Stuck on ideas for your family's Florida vacation? Looking for something that can be both fun and educational for the kids? North America's oldest ecosystem, the Florida Everglades, is home to a unique attraction, the airboat ride. Airboat rides are an exciting way to explore the famous 'River of Grass'.
What is an airboat?
Airboats are large, flat bottom boats that use an aircraft propeller for propulsion. Because of their shape, they are perfect for gliding over the sawgrass and vegetation present in the Everglades. Capable of reaching speeds of 70mph, they are an adrenaline junkies' dream. Most companies also offer slower paced ecotours suited for classrooms or large families. Airboat captains must maintain the same rigorous certifications through the U.S.C.G. as ship captains, so you can rest assured that your trip will be a safe one.
What can i expect?
With over 10,000 islands and 500 species unique to the area, the Florida Everglades offers a plethora to explore. You can choose to spend the day getting up close and personal with the American Alligator and Great Herons that inhabit the swamp, or have your captain take you on a guided historical tour of the area. Airboat companies offer packages ranging from half an hour to over 4 hours, and from private group to corporate group sizes. Some even stop off for lunch amongst the mangroves or on a private island during your trip.
Depending on the weather, you may wish to bring along a jacket or sunscreen. Earplugs are also a good idea and are typically provided by your captain. In general, airboat ride companies also provide refreshments and snacks. Cameras are allowed, and you can even ask the guide to slow down or stop so you can snap that perfect photo!
How do i choose an airboat tour guide?
Airboating is a century old industry, and as such you may find the amount of choices overwhelming. One of the first things to figure out is where you'd like to depart from. With an area as large as the Florida Everglades, you can find an airboat launching from just about anywhere. Many companies even operate out of heavy suburban areas such as Miami and Orlando.
Next you want to decide which package is right for you. Are you looking for a heart pounding airboat ride or a more relaxed airboat tour? Do you want to bring the whole family or just that special someone? Airboat ride companies allow you to customize the length of your trip and the amount of people that are going. Would you be satisfied with a large group of people on your boat, or are you looking for something more personal? Whatever type of trip you're after, you are almost certain to find what you want.
The Florida Everglades is simply breathtaking, and when choosing to explore this ecosystem on an airboat ride, remember to consider all the options. Take the time to do your research and shop around, and your Everglades airboat ride will be the memory of a lifetime.
What is an airboat?
Airboats are large, flat bottom boats that use an aircraft propeller for propulsion. Because of their shape, they are perfect for gliding over the sawgrass and vegetation present in the Everglades. Capable of reaching speeds of 70mph, they are an adrenaline junkies' dream. Most companies also offer slower paced ecotours suited for classrooms or large families. Airboat captains must maintain the same rigorous certifications through the U.S.C.G. as ship captains, so you can rest assured that your trip will be a safe one.
What can i expect?
With over 10,000 islands and 500 species unique to the area, the Florida Everglades offers a plethora to explore. You can choose to spend the day getting up close and personal with the American Alligator and Great Herons that inhabit the swamp, or have your captain take you on a guided historical tour of the area. Airboat companies offer packages ranging from half an hour to over 4 hours, and from private group to corporate group sizes. Some even stop off for lunch amongst the mangroves or on a private island during your trip.
Depending on the weather, you may wish to bring along a jacket or sunscreen. Earplugs are also a good idea and are typically provided by your captain. In general, airboat ride companies also provide refreshments and snacks. Cameras are allowed, and you can even ask the guide to slow down or stop so you can snap that perfect photo!
How do i choose an airboat tour guide?
Airboating is a century old industry, and as such you may find the amount of choices overwhelming. One of the first things to figure out is where you'd like to depart from. With an area as large as the Florida Everglades, you can find an airboat launching from just about anywhere. Many companies even operate out of heavy suburban areas such as Miami and Orlando.
Next you want to decide which package is right for you. Are you looking for a heart pounding airboat ride or a more relaxed airboat tour? Do you want to bring the whole family or just that special someone? Airboat ride companies allow you to customize the length of your trip and the amount of people that are going. Would you be satisfied with a large group of people on your boat, or are you looking for something more personal? Whatever type of trip you're after, you are almost certain to find what you want.
The Florida Everglades is simply breathtaking, and when choosing to explore this ecosystem on an airboat ride, remember to consider all the options. Take the time to do your research and shop around, and your Everglades airboat ride will be the memory of a lifetime.
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