best everglade tour near orlando

5 of the Best Everglades Airboat Tours from Orlando

While Orlando is too far from Everglades National Park to conveniently visit in a day, the sprawling network of lakes, swamps and waterways span much further north, surrounding the city, particularly to the south and east. This natural habitat is the perfect place to get closer to nature. Everglade swamps, as it may not surprise you to hear, are not very human friendly. After all, they’re packed with insects and alligators and lots of water. But never fear, human ingenuity has brought us the airboat, meaning you can simply glide over it all and access those hard to reach recesses of the natural world with the minimum of effort.

Specialized airboat tours from Orlando are an excellent way to leave the trappings of the city behind and get a little closer to the nature of the Everglades. The nearby cities of Kissimmee and St Cloud are gateways to these wetlands, while some airboat tours also organize hotel pickup and drop off from Orlando. Here are five of the best Everglades airboat tours from Orlando and its satellite cities. In compiling this list we have paid close attention to things like the price, duration, quality of the guides and of course the feedback from previous guests.

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• Alligator Tours
• Orlando Everglades
• 1 Hour Airboat Tour
• 90 Minute Airboat Tour
• 2 Hour Airboat Tour
• 4 Hour Airboat Tour

Orlando Airboat Tours A Real Florida Experience!

***SPECIAL NOTES***   We have 6 to 9 Passenger Airboats.  Have more? No Problem, we will start your tour together, see each other out there and return together!  Great way to get pictures!

Reservations Required –  remember to check in 15 minutes before your tour.   Partin Triangle Park  2830 Neptune Rd  Kissimmee, Fl  34744    **Brown Cabin next to the restrooms.

 SPECIAL NOTES–   Please bring hats, sunglasses, sunscreen and water for your tour.     Our airboats are open vessels (not covered) because of where we go to view wildlife, alligators and birds.

We except Debit and Credit Cards ( $4.69 processing fee for credit card)    Due to increased fuel prices, we have temporarily added a 1% fuel surcharge.

Orlando Airboat Tours: Operated by Marsh Landing Adventures

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED 

We offer the closest Airboat Tour and Eco Tour to all of the Central Florida Attractions.  

Here at Orlando Airboat Tours, we run smaller airboats so we can get you into locations the larger, barge type boats can’t get to. Our airboats  are state of the art,  stadium seating open boats which give all passengers an unobstructed, fantastic view of the diversity of wildlife and plant life that call the swamp their home.  Our boats are not covered due to the areas we take our guests.

Our Airboat Adventure Prices are per person:

• 1 Hour   $55.00 Adults / $50.00 Child
• 90 Minute  $70.00 Adults / $65.00 Child
• 2 Hour   $90.00 / $85.00 Child
• 4 Hour Wilderness Excursion (4 Person Minimum) $175.00 Adult / $165.00 Child
• Private Tours

Our airboat rides give you the opportunity to experience the real WILD side of Florida.  We want you to see the Florida alligators, wildlife of all kinds, many species of birds, and beautiful flora.

• Monday – Saturday tours start at 9:00 am, 11:00 am. 1:00 pm,  3:00 pm, and 4:30pm RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
•  Sundays : Closed

*** You MUST check in at the ticket office 30 minutes BEFORE  your tour time at 2830 Neptune Rd  Kissimmee, Fl 34744 –  Brown cabin next to the restrooms***

Cancellation Policy:  Our tours run rain or shine.  24 Hour notice required for a refund.

We have smaller boats, so we can get into areas the big barge type boats can’t get to.  For large groups, we have additional boats as needed to accommodate you. The boats depart at the same time and return at the same time. You will have opportunities to see each other and take pictures of each other while you are out in the swamp.

Our captains will stop and talk with you, encourage you to ask questions, let you take pictures, and we also want you to HEAR the wildlife.

We do our tours rain or shine!   We will do a delay if the weather gets bad.  In Florida, if you wait a little bit, the weather gets better!

Not at all. Life Jackets required for kids 6 and under, but all will enjoy our Airboat Tours. Smooth and exciting tour!

Airboat Tours

• Monday -Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Sundays – Closed

Advanced reservations are required. You can call our ticket office directly from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm,  at 407-572-3561 and someone from our staff will be happy to assist you. Credit cards are required for your reservation and will be charged at the time of booking your tour. There is a $8.69 processing fee. You can also purchase tickets through our website.

Did You Know?

Shingle Creek which is located right here in Central Florida is the Headwaters for the Florida Everglades. Right where we take you on our exciting airboat adventures is where the Everglades start. Come take an exciting airboat ride and see where the largest living estuary in the World starts from a little creek.

Voted "Best" Tour For Central Florida In Orlando Airboat Reviews !

Our ninety-minute ride was everything we had hoped it would been, and it was made even more enjoyable by my comfy bucket seat in the front row (and a carabiner to secure my bag). Captain Wayde was friendly to us guests and, even more importantly to me, respectful of the animal life we encountered. I think that a Marsh Landing Adventures airboat ride is an excellent way to leave one’s everyday world behind and get immersed in Central Florida nature.

Had a fantastic 1hr ride out with Capt Scott what a charmer very funny and knows his stuff for sure, had a wonderful exhilarating ride out into the swamps even had a beer at no charge if you are there in the area its a well worth trip.

We had a boat tour with Captain Chris and honestly if I had the time this holiday I would go again! It was amazing! The marsh was picturesque and full of wildlife. We were even lucky enough to see a few alligators! Our Captain was great ; very friendly and informative! An absolute 10/10.

We have been voted, in Orlando Airboat Reviews, as the best 90 minute and 2 hour alligator tour in Central Florida.

Be sure to check out the rest of our website to find out more information about the best airboat rides in Florida, purchasing airboat tour tickets online, and making reservations by phone.

Deals for humans

Florida resident deals, military, first responder, and teacher deals.

(Four-person max, discount can be redeemed by booking over the phone or being refunded with proof of membership upon check-in. Combos and Half-Day Adventures are excluded.)

FHIA (Florida Hospitality industry association) DEALS

(Three person max)

AAA, TRAVEL AGENTS, SENIOR DEALS

(Discount can be redeemed by booking over the phone or being refunded with proof of membership upon check-in.)

THINGS TO DO

floridians love bogo.

choose your adventure!

Ultimate Adventure

Half-Day Adventure

VIP Safari Tour

Sloth Encounter

We put the wild in.

Embark on a wild adventure through the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades at Wild Florida!

Encounter over 200 native and exotic animals, savor unique swamp delicacies at the Chomp House Grill, and engage with captivating creatures in interactive encounters. Uncover the untouched beauty of pristine marshland on a U.S. Coast Guard certified airboat, spotting magnificent wildlife like eagles, alligators, and more.

AN AIRboat tour

through our gator park

through our safari park

animals LIKE you've never seen them before

Don't miss out on our special deals as a florida resident, what are they saying.

We couldn't have been happier with the sloth encounter that my daughter went to. She is still smiling days later.

Greg noonan, this place is so awesome and gets better and better every year. just did the reptile and porcupine animal experiences and it was unbelievable, the drive through park was awesome. you could stay in your car and be comfortable and really get a close up view of the animals., emona newbold, wild florida airboats & gator park is an absolutely amazing experience for anyone who loves to explore the outdoors and get up close and personal with nature. the airboat rides are thrilling and provide an opportunity to see some of florida's most beautiful and unique landscapes..

Check out our explorers!

Don't believe them? See our fan photos for yourself!

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7 Best Airboat Tours Near Orlando FL You Must Try

March 21, 2023 //  by  Florida Trippers

Are you searching for the best airboat tours near Orlando? We have got you covered! Whether you’re looking for a longer tour, an event that provides lunch, or a very knowledgeable guide, your options are always endless.

Orlando is home to so many fun things. From activities for adults in Orlando , to places to visit with kids in Orlando , many people solely think of theme parks when they think of this wonderful city.

Planning your trip to Orlando last minute?

Make sure to book ahead! Hotels and tours often sell out the closer you get to your trip. Here are our top picks for Orlando:

Top Experiences And Tours In Orlando:

• Kennedy Space Center Entry Ticket (Best day trip!)
• Everglades Airboat And Wildlife Park (Great for kids)
• Universal Orlando Park-To-Park Ticket (Easy cancellation!)
• Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour (Great to explore I-Drive!)

Best Places To Stay In Orlando:

• Buena Vista Suites Orlando (Close to Disney and affordable)
• Avanti Palms Resort (Amazing Universal location!)
• DoubleTree By Hilton Universal (At Universal entrance)
• The Grove Resort Orlando (Huge water park by Disney)
• Gaylord Palms Resort (Our pick! You won’t regret it!)

However, t here is more to Orlando than Disney and Universal ! Florida holds some of the nation’s most diverse wildlife. It is surrounded by oceans and gulfs. It houses incredible creatures like the endangered Florida panther, manatee, and leatherback turtle.

And don’t forget the mystery swamps of the Central Florida Everglades. These feature hidden gems in a unique oasis. So go check out the Florida everglades tours near Orlando– we promise to only list the best airboat tours near Orlando so you can have a great experience!

7 Best Airboat Tours Near Orlando FL you Must Try

1. everglades airboat tour and wildlife florida admission with optional lunch.

Escape to the wilderness of the Everglades on an airboat adventure! Tours like this one offer an exciting look at nature. Through the Wild Florida Airboats and Wildlife Park , you can see over 200 animals.

Stare and take photos of lemurs, sloths, zebras, cattle, bobcats, and more. And when making your decision, choose from two airboat durations. You can either upgrade to a half-day tour or stick to your hour slot. Make sure to add this to your Orlando Itinerary!

Lastly, enjoy a delicious barbecue lunch at the Chop House Grill. The 13 acres surrounding this park will have you breathless, as will the 4,200 acres of swamps you’ll cover on this tour. And don’t forget your alligator souvenir! This is one of those airboat tours from Orlando that you won’t forget. Heck, many even consider it one of the top alligator tours near Orlando!

Check Availability: Florida Everglades Airboat Tour and Wild Florida Admission with Optional Lunch

2. Kissimmee: 1-Hour Airboat Everglades Adventure Tour

Although the last tour is a little south of Orlando, you won’t really get closer than Kissimmee! This Kissimmee tour features airboat rides in Orlando you don’t want to miss.

Speed across the Florida Everglades and experience the beauty of the swamps and marshes. You’ll really get up close and personal with Shingle Creek as you take this hour airboat tour.

The wildlife and landscape here will remind you of why these tours are so popular. Featuring a live tour guide, this tour is informative and thrilling. Enjoy the unobstructed views and state of the art boats!

Check Availability: Kissimmee: 1 Hour Airboat Everglades Adventure Tour

3. Orlando: Boggy Creek Airboat Ride with Options

If you want to enjoy fast and fun rides through the Everglades’ Headwaters, check this tour out! And better yet? Do it with a U.S. Coast Guard Captain as your guide.

This is the best swamp tour in Orlando. You get to witness the natural wonderland around you, and you’ll always see alligators, turtles, and birds on a trip with the Boggy Creek Airboat Rides .

Let the wind whip through your hair on this traditional airboat. Look at an alligator oasis up close, and pick a duration that best fits you. From 30 minutes to four hours, this is a safe and fun activity, perfect for the whole family.

Check Availability: Orlando: Boggy Creek Airboat Ride with Options

4. From Kissimmee: Boggy Creek Everglades Sunset Airboat Tour

What is better than most airboat tours in Orlando? The top Orlando airboat tours of course! Especially when these tours take place in the stunning Florida sunset!

Glide through the Everglades as the sun sets with the Boggy Creek Airboat Rides. Twilight will embrace the wetlands at this time, making for stunning photos and unforgettable experiences.

Search for gators, turtles, and birds in their natural environment and enjoy the cascade of colors as the sun touches the marsh. Sit back and relax as your captain navigates the ship. But don’t forget to peer at the wildlife as their patterns change from day to night….

Check Availability: From Kissimmee: Boggy Creek Everglades Sunset Airboat Tour

5. Orlando: 90-Minute Airboat Everglades Adventure Tour

Looking for an hour-and-a-half everglade tour? Glide through the marshes by airboat and witness the largest living estuary in Central Florida.

This tour– with Marsh Landing Adventures LLC — is known for seeking out American Bald Eagles and American Alligators on their tour. Seeing these endangered species in their natural habitats is something definitely worth doing!

Catch the splendor of nature through the unobstructed views of the state of the art boats this tour offers. Better yet? Only 10 people are on this tour at once so it is small and personal. Talk about the good gator tours in Orlando!

Check Availability: Orlando: 90-Minute Airboat Everglades Adventure Tour

6. 90-Minute Everglade Airboat Tour in Central Florida

The Everglades can be a dangerous place to adventure through when doing it alone. But what happens when you have a knowledgeable tour guide with you? This is what a Kissimmee tour has to offer you!

For over an hour and thirty minutes, get live commentary from your guide as they navigate these crazy landscapes without the threatening feelings of danger.

Awe at the gators and wildlife. This guide will provide up close and personal attractions to the area and animals. And better yet? With only 15 travelers on the boat, this is small and comfortable. Do expect those gator nesting areas to be busy with one of the best Orlando everglades tours!

Check Availability : 90-Minute Everglades Airboat Tour in Central Florida

7. VIP Private Airboat Tour

Swap the private tours of theme parks and the busy city vibes for a private tour of the untamed beauty of the Everglades. And don’t forget that this tour also offers an exploration of a Native American Village attraction! Talk about some of the best Orlando Airboat tours!

No need to worry about big crowds with this option. This private tour i s just your part and your captain! Whizz away and keep an eye out for gators and turtles.

The captain will go at your preferred pace, and the chance to look at rare artifacts and handmade Native American objects has this tour stand out from others. You can also add gem or fossil mining for an additional fee and purchase food or drinks on the property. Either way, for 60 minutes, enjoy one of the best Orlando area airboat rides!

Check Availability: Kissimmee VIP Private Airboat Tour

And there you have it folks, seven of the best airboat tours near Orlando! So whether you want to do something private, or change up the duration of your exploration of the wetlands, there are options for everyone. Here you can witness the Everglades in a safe way and step away from the traditions of Orlando.

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William Dawson “Bill” Gunter, Jr. Obituary

TALLAHASSEE – William Dawson “Bill” Gunter, Jr., age 89, died peacefully at his home in Tallahassee, FL, surrounded by family on April 8, 2024. He was part of a group of Florida public officials in the nineteen seventies and eighties, including Governors Reubin Askew, Lawton Chiles and Bob Graham, following the tradition of Governor LeRoy Collins in their commitment to the principles of good government and social justice. Gunter served in the Florida Senate, the U.S. Congress, and on the Florida Cabinet as Insurance Commissioner, State Treasurer and Fire Marshall for 12 years.

A fourth-generation Floridian, born July 16, 1934, Gunter grew up working on the family dairy farm near Live Oak in Suwanee County excelling in student politics, sports, and academics. His senior year in high school, he was a Page for U.S. Congressman Charles Bennett and in college, he was elected National President of the Future Farmers of America, traveling the country and Europe during his term, culminating in a meeting with President Eisenhower in the Oval Office.

Gunter attended the University of Florida and waited tables to help pay college expenses. He was Majority Whip of the student legislature, managing editor of The Florida Alligator, president of the Baptist Student Union, and was selected for membership in Florida Blue Key and the UF Hall of Fame. He graduated in 1956 with high honors, the same year he was named as one of the Florida Jaycees “Five Outstanding Young Men.” After a tour in the U.S. Army, Gunter briefly taught at Edgewater High School in Orlando and in 1959 joined State Farm Insurance, becoming Regional Agency Manager in 1961.

Inspired by the courage of his role model Governor LeRoy Collins, Gunter ran for and was elected to the Florida Senate in 1966. He supported Governor Askew’s historic Government in the Sunshine reforms that enhanced public access to government meetings and records. As the Senator representing the Orlando area, he sponsored the Disney Bill in 1967 and was an early supporter of the establishment and growth of FTU, now the University of Central Florida. He worked to simplify the citizen initiative process in the Florida Constitution and advocated for education and prison reforms. In 1972 Gunter was elected to the U.S. Congress from Florida’s Fifth District. He served on the House Agriculture and Science and Astronautics Committees, and the Energy Subcommittee where he promoted solar and other sustainable energy sources.

In 1976 Gunter was elected State Treasurer, Insurance Commissioner and Fire Marshall. He pioneered insurance reforms including “excess profits” laws refunding over a hundred million dollars to consumers and significantly lowering rates. In 1981, he became President of the National Association of State Treasurers and in 1983, he was elected President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Washington Monthly wrote that Gunter “heads one of the nation’s most aggressive and efficient insurance regulatory agencies.”

In 1986, Gunter was re-elected with more than two million votes – then a record for any Florida candidate running for statewide office. In 1988, Gunter was named the “most effective insurance commissioner in the U.S.” by the National Insurance Consumers Organization.

Gunter rarely traveled without his briefing book which he studied at every quiet moment. Governor Bob Graham noted he was “always prepared” on Cabinet issues. Gunter was a strong advocate for preservation of the Everglades, beaches, wetlands, and barrier islands. He was named Florida Audubon Society Conservationist of the Year for 1987. At his request, Gunter’s ashes will be scattered on the St. John’s River near his birthplace, the Suwannee River where

he grew up, the Wekiva River where his family enjoyed canoeing and Alligator Point on the Gulf of Mexico where he and his wife, Kathy had a beach home.

Gunter insisted on diversity in his own staff and, as a Cabinet Member, initiated a reporting requirement on appointment of women to management positions in state agencies. As State Treasurer, he designed a plan to disinvest state funds from the apartheid regime in South Africa.

In 1989 Gunter joined what became Rogers Gunter Vaughn Insurance in Tallahassee as a partner, working with son Bart, and longtime friend Sam Rogers, Sr., serving intermittently as president, CEO and Chairman of the Board until his retirement in 2018. In 2003, he joined the Board of the Florida Association of Insurance Agents which he chaired in 2010. In 2013, Gunter was designated as a “Great Floridian” by the Governor and Florida Cabinet in recognition of his lifetime of public service to the people of his beloved “Sunshine State”.

Gunter loved to travel with his wife, Kathy and son Joel and other family members, including 12 trips to 14 countries in Africa, climbing the side of a Rwandan volcano in his 70’s to visit the mountain gorillas. He was also first to volunteer to go down in a steel cage to see great white sharks off the coast of South Africa.

Gunter was known for devotion to his family, compassion for those in need, love of adventure and willingness to mentor the young. The grandson of a minister who served churches in north and central Florida, he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher and was a faithful member of the Trinity United Methodist Church at the time of his passing.

Gunter was preceded in death by his first wife, Leslie Peaden Gunter and parents William Dawson Gunter, Sr. and Ruth Senterfitt Gunter. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Kathleen Boyd Atkins-Gunter, sons Bartlett David (Jennifer) Tallahassee, FL, Joel Stephen, Orlando, FL, daughters Rachel Gunter Shapard (Tommy), Jacksonville, FL, Rebecca Gunter Wood (Jonathan), Brunswick, GA, stepdaughter Melinda Baker Trotman (Lee), stepsons Christopher Lee Baker, and Michael Scott Baker, all of Tallahassee, FL. He is also survived by grandchildren Claudia Gunter-Leyh (Sean), Hannah Gunter, Dorey Gunter, Drew Shapard, Kate Shapard, Mac Shapard, Brennan Wood, Tucker Wood, Callie Wood, Kensie Wood, Kearce Baker, Madison Baker, Zachary Baker, Arden Baker and Julia Baker. Additionally, he is survived by sisters Merilyn Gunter Atkins (Richard) Winter Park, FL, and Harriett Gunter Summer (Charles deceased) Orlando, FL., former wife Teresa Gunter White (Tim), Tallahassee, FL, and many nephews, nieces, longtime friends, former staff members and associates.

The family would like to extend special appreciation to the following Hopewell team members for their loving care over the past few months: Paula Crosby, India Cobb, Doretha Harris, and Keiyona Jefferson.

A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, Monday, April 29, 2024, at 10:00 AM. The family invites all guests to a reception in Moor Hall immediately following the service. A private burial service for family members will follow at Roselawn Cemetery.

In lieu of Flowers, the family suggests contributions may be given to Trinity United Methodist Church, 120 W. Park Avenue, Tallahassee, FL 32302 (https://tumct.tpsdb.com/Give/tumct; select One Time Gift and Gunter-Memorial Gift); Florida Historic Capitol Museum Foundation, 400 S. Monroe Street, Tallahassee, FL 32301: https://bit.ly/donatetohistoriccapitol; or the Bill Gunter FFA Scholars Fund, University of Florida: https://www.uff.ufl.edu/giving-opportunities/022813-bill-gunter-ffa-scholars-fund/ Rocky Bevis and Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home in Tallahassee (https://www.bevisfh.com ) are assisting the Gunter family with arrangements.

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