airboat tours near brooksville fl

Call Now 407-247-9888

407-247-9888

Airboat Rides in Orlando

Experience the Real

Adventure of florida.

Embark on an enthralling adventure with airboat rides in Orlando, Florida.

5.0 (74 Google Reviews)

5.0 (8 Yelp Reviews)

5.0 (143 Tripadvisor Reviews)

5.0 (68 Facebook Votes)

Backwoods Air Boat Adventure

Something About Us

Embark on an extreme airboat adventure through the backwaters of Florida down the historical St. Johns River. Bring your camera!! This will be a unique opportunity to be up close and personal to encounter alligators, bald eagles, turtles, a variety of different bird species and so much more.

Ride through the natural habitat through the open waters, marshy grassland, and cypress swamps.

Happy Customers

No. of airboats.

If you are visiting Florida, we want to share Florida’s best with your whole family on an exciting Central Florida Adventure with endless miles of beautiful, prestige, wilderness.

Take a thrilling airboat ride where you will encounter an abundance of native wildlife and explore the beautiful swamps and marshes of Florida.

We look forward to sharing Florida's best with you!

Come, Join the Best Florida Airboat Tours With Us!

Whether you are an adventure thrill seeker or wanting a relaxing sightseeing excursion, the St. Johns River is loaded with an abundance of wildlife and an airboat tour is the perfect way to get to experience it all. You will encounter an abundance of native wildlife and explore the beautiful swamps and marshes of Florida. This Central Florida adventure is one the whole family can enjoy! Read more 

$60 Adults  $55 Children

$75 Adults $70 Children

Backwoods Airboat Adventures

Alligator Tours Orlando

You might have seen alligators in aquariums and zoos. But have you seen them in their wild?? Our alligator airboat rides in Florida are led by experienced captains who know all the places to spot gators, from Everglades to the Headwaters – from gator holes to freshwater marshes and swamps. We go above and beyond clichéd airboat tours and ensure you a truly mesmerizing experience. Our captains are fully licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Book an Airboat Ride!

Wilderness Wonder

How Our Airboat Rides in Florida Are Different?

If you are planning to book airport rides near Orlando Florida, look no further! We provide the best airboat tours that let you discover the real Florida in its breathtaking wilderness, untouched by the humdrum of modern living.

Smaller Boats, Unmatched Excitement

When you are set to explore the wild, it is good to have an intimate experience. Therefore, we use smaller boats, so you can have an exciting tour amidst the tranquility. No more digging through a group of 15-20 passengers! 

An Informative, Guided Tour

Throughout the journey, our captains will give you educational and informative narration of the local ecology through two-way headsets. They also ensure that the passengers are well-versed with the safety guidelines.

A Real-Life Adventure Experience

Airboat Rides that Match Your Needs

Are you ready for a mind-blowing adventure? Book an airboat in Orlando, Florida, and set off on a memorable experience of the wild.

Sunset Airboat Tours Orlando

Want to book the best sunset airboat rides near Orlando, FL ? Look no further than Backwoods Air Boat Adventures! As the sun sets below the horizon, we provide an amazing opportunity to explore the tranquil Everglades and its wilderness for a captivating experience. Picturize… wild alligators, native wildlife, and wading birds around as you ride through the river with the vibrant sky above!! We can vouch it is an experience you will treasure forever.

1 Hour Airboat Tour

1-Hour "Private" Airboat Tour

Group Rates

Testimonials

We had a wonderful airboat ride tour. We saw a lot of alligators, learned some history and experienced all the capabilities of the air boat on land on water and through grass. We saw the awesome alligator infested bald Cedarwoods, Infested with alligators just like in the eerie movies. Chelsea was a great hostess, and a wonderful airboat operator. I highly recommend this tour. This tour was the highlight of our trip to Orlando area.

What a thrilling adventure !! We saw many large gators, beautiful birds and breathtaking scenery. Chelsea answered our calls and responded back promptly. She made it such a fun trip and stopped a few times to explain the history of the area and the animals. Would definitely highly recommend this trip to everyone. I can check that off my bucket list. Awesome!!

We thoroughly enjoyed our first airboat ride. Chelsea was a great guide, she gave us a lot of background information and pointed out lots of gators, and showed us a gator nursery that she had been watching herself, we were able to see lots of baby gators. If we spotted a gator, she would turn the boat around and try to catch them again for us. We had such a great time, that we will be back.

Frequently Asked Questions

We cater to our discerning clients with a variety of tour packages, such as –

• 1-hour airboat tour • Private airboat tour • Sunset tours • Group airboat tours • Alligator airboat tour

We use smaller airboats that make it easier to get through nooks and crannies and perfect hiding spots of alligators. For larger groups, we have additional boats to accommodate your needs.

No; everyone can enjoy airboat tours – though kids aged 6 and under must wear life jackets.

The cost will vary based on the type of airboat tour package you choose and the duration. We promise you a wonderful experience at an unbeatable rate.

Book Airboat Ride in Florida

CONTACT INFORMATION

• (407) 247-9888
• [email protected]
• 28500 East Colonial Drive Christmas, FL 32709 USA

BUSINESS HOURS

• Mon - Sun : 24 Hours

 2024 Backwoods Airboat Adventures. All rights reserved.

Your Guide to Adventure

Located at Mary's Fish Camp in 

Weeki Wachee, FL on the 

Adventure Coast.

Reserve your spot today!

(352)361-0731

Scallop Season Starts Soon!

Welcome bayport airboat tours, captain carey gibson.

"Home of the Southern Slide"

Check out these cool pictures!

Experienced guide.

Captain Carey Gibson is a Florida native that grew up on the Adventure Coast. He has spent over 20 years as a fishing guide and airboat captain. 

The Adventure Coast is Captain Carey's bread and butter! His knowledge of the wildlife as well as his ability to take you anywhere is what makes this experience unlike any other.

Book today to see why they call it the Adventure Coast!

Tours Available!

1 hour airboat tour.

All Airboat Tours are a minimum of 2 people.

Children 10 - Under

Sunset airboat tour.

Experience an incredible sunset here on the Adventure Coast!

Special Requests Available

For small group tours, we can customize an itinerary to emphasize your interests. If you have a special request, send us a message, and we will be sure to get back to you soon.

Bayport Airboat Tours

8092 Marys Fish Camp Road, Weeki Wachee, Florida 34607, United States

352-361-0731

All Tours are by Appointment only.

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Come Ride the River!!!

(we are not on a lake)

Serving central Florida for 39 years

***reservations only ***.

PLEASE MAKE A RESERVATION

You MUST arrive 30 M INUTES   prior to your reservation to check-in.

Customers not arriving 30 minutes prior will lose their reservation, and it will be given to walk-ins.  

*****  WINTER SPECIAL *****

1 hour adventure.

ADULTS      $54 .95   $41.50 +tax*

KIDS 3-10   $44.95    $32.00 +tax*

(2 and under free)

*All coupons and discounts have been applied to  WINTER SPECIAL

Expires 4-20-2024

 ***** 1 HOUR PRIVATE RIDE *****

***** limited time offer *****.

$75.00+tax   Per Person

— Minimum 4  People —

_______________

ASK ABOUT OUR GROUP RATES

(15 OR MORE PEOPLE)

All the COOL people come here!!!

352-726-6060

Email Us:  [email protected]

Extreme Airboat Rides Near Central Florida

• All activities
• United States Coast Guard Certified Captains
• Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
• Food and drinks
• Ozello, Ozello, Florida
• Location Name: Lake Panasoffkee Location Address: Tom and Jerry's Airboat Rides 68 N Main Terr Lake Panasoffkee, Fl 33538 Return Location: Concludes at original start point
• Wheelchair accessible
• Most travelers can participate
• Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
• We have a snack bar with sodas, water, etc which are not included in the ticket price.
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• Paul1979y 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Okay air boat ride, limited wild life The air boat ride was enjoyable, we saw turtles, birds and one alligators head. If you want to see gators or get any commentary when the boat stops this is not the ride for you. Could do better!! Read more Written April 22, 2024
• Footprints798694 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Ripoff Only AFTER we paid our money and we’re on the air boat did the captain tell us due to weather the wild life was HUNKER DOWNED. We saw ZERO wild life and when we called to see if we could get a refund or reschedule the lady hung up on us numerous times. Don’t waste your money Read more Written February 19, 2024
• Clare C 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great fun! We had great fun on our airboat tour. Visited from the UK and had two children with us 2 and 3 and both loved it! We managed to see lots of wildlife and the kids loved it when we went fast! Read more Written November 16, 2023
• laramJ2567QA 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome experience! We had the best time!!! It was really rainy and Captain Keith caught a good weather window so we could go on our ride. He pointed out wildlife, historical information, and was so fun and personable. The kids felt comfortable and had a blast!! Miss Barb helped us all hold the cute gator and take lots of pictures. I highly recommend this tour! Something for the whole family (we have kids from 4-13) and a great memory! Read more Written July 31, 2023
• AngieOnHoliday00 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Yessir! Ben & Jerry’s is an airboat must!! We saw lots of alligators and wildlife. Beautiful scenery. Family tip- they provide ear protection if you need, but we were ok without. Captain Joe was amazing. Make sure you bring cash to tip the guide. Read more Written April 16, 2023
• V3747VNandreaw 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles First airboat ride! Tom and Jerry’s airboat rode was a great stop before heading home to middle Georgia. Our tour guide Joe was hilarious with his jokes mixed with much information about the area and history. Read more Written April 8, 2023
• teamcommittedfitness 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun! We had a blast! I would definitely recommend the 60 minute tour as I don’t feel like 30 minutes would be enough! Saw so many beautiful birds and many many huge turtles. Oh and of course alligators! Our guide Brent was great! Loved his jokes and he was friendly with the kids too! The lake and its waterways were absolutely gorgeous. Definitely call for reservations - the website says you can walk-in, but the tours were booked well in advance. It was a bit of a hike from Tampa but well worth it. Read more Written March 29, 2023
• Lynn T 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good Private Tour but Frazzled Check-in Staff I booked a private tour 2 days in advance for 4 adults at considerable additional cost - $39.99 per person for the regular tour versus $75 per person. When we arrived the lady on the front desk was not aware of our 'private' tour and tried to sell me the regular tour. She seemed frustrated and overwhelmed and her customer service skills were not great. She eventually confirmed that we could have our private tour. We got the feeling she had to find someone to do the tour but eventually she confirmed the tour for us. Joe, our airboat captain, was Fabulous. He was informative regarding the animals and plants. We enjoyed a great one hour on Lake Panasoffkee with Joe. We found alligators, egrets, buzzards, etc. I was disappointed that there was nothing extra offered to us for the additional $35 per person for the private tour. When we arrived back at the office, we were given some time to hold a baby alligator and get our picture taken with it. Once again, the lady working there was rushing us along and getting agitated as we tried to rush taking our photos. At one point, I felt like telling her to step back - she was so much in our personal space. My suggestion to Tom and Jerry's is to hire someone with professional customer service skills for your office - I think your business would be much better off. The lady was not unkind but was not professional at all. I would NOT recommend this business. Read more Written March 22, 2023
• M1189YTtammyh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thrilling! Captain Sam!!..He is the reason we go back.My daughter had the time of her life. The stories jokes and good times made our trip memorable! Each time we were bored the captain picked somebody to be" Gator bait" So much fun and as always, Lots of laughs!! Thanks again Captain Sam Well be back!! Read more Written March 16, 2023
• LoveTravel699532 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Never again! To give 1 star is too much. I would not waste my time. We had a full boat 18 + people. To start the trip, each person was asked where they were from. My best friend, who happens to be black, was purposely skipped from being asked where she was from. This was not an accident. When this was pointed out, Captain Sam, was not the least bit apologetic! Others on the boat tried to compensate, but the tone was set. In addition to the clearly racist behavior, $41 per person was pretty steep for less than an hour boat ride and we were expected to tip Captain Sam upon our return! Very disappointing to see this type of behavior STILL!!! It's 2022 people....we all bleed the same color. Read more Written November 10, 2022
• Travelguymichigan 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fun! Great way to explore a different side of Florida. We saw lots of birds, turtles and even some alligators. The boat ride was fun too. Explorers will learn about the eclogy of the region and have fun while doing so. Read more Written November 9, 2022
• Mary Y 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Natural Beauty & a great ride! I was expecting to be disappointed by what seemed to be a roadside attraction. But I was wrong! We spent over an hour in a gorgeous wetland area, enjoying the absolute beauty of the ecosystem. We saw a vulture colony, incredible birds, gorgeous trees and even an alligator. Captain Joe gave us a great tour and such a fun ride. The boat was safe for families, and went just fast enough to give us a thrill ride. I’m so glad we took a chance on this. It was worth it. Read more Written November 9, 2022
• kentkate24 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great Gators! Firstly Captain Joe and Sylvia (Gator Girl) are brilliant. Sylvia is the warm welcoming committee, and Captain Joe the incredibly laidback but knowledgeable captain of the airboats. We saw some amazing sights, had thrills, chills and rain threatened to spill but Captain Joe at the helm assured we had an unforgettable time. I was struck by how respectful they were of the natural surroundings, this wasn't a pure tourist trip, they genuinely care about the ecosystem and it's survival. Thanks for an amazing trip! Read more Written September 17, 2022
• AlexF939 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Good half a day. Staff is friendly. Facilities and the boat was in need of some cleaning. Should provide some desinfectante to clean the ears mugs. Read more Written August 28, 2022
• Sevans521 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great addition to our trip ! Great side trip to our vacation. The captain was very knowledgeable and answered all my questions. The boat ride nice on a very hot day. Saw a lot of gators and other wildlife. Then at the end we all got to hold a baby gator ! I definitely recommend these guys. You won't be disappointed, be aware the boat is very loud. But hearing protection is provided for everyone if you want it. Personally I love the sound of a big block! 😆 Read more Written July 27, 2022

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Extreme Airboat Rides Near Central Florida provided by Tom and Jerry's Airboat Rides

The Difference Is In The Tour

Welcome to Vero Beach Florida’s most popular airboat adventure!

Capt. Bob set the standard in 2004 with the first and most talked about, narrated airboat tour on the Treasure Coast. Located in Vero Beach just west of I-95 on the beautiful Blue Cypress Conservation Marshland.

Experience Florida’s natural marshlands, and feel the thrill of flying over the water and drifting through turns as you glide over miles of natural Florida wetlands. During your one hour airboat tour you will observe exotic birds, plants, turtles and Florida alligators in their own natural environment in pristine areas that ordinary boats simply cannot reach. Getting so close you’ll be amazed.

Capt. Bob is a long time Indian River County resident and guide. He transformed an average airboat ride into the best fully-narrated airboat tour through Indian River County’s marshland. While navigating the waters, Capt. Bob shares information about the area and its habitat through aviation talk-around headsets provided to all guests. On your airboat tour, Capt. Bob will share points of interest about the birds, plants, fish and gators that you see. He will also cover the history of the marshlands and its previous transformation. Capt. Bob’s airboat tour has been enjoyed by thousands young and old. Capt. Bob set the standards that others try to follow. Enjoy a fun, exciting, educational and entertaining look at the marshlands in its natural inhabitants. A must see for tourists and Florida residents of all ages, Capt. Bob is known by the locals as the Marsh Entertainer!  Capt. Bob’s Airboat Adventure Tour has proudly been the premier airboat adventure tour since 2004.

• Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour

per kid (4–10)

50 min tour

2-3 hour visit

Zip through the world-famous twisting mangrove tunnels of Everglades City as your captain amazes you with knowledge of Everglades plants, animals, and history. Watch out for alligators—they may have their eyes on you! Then check out the Everglades City Boardwalk, Animal Sanctuary, and alligator show, all included with your tour.

5 Attractions Included with All Our Tours

Animal Sanctuary

Alligator Show

Hug an Alligator

Upgrade your tour.

Add Grassland & Buggy

Add Grassland Airboat

Add Swamp Buggy

• Private Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour

Add Ten Thousand Islands Boat Tour

Choose the right tour.

• On a 50-minute Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour (the tour you're looking at now), you'll zip through Everglades City's twisting mangrove tunnels, world-famous waterways shared by multiple tour companies. Boats seat a maximum of 6 guests.
• Add a 30-minute Grassland Airboat Tour to explore an exclusive mangrove and grassland preserve under wide-open sky. Boats seat about 15 guests.
• Add a 30-minute Swamp Buggy Tour to explore exclusive grasslands and cypress forests from a raised buggy, which seats about 20 guests.
• For the shortest wait, we'll seat you on the first available airboats, which may have 6 or 10 seats.
• We try to keep groups together, but we may split your group onto multiple airboats.
• Other people may be seated with you.
• Infants must be assigned a seat, even if they sit on your lap.
• A Private Mangrove Tunnel Airboat Tour ensures your party gets an entire airboat to yourself to see Everglades City's famous mangrove tunnels.
• On all other airboat tours, you might be seated with other guests, or be split onto multiple airboats if there aren't enough seats on one airboat.

Guests Love Us!

“There is something about flying down narrow alleys of mangrove trees that is just a rush. I could never get tired of it. The guides always give more than just a ride. You learn so much about the Everglades and the total ecosystem that it is. We most certainly will be back!

—C. from Florida

“The mangrove tour was so much fun! We saw a family of dolphins swimming along the boat, several alligators, and a few fish jumping out of the water. Riding through the mangroves was beautiful and a fun way to see the Everglades. I would recommend to anyone.”

—J. from Massachusetts

“We really enjoyed seeing the alligators. The captain of the airboat gave a lot of information about the Everglades and habitat. The addition of the two-way headsets let us all communicate during the tour. This was really a highlight of having friends down visiting us new Florida residents. Plan to bring other guests."

—K. from Florida

“We did the combo package and it was amazing! Great way to experience all 3 ways to 'see' the Everglades! Would highly recommend. All the captains for each segment were fantastic! Had a great time!"

—J.T.

Why Choose Captain Jack’s?

Local Roots

Safety & Experience

Two-Way Headsets

Alligators & animals.

Quietest & Comfiest

Personal & Popular

Refreshments & Gifts

Top questions.

• 45 minutes from Naples
• 75 minutes from Fort Myers
• 90 minutes from Miami
• 3 hours from Tampa
• 4 hours from Orlando

Don't use Uber, Lyft, or other ride-sharing services. They can't pick you up when you're done!

• Yes, all ages are welcome on all our tours.
• Any passengers aged 17 or younger must be accompanied by at least one passenger who is aged 18 or older.
• Coast Guard regulations require everyone, even infants on your lap, to buy a seat.
• Consider bringing sunblock, bug spray, and comfortable shoes and clothes.
• You might get a little wet from small splashes and spray.
• If rain is forecasted, we recommend bringing a poncho.
• Many guests see wild alligators, birds, and other wildlife on their airboat and buggy tours, but Mother Nature makes no guarantees, so neither can we.
• You will definitely see alligators and other rescued animals in our Animal Sanctuary , an attraction included with all our tours.
• Our tours run rain or shine, except when there's a thunderstorm.
• We don't refund bookings if you cancel too close to a tour's departure time (check the policy when booking).
• Sometimes we need to delay due to thunderstorms or other unforeseen circumstances. We'll do our best to reschedule or issue a refund.
• Our airboat docks are handicap accessible, but wheelchairs can’t be loaded onto our airboats.
• If anyone in your party is using a wheelchair, please be sure they can move from the wheelchair onto the airboat.
• For everyone's safety, pets and service animals are not allowed in the Animal Sanctuary , near the boat launch, on airboats, or on swamp buggies.
• Service animals are allowed only in the gift shop, restrooms, and picnic areas.

Mangrove Coupon

Get a $3.33 discount, free Alligator Hugs, and free admission to our alligator show and Animal Sanctuary when you sign up for our email newsletter!

We'll email the Mangrove Airboat Tour coupon to you:

• Total Everglades Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel & National Park Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel & Grassland Combo
• Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo
• Private Mangrove Tunnel & Buggy Combo
• Mangrove Maze Ultimate Combo
• Mangrove Maze Airboat Tour
• Grassland & Buggy Combo
• Grassland Airboat Tour
• Lodging Nearby
• Total Everglades Stay & Play
• Online Gift Shop
• Animals & Alligator Show
• Everglades City Boardwalk

Manatee Tours

Airboat Tours

Ozello boats presents.

352.228.8095

Fishing Charters

Scallop Trips

As seen on TV

Discovery channel, science channel, hulu & more.

There is a reason Ozello Boats has become the most talked about Airboat Tour in the industry....

Come join us on one of our Airboat Time Machines as we take you back in time to explore true Old Florida views  and endless wildlife. There is always a chance to see Dolphin, Manatee, Sharks, Stingray, Wild Pigs, Deer, Alligators, Fish, Bald Eagle and so many other species of birds and other wildlife. Our captains are true natives of Crystal River and look forward to showing you the best kept secrets of the Nature Coast.

Welcome to true old florida.

Did you know our area is known as the Manatee Capitol of the world? It's true! There is always a chance to see one of these gentle giants during our airboat tours.

St. Martins Reef

St. Martins Reef is one of the largest natural reefs on the gulf coast of Florida and it's in our backyard! See underwater caves, springs, sponge beds, coral, tropical mangrove islands, fish, shark, stingray and beautiful verity of sea grass fields.

Lodging on-site

Cabins  and RV sites available at

Ozello Keys RV Resort and Lodging! All units and sites are located on the water with boat slips

Kayak Rentals

Our sister company River Adventure Tours in Homosassa has all your paddle needs! Conveniently located at the head springs of the Homosassa River, it's the closest launch site to see the clear blue waters and Manatee!

Dolphin Encounters

Encountering Dolphin is an incredible experience and it's our priority to make this happen on every tour!

Ozello Keys Marina

We're located at the Ozello Keys Marina in Crystal River, FL.

2355 S Ripple Path.

Crystal River, FL 34429

Historical Sites

The history in this Old Florida community is endless! Visit the site of the world famous island school "Isle of Knowledge", Hall pf fame baseball player Dazzy Vance's fish camp, old cattle farms, former US presidents hunt camps and much more!

We only utilize licensed and insured local fishing guides to treat our guests to the ultimate day fishing on the Nature Coast!

Manatee everywhere in the Homosassa Springs 12/12/18

Scalloping with River Adventure Tours

Scallops still abundant weeks into season in Citrus County

Ozello Boats - Crystal River Airboat Rides

Breaking News:

Gator Park is open every day. No reservations required, just show up!

NPS Entrance Fee is now $8 per person for adults, free for seniors, children under 16, National Park passholders, military and veterans.

Please be advised that holding live baby alligator for a photo is no longer allowed. Thank you for your understanding.

We have a limitied availability for private tours. Please call to make reservation in advance. 

Walk-ins are always welcome!

Attention Drivers: Please exercise increased caution while traveling on US41 due to current road conditions. Stay alert, reduce speed , and maintain a safe following distance. 

Welcome to GATOR PARK

An alligator adventure in the heart of the everglades national park..

Looking for some serious gator action? Gator Park is the premier airboat tour in the Florida Everglades to spy these fierce reptiles. Airboat rides depart every few minutes, so your Everglades experience begins the moment you arrive. We also offer private airboat tours for a more up close and personal look at the alligators .

The Everglades National Park is known for its vast wildlife, many of whom you’ll meet on your airboat tour. From endangered birds you won’t find anywhere else to small creatures that live among these wild alligators , you’ll see Florida as few people do.

The Everglades' marine life includes more than 200,000 alligators, so you’re guaranteed to spy quite a few on your Everglades tour! American crocodiles and fish, including large mouth bass,  blue gil and catfish, are also frequent guest stars on the tour.

More than 28 different snakes - a few of which are venomous – also call the Everglades home, alongside the beautiful and elusive endangered Florida panther.

Experience this unique Miami, Florida attraction by booking your airboat ride through the Everglades National Park today. Give us a call at 800-559-2205 or buy tour tickets online now.

Ready to meet the gators? You’ve come to the right place. Buy your airboat tour tickets online and save time and money at the park. No reservations required! Your tickets will be available at Gator Park on the day of your airboat safari.

Airboat Tours

Get ready for the ride of your life. The Gator Park Airboat Tour begins by winding down the canal, providing plenty of photo ops to catch wildlife in their natural habitat. Experienced guides offer tips to ensure you spot alligators large and small...

Wildlife Show

Go beyond the Everglades with Gator Park's famous alligator and wildlife show and watch alligators from just a few steps away! This barehanded technique was originally used to capture alligators and showcases the great power and agility of the gators.

ALLIGATOR TOUR HOURS & RATES

Looking for a unique change of pace from other Florida tourist attractions? An Everglades airboat safari is just what you need. Gator Park is open and ready for your Everglades adventure every day, rain or shine! (The gators like the rain.)

Monday – Sunday:

• 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Last wildlife show:

Last airboat departure:

Tickets to Gator Park include admission, airboat ride through the Everglades and watch alligators at the Wildlife show. Buy tickets online and save. 

• Adults: $29.99 ($29.99 at the gate)
• Children: $19.99 (Kids 1-5 years old ride for free!)

Private airboat tours run on your schedule and are a great way to get up close and personal with the gators. Rates are by the hour.

• 1-4 People: $525.00
• 5-6 People: $695.00
• 7-10 People: $895.00
• 11-15 People: $995.00
• 16-24 People: $1495.00

$8 National Park Service entry fee is not included.

Excluded from National Park entrance fees:

• Children under the age of 16
• National Park passholders
• Senior citizens (62+ years of age)
• Active Military personnel with proper ID

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club cards accepted for all our Everglades attractions.

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Take an airboat tour of the wacissa river in northwest florida.

By Nancy Moreland

Standing on the only dock on the east side of the Wacissa River, I hear a muted fluttering of wings in the dense tree canopy of the Aucilla Wildlife Management Area . As if God tossed handfuls of ivory origami cranes into the clear spring skies, flocks of ibis glide over the river.

“When you get back in these tributaries, you feel like you’re the first person that’s ever been here,” said Bradley Cooley, owner of 5 Rivers Adventures airboat tours.

Cooley has plied Jefferson County’s Wacissa River and neighboring waterways for most of his life. Intimately acquainted with the river’s nooks and crannies, he has uncovered many secrets – from Native American campsites to moonshiner hideouts. He now shares that knowledge with others on his airboat tours.

Cooley and his Co-Captain Jon Schee guide fishing and scalloping excursions as well as eco-tours like the one I’m on. Those who want to channel their inner swamp person can hire the dauntless duo to guide a gator hunt or go frog gigging. When they’re not exploring the Wacissa, the pair lead airboat tours and trips along the Aucilla, Econfina, St. Marks and Wakulla rivers.

The Wacissa River eco-tour covers about seven miles in just over an hour, with plenty of time for watching wildlife, taking photographs and impromptu history lessons.

Bradley Cooley poles the airboat from a shallow spot on the river.

- Nancy Moreland for VISIT FLORIDA

What You'll Learn on Cooley's eco-tour

Today, riding on Cooley’s airboat, I’m the beneficiary of his trained eye and hands-on experience.

I learn that the river’s clarity stems from 12 limestone springs. I’m mesmerized by the DayGlo green eel grasses swaying gently beneath the surface. Skimming water so clear I can see 30 feet down in some places, I watch bass and bream dart through the depths. Turtles fat as melons sun themselves on logs. A seven - foot alligator, warming his armor-plated bulk on a sunny platform, refuses to swap his happy place for the 70-degree water, even as we approach for a photo.

Further down river, the miles whiz by, passing unbroken forests of cypress, oak and maple. Basking under the wide sun-drenched skies of this riverine sanctuary, my weary winter persona dissolves.

Except for a few kayakers, we have the river to ourselves. Acknowledging the rivalry between airboats and paddlers, Cooley outfitted his boat with a quieter engine and respectfully slows his speed when passing. One advantage of an airboat tour is accessing places other craft can’t, unless you plan on portaging your canoe over massive logs while tiptoeing through gators.

Pausing in a stream meandering off from the main river, Cooley points out a small rise on the riverbank. “If you see high ground along this river, it’s usually a Native American site, a shell mound,” Cooley said, referring to shellfish middens.

According to Jana Grubbs, executive director of the Aucilla Research Institute (ARI), humans occupied this region more than 14,000 years ago. The ARI supports research of archaeological sites in northwest Florida.

In another location, Cooley cuts the motor and picks up a replica of an atlatl, a spear-throwing tool used by Native Americans. Striking an ancient pose, he pitches the spear some 40 yards, as a hunter might have done in prehistoric times.

If an hour on the river isn’t enough, Cooley offers a truly immersive experience at the Wacissa River House. He built the three-bedroom, two story rental cabin himself, incorporating salvaged driftwood and 100-year-old pecky cypress logs into the decor.

“It’s the only house this side of the river,” Cooley said. Essentially off-the-grid, the cabin is outfitted with solar panels, a generator and well. Guests access the river by a dock outfitted with a screen house overlooking the Wacissa. Two canoes sit next to the dock, ready for a lazy drift along the slow-moving river. The house itself is accessed by boat or a 10-minute drive through the woods and fields of Jefferson County.

Soaking up the quiet, I felt the Wacissa work its magic on me. I thought of that screen house, the perfect perch for watching wildlife while sipping my morning tea. Before long, I’d be back in the city dreaming of the peace I find in places like this and feeling grateful they still exist.

How to Take a Tour…

To book a 5 Rivers Adventures airboat tour or a stay at the Wacissa River House, visit 5riversfl.com or call 850-544-2797.

The eco-tours generally depart from Wacissa Springs County Park in Florida’s Jefferson County, about 21 miles southeast of Tallahassee.

Spring and fall offer seasonal color and pleasant temperatures for airboat adventure tours. Wear layers if you book a winter tour, and insect repellent and sunscreen in summer.

PLACES TO REMEMBER

Tallahassee

Wakulla Springs

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