Best airboats tours in Orlando

Orlando is one of the entertainment capitals of the world and much of its fame is due to the fact that it is home to some of the world's most popular theme parks. 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.

Some of the best things to do in Orlando to discover its natural areas include an airboat tour of the Everglades National Park, a tour of Wild Florida, a trip to Panama Beach City and a private tour of the city's coastal area.

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 of the interior of the protected area. These experiences take you on a journey through one of the world's most unique and diverse ecosystems. From the lush vegetation to the wildlife, every moment on this tour will give you an authentic connection with 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 Nature Park is located near the south coast of Florida, about 3 hours drive from Orlando, but due to its fame and natural beauty it is one of the most visited destinations in the state. You can also visit the amphibian 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 stories and insights about the importance of this ecosystem to the region and the world. You'll also learn about the conservation efforts and 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, by sailing through the wetlands.
• Disadvantages of these tours: the park is about 3 hours drive from Orlando, so this experience might not be compatible with a short stay in the city.

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 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 things 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'll also find your experiences include a pleasant climate on the recreated beaches inside the safari park.

Details of interest

• Price: around 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 that is compatible for children.
• Disadvantages of these tours: these tours do not include much free time to explore the area on your own.

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 on an adventure that will take you through a watery world full of wonders and surprises.

Panama City Beach is a natural paradise that offers the opportunity to experience the thrill of hydrofoiling 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 allows you to enjoy the adventure without worrying about transportation logistics.

Keep in mind that Panama City Beach is approximately a 2.5 hour drive, so if you are planning a 3 day stay in Orlando or even less, this activity may take time away from the city's best theme parks or other attractions. In this case it would be ideal to organise an itinerary to optimise your travel time.

Useful details

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

If you're looking for an exclusive and personalised 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 characterise this region.

During private tours, 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 is also ideal if you plan to travel in a group and want to see some of Orlando's best beaches, as you can choose your stops.

The private airboat tour will take you through the 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, Explorer Passes often include optional itineraries that can help you organise your tour.

Useful details

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

If you want to experience the magic of the night in a different way, you can opt for a nighttime airboat tour of 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'll witness the landscape transform as the sounds of nature come to life. From the squawks of waterfowl to the movements of alligators on the banks, every moment of this tour will allow you to connect with your surroundings in a unique way, in one of the best things to do at night in Orlando.

These tours 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'll also be able to catch some of the city's best sunsets from these tours, which are usually clear and clean due to the region's relatively dry weather at this time of year.

Interesting details

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

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

Booking in advance will also allow you to put together an itinerary that will save you time and allow you to visit other sites in the city, especially if you are planning a short stay. You can combine these activities with a visit to Universal Studios amusement park or you can catch a Magic NBA game.

The answer will depend on the tour you choose, but in general you'll be able to see some of Orlando and Florida's natural areas, such as the Everglades Nature Park, the Wild Safari Reserve, Panama City Beach and the city's coastal areas, which are known for their wetlands and 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, as most airboat activities include trips around the city.

If you are planning to visit Orlando over Christmas or during a peak tourist season, I advise you to book your tours in advance. This will allow you to get better prices, as you can freeze the rate at the time of purchase and also secure the date of your experience, which will save you time, and allow you time to organise an itinerary.

Orlando is a city that offers many alternatives and most of the airboat tours include trips outside of the city, so if you want to optimise your tour and make the most of your time in this destination, you will need to make a schedule of visits to reconcile these experiences with other traditional activities in the city, such as attending one of Orlando's famous shows.

Keep in mind that Florida's roads are safe and accessible for car traffic, so if you want to make the most of your travel time and, at the same time, get to know many of the sites around the city, you can rent a car and discover the destinations at your own pace. Within the city, you can opt for private transport, which is very common and is usually offered at hotels.

Orlando is famous for its theme parks, but the city has many other options to offer and the wetlands and waterways that you can explore in the outskirts are a prime example. These sites will allow you to discover Florida's natural profile and take part in its adventurous 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 is 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 prominent attractions, an organised airboat tour will allow you to effectively and quickly get to know some of the most picturesque and interesting sites in the surrounding area.