Best airboats tours in Orlando

Orlando is world famous for its amusement parks, but it is also a destination with many natural areas. As one of the ways to get to know these sites is by airboat excursions, here are the best alternatives you have.

Matías Rodríguez

Matías Rodríguez

10 min read

Best airboats tours in Orlando

Bote en el muelle|©Jerome Cornier

Orlando is one of the entertainment capitals of the world and much of its fame is due to the fact that you can find some of the most popular amusement parks there. From Magic Kingdom to Universal Studios, there are many places you can visit during your visit to the city, but this destination also has a great offer of natural spaces that you can discover in different excursions.

Among the best activities you can do in Orlando to get to know its natural areas are taking an airboat tour of the Everglades National Park, participating in an excursion through Wild Florida, getting to know Panama Beach City and taking a private tour of the city's coastal area.

1. Airboat tour of Everglades National Park

river boating|©cool DARYSHOOT
river boating|©cool DARYSHOOT

If you want to experience the natural wonders of the Everglades, one of the best ways to do so is to take an airboat tour through the interior of the protected area. These experiences will take you on a journey through one of the most unique and diverse ecosystems in the world. From the lush vegetation to the wildlife, every moment on this tour will provide you with an authentic connection to nature.

The Everglades is famous for its biological diversity and the airboat tour is the most traditional way to explore this unique environment. Known as the River of Grass, the Everglades is a mosaic of wetlands, mangroves and bodies of water that are home to a wide variety of species, from alligators to tropical birds and fish, making it one of the best things to do in Orlando.

The Everglades Natural Park is located near the south coast of Florida, about 3 hours drive from Orlando, but due to its fame and natural beauty is one of the most visited destinations in the state. There, you can also visit the amphibious reptile reserve known as Alligator Oasis.

The airboat tour is much more than just an adventure; visiting the Everglades is an immersion in local history and culture. As you glide through the tranquil waters, expert local guides will share with you stories and insights about the importance of this ecosystem to the region and the world. Plus, you'll learn about conservation efforts and the challenges facing this delicate balance of nature.

Details of interest

  • Price: approximately 34 euros per person.
  • Duration: about 30 minutes, not including transfer.
  • Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know this natural paradise in one of the typical ways, sailing through the wetlands.
  • Disadvantages of these excursions: the park is about 3 hours drive from Orlando, so this experience might not be compatible with a short stay in the city.

Book an airboat tour

2. Airboat tour in Wild Florida

lake in Florida|©Natalya Nellis
lake in Florida|©Natalya Nellis

Wild Florida is one of Florida's most popular natural destinations and discovering the diversity of landscapes and wildlife on an airboat tour is one of the best experiences you can have in Orlando. From serene wetlands to lush forests, every turn of the amphibious vehicle will lead you to discover unique and fascinating sites.

This safari park is home to a wide variety of ecosystems, and during your airboat tour, you'll have the opportunity to explore the beauty of the wetlands, where lush vegetation and calm water create a beautiful backdrop. As you glide through the waterways, you'll get to witness the majesty of the local wildlife, making it one of the best activities to do with kids in Orlando.

One of the highlights of the tour is the opportunity to venture into the dense forests surrounding the wetlands. These forests are home to a rich biodiversity, from small creatures to exotic plants, so these experiences are usually among the top safari activities in Orlando.

If you plan to visit Orlando in June or during the summer months, you can also discover a pleasant climate on the recreated beaches inside the safari park.

Details of interest

  • Price: about 44 euros per person.
  • Duration: approximately 2 hours.
  • Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know one of the most outstanding natural sites in Florida in an experience compatible to live with children.
  • Disadvantages of these tours: these tours do not include much free time to explore the area on your own.

Book a Wild Safari tour

3. Airboat tour of Panama City Beach

panama city beach|©Ordi
panama city beach|©Ordi

Despite being located some distance from Orlando, an airboat tour of Panama City Beach offers an unparalleled experience for adventure and nature lovers. Here you can explore the marshes and wetlands of the region in an adventure that will take you through an aquatic world full of wonders and surprises.

Panama City Beach is a natural paradise that offers the opportunity to experience the thrill of hydrofoils in a unique environment. In the serene waters you can appreciate the rich diversity of local wildlife, from alligators to tropical birds, while learning about the unique ecology of the area on one of the best full-day excursions to take from Orlando.

Most airboat tours in Panama City Beach offer shuttle services to and from central locations, making the experience even more convenient and accessible. This will allow you to enjoy the adventure without worrying about transportation logistics.

Keep in mind that Panama City Beach is approximately 2.5 hours away by road, so if you are planning a 3-day stay in Orlando or even less, this activity could take time away from visiting the city's best theme parks or other attractions. In this case it will be ideal that you organize an itinerary to optimize the time of your trip.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 32 euros per person, approximately.
  • Duration: about 45 minutes.
  • Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know a paradisiacal but little explored place on the west coast of Florida.
  • Disadvantages of these excursions: the trip to the destination can be a bit tiring and affect you for the rest of the trip if you plan a short stay in the city.

4. Private airboat excursion in the Orlando coastal area

Person on a boat on the beach|©Flickathe
Person on a boat on the beach|©Flickathe

If you're looking for an exclusive and personalized experience, a private airboat tour of the Orlando waterfront is the perfect option. On these tours you can explore the wetlands and waterways at your own pace, surrounded by the natural beauty and wildlife that characterize this region.

During private excursions, you will have the undivided attention of an expert local guide who will be on hand to answer your questions and provide you with detailed information. This interaction will deepen your understanding of the wetlands and their importance to the ecosystem. It will also be ideal if you plan to travel in a group and want to see some of Orlando's best beaches, as you will be able to choose your stops.

The private airboat tour will take you through changing landscapes and panoramic views of Orlando's coastal area. From tropical birds flying overhead to alligators gliding through the waters, every moment of this adventure will be unique and exciting.

These excursions are usually included in the Orlando Explorer Pass, so you can also save time and money on these activities during your trip around the city. In addition, the tourist passes often include optional itineraries that could help you in the organization of your tour.

Details of interest

  • Price: from 152 euros for a hydrofoil with space for 6 people.
  • Duration: approximately 3 hours.
  • Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know Orlando's waterways in an efficient and fun way, in addition to visiting the city's beaches.
  • Disadvantages of these excursions: it does not include the visit to Wild Safari or Everglades, two of the main sites in Florida and two of the most famous destinations for this type of airboat tours.

Buy the Orlando Explorer Pass

5. Nighttime airboat tour from Orlando

Panama City Beach, Florida.|©Nikki B
Panama City Beach, Florida.|©Nikki B

If you want to experience the magic of the night in a different way, you can opt for a nighttime airboat tour through Florida's wetlands and river canals. This adventure will take you to discover wildlife and nature in its truest form, as you glide over the dark and mysterious waters.

As you drift into the night, you will witness the transformation of the landscape as the sounds of nature come to life. From the squawking of waterfowl to the movements of alligators on the banks, every moment of this tour will allow you to connect with the environment in a unique way, in one of the best things to do at night in Orlando.

These excursions will also allow you to discover the secrets of the night sky. With minimal light interference, you will visit privileged sites to observe the bright stars. Don't forget to bring your camera, because you will be able to take some of the best pictures of your trip.

If you plan to visit Orlando during the spring you will also be able to contemplate from these tours the best sunsets in the city, which are usually clear and clean due to the relatively dry weather in the region at this time of the year.

Details of interest

  • Price: about 44 euros per person.
  • Duration: about 1 hour.
  • Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know a different profile of the region in a night adventure experience.
  • Disadvantages of these excursions: some of the sites on the tour may not be fully appreciated in the dark of the night.

How to book an airboat tour in Orlando?

people looking at the computer|©Darlene Alderson
people looking at the computer|©Darlene Alderson

You can book the airboat tours in Orlando in advance online or buy them once you are in the city. If you plan to visit the city during the high season, I advise you to book the experiences before your trip so that you can freeze the rates, which tend to be dynamic and increase in last minute bookings, and secure your spot on the airboat on your chosen date.

If you book in advance, you will also be able to put together an itinerary that will allow you to save time and visit other sites in the city, especially if you have a short stay planned. You can combine these activities with a visit to Universal Studios amusement park or you can attend a Magic NBA game.

Book tickets for Universal Studios

What will I see on these types of tours?

Everglades|©Roberto xxx
Everglades|©Roberto xxx

The answer will depend on the excursion you choose, but in general you will be able to see some of the natural areas of Orlando and Florida, such as the Everglades Natural Park, the Wild Safari Reserve, Panama City Beach and the coastal areas of the city, which stand out for their wetlands and their rich flora and fauna.

If you plan to stay several days in the region you could also visit Miami and combine the tour with other nearby activities, such as those that include a tour of the Kennedy Space Center, since most of the airboat activities include trips around the city.

Buy a tour to the Kennedy Space Center

Tips for an airboat tour in Orlando

airboat on the water|©Airboat Afrika
airboat on the water|©Airboat Afrika

If you are planning to visit Orlando during Christmas or during a busy tourist season or high season, I advise you to book your excursions in advance. This will allow you to get better prices, as you will be able to freeze the rate at the time of purchase and also secure the date of your experience, which will save you time, and you will have time to organize an itinerary.

Orlando is a city that offers many alternatives and most of the airboat excursions include trips to the outskirts of the city, so if you want to optimize your tour and make the most of your time in this destination, you will have to make a schedule to visit and so you will be able to reconcile these experiences with other traditional activities in the city, such as attending one of the famous Orlando shows.

Keep in mind that Florida's roads are safe and accessible for the transit of cars, so if you want to optimize even more the time in your tours and, in turn, know several of the sites around the city, you can rent a vehicle and discover the destinations at your own pace. Within the city you can opt for private transportation, which is very common and is usually offered at hotels.

Why is it advisable to take an airboat tour in Orlando?

EvergladescSandeep Sajjala
EvergladescSandeep Sajjala

Orlando is famous for its theme parks, but the city has many other options to offer and the example of this are the wetlands and river canals that you can get to know in the outskirts. These sites will allow you to discover Florida's natural profile and participate in its adventure experiences.

In addition, these excursions are the ideal excuse to get out of the main circuit of the city, which includes the most visited attractions located in the urban area. Not only will you be able to discover beautiful landscapes and learn about the local flora and fauna, but also interact with animals and the natural surroundings of the region, which will be ideal if you plan to visit Orlando with children.

Finally, if you are planning a 5-day stay in Orlando or even less, and you have a list of activities that includes the most outstanding attractions, an organized airboat tour will allow you to effectively and quickly get to know some of the most picturesque and interesting sites in the surrounding area.