Airboat rides near Orlando: book a small boat and you get the real thing

Where the rides go

Airboats skim over shallow water and grass that ordinary boats cannot cross. Around Orlando, most tours run in three areas. The lakes south of the city around Kissimmee, including Lake Tohopekaliga, are closest to the attractions area. The St. Johns River marshes to the east, near Christmas and Sanford, are wider and feel more remote. A few operators also run on lakes north of the city in Seminole County.

All of them can show you alligators, herons, egrets, ospreys and often bald eagles in the cooler months. The St. Johns tours tend to feel wilder. Wherever you go, the water is shallow and the landscape is flat, so the sky is a big part of the show. The Kissimmee-area tours are the easiest to reach from the resorts along International Drive and Lake Buena Vista.

How to choose a tour

Tours vary more than the ads suggest. The biggest difference is boat size. Large boats carry 15 to 30 people on raised bench seats. They are cheaper and steady, but slower and less personal. Small boats carry about six people. They cost more per person, move faster, get into tighter spots, and the captain can stop wherever you want to look.

1. Ask how long you are actually on the water, not the length of the whole visit including check-in and gift shop.
2. Ask the boat size and how many people share it.
3. Ask whether ear protection is provided. Airboat engines are very loud.
4. Check the weather policy. Storms and lightning cancel rides, and you want a clear refund or rebooking rule.
5. Read recent reviews for mentions of wildlife, safety and how the captain treated the animals.

Avoid any tour that promises guaranteed close contact with wild gators, or where captains feed or bait them. Feeding wild alligators is illegal in Florida and makes them dangerous.

When to go

Morning and late afternoon are best. Wildlife is active, the light is golden, and the heat is easier to handle. Midday in summer is hot and bright, and storms often build after about 2 p.m.

Winter brings cooler, drier days, more birds and gators basking in the sun on the banks. Summer brings more water and lush green marsh, but you will want an early slot. Many operators also run night tours, when you search for gator eyes glowing in a spotlight. They are memorable, but you see less of the landscape.

What to expect on board

The ride is a mix of fast runs and slow drifting stops. At speed you feel the wind and some spray, and the boat can slide around turns. At stops, the captain cuts the engine and talks about the marsh and what you are seeing.

• Wear a hat that will not fly off and sunglasses for spray and bugs.
• Bring a light layer in winter. Wind on open water is cold.
• Secure your phone with a strap. Things dropped in the marsh are gone.
• Use the ear protection, especially for children.
• Check age and health limits. Many operators set a minimum age, and pregnant riders are often advised against it.

Fitting it into your trip

A ride takes two to three hours including the drive, so it fits a half day. If you are staying near the parks, the Kissimmee lakes are 20 to 40 minutes away, and you can pair the ride with Gatorland for a full alligator morning. The guide to Kissimmee covers food and other stops nearby.

If you are heading east, pair a St. Johns ride with a morning walk at Orlando Wetlands Park, which shows you similar wildlife on foot and costs nothing.

Is it worth it

Yes, if you pick well. A good airboat ride is one of the few tourist activities around Orlando that shows you the natural landscape, not a themed copy of it. The difference between a great tour and a forgettable one is usually boat size, timing and the captain. Spend a little more for a small boat at a good hour, and it will likely be a highlight of the trip.