All posts by ridethewind

Blog

How to Combine Airboat Rides with Other Activities at The Everglades Fort Lauderdale

The Everglades National Park offers a diversity of activities and you can’t do all of them in one day. At Ride The Wind, we want to share some activities that you can combine with one of the most thrilling ones, Everglades airboat rides.

Hiking Trails:

Take advantage of hiking trails that meander through different habitats within the Everglades. Trails like the Anhinga Trail or Gumbo Limbo Trail offer opportunities to observe wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty.

Wildlife Viewing:

The Everglades are home to a diverse array of wildlife, including alligators, manatees, birds, and more. Bring binoculars and a camera to enhance your wildlife viewing experience.

Bird Watching:

The Everglades are a haven for birdwatchers. Grab a bird guide and look for herons, egrets, ibises, and the elusive roseate spoonbill. Many areas within the Everglades are designated as important birding sites.

Biking:

Some areas of the Everglades have biking trails, allowing you to explore the surroundings on two wheels. Check for designated bike paths and enjoy the scenic landscapes.

Photography Expeditions:

Capture the unique landscapes, wildlife, and plant life with a photography expedition. Early morning and late afternoon often provide the best lighting for stunning photographs.

Camping:

Some areas within the Everglades offer camping facilities. Camping allows you to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings, providing a unique experience under the stars.

Guided Nature Tours:

Join guided nature tours led by knowledgeable naturalists. These tours may focus on specific aspects of the ecosystem, providing educational insights into the plants, animals, and history of the Everglades.

Sunset and Evening Tours:

Experience the Everglades during different times of the day by joining sunset or evening tours. The changing light and sounds of the nocturnal wildlife offer a different perspective is a breathtaking must do, at the park.

Culinary Adventures:

Explore the local cuisine by trying out restaurants that specialize in seafood or regional dishes. Fort Lauderdale has a diverse culinary scene, and you can find plenty of options to satisfy your taste buds.

Before embarking on any outdoor activity, it’s essential to be aware of the local regulations and guidelines for safety. Whether you’re an avid nature lover or just looking for a unique adventure, the Everglades in Fort Lauderdale have something to offer for everyone.

Everglades Airboat Tours at Fort Lauderdale with Ride The Wind

Combining airboat rides in the Everglades with other activities in the Fort Lauderdale area can make for a well-rounded and enjoyable experience. If you’re looking for an exhibiting adventure contact us, Ride The Wind Private Airboat Tours at Fort Lauderdale. You can visit our website to know more about us. Click here where we are located. 

 

Blog

Types of Birds you Can Encounter at the Everglades

The Everglades is home to a rich variety of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The Everglades are known for its wildlife, and the birds are not an exception. 

In the 1800s, the well-known naturalist and artist, John James Audubon, wrote during a visit to south Florida:

“We observed great flocks of wading birds flying overhead toward their evening roosts …. They appeared in such numbers to actually block out the light from the sun for some time.”

 

More than 360 bird species have been sighted at The Everglades. Here are some of the types of birds you might encounter at the Everglades National Park:

Roseate Spoonbill (Platalea ajaja):

Known for their distinctive pink plumage and spoon-shaped bills, these wading birds are a striking sight in the wetlands.

Great Egret (Ardea alba):

A tall, elegant wading bird with all-white plumage and a long, slender neck. They are often seen hunting in shallow waters. During the late-1800 there was a high demand for fancy feathers that almost caused this specie to go extinct in the United States.

Anhinga (Anhinga anhinga):

Sometimes referred to as the “snakebird” due to its long neck, the Anhinga is known for swimming with only its neck and head above the water.

Wood Stork (Mycteria americana):

A large wading bird with distinctive bald heads and long, down-curved bills. They are often seen foraging for food in shallow waters.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus):

This iconic bird of prey can be found in the Everglades. With its impressive size and white head, the bald eagle is a symbol of strength and freedom.

Osprey (Pandion haliaetus):

Also known as the fish hawk, the osprey is a raptor that specializes in catching fish. They are often seen soaring over the water.

Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus):

Identified by its striking reddish-brown shoulders, this hawk is commonly found in forested areas adjacent to the Everglades.

White Ibis (Eudocimus albus):

These wading birds are easily recognized by their long, curved bills and bright white plumage. They often forage in shallow water.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus):

A powerful and fast-flying bird of prey, the peregrine falcon can sometimes be spotted in the Everglades hunting for birds in flight.

Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias):

One of the largest herons, the Great Blue Heron is characterized by its tall stature, gray-blue plumage, and long legs.

Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus):

Often seen soaring in the sky, these scavengers play a crucial role in the ecosystem by cleaning up carrion.

Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus):

Recognized by their dark plumage and red frontal shield, common moorhens are often found in freshwater marshes.

These are just a few examples, and the Everglades host a diverse array of bird species throughout the year. Birdwatching in the Everglades can be a rewarding experience, especially given the variety of habitats present in this unique ecosystem. 

Birdwatching with an Airboat Private Tours at the Everglades in Fort Lauderdale

Looking for the perfect time to Birdwatching? Well, no need to look further. At Ride The Wind, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy an airboat ride in South Florida meanwhile you see the most beautiful birds that live at The Everglades.  Contact us to book your next unforgettable adventure. Click here where we are located. 

Blog

Why Take Your Kids on an Everglades Private Airboat Tour at Fort Lauderdale?

 

As adults we all agree that safety for our kids is first. Many parents wonder if an airboat ride at the Everglades is appropriate for their little ones. At Ride The Wind Private Airboat Tour we have good news for you: an airboat Everglades tour is not only safe but an exciting activity for kids.

Fort Lauderdale Private Airboat Rides are Safe for Kids

It’s a common concern, safety for kids. Well, good news, they’re safe. At the private airboat everyone has earplugs for the noise, and the speed is just the perfect one to appreciate the flora and fauna. The vessel is wide enough, if you’re an overprotective parent, you can have your kids at the center. Once you do the first ride with your kids, you’ll want to do it more often.

Taking your kids on an Everglades Private Airboat Tour at Fort Lauderdale can be a unique and thrilling experience with numerous benefits. Here are some reasons why an Everglades Airboat Ride is an exciting activity for your kids. 

Educational Experience:

Kids love learning and discovering new things. The Everglades is the perfect opportunity to learn about an amazing ecosystem. An airboat tour provides an educational fun time for kids to learn about the diverse plants and animal life in this wetland habitat.

It’s common that Everglades private Airboat guides share interesting facts about the environment, wildlife, and conservation efforts, fostering a greater appreciation for nature.

Close Encounters with Wildlife:

If your kids have never been on a safari or a park with different animal species, this will be an exciting activity for them, they will be amazed to see wildlife up close, including alligators, birds, and various fish species. This firsthand experience can be both thrilling and educational for children.

Outdoor Exploration:

Children enjoy spending time outdoors, breathing in fresh air and enjoying the natural beauty of the Everglades. This can be a welcome break from indoor activities and screens. 

Thrilling Adventure:

The speed and agility of airboats provide a sense of adventure for kids. The excitement of gliding over the water and through the grassy marshes can be particularly appealing to those who enjoy thrill-seeking experiences.

Family Bonding:

Shared experiences, like an airboat tour, can strengthen family bonds. The sense of adventure and exploration creates a shared memory that family members can talk about and reminisce over. These are priceless memories that all the family members may want to frequently repeat.

Photographic Opportunities:

The Everglades’ unique scenery and diverse wildlife provide excellent photo opportunities. Kids can capture moments with their cameras or smartphones, creating a visual diary of their adventure. If they’re big enough to use a phone or camera, it’s such an adventure for them to save their own memories, and show them to their friends. 

Everglades Private Airboat Tours at Fort Lauderdale with Ride The Wind!

At Ride The Wind we have more than 40 years of airboating experience, you and your loved ones are safe with our certified and trained boat captains. They will guide you through the Everglades on one of our state-of-the-art vessels that are as safe as they are sleek.

When looking for an adventure that your kids will never forget, don’t hesitate and bring your kids on a safe airboat tour at the Everglades, in Fort Lauderdale. Contact us to book your next unforgettable adventure. Click here to see where we are located.