An airboat ride is one of those things people put on their Florida list and then start to wonder about. Is it loud? Is it safe for kids? Will you see an alligator, or just a lot of grass? Mini Moo Land sits inside Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures in Kissimmee, so these are questions we hear every day. Here are the honest answers.
Yes, airboat rides are safe for all ages when you ride with an established operator. At Boggy Creek, boats are U.S. Coast Guard approved, life jackets are required for kids under 6 and available to everyone, and ear protection is provided on request. You usually will not get wet, but you will want a jacket on cool days. Gators are never guaranteed on daytime tours because they are wild, but the night tour guarantees them.
What Is An Airboat, Exactly?
An airboat is a flat-bottomed boat pushed by a large, caged propeller mounted at the back, a lot like an airplane propeller. Because nothing hangs below the hull, it can skim across shallow marsh, lily pads and tall grass where a regular boat with an underwater motor would get stuck. That is why airboats are the classic way to explore Florida wetlands. At Boggy Creek, tours run through the headwaters of the Everglades, the chain of lakes and marshes that eventually feeds water south toward Lake Okeechobee and the Everglades.
Are Airboat Rides Safe?
With a reputable operator, yes. Here is what Boggy Creek does:
- Coast Guard approved boats run by captains who know these waterways well.
- Life jackets are required for children under 6 and provided for every guest.
- Ear protection is available for all guests on request. The propeller is loud, especially for little ears.
- Sensible speeds. The boats can reach about 45 mph, but captains usually run slower for the comfort and safety of guests and wildlife.
- Weather calls. If storms move in, tours go on a weather delay, and any ride canceled for weather is refunded or rescheduled.
Is An Airboat Ride Scary?
For most people, no. It is more thrilling than scary. A typical tour mixes fast stretches, where it feels like you are flying across the marsh, with slow, quiet stops while the captain points out a gator, an eagle or a nest. If anyone in your group is nervous, let the captain know before you head out, then hold on and enjoy the slow parts. A private VIP tour puts your group alone on the boat, and you can ask to go a little faster or slower.
Will I Get Wet?
Usually not. You might feel a light mist off the water, and Florida can always throw in a quick rain shower, but nothing that should need a change of clothes.
Is An Airboat Ride Cold?
On a warm day, the wind feels wonderful. In the cooler months it is a different story. Wind chill on a moving boat can make 60 degrees feel a lot colder, and in December, Orlando's normal low is about 53°F. Boggy Creek recommends a coat or jacket in the cooler months and in the evening, and on an extra cold day you are welcome to bring a blanket.
What To Wear On An Airboat Ride
- Layers. Comfortable clothes, plus a jacket from about November through March and on any evening tour.
- Sunglasses for glare and wind.
- A hat that stays put, or none at all. Loose hats and the wind do not get along.
- Sunscreen. Sun reflecting off the water makes UV stronger than you expect.
- Bug spray if mosquitoes like you, applied before the ride. Both are sold in the gift shop.
- Binoculars if you have them, for spotting gators and birds along the banks.
Will We See Alligators?
Very often, but daytime tours cannot promise it. The animals are wild, and sightings depend on the weather, season and time of day. Alligators are most active when it is warm (Florida wildlife officials put their sweet spot at about 82 to 92°F), and they slow way down when it gets cold. Boggy Creek's tip: in the warm months, avoid the middle of the day, and in the cold months, skip the early morning.
Two ways to make sure you see gators:
- Take the night tour. It is the one tour where alligators are guaranteed, because that is when they come out to feed. Night tours do not run when it is colder than 55°F.
- Visit the Gator Pond. Boggy Creek keeps about 35 young alligators in an enclosure on property, with food for sale in the gift shop.
Gators are only part of the show. The area has one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the world, plus sandhill cranes, herons, ospreys, roseate spoonbills, wood storks, turtles, deer and more. For more places to spot them, see where to see alligators near Orlando.
Which Airboat Tour Should You Pick?
| Tour | Best for |
|---|---|
| 30-minute tour | Little kids, tight schedules and first-timers. Walk-ins are accepted from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM, though reservations are recommended to avoid a wait. |
| 1-hour tour | More time in the marsh means more chances to see wildlife. This is the tour in the Mini Moo Land combo. |
| Sunset tour | Photographers and couples. Seats are very limited, so reserve early and arrive an hour before. |
| Night tour | Guaranteed alligators and glowing eyes in the dark. Reserve ahead and arrive an hour early. |
| Private VIP tour | Your group only, at your pace. Seasonal, with prices that vary. |
You can also add the Supreme Package to a ride, which includes lunch, the gem mine, nectar for feeding butterflies and a souvenir cup.
Are Airboat Rides Good For Kids And Babies?
Yes. There is no minimum age or height. Children under 2 can sit on a lap, infants under 3 ride free, and kids under 6 must wear a life jacket. Most little ones love it, though some do not like the noise or the life vest, so ear protection helps. Boggy Creek does advise against bringing very young children on one-hour tours during the hottest months, so a 30-minute ride is a smart first trip.
Can You Ride An Airboat While Pregnant?
Boggy Creek does not publish a specific pregnancy policy, so check with your doctor first and call the park at 407-344-9550 with any questions. If you go, a private tour lets you ask the captain for a slower, gentler ride.
Accessibility, Pets And Parking
- Wheelchairs: Ramps are accessible all the way down to the boats, but a wheelchair cannot go on board. If your party can help you down a couple of steps, getting on is usually not a problem.
- Dogs: Service dogs are welcome, but the boats are loud and most dogs get upset on them.
- Parking is free and just steps from the ticket booth.
How Much Does An Airboat Ride Cost?
At Boggy Creek, rides start at about $34 for a 30-minute tour, with longer and specialty tours priced higher. Check the booking page for current prices. Boggy Creek offers a 10% discount for military and first responders, seniors, Florida residents and AAA members on certain rides (discounts cannot be combined). If you also want to meet our Highland cows, the 1-hour airboat and Mini Moo Land combo saves $10 compared with booking both separately.
Tips For Your First Ride
- Arrive early. Thirty minutes before a 30-minute ride, and a full hour before sunset and night tours.
- Book weekends and holidays ahead. Walk-in waits vary a lot with crowds.
- Pick your time with the weather in mind. Late morning or afternoon in winter, morning or late day in summer.
- Ask questions. The captains love showing off this place.
- Make a day of it with the Highland cows, gem mine and butterfly garden.
