Everglades Drought 2026: What Low Water Means for Your Airboat Tour
Every winter the Everglades dries down, and every summer the rains are supposed to fill it back up. In 2026, the summer refill came up short. If you're planning a private airboat tour from Miami this fall or winter, here's what the official data shows, why it matters for the River of Grass, and how our captains plan around low water.
Dry season vs. drought: what's the difference?
The National Park Service describes two seasons in the Everglades. The dry season typically runs from December through April, and the wet season from May through November, though the timing varies from year to year. Water dropping in winter is normal. That seasonal rhythm is covered in our guide to why the Everglades needs a dry season.
A drought is different. It happens when the wet season doesn't deliver enough rain to recharge the marsh. In its October 1, 2026 drought statement, the National Weather Service in Miami said drought had persisted through the entire 2026 wet season. At that point it classified most of the Everglades in Miami-Dade County, into mainland Monroe County, as being in severe drought (D2). Miami International Airport had received about 61% of its normal rainfall between May 1 and September 23.
What water managers are seeing
The South Florida Water Management District tracks water depths across the system every week. Its September 30, 2026 report said most of the central Everglades and Everglades National Park were still below the 20th percentile for water levels. Water Conservation Area 3A was improving but still very shallow for the time of year.
The same report lists what extended dry conditions can do to the wider ecosystem:
Reduced production of the small prey animals that wading birds and other wildlife feed on
A higher risk of damaging wildfires
Faster breakdown of peat soils when they dry out
Possible damage to the ridge-and-slough pattern that gives the marsh its shape
It also reported record-high salinity for the time of year across many parts of Florida Bay, because less fresh water was flowing south after a below-normal wet season.
Why low water raises the fire risk
Fire is a natural part of the Everglades, and the Park Service uses it as a management tool. Its fire guidance also notes that during drought, fires in hardwood hammocks and peat soils become a concern. In June 2026, lightning-sparked fires burned more than 22,000 acres in western Miami-Dade, according to Florida Forest Service figures. We cover what happened in our recap of the June 2026 wildfires. For the bigger picture on when fire helps and when it harms, read Fire in the Everglades.
Drought isn't the only pressure
Low water adds to problems the Everglades already faces, including invasive species. Research published by the U.S. Geological Survey links Burmese pythons to severe declines in native mammals. We explain what that means for visitors in Burmese Pythons in the Everglades: What Visitors Should Know.
What low water means on your tour
Airboats are built for shallow water, but there are limits. When levels drop, your captain picks a route that suits the day's conditions. Some areas that are easy to reach in a wet year may be off the table. Every one of our captains holds a U.S. Coast Guard license, and the route is always their call.
Routes change with conditions. A longer tour gives you more time on the water, but no tour guarantees a particular route or animal.
Wildlife still varies. Alligators, wading birds and turtles are what most visitors look for. Sightings depend on conditions, so we never promise a specific encounter.
Plans can shift. Weather and water can affect routes, departure times or whether a trip runs. If that happens, contact us about your booking. Cancel at least 24 hours before your tour for a full refund.
We're open 24 hours, so you can also choose a sunrise, sunset or night tour. Tours outside 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. need to be confirmed in advance. Staying in Miami Beach or Brickell, or arriving on a cruise? Add private round-trip van transportation for $400 (up to 13 guests, 4-guest minimum, tours of 1.5 hours or longer).
Drought and your tour: common questions
Can we still take an airboat tour during a drought?
Usually, yes. Your captain adjusts the route to the water that's there. If conditions on your date don't allow a trip, we'll work it out with you under your booking terms.
Does low water mean we'll see more wildlife?
Not necessarily. Animals respond to water levels in different ways, and no season or water level guarantees a sighting.
When will the drought end?
Nobody can say for sure. In its October 1 statement, the National Weather Service said its seasonal outlook favored drought removal for most of South Florida, but drought could continue in the Everglades.
Plan your private tour
Compare private airboat tour lengths and prices, read our family and group guides, or request your date.
Sources: NWS Miami Drought Information Statement, Oct. 1, 2026 · SFWMD weekly environmental conditions report, Sept. 30, 2026 · NPS: Everglades seasons · NPS: fire management.
