Boggy Creek, One-Hour Ride

Overview

This one-hour airboat ride leaves from Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures in Kissimmee, close to Orlando. A captain takes the boat out on the water, pointing out alligators, turtles, eagles, herons and other wildlife while explaining the ecosystem in plain language.

The ride itself is only part of the visit. Park admission is included, and the property has an alligator viewing area, a butterfly garden, a snack shack and photo spots, so there is plenty to do while waiting for your departure slot. Gem and fossil mining is available on site for an extra fee, and food and drink can be bought at the BBQ restaurant.

It suits families and most travellers: the venue and dock are wheelchair and pushchair accessible with ramps, though boarding the boat itself takes a few steps and a physical transfer; service animals are allowed, and infants sit on laps. Wildlife sightings vary with weather and season, and one reviewer who went early in the morning reported more alligators out of the water in the cooler conditions.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at Boggy CreekHead to Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures at 2001 E Southport Rd, Kissimmee. The listing asks travellers on the one-hour tour to arrive 30 minutes before their reservation.
2. Check in and exploreAdmission is included, so you can visit the alligator viewing area, the butterfly garden and the grounds while you wait. Gem and fossil mining is available for an additional fee.
3. One-hour airboat rideBoard the airboat for a 60 minute tour of the water with a captain who points out wildlife and shares local stories. Hearing protection and life vests are provided.
4. Return to the meeting pointThe ride ends back at the starting point, where you can buy food or drink at the BBQ restaurant on property, at your own expense.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will make the visit smoother, from what to wear to where to sit.

• Dress warmly. The listing warns that it is typically about 10 degrees cooler on the water in the wind, so bring a layer even on a warm day. One reviewer who went in the rain still had a good time.
• Use the ear protection. Hearing protection and life vests are provided for all passengers. One reviewer suggests adding earplugs on top of the provided protection.
• Go early for gators. One reviewer who went early in the morning said the cooler start meant more alligators were out of the water. Another noted that heat kept adult alligators out of view, though birds and other wildlife were still around.
• Sit on the edge. One reviewer advises sitting on the edges of the bench if you want clear photos.
• Plan extra time. The boat ride is one hour, but the grounds offer enough to fill a longer visit. Several reviewers mentioned the alligator viewing area, butterfly garden, snack shack and mining activity as reasons to arrive with time to spare.
• Book infants in. Infants must sit on laps, and the listing asks travellers to account for infants when making the reservation. The venue and dock are wheelchair and pushchair accessible with ramps, though boarding the boat itself takes a few steps.

Common issues. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed and depend on season, time of day and weather; two reviewers reported little alligator activity on their rides, one citing heat and the other the time of day and year. One reviewer reported hearing discomfort after not wearing the provided ear protection. The experience requires good weather and a minimum number of travellers, and if it is cancelled for either reason you are offered a different date or a full refund. Food, drink and gem or fossil mining cost extra.

Best Times To Ride