Orlando Everglades: Small Airboat Tour & Gator Encounters

Glide through wild Florida marshes spotting gators & rare birds

You’ll skim across Florida’s wild marshes on a 90-minute airboat ride near Orlando, spotting alligators (including Miss Suzie and her babies), rare birds, and lush plants with a local guide’s stories along the way. Feel the wind, hear the frogs, and see why people keep coming back for this kind of wild peace.

Step-by-step itinerary

Everglades airboat tour experience

• Board small airboat
• Explore Florida Everglades marsh
• Spot American alligators
• See Miss Suzie and babies
• Observe flowers and gator grass
• Enjoy 90-minute guided tour

The Experience

I’ll admit, I almost missed the turnoff — my phone glitched and I ended up at some fishing dock first. By the time I found the right spot for this Everglades airboat tour near Orlando, I was already laughing at myself. The captain (I think his name was Mike?) just grinned and said, “Happens every day.” No big crowds, just a handful of us climbing onto this small airboat that looked like something out of an old adventure movie.

We took off fast — the air felt sharp against my cheeks, and there was this green smell, like wet grass mixed with something older. Mike steered us into these narrow trails between tall cattails. He’d cut the engine sometimes so we could listen: frogs croaking somewhere close, a heron flapping up from the reeds. He pointed out a gator nest (“that’s Miss Suzie’s spot”) and sure enough, there she was with her babies half-hidden in the mud. Honestly, I didn’t expect to get that close — you could see her blinking at us, totally unfazed.

At one point I tried to ask about some weird-looking plant (“gator grass,” apparently), but probably butchered the pronunciation because Mike chuckled and told me to stick to “cattails.” The sun came out hard halfway through and everything went bright — water glittering, dragonflies zipping past our heads. It wasn’t quiet exactly, but it felt peaceful in a way you don’t get in cities. The ride back was slower; nobody really talked much. Maybe we were all just taking it in.

What’s included

Your day includes live commentary from your local captain while riding in a small-group airboat (6–12 passengers), plus life jackets for everyone’s safety. All logistics are covered so you can just show up ready for marshland adventure—wheelchair access is available too.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Orlando Fishing Guides and Florida Airboat Tours

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Top questions

How long is the Everglades airboat tour near Orlando?

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Are children allowed on this Orlando Everglades airboat tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Is the airboat tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

How many people fit on each airboat?

The boats hold between 6 to 12 passengers each.

Will we see alligators during this Everglades tour?

You’ll visit known gator nesting areas and often see alligators like Miss Suzie with her babies.

Is live commentary included on board?

Yes, your local captain provides live commentary throughout the tour.

Are life jackets provided for everyone?

Yes, life jackets are included for all passengers.

Can infants or small children join the airboat ride?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap; prams or strollers are allowed before boarding.