Boggy Creek Sunset Ride

Overview

This is a one-hour airboat ride across the shallow waters of the Florida Everglades, timed to leave the dock as the sun goes down. Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures runs it from their base at 2001 E Southport Rd in Kissimmee, and the boat returns to that same spot at the end.

The timing is the whole point. Reviewers regularly report alligators close to the boat, herons and other birds, and a sunset that many describe as the best part of the trip. One traveller called it the most Florida experience of their stay.

It suits a wide range of visitors. The site is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, infants ride on laps, and several families with children have written that all ages enjoyed it. Arrive an hour before departure, as the operator asks, and note that sunset departures do not run when temperatures drop below 50°F/10°C. Bring a warm layer, since it runs noticeably cooler on the water.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Arrive at Boggy CreekHead to 2001 E Southport Rd, Kissimmee. From 192 East, turn right onto Poinciana Blvd and follow it south about 19 miles until the road dead ends; the road name changes to Southport Rd along the way. Arrive one hour before your scheduled departure.
2. Check in and gear upCheck in at the facility. All passengers are given hearing protection and a safety vest before boarding.
3. Sunset airboat rideThe listing's itinerary notes a 2-hour admission block at Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures, with the boat ride itself running 1 hour. Glide across shallow water as the sun sets, watching for alligators, birds and other wildlife.
4. Return to the dockThe activity ends back at the meeting point. One reviewer mentions extras on site such as a butterfly house and an alligator viewing area if you have time before you leave.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points come up again and again in the listing and in traveller reviews, and they are worth knowing before you book.

• Dress warmly. The operator states it is typically at least 10 degrees cooler on the water and advises dressing warm. One reviewer also suggested long sleeves and long pants for the sunset ride.
• Arrive early. The listing asks sunset riders to arrive one hour before their reservation. One reviewer found this excessive and suggested arriving closer to departure time, but the operator's instruction stands, so plan for the earlier arrival and treat extra time on site as a bonus.
• It gets loud. Airboats are loud, and hearing protection is provided for every passenger. Reviewers appreciated this, so keep the ear protection on while the boat is moving.
• Wildlife is likely, not guaranteed. Most reviewers report alligators, herons, turtles and other birds, often close to the boat.
• Shared boat, up to 17. One reviewer with tall passengers in the group found the seating squeezed, so be aware that seating on a shared boat depends on the mix of passengers on the day.
• Photography stops. One reviewer said the driver stopped and stayed patient while everyone got their photos and videos, so have a camera or phone ready for wildlife and the sunset.

Common issues. The honest downsides are mostly about timing and weather. The operator will notify you up to two hours before departure if the minimum traveller count has not been met, and one reviewer reported a cancellation shortly before arrival, so keep an eye on your messages on the day. Trips can be cancelled for lightning or poor weather, in which case you are offered a different date or a full refund. Guide quality varies: one reviewer found their guide quiet and inexperienced, while most praise theirs as knowledgeable and friendly. The one-hour-early arrival requirement annoys some visitors, and one reviewer found the seating tight with tall passengers in the group. Transportation to the site and gratuities are not included.

Best Times To Ride