Airboat rides in Florida
Where to ride, what you will see and how to pick a tour. Guided airboat rides coming soon.
An airboat ride is the fastest way into Florida’s marshes. A flat-bottomed boat pushed by a big rear propeller skims over sawgrass and shallow water where other boats cannot go, and a good captain will stop to show you alligators, wading birds and maybe a bald eagle. Here is where to ride in Florida and how iOutdoors airboat trips will work.
Where can you take an airboat tour in Florida?
The two big areas are the Everglades west of Miami and Fort Lauderdale (most tours run off the Tamiami Trail and in the water conservation areas) and the Central Florida lakes and marshes around Kissimmee and Orlando, including Lake Tohopekaliga, Lake Kissimmee and the St. Johns River headwaters.
Most public airboat rides last 30 to 60 minutes; private charters can run longer. iOutdoors guided airboat rides are coming soon. Use the form below or call or text (407) 392-4593.
Where to ride
| Area | Near | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Everglades (Tamiami Trail, water conservation areas) | Miami, Fort Lauderdale | Classic sawgrass “river of grass”, alligators and wading birds. See Everglades tours and our Everglades guide. |
| Lake Toho and Kissimmee Chain of Lakes | Kissimmee, Orlando | Close to the theme parks; eagles, ospreys, snail kites and big gators. Paddle it instead on Shingle Creek. |
| St. Johns River headwaters | Melbourne, Titusville | Wide open marsh with huge flocks of wading birds in winter. |
What to expect
- Airboats are loud: good operators hand out hearing protection. Bring it for small children.
- Seating is open air, so wear sunglasses, sun protection and a light jacket in winter.
- Expect some spray on fast runs; bring a bag for phones and cameras.
- Pick a captain who stops the engine to talk about the wildlife, and who keeps a respectful distance from animals.
- Binoculars help: see what to take on a bird watching adventure.
Guided airboat rides: coming soon
We are lining up airboat captains in the Everglades and around Kissimmee. Tell us your dates and group size and we will let you know as soon as rides open, or call or text us.
Get notified when trips open
Book something today
Florida airboat ride FAQ
How long is an airboat ride?
Most public tours last 30 to 60 minutes. Private airboat charters usually run 1 to 2 hours.
Will we see alligators on an airboat tour?
Very likely, especially from November to April when water is low and gators gather in the open. Wildlife is never guaranteed.
Are airboat rides safe for kids?
Yes, with hearing protection and a seat next to an adult. Ask the operator about minimum ages.
Where is the closest airboat ride to Orlando?
The Kissimmee area, on Lake Toho and the nearby marshes, about 30 minutes from the theme parks.
Does iOutdoors offer airboat rides?
Guided airboat rides are coming soon. Use the form above or call or text (407) 392-4593. You can book a Lake Toho pontoon rental today.