The climate and location of Florida’s Everglades combine to create the only subtropical wilderness in America–meaning the area isn’t just one huge swamp, as it’s often thought to be.

The Everglades, also known as the River of Grass, is a  two-thousand-acre wetland ecosystem that stretches from Orlando to the Florida Bay. And it is home to hundreds of species of birds, manatees, turtles, panthers, and of course, alligators and crocodiles.

One of the best ways to experience the Everglades is by taking a guided airboat tour of the area. Below are some of the best options the Sunshine State has to offer.

Captain Jack’s

Every day of the year, Captain Jack’s offers multiple ways to explore the natural beauty of the Everglades. Their hour-long mangrove airboat tour whisks you through the twisty-turny mangrove tunnels.  Meanwhile, your tour guide keeps you entertained with facts, fiction, and folklore. Similarly, during the hour-long grassland airboat tour, you’ll glide along the private Everglades reserve owned by the Captain, which will keep you far away from any other airboat traffic that might distract and detract from the beauty of the River of Grass.

In addition to airboats, Captain Jack’s offers a slower-paced swamp buggy tour and all-ages fun with their animal sanctuary and alligator show! Ticket prices vary depending on which package you want. Make sure to check out the group and attraction-bundle coupons available on the website.

Speedy’s Airboat Tours

Speedy’s offers you the advantage of a small tour size. Unlike other airboat tours, which can have up to 30 people per group, their boats hold only six people. This means you’ll have the undivided attention of their knowledgeable tour guides–and less noise to scare the wildlife. Speedy’s also has access to a private area of 1,000 acres. It renders these tours as ones where you can experience both the mangrove jungles and the grasslands of the Everglades without having to book them separately. Call or email to secure your reservation. Be sure to visit the Speedy’s website for a special discount coupon.

Coopertown Airboat Tours

For over 60 years, this Miami, Florida, institution has been giving visitors a trip to remember. The “original airboat tour” follows nine miles of the Everglades and takes you through a section of the Everglades National Park. The tour guides will tell you all about the secrets of the flora and fauna of the Everglades, including the breath-taking purple gallinule, the most colorful bird in Florida.

Once finished, you’ll have a chance to visit the Coopertown Restaurant where you can taste down-home Everglades cooking like frogs legs, alligator tail, and catfish. Tickets cost $23.00 for adults and $11.00 for children 7 years and older. An additional $3.00 is charged for entrance into the National Park.