We're going to be taking a trip to Marco Island, FL with MIL, BIL and his girlfriend, and since Everglades is nearby, I have ALWAYS wanted to go there and do an air boat tour, so this would be the perfect time.
Are there any companies you'd recommend using? Does the NPS have its own tours, or do you pretty much have to go with private companies? I'd be fine with either using someone based out of Marco, or we will have a rental car so we could drive to Everglades ourselves. I checked Trip Advisor and found one company who does Everglades tours on there, but would probably like more options than just one company.
Anything else you'd recommend doing while in the Everglades? We enjoy hiking and wildlife viewing in particular.
We just went on an airboat ride in the Everglades using this company. They were great, organized, and would even call the gators over to the boat. It is a covered airboat, which is nice so you don;t get sun-burned. Not sure how far it is from Marco Island. There isn't mush else to do around there though.
Also, they are home to the Gator Boys, so you can watch a demo/show and hold a baby alligator. There's a snack bar too, so you can have lunch there (gator tail!).