It’s been two years since we moved to Florida and it was kind of amazing that we hadn’t taken an Airboat ride, especially since there are so many options available in our area.
Of course we turned to Google to help us decide on the closest Airboat Ride in our area. Boggy Creek Airboat Rides in Kissimmee came up as the best choice for us, with stellar reviews and just a few miles away from our home.
Once the ride got underway we couldn’t believe we had waited so long to take our first Airboat Ride!! It was an awesome experience! Of course I was expecting something between Miami Vice and a Moonshine Run, neither of which was fulfilled which was probably for the better……sigh. But it’s definitely a must do experience when you’re visiting Florida!
Even though it was a bit of an overcast day, the views were exceptional.
The Cypress Groves were breathtaking!
And our guide (who I nicknamed Lt. Dan) was very knowledgeable and friendly.
He stopped to show us the local vegetation and wildlife. Then Lt. Dan passed around a shell from one of Florida’s transplanted varieties of snails, The Florida Island Apple Snails. You could see their eggs which looked like big gobs of chewed up bubble gum on many of the reeds growing in the waters.
After a great tour we headed back to base and a very patient Lt. Dan helped us get all the pictures we wanted sitting in the captain’s chair.
But we weren’t quite done at Boggy Creek Airboat Ride yet. They have a representative from Gatorland on site for a very informative session on Alligators and Crocodiles in Florida. And for a small fee you were allowed to hold the gator and get as many pictures as you liked. The money raised went to help an endangered species of our native crocodiles.
Although I didn’t hold the Gator, my friend Kita from Girl Carnivore decided to go for the experience of Gator Wrangling adding her traveling companion George in the picture.
After the show we went inside to visit their gift shop where I grabbed this picture. Unfortunately, there were no gator sightings on our excursion, maybe next time we’ll get lucky.
If you’ve got friends and family that are difficult to shop for, you may find just what you need in the gift shop! I think I know what I’m getting my brother for Christmas this year….lol
All in all it was quite a fun experience and I would gladly do it again and I’m very happy to be able to share my experience with you! I do love Florida!
The Airboat Rides run throughout the day and go out often. For more information check out the Boggy Creek Airboat Ride Website.
Charles McCool
Awesome, Chef. I had a chance to drive an airboat at Boggy Creek and it was magical. Saw a bald eagle caught in the water (fish was too big) and it finally let go. Nature is wonderful.