If you love speed and nature, then I have the perfect outdoor activity for you this season. The sensation you get when the engine is revved up and the airboat slides along the water is truly unforgettable. Our airboat guide was also fantastic and had a lot of stories about the wildlife and the area.
For this particular tour, we chose Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, which is located in Kissimmee, Florida. The company offers large-group tours to visitors through the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. There are a lot of other companies that offer these tours but this is just the one I used and no this is not a sponsored post either!
The area is huge (about 32 acres) and is surrounded by natural landscapes and waterways. It really is a great and fast way to see wildlife in their natural habitats.
What It’s Like to Visit
When you first arrive, you will receive noise-cancelling hearing protection because the airboat does get pretty loud. Think of a revved up motorcycle propelled by an airplane-like speed boat. Each airport can take up to 17 people, so if you are a large group, keep this in mind.
There is a very brief training for safety reasons before the fun begins and it’s important to pay attention here so that you do not find yourself in the water. Once the tour gets going, you should expect a combination of fast speed, loud sounds from the engine, and a whole lot of wind in your face.
Be prepared for a lot of sliding and gliding!
The Captain/tour guide will make a lot of stops along the way and share knowledge about the local ecosystem and about some of the wildlife you will see including birds, turtles, and alligators. For years, I have enjoyed looking at nature photography and definitely enjoyed this portion.
I remember reading the book Where the Crawdads Sings (about Kya, the Marsh Girl) and how the author described the marshland and for some reason that was something that crossed my mind while we were on this tour. I think it was the short intervals between the sounds from the engine and the quiet time that followed, were we just relaxed and listened to nature that triggered that memory.
Beyond the airboat rides, the park also includes some additional attractions including the butterfly garden and gem mining.
Admission and Visiting Details
- Airboat Tours:
- 30-Minute Tour: $32–$38 per person.
- 1-Hour Tour: $52–$58 per person.
- Sunset Tour: $60–$71 per person.
- Night Tour: $65–$76 per person.
- Private Tour: This one is seasonal and prices vary.
- Supreme Package: Includes an airboat tour, lunch, gem mining, butterfly nectar feeding, and a souvenir cup.
- Hours: The park generally operates from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but hours may vary seasonally. It’s recommended to check the official website or call ahead for the most current information.
- Tickets: Reservations are recommended, especially for specialty tours like the Sunset and Night Tours.
Tips for Visiting
- Arrive Early: It is better to go in the morning since animals are more active during cooler parts of the day.
- Dress Comfortably: Wear something casual and weather-appropriate clothing (it does get chilly). Also don’t forget sunscreen since you will be outside without any shade. Sunglasses are also recommended but I did not use mine since I was already wearing the hearing protection.
- Safety Gear: The tour offers life jackets and hearing protection to all guests going on the airboat tours. If a child is under 6 years old, it is mandatory for them to wear the life jackets that are provided.
- Accessibility and Parking: The park and docks are wheelchair accessible, but guests will need to transfer from a wheelchair onto the boat. Parking is free and who doesn’t love free parking.
Nearby Attractions
If you are in the Kissimmee area in Florida, then you are already pretty close to some other amazing attractions including Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and Gatorland.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to take the airboat tours is during the cooler months, from November to April, when Florida’s weather is more temperate, and wildlife is typically more active. I visited in November and it was ideal for me and my family. Like most other activities, weekdays are usually a less crowded experience compared to weekends.
