Earlier this month, my hubby and I took my in-laws to Gator Airboat Rides, which offers 30-minute airboat rides. Having experienced airboats in the Everglades before, I knew what to expect. However, this didn’t take place in the Everglades, this took place in Kissimmee, Florida. If you have never been on an airboat and are looking to go on one, keep reading because I have a lot more information to share as well as some tips to make your trip enjoyable.
Gator Airboat Rides
While this did not take place in the Everglades, we did get to ride through the headwaters of the Everglades, which is in Kissimmee, Florida. There are a few airboat places around Central Florida, but one of the reasons we went with Gator Airboat Rides was due to the convenience of not having to reserve. All you have to do is purchase your ticket online and show up whenever during opening hours. It was such a simple process, but as mentioned I’m here to give you all the details and tips, so check out the below.
Packages
Gator Air Boats has two different packages. They have the day tour, which is half an hour, and they have the one-hour night tour. For half an hour, adults pay $29 plus tax, and children, ages 3-12, pay $26 plus tax. While it is encouraged to do the booking online, they do accept walk-ins, and they are also open 7 days a week. The day tours are from 9-5 pm and the average wait time is about 15-30 minutes. Although we got really lucky because we got there 3 minutes before the Airboat left!
If you’re more interested in doing the one-hour night tour, which occurs after sunset. The cost is $58 for adults plus tax and $53 for children, ages 3-12. For this one, you do need a reservation and you would also need to call to find out the exact time it leaves.
Directions and Parking
This was an easy place to find, especially if you’re using a GPS. The place is located at 3702 Big Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL. There is plenty of parking. We had no trouble finding parking at all and it is also free parking.
Things to Avoid
There are a few things you want to avoid when getting on an airboat. Such as wearing floppy hats. While hats are acceptable (mostly just baseball hats), floppy hats will fly away. So ladies, leave those big floppy hats in the car.
A lot of people also wore sunglasses on the airboat, and some even took purses with them (I was one of them). You can take your purse with you, but make sure you have it on you at all times, you will not be able to put it down unless you want it to fall in the water.
There are also no problems with having your phone in your hand or taking a camera. Just make sure to not drop the camera or phone, while taking photos as the airboat will speed up at times.
The Airboat Ride
This was such a great experience. I absolutely love airboat rides and felt happy to do one in Central Florida. We did see a baby gator, but not as many as others have seen on this same airboat tour. If you’re looking to see more gators you can find quite a bit in the night airboat ride.
So if you’re looking for something fun to do, check out Gater Airboat Rides in Kissimmee, Florida!
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