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Central Florida's Airboat Rides

Recommended by 93% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Orlando, USA
  • 30 minutes (approx.)
  • Offered in: English

Why travelers loved this

4.7
·
· Brian_O ·
Oct 2025
This was an excellent time. The crew was great and there was so much to see. It was well worth it, I would definitely do it again.
· Brooke_F ·
Dec 2025
Fun family experience! We enjoyed the staff and seeing the wildlife. They also had a baby alligator we got to hold.

Overview

Experience the natural beauty of Florida and its wildlife on this small-group airboat tour around the Everglades Headwaters National Wildlife Refuge and Conservation Area. Look out for alligators, bald eagles, otters, snakes, snail kites, and more while your captain takes you to some of the best spots in the area.
  • A fun Florida Everglades experience for locals and tourists alike
  • Enjoy the ride in an intimate group of no more than 15 people
  • Ideal for travelers short on time
  • The tour is wheelchair accessible

What's Included

  • 30 Minute Airboat Ride Through Headwaters of the Everglades.
  • Hearing protection and life vests
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • On-board live commentary

    Meeting and Pickup

    Meeting point

    • 3702 Big Bass Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34744, USA

      Upon your arrival, please proceed to the office for check-in. Our office personnel will provide details about the 30-minute airboat tour, navigating through bulrushes and the remote areas of the swamp. They'll also share insights about the various animals spotted in the swamp on that day.

    End point

    This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    Operating hours

    • 09/22/2023 - 05/11/2027

      Monday - Sunday : 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

    Itinerary

    1

    Gator Airboat Rides

    30 minutesAdmission Ticket Free

    Additional Info

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Service animals allowed
    • Near public transportation
    • Infants must sit on laps
    • Most travelers can participate
    • We're happy to provide assistance for wheelchair-to-boat transfer.
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

    Cancellation Policy

    You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

    Traveler Photos

    Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
    Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

    Featured review

    Susan_S
    I had the most incredible experience on our sunset fan boat tour! Captain was absolutely awesome—so friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the area. The views were stunning as the sun dipped down over the water, lighting everything up in warm, golden colors. We spotted wildlife, felt the breeze, and had plenty of laughs along the way. The boat was comfortable and the ride felt both exciting and relaxing at the same time. You could tell the Captain really cared about making sure everyone had a great time. I highly, highly recommend this tour—10 out of 10 experience! 🌅💛

    Reviews

    4.7
    based on 143 reviews
    Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

    Avoid at all costs

    Hugh_G, Jan 2026
    Disaster, they did not respond to the booking, I was promised a refund from Viator,they didn't respond after they agreed to the refund, this will be my last time with Viator, avoid at all costs

    Fun ride. The best part...

    Selina_Y, Dec 2025
    Fun ride. The best part actually was meeting up and petting the baby alligator. The staffs were very helpful and friendly

    Fun family experience! ...

    Brooke_F, Dec 2025
    Fun family experience! We enjoyed the staff and seeing the wildlife. They also had a baby alligator we got to hold.

    Fantastic experience!!

    Susan_S, Nov 2025
    I had the most incredible experience on our sunset fan boat tour! Captain was absolutely awesome—so friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about the area. The views were stunning as the sun dipped down over the water, lighting everything up in warm, golden colors. We spotted wildlife, felt the breeze, and had plenty of laughs along the way. The boat was comfortable and the ride felt both exciting and relaxing at the same time. You could tell the Captain really cared about making sure everyone had a great time. I highly, highly recommend this tour—10 out of 10 experience! 🌅💛

    A very reliable service...

    sashi_K, Nov 2025
    A very reliable service given the staff were too good in explaining about the things we asked about the ride and alligators thank you sir hope to see you again

    Really fun and beautiful!

    Merihunter15, Oct 2025
    The folks who run this are awesome. Jay did a great job of finding the alligators. Beautiful views. Take some time off from the parks and enjoy the natural beauty of the area!

    Air Boatin' in FL

    Amy_C, Oct 2025
    Great air boat ride of some Everglade marsh. This tour is about nature preservation so they do not feed alligators or attempt to attract them. We saw one wild gator though, along with a bald eagle, egrets, and blue heron!

    Great time

    Brian_O, Oct 2025
    This was an excellent time. The crew was great and there was so much to see. It was well worth it, I would definitely do it again.

    Very friendly and...

    tomdingwall, Oct 2025
    Very friendly and genuinely a great experience for all the family to enjoy, both interesting and educational delivered in a fun way, meeting little Steve the baby alligator was a bonus.

    Event was very good...

    Brian_W, Oct 2025
    Event was very good awaiting on weather we could get a credit from the company for a sick adult who couldn’t make it. Only down side

    Very nice, friendly...

    Lea_M, Sep 2025
    Very nice, friendly staff and very knowledgeable. Learned a little bit about the eco system and inhabitants

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you so much for your kind words! We're glad you had a great experience with our friendly and knowledgeable staff. It's wonderful to hear that you learned something new about the ecosystem and its inhabitants ….we love sharing that with our guests!🐊

    Really fun relaxing...

    Hayleigh_M, Sep 2025
    Really fun relaxing excursion. Done with adults and a 1 year old, staff knowledgeable and helpful. Great to see small alligator on site and get pictures with

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you so much for sharing your experience! 🌟 We’re glad you found the excursion fun and relaxing, and that our team was able to make it enjoyable for the whole family. How special to capture those photos with the little gator too 🐊

    Very easy to sign in at...

    Charles_B, Sep 2025
    Very easy to sign in at the office for your ride! Great scenery and it was easy to board the boat and you had room to be comfortable. I would recommend this 30minute airboat ride.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for the wonderful feedback! 🌟 We’re so glad the check-in was easy and that you enjoyed the scenery and comfort on board. Happy to hear you’d recommend the 30-minute ride, it’s a great way to experience Florida’s wild side! 🐊

    Everybody was nice persons

    Juan_O, Sep 2025
    I liked but maybe 40 minutes is better but everybody is friendly and nice person we enjoy the ride they do te best they can do

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for sharing your thoughts! 🌟 We’re so glad you enjoyed the ride and appreciated our friendly crew. A 40-minute option sounds like a great idea for even more time out on the water; we’ll keep that in mind! 🐊

    A pleasant afternoon

    Patricia_D, Sep 2025
    It was relaxing and the ride was exciting as I had never been on an airboat before. Not many critter were out to see.

    Response from Host, Sep 2025

    Thank you for sharing your experience! 🌟 We’re so glad your first airboat ride was both relaxing and exciting. Wildlife sightings can vary with the weather and season, but we’re happy you still enjoyed the adventure on the water! 🐊

    Everyone at this...

    Drew_R, Aug 2025
    Everyone at this establishment was incredibly friendly and welcoming. Taught us about some of the local wildlife before the ride itself. Came around midday so wasn't sure we'd see any gators due to the heat. But we saw two! Also got to hold their little gator pet. Awesome experience as in the UK we have nothing like this. Would recommend to any holiday makers looking for a real Florida experience away from the theme parks.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you so much for your kind words! 🌟 We’re thrilled you felt welcomed and enjoyed learning about the local wildlife before your ride. Seeing gators midday is always a treat, and we’re glad you got to meet our little gator friend too! 🐊 We love giving visitors from all over the world a taste of the “real Florida” outside the theme parks, and it means a lot to hear you’d recommend us to other holiday makers. Hope to see you again on your next trip across the pond! 🇬🇧✨

    Excellent enjoyable adventure

    KAREN, Aug 2025
    From start to finish very welcoming with everyone despite some of us not taking part exceptionally interesting and informative with photos, stories and facts that made this experience fantastic

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you so much for your kind words! 🐊 We’re thrilled you felt welcome from start to finish and enjoyed the stories, photos, and fun facts. Making it a fantastic experience for everyone, even those just along for the ride is exactly what we aim for!

    4 Brits on holiday in Orlando - baby gators and gator next galore!

    Kaitlin_H, Aug 2025
    This gator experience was fantastic. We got the full 30 minutes out on the water, the drivers of the airboat were very knowledgeable and you were given lots of information about the wildlife around the area. You felt very safe on this airboat and could tell the drivers were experienced and knew what they were doing. We got to hold a small gator named ‘crazy Mike’! And there are also a few small things to purchase in the shop and souvenirs, although not many of them. We didn’t get to see any large gator’s as it was so warm they were all being nocturnal at this time. We did get to see some small 10 month old gators which were very cool, and also a gator nest, which again the drivers were very knowledgeable about and could tell you lots about. We also got to see an Everglades snail kite - of which there are only 2,000 left in North America. So this was very rare and awesome to see. I have been on two airboat rides precious to this one, both in Miami, and although this place was much smaller and didn’t quite have as much going on (eg smaller gift shop etc), it was still all round a great experience and would be good for anyone wanting to experience airboat rides.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you for such a detailed and thoughtful review! 🐊 We’re thrilled you had a fantastic time out on the water and enjoyed learning about the wildlife from baby gators and nests to the rare Everglades snail kite. Holding “Crazy Mike” is always a guest favorite! While our gift shop is cozy, we’re glad the experience itself made it a memorable visit, and we truly appreciate your recommendation after having done other airboat rides.

    Great job !

    terrance_g, Jul 2025
    Very courteous and accommodating staff. Our grand-daughters will never forget being able to hold a (small) gator.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you! 🐊 We’re so glad our team made you feel welcome and that your granddaughters had the unforgettable thrill of holding a baby gator. Those are memories that last a lifetime!

    An Amazing Adventure Into the Wonderful Wetlands

    DebbieK_C, Jul 2025
    I did the early morning excursion, and no one else came, but they took me on a private trip anyway. I really enjoyed myself. Beforehand, I was able to observe a four-foot alligator right near the dock. I also purchased a keychain that had the same size foot with claws as the alligator I saw. Then, they let me hold and take pictures with an alligator that they had the jaw taped shut, and it was like holding a long baby. On the airboat, I saw lots of wildlife. There was a brown rabbit, several types of birds and a smaller alligator. I was amazed that there were beautiful lotus flowers in bloom and the driver slowed down so I could take some close up pictures. When I turned around, he handed me one and said, "You can't get any closer than that." I laughed so hard and was shocked and thrilled at the same time. We also saw a beautiful large nesting bird that was resting on some eggs, and another smaller mother bird with three little ones with her. I had an amazing airboat ride and upon my return I saw a group of about six gathering to take the next ride. I was absolutely thrilled and highly recommend them as everyone was curteous and considerate.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you for sharing such a wonderful and detailed account of your experience! 🐊 We’re so glad you enjoyed your private early morning trip, the close-up wildlife encounters, and those special moments — from the lotus flower surprise to holding a baby gator. It’s great to hear our crew made the ride both fun and memorable, and we truly appreciate your kind recommendation.

    it's a must do if you are in Orlando.

    JOHN_S, Jul 2025
    No guarantees to see crocs or alligators, especially in the daytime in high summer. However the experience of the boat ride and the sense of humour of the boat guys make it very enjoyable. They had a 3 year old croc in the office which we were able to have a hold of.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you! 🐊 You’re absolutely right! in the heat of summer, the gators and crocs can be a bit shy but we’re glad our crew’s humor and the thrill of the ride made it a great experience. Holding our 3-year-old croc is always a highlight!

    Great experience

    Nastassja_M, Jul 2025
    Fantastic experience. Getting to hold a gator and learn so much about them before going on the airboat tour was an added bonus.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you! 🐊 We’re so glad you enjoyed learning about the gators and getting to hold one before your tour — it’s the perfect way to kick off an airboat adventure!

    A bucket list experience

    Scott_R, Jul 2025
    Great experience run by a knowledgeable and friendly team of guys! It always been on my bucket list of things to do and it didn’t disappoint. My boys loved meeting Psycho Steve the 2 year old Gator who hangs out in the office.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you! 🐊 We’re thrilled we could help you check this off your bucket list and that it lived up to expectations. Meeting “Psycho Steve” is always a hit — glad your boys enjoyed hanging out with him!

    Riding the airboat was an...

    maria_e, Jul 2025
    Riding the airboat was an experience. But we didn’t see any gators. But thats not their fault. There was a lot of birds

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you for riding with us! 😊 Wildlife can be unpredictable, but we’re so glad you enjoyed the airboat ride and all the incredible birdlife out there. Every trip is a little different, and we’d love to have you back for another adventure. Maybe next time the gators will be out to say hello!”

    Would recommend to anyone

    cameron_s, Jul 2025
    We went with our 3 year old and 1 year old and felt welcomed from the get go! Couldn’t have asked for a better experience and the guys running it were fantastic. Would recommend to anyone! Plus you get given the chance to hold a alligator.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you so much for sharing your experience! 🐊 We’re thrilled your whole family felt welcome and had such a great time. Holding a gator is always a special memory, and we’re glad you got to enjoy it. We truly appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you all again soon!

    My Experience on the airboat

    lemonte_b, Jun 2025
    Don't sit on the front row because the bugs from the grass fly up on you. Other than that the Experience was great.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thanks for the tip and for riding with us! 🌿🐊 We’re glad you had a great experience out on the water, and we’ll be happy to welcome you back for more adventure (maybe from a different row next time 😉).

    Great family quick boat ride

    Brian_B, Jun 2025
    Great experience very friendly staff. Only wish we would have seen an adult alligator. But overall great experience. 30 mins was just the right amount of time

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you for riding with us! We’re so glad you enjoyed the experience and our crew made you feel welcome. 🐊 Wildlife can be a little shy sometimes, but we’re happy the 30-minute tour was the perfect fit. We’d love to have you back again—maybe next time an adult gator will make an appearance!

    Larry Smoot's Marsh Madness Experience

    Larry_S, Jun 2025
    They will let you pet and hold baby alligator, Pete (if I recall the name correctly), as well as capture photographs. The staff is pleasant (Dawson, Mr. Chris? + the tour guide, Mr. Toby, who ironically shares the middle name Harry with a deceased uncle of mine!). Purchase one of their alligator heads while there as well! Just imagine, all of those gators were alive once upon a time. You must go for yourself to experience what we are excitedly attempting to describe in full length! Thank you guys!

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Wow, thank you for such a detailed and heartfelt review! 🐊 We’re so glad you enjoyed meeting Pistol Pete the baby gator and our team—Dawson, Chris, and Toby will love hearing your kind words. It sounds like you made some special memories (and a unique keepsake too!). We truly appreciate your recommendation and can’t wait to welcome you back for more adventures!

    Simple fun!

    Laura_C, Jun 2025
    So fun! Holding the alligator was the best! The boat ride was great and we saw a gator and many beautiful birds! Definitely a must do.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you! 🐊 We’re so glad you had fun holding the gator and enjoying the ride. Spotting wildlife and birds out there is always such a treat. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again for another adventure!

    So fun!

    Tanya_M, Jun 2025
    What a cool experience! Great guides... they lots of knowledge. I highly recommend this fun little trip.

    Response from Host, Aug 2025

    Thank you so much! We’re thrilled you enjoyed the ride and our knowledgeable crew. 🐊 Your recommendation means the world to us, and we’d love to welcome you back anytime for more adventure

    From $36.55

    per person

    up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

    Book ahead!
    On average, this is booked 11 days in advance.

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