys ... and girl!
moreEverglades Holiday Park - Home of the Gator Boys!
moreEnjoy A Florida Adventure @ Everglades Holiday Park (Airboat Tours, Alligator Wrestling & More)
moreEverglades Airboat Tours and The Gator Boys!
moreEverglades Holiday Park Experience
moreEverglades Holiday Park {Review}
moreEXPERIENCE THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES AT EVERGLADES HOLIDAY PARK
moreEverglades Holiday Park Home of the Gator Boys Review!
more** HOT OFFER - SAVE $4 on Everglades Air Boat Tour and Gator Show
moreWhat A Beautiful Setting ... Worth Every Penny
moreWe Enjoyed Our Airboat Ride Very Much
more