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Best Airboat Rides in Orlando

Ready for an Orlando adventure? Glide through swamps, spot gators, & soak in sunsets with epic airboat tours. Check our guide for the best Airboat Tours and FAQs guide and book your ride to enjoy with family or friends.
Updated on February 13, 2024 7:42 AM
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Planning a trip to Orlando, Florida? Check out our exciting offer - embark on an adventure with our top-rated Orlando Airboat Tours. Our experts have also created a comprehensive FAQ guide covering everything you need to know about airboat tours.

Whether you're seeking a sunset excursion or thrilling alligator encounters, our best tours promise safety, education, and above all, unforgettable fun. Explore our guide and secure your spot today.

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Our Top Picks

Discover our experts' top picks of Orlando Airboat Tours for an unforgettable adventure in the Florida Everglades.

Best Overall - Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch

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Best for Most People - 90-min Everglades Airboat Tour in Central Florida

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Best Experience - Manatee Adventure, Everglades Style Airboat, Lunch, Wildlife Park & Transport

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Best for Groups - VIP Private Airboat Tour

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Best for Enjoying Cooler Evening Temperatures - 1-Hour Sunset Airboat Ride

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Best for Families - Kennedy Space Center Plus Airboat Ride & Transport From Orlando

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Best Value - CENTRAL FLORIDA’S LOWEST PRICED eco-friendly airboat rides

 

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Best for Nighttime - 1-Hour Evening Airboat Ride

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FAQs: Airboat Rides in Orlando 

Before booking your airboat tour in Orlando, Florida, check out our team of experts' FAQs guide to learn everything you need to know. Read, book your trip, and enjoy the ride. 

Are Airboat Rides Safe?

Airboat tour operators prioritize your safety. Captains are highly trained and experienced. You get life jackets and other safety measures. Sit back, relax, and let the captain handle everything while you enjoy the ride

How Many People Can Fit on an Airboat?

The capacity of an airboat varies depending on the operator. It can accommodate anywhere from two adults to larger groups, such as 5 to 10 children or even infants. Each operator provides information on their specific capacity, so it's essential to check before booking to ensure it suits your needs.

Can Kids Ride on The Airboat? 

Children of all ages can typically ride on an airboat, but it ultimately depends on the policy of each operator. Most operators even allow babies.  

Children must wear a life jacket, which is usually provided by the operator. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide at what age you feel comfortable bringing your children on the airboat, it's a fun ride regardless of age. 

When Is The Best Time To Take The Airboat Ride?

The best time to take an airboat ride depends on your preference and what you hope to see. Tours are available throughout the day and evening, offering different experiences depending on the time. 

While you're likely to spot animals at any time, you might encounter different wildlife during various seasons. For instance, alligator nesting season spans from May to July, while hatching season starts in August and extends through September.

What Wildlife You Might See?

Orlando airboat rides offer a chance to see iconic animals like alligators, wading birds, and turtles. Your guide will share insights and point out wildlife during the ride for an unforgettable adventure.

What Should You Wear for the Airboat Tour?

There are no specific clothing restrictions for the airboat tour, so wear whatever makes you feel comfortable, taking into account the weather conditions. 

Opt for light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes. Don't forget to apply sunscreen, wear sunglasses, and bring a hat to shield yourself from the Florida sun. If rain is in the forecast, pack a lightweight rain jacket. Layering is also recommended, as it can get breezy on the water

How Long Do Airboat Rides Typically Last?

Airboat ride durations vary based on your chosen tour package, offering options ranging from 30 minutes to over an hour. Each operator provides unique packages, ensuring you have plenty of time to experience Orlando's natural beauty. Our experts have selected the best tour rides to explore and pick the one that suits your preferences. 

Our Top Picks

Best Overall - Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch

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What’s Included:

  • 30-minute or 1-hour airboat ride
  • Nature demonstration
  • BBQ lunch (if half-day package is selected)
  • One bag gator feed (if half-day package is selected)

What We Love:

Experience the best value for your money with our Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission. Enjoy an action-packed day filled with adventure, wildlife encounters, and thrilling airboat rides, all at an affordable price. 

With admission to the Wildlife Park and optional upgrades for lunch and souvenirs, this package offers unbeatable value for a memorable Florida excursion. Get the ultimate Everglades experience.

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Best for Most People - 90-min Everglades Airboat Tour in Central Florida

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What’s Included:

  • Live commentary on board
  • Local driver guide
  • 90-minutes tour
  • For maximum of 15 travelers

What We Love:

Embark on a thrilling 90-minute Everglades Airboat Tour in Central Florida for a safe and unforgettable experience. Explore the majestic swamps and catch glimpses of alligators and other wildlife from stadium-like seating. 

With live commentary from your guide, learn fascinating facts about the ecosystem as you glide through the marshlands. Ideal for families and groups, choose from multiple tour times to suit your schedule. 

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Best Experience - Manatee Adventure, Everglades Style Airboat, Lunch, Wildlife Park & Transport

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What’s Included:

  • Boat tour of Kings Bay and Crystal River
  • Admission into Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park (Included Only with Full Day Option)
  • Lunch 
  • Airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River (Included Only with Full Day Option)

What We Love:

Get the ultimate Manatee Adventure, Everglades-style Airboat Tour, and Wildlife Park experience. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of Crystal River, the Manatee Capital of the World, for a snorkeling encounter with these gentle giants. 

Then, explore Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park, home to Florida's diverse wildlife. Finally, enjoy a thrilling airboat ride on the Withlacoochee River. With lunch and transportation included, it's a full-day adventure for you and your family. 

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Best for Groups - VIP Private Airboat Tour

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What’s Included:

  • Private 60 minute airboat tour
  • Alligator viewing area
  • Park admission
  • Butterfly garden

What We Love:

Experience the ultimate VIP Private Airboat Tour, where you and your group can explore the untouched beauty of the Everglades and visit a Native American Village attraction. With a private tour, you can enjoy the adventure at your own pace without the crowds. 

Spot alligators and turtles in their natural habitat, then delve into Native American culture at the village. Plus, get up close to alligators at the Gator Oasis. It's an exclusive wildlife experience for you and your family or friends. 

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Best for Enjoying Cooler Evening Temperatures - 1-Hour Sunset Airboat Ride

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What’s Included:

  • 1-hour airboat tour
  • Most travelers can participate
  • Avoiding the heat of the day 
  • Hearing protection and safety vests are provided 

What We Love:

Enjoy the beauty of the Florida Everglades at its most magical hour with a 1-Hour Sunset Airboat Ride. Sail through panoramic waters inaccessible to standard boats, maximizing your chances of spotting local wildlife.

As the sun sets, make the most of the cooler evening temperatures and postcard-perfect views. It's the perfect way to beat the daytime heat while immersing yourself in the rugged corners of the Everglades. 

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Best for Families - Kennedy Space Center Plus Airboat Ride & Transport From Orlando

helpful content Orlando airboat tours option 6

What’s Included:

  • Admission into Kennedy Space Center Visitors complex
  • An airboat ride on the St. Johns River and Lake Poinsett
  • Roundtrip transportation from International Drive, Disney and Kissimmee areas
  • An early start time lets you maximize your free time at KSC 

What We Love:

Get ready for an extraordinary journey that's perfect for the whole family with the Kennedy Space Center Plus Airboat Ride & Transport From Orlando. 

Begin your day with an exhilarating airboat tour on the St. Johns River, where you'll encounter Florida's native wildlife like alligators and turtles.  Then, explore the iconic Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, immersing yourself in the fascinating history of NASA. 

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Best Value - CENTRAL FLORIDA’S LOWEST PRICED eco-friendly airboat rides

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What’s Included:

  • 30 Minute Airboat Ride Through Headwaters of the Everglades
  • On-board live commentary
  • Hearing protection and life vests
  • Most affordable airboat ride 

What We Love:

Discover the excitement of Gator Airboat Rides, offering Central Florida’s most affordable eco-friendly airboat experiences. Glide through the untouched beauty of Florida's Everglades on our high-speed, Coast Guard-certified airboats, guided by licensed Master Captains. 

Encounter native wildlife like alligators, bald eagles, and Great Blue Herons up close. With a convenient location near Orlando attractions, it's the perfect budget-friendly adventure for nature lovers.

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Best for Nighttime - 1-Hour Evening Airboat Ride

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What’s Included:

  • 1-hour airboat tour at night (Times vary)
  • All passengers are provided with hearing protection and safety vests
  • A unique nighttime experience 
  • Minimum of 6 passengers 

What We Love:

Enjoy a thrilling nighttime adventure with the 1-Hour Evening Airboat Ride at Boggy Creek Airboat Rides. This unique experience offers a glimpse into the mysterious world of the Central Florida Everglades after dark. 

With expert guides leading the way, you'll have the best chance of spotting alligators as they glide through the dark swamp. It's the ideal ride for those seeking excitement and a memorable adventure under the stars.

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Conclusion

If you are looking to add some excitement to your Orlando trip, get into the heart of nature with exhilarating airboat tours, where you can cruise through swamps, catch glimpses of gators, and bask in breathtaking sunsets. 

Use our expert guide to learn more about this tour, and check our top-rated airboat tours to select the best one for you. Book your ride today and create lasting memories with your loved ones.

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About Author
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With an impressive background of over 5 years in writing for esteemed online publishers and tech blogs, Josef Dean has emerged as a seasoned professional in his field. When Josef is not immersed in the world of writing and technology, he finds delight in the latest Wordle and Scrabble game apps. These games tap into his love for language and challenge his vocabulary prowess. Josef Dean's extensive experience and meticulous approach make him a valuable asset in writing product reviews. His passion for language and technology fuels his ability to deliver exceptional and reliable content to engage our readers.