St Augustine: Airboat Safari on St Johns River & Wildlife

Summary

Freshwater wildlife, airboat thrills and real Florida moments

You’ll board an airboat in St Augustine with a local guide who knows every bend in the St Johns River. Expect close-up views of alligators, birds, turtles and maybe even manatees as you glide through creeks and conservation areas. With live commentary via headset and plenty of surprises along the way, it’s Florida raw and real — not just another boat ride.

What’s the experience like?

“That’s not a log — that’s an alligator,” Captain Mike grinned, pointing just off the bow as our airboat drifted into a patch of lily pads. I squinted, half convinced he was joking, but then the ‘log’ blinked. The morning was muggy in that Florida way where your shirt sticks to your back before you even sit down. We’d met at this little dock west of St Augustine, everyone shuffling around with coffee and sunscreen, waiting for the Sea Dragon to fire up. When those fans started spinning though? It felt like someone turned the world’s biggest hairdryer on full blast — loud but kind of thrilling.

The St Johns River isn’t what I pictured — it’s wide and slow, edged with cypress trees that look like they’ve seen everything. Our guide had this habit of slowing down every time he spotted something moving: “Blue heron at two o’clock,” or “See those turtles lined up?” He handed out headsets so we could actually hear him over the engine (which was good because otherwise I’d have missed his story about wild boar rooting around in the mud). At one point we zipped past the Outback Crab Shack — smelled like fried shrimp for a second — and then it was just us and the river again. I didn’t expect to feel so small out there, surrounded by all that green and water.

I tried counting how many different birds we saw but lost track after the third egret. Someone spotted a manatee rolling near Six Mile Creek; everyone leaned over at once and nearly tipped us sideways (Captain Mike just laughed). The sun came out hard halfway through and I wished I’d brought more water, but honestly I was too busy watching for gators to care much. The ride lasted maybe an hour and a half? Felt shorter somehow. Still think about that stretch where everything went quiet except for the hum of insects — weirdly peaceful after all that engine noise.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Airboat tour on St Johns River

• Arrive 30 minutes before departure
• Start airboat tour at departure point
• Pass by Outback Crab Shack
• Explore Trout Creek and Six Mile Creek
• See wildlife and vegetation along river
• Return to starting point

Top questions

How long is the airboat tour in St Augustine?

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours from departure to return.

Is there live commentary during the airboat safari?

Yes, your guide provides live commentary throughout the tour using headsets.

What wildlife can you see on this St Johns River airboat ride?

You may spot alligators, turtles, manatees, bald eagles, herons, egrets, wild boar, deer and more.

Are wheelchair users able to join this airboat tour?

Yes, transportation options and all areas are wheelchair accessible.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at the designated dock location near St Augustine.

Is this airboat adventure suitable for kids?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries.

What should I bring on my day trip from St Augustine?

Bring sun protection (hat/sunscreen), water, camera/phone for photos, and arrive 30 minutes early.

What’s included

Your day includes an exhilarating airboat ride through Trout Creek, Six Mile Creek and Bayard Conservation Area near St Augustine; use of headsets so you can hear your guide clearly; plus live commentary about local wildlife as you cruise along freshwater tributaries before returning to shore together.