There are places south of Marco Island (not far at all) but I would not do an airboat ride. Very noisy and you don't see alot. We did that and a "swamp buggy". Big thing on huge tires caged in so that bugs and snakes and things wouldn't get on you. I saw some amazing plants and really got a feel for the 'glades. I'm a Floridian and if you've seen one alligator you 've seen 'em all. JMHO, Linda