Top Outdoor Things to Do in Orlando
Get Outside & Explore Central Florida THERE’S MORE TO ORLANDO THAN THEME PARKS Roller coasters may get most of the attention, but some of the best outdoor things to do in
Orlando Airboat Rides News
Airboat Tours
A Real Florida Adventure Near Orlando 30 MINUTES. A WHOLE DIFFERENT SIDE OF FLORIDA. Looking for a 30 minute airboat tour in Orlando that doesn’t take half your vacation day?
Gator Airboat Rides
YOUR AIRBOAT QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Planning an airboat adventure near Orlando? Find answers about
30-minute airboat rides, night airboat tours,
holding a live alligator and planning your visit
to Gator Airboat Rides. Choose a category below or browse
all of our frequently asked questions.
Daytime Adventures
AIRBOAT RIDE FAQ
Learn what to expect from our daytime airboat rides through the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades, from ride length and reservations to wildlife, children and what to wear.
Our daytime airboat experience is a 30-minute ride through the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades. It gives you time to experience an airboat and explore Central Florida's natural wetlands without taking up your entire vacation day.
Daytime rides are a walk-in experience for groups under 15, so a reservation is not required. Tickets may be purchased when you arrive or online before your visit. Groups of 15 or more should contact Gator Airboat Rides in advance.
Yes. All ages are welcome on the airboat rides. Children age 6 and under are required to wear a life jacket and hearing protection, both of which are provided.
Alligators are frequently seen, but daytime wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed. These are wild animals in their natural environment, so every ride is different. Native birds, turtles, plants and other Florida wildlife may also be seen.
Yes. Hearing protection is provided for guests. Airboats have powerful engines, so hearing protection helps make the experience more comfortable while you're out on the water.
Yes. Life jackets and necessary safety equipment are available aboard the airboats. Children age 6 and under are required to wear a life jacket. Your captain will also provide safety instructions before departure.
Normally, no. You may occasionally feel a light mist or spray from the edge of the boat, but guests should not expect to get soaked during a normal airboat ride.
Dress comfortably for the day's weather. Sunglasses are useful, and long hair should be secured. If you wear a hat, make sure it is secure because it can get windy on an airboat. On rainy days, consider bringing a poncho or change of clothes.
Typical daytime waits are often around 15โ30 minutes, but wait times can be longer during busy periods, peak season and holidays. Because daytime rides are walk-in, actual wait times depend on how busy it is when you arrive.
Gator Airboat Rides takes guests through the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades, where Central Florida's lakes, marshes and wetlands form part of the greater Everglades ecosystem.
Florida After Dark
NIGHT AIRBOAT TOUR FAQ
Night tours offer a different way to experience the Florida wetlands, with a longer ride after sunset and a greater focus on searching for alligators after dark.
The night airboat experience is approximately 1 hour, giving you more time on the water as your captain explores the wetlands after sunset.
Yes. Unlike daytime rides, night airboat tours require advance booking and a scheduled departure. Tour times change throughout the year because night tours depart after sunset.
Night tours leave after sunset, so departure times vary with the season. Your booking information will provide the details for your scheduled night tour.
Gator Airboat Rides currently advertises guaranteed gator sightings on its 1-hour night tour. The nighttime ride is specifically designed around searching the wetlands for alligators after dark.
The wetlands have a very different atmosphere once the sun goes down. Night tours give guests a full hour on the water while the captain searches for alligators and other nighttime wildlife.
Dress for the evening weather. Because you're traveling across open water after dark, it can feel cooler and windier than it does on land. A light jacket or extra layer may be useful on cooler evenings.
Yes. Daytime rides are approximately 30 minutes and operate as walk-in tours. The night experience lasts approximately 1 hour, takes place after sunset and requires an advance reservation.
All ages are welcome on the airboat rides. Children age 6 and under are required to wear a provided life jacket and hearing protection.
Up-Close Florida Experience
HOLD A LIVE ALLIGATOR FAQ
Add an up-close alligator experience to your visit or stop by specifically to meet one of Florida's most recognizable animals.
Yes. Gator Airboat Rides offers an up-close alligator experience where visitors can hold a live alligator and capture photos of the experience.
No. The alligator experience is available with or without an airboat ride. Guests who take an airboat ride receive lower pricing for the alligator experience.
For guests taking an airboat ride, the alligator experience is $10 for adults ages 13+ and $8 for children ages 3โ12, plus tax. Ages 2 and under are free.
Yes. Guests can bring a phone or camera to capture photos during their up-close alligator experience.
Without an airboat ride, the stand-alone alligator experience is $15 for adults ages 13+ and $12 for children ages 3โ12, plus tax. Ages 2 and under are free.
Yes. You do not have to purchase an airboat ride to participate in the alligator experience. This makes it possible to stop by specifically to meet and hold a gator.
A Gator Airboat Rides staff member is present during the experience and provides instructions for interacting with the alligator. Guests should follow staff directions throughout the encounter.
Yes. The two experiences can be combined during your visit, and airboat guests receive discounted pricing on the alligator experience.
Before You Arrive
PLAN YOUR VISIT
From Orlando International Airport and operating hours to weather, discounts and larger groups, here's what to know before heading to Gator Airboat Rides.
Gator Airboat Rides is located just 6 miles from Orlando International Airport (MCO), making it convenient to add an airboat experience near the beginning or end of an Orlando trip.
Gator Airboat Rides is located at 3702 Big Bass Road, Kissimmee, Florida 34744.
Published daytime hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, seven days a week. Gator Airboat Rides currently states that it is open 365 days a year, including major holidays.
Florida weather can change quickly. Gator Airboat Rides does not purposely send rides out in the rain. If an extended rain delay prevents your ride, the published policy says guests may return another day or receive a ticket refund.
Consider bringing sunglasses and your phone or camera. Sunscreen can be useful for daytime rides. Check the weather before you arrive and dress accordingly. On rainy days, a poncho or change of clothes may be useful.
Gator Airboat Rides currently lists discounts for active U.S. military, teachers, first responders and seniors age 65+. Proof of ID is required, and the discount must be requested before checkout.
Groups of 15 or more should contact Gator Airboat Rides in advance rather than simply arriving as a walk-in group. Large-group and private-tour inquiries can be sent to the company directly.
Yes. Daytime airboat rides are a walk-in attraction, and tickets can be purchased at the location. You can also purchase daytime tickets online before arriving.
The location is only 6 miles from Orlando International Airport, so it can be convenient to include an airboat ride near the beginning or end of an Orlando trip. Always allow adequate time for traffic, your ride and normal airport check-in and security procedures.
For questions before your visit, call (407) 799-0838 or email info@gatorairboatrides.com. Large groups and private-tour inquiries should contact the company in advance.
