Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides
Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides
Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides
5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
Closed
Full view

About
Private up to 6 Passengers - there are no strangers and no large boats on your airboat ride. The boat is yours and the Captain will stop the boat anytime you wish for photographs, etc. We have: 1 hour and 90 minute tours. Advance Reservations only.
Kissimmee, Florida
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
3,222 reviews
Excellent
3,084
Very good
105
Average
18
Poor
6
Terrible
9
Charlotte B
Warrington, UK9 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
We booked this for our family of 6 (four adults and two children (4 and 5yrs)) in October 2024 to see Gators and we were not dissapointed!
We spoke with Chris via telephone and booked via messenger and square up link which he sent, this was super easy and confirmation received within seconds!
Chris was super friendly and helpful and gave tips on the best time to spot gators.
We arrived at the location advised by Chris 15 minutes before our time slot and our captain, Shane arrived on time.
Shane was polite and friendly from the get go, gave our boys their life jackets, ran through a safety talk and off we went!
We understand there is no guarantee that we will see any gators and this was clearly stated but Captain Shane had a few good spots and thankfully we saw a large female gator and her many babies, plus two other gators, one swimming around for quite a while and another basking on a log.
The ride itself was beautiful and honestly I would have been just as made up if we didn’t see any gators and just rode around for the hour. The views are gorgeous and the amount of birds, swamp cows, turtles and dragon flies you see is amazing! The air boat is speedy but not scary and it’s an experience in itself!
Captain Shane provided lots of useful information about all the wildlife and the habitat including the trees and surrounding building work happening.
We even managed to spot a very rare crane and a bald eagle in its nest!
Every family member loved it including the kids who loved shouting questions to Captain Shane via the headsets….not sure how much Captain Shane enjoyed of this after being asked repeatedly what gators eat but kids will be kids eh!
Couldn’t recommend this trip more! Perfect for a family or a small group as not having to share the boat with others and feels more a personalised experience.
We wish we would have booked the 90min slot rather than the 60mins and we didn’t want it to end!
Had we have had a couple more days in Florida I know we would have booked another tour this trip!
5star service! Couldn’t fault anything!
Will 100% book again when we are next in Florida!
Thanks spirit of the swamp and Captain Shane!
We spoke with Chris via telephone and booked via messenger and square up link which he sent, this was super easy and confirmation received within seconds!
Chris was super friendly and helpful and gave tips on the best time to spot gators.
We arrived at the location advised by Chris 15 minutes before our time slot and our captain, Shane arrived on time.
Shane was polite and friendly from the get go, gave our boys their life jackets, ran through a safety talk and off we went!
We understand there is no guarantee that we will see any gators and this was clearly stated but Captain Shane had a few good spots and thankfully we saw a large female gator and her many babies, plus two other gators, one swimming around for quite a while and another basking on a log.
The ride itself was beautiful and honestly I would have been just as made up if we didn’t see any gators and just rode around for the hour. The views are gorgeous and the amount of birds, swamp cows, turtles and dragon flies you see is amazing! The air boat is speedy but not scary and it’s an experience in itself!
Captain Shane provided lots of useful information about all the wildlife and the habitat including the trees and surrounding building work happening.
We even managed to spot a very rare crane and a bald eagle in its nest!
Every family member loved it including the kids who loved shouting questions to Captain Shane via the headsets….not sure how much Captain Shane enjoyed of this after being asked repeatedly what gators eat but kids will be kids eh!
Couldn’t recommend this trip more! Perfect for a family or a small group as not having to share the boat with others and feels more a personalised experience.
We wish we would have booked the 90min slot rather than the 60mins and we didn’t want it to end!
Had we have had a couple more days in Florida I know we would have booked another tour this trip!
5star service! Couldn’t fault anything!
Will 100% book again when we are next in Florida!
Thanks spirit of the swamp and Captain Shane!
Written November 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EditorCJP
California589 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
Strongly recommend this experience for anyone looking to do something non-Disney while visiting central Florida. Captain Ken was a great guide, who clearly knew and shared his love of the local flora and fauna.
He carefully guided our boat near two alligator nests without getting too close to disturb the mothers or their newly hatched baby alligators. We also saw countless, beautiful migratory birds.
He carefully guided our boat near two alligator nests without getting too close to disturb the mothers or their newly hatched baby alligators. We also saw countless, beautiful migratory birds.
Written September 12, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rob a
Kent75 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
Captain Chris was our guide for a one hour tour with our family of four. It was a warm February morning and we got to see plenty of gators and bird life. Captain Chris was friendly and knowledgable and took us to some known hotpots in the lake where we saw gators of all sizes, including babies and a big old boy of around 14 ft. It was well worth the expense and we’re so glad we chose to see the local wildlife this way rather than go to a circus like Gatorland, where animal welfare standards are questionable at best.
My only gripe is the brazen messaging to “tip your guide” which is literally blazoned all over the front of the airboat. This somewhat spoils the aesthetics of the videos I was trying to capture! I completely understand that the US service sector is steeped in a culture of tipping (a debate for another time) but I’m not a fan of it being rammed down your throat. As it happens, captain Chris throughly deserved his tip. Just as well or it could have been a bit…awkward.
My only gripe is the brazen messaging to “tip your guide” which is literally blazoned all over the front of the airboat. This somewhat spoils the aesthetics of the videos I was trying to capture! I completely understand that the US service sector is steeped in a culture of tipping (a debate for another time) but I’m not a fan of it being rammed down your throat. As it happens, captain Chris throughly deserved his tip. Just as well or it could have been a bit…awkward.
Written February 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gaylee S
Glendale, UT13 contributions
Jul 2024 • Business
We had a great time on this tour. The tour guide was very informative, and we got to see a lot of wildlife, but I just found out today that this company tried to charge my card again almost a month later, even though my card was charged the full amount as soon as I booked and was processed. My credit card company caught the charge and declined it and made me aware of the charge. I am now having my credit card replaced so this does not happen again.
Written August 6, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fearless57832463328
2 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Spirits of the Swamp gave us such an amazing experience. Captain Shane was extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife and the best places to see such. He stopped the boat when we did came across gators and gave us ample time to take pictures, ask questions, and enjoy the sight in front of us! If you are considering doing an airboat ride, I would HIGHLY recommend Spirits of the Swamp.
Written February 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg B
Lake Nebagamon, WI3 contributions
Jan 2023
Took my 3 year old grandson and my son for an hour trip. We had a blast seeing alligators, esecially the big one, other gators and wildlife, we totally enjoyed it and highly recommend Capt Ken and Spirit of the Swamp. He took the time to point out special wildlife, and plants over the nature of the lake and trip.
Comm headphonee were definatley a A+ attraction!!
Being a fishing guide on Lake Superior i was very impressed. Great job and highly recommend him.
Thank you, Jaxon, Nathan and Greg Blair - Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin
Comm headphonee were definatley a A+ attraction!!
Being a fishing guide on Lake Superior i was very impressed. Great job and highly recommend him.
Thank you, Jaxon, Nathan and Greg Blair - Lake Nebagamon, Wisconsin
Written January 31, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TadN
3 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
After a few days of amusement parks, we wanted to engage with the wilder side of Florida. We went out with Captain Roy on a 90 minute ride the day after Christmas. We had great weather and a calm lake to fly around.
Captain Roy was great! Very knowledgeable about the wild life and ecosystem of the lake. He put us next to many alligators for pictures. Even found an eagle and a venomous snake. Captain Roy had a number of stories about the area, cattle ranches around the lake and the development of the area.
They run out of a dock in a park, but I called the office and Captain Chris directed me to the dock.
I highly recommend the tour and ask for Captain Roy, not to be confused with Captain Ron. HAHA.
Captain Roy was great! Very knowledgeable about the wild life and ecosystem of the lake. He put us next to many alligators for pictures. Even found an eagle and a venomous snake. Captain Roy had a number of stories about the area, cattle ranches around the lake and the development of the area.
They run out of a dock in a park, but I called the office and Captain Chris directed me to the dock.
I highly recommend the tour and ask for Captain Roy, not to be confused with Captain Ron. HAHA.
Written December 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Clare C
7 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Captain Shane was our guide for a 90 minute tour. He was great, very knowledgeable and friendly. We had to return to the dock after 30 minutes because a thunderstorm was approaching but as soon as it passed we went back out to the lake. The boat was such fun and we saw lots of alligators, including mothers with their hatchlings and a huge male who was quite a sight. There was another family on the boat, but there was lots of room and we all had headphones to communicate over the noise. I highly recommend this company and Captain Shane.
Written September 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sherry K
Clearwater, FL29 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
We live in Florida and wanted to try something new with guests visiting from out of town.This was our first time doing an airboat ride, but it will not be our last (especially with Spirit of the Swamp).
Captain Roy was fantastic and you could tell when he talked about the area and wildlife there was so much passion in his voice and he truly enjoyed what he was doing. The boat was comfortable and we really liked that it was private to our group. They had headsets with a mic that allowed us to talk to each other during the ride as well. There was so much beauty and peacefulness on the lake. We saw alligators of various sizes (even babies), sand cranes, ducks, egrets, blue heron and bald eagle, turtles, and so much more.
Can’t wait to share the experience with other friends and family that visit us!
Captain Roy was fantastic and you could tell when he talked about the area and wildlife there was so much passion in his voice and he truly enjoyed what he was doing. The boat was comfortable and we really liked that it was private to our group. They had headsets with a mic that allowed us to talk to each other during the ride as well. There was so much beauty and peacefulness on the lake. We saw alligators of various sizes (even babies), sand cranes, ducks, egrets, blue heron and bald eagle, turtles, and so much more.
Can’t wait to share the experience with other friends and family that visit us!
Written March 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cruiser264193
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We had an excellent tour this morning with Captain Shane Dobbins and Spirit of the Swamp. Even though its summer and gators are hard to find, Shane had the local knowledge to make sure we saw 3 large female gators guarding nests. He gave us loads of information on the behaviour of the alligators which our boys loved. In addition to the adults Shane also took us to a spot where we saw lots of baby gators. We also some turtles, loads of birds, and all kinds of local tress and flowers. Shane had excellent local knowledge and was able to explain everything we saw in as much detail as we wanted.
We would highly recommend a tour with spirit of the swamp to see the real florida.
We would highly recommend a tour with spirit of the swamp to see the real florida.
Written July 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are interested in taking a tour in February. However I have a mother in law who is a little fearful on boats. Are there life jackets for guests who want them?
Written January 26, 2022
I know they had life jackets for children. I am not sure about adults. Adults were not required to wear one. I would call or email them. It is such a fun ride.
Written January 27, 2022
Hi there I've just a 90minute ride I'm now worried it's going to be too long we have two children aged 5 and 8 what do you think?
Written February 29, 2020
We tooled the 90 min tour with an 11 yr old. It wasn't too long for her. I think it depends on the attention span of the child. We all loved it.
Written March 1, 2020
Do you have a larger boat that will accommodate 11 adults? If not can 2 boats go out together? we don't want to leave 1/2 the group waiting for 90 min.
Written February 1, 2020
They don't have any large boats. But I have seen at least 3 boats, so riding the swamps together shouldn't be a problem!
Written February 3, 2020
Hi there,
I was just looking at your airport tour and I noticed it says 6 people max. We have 7 people. Would that fit on a boat?
Thanks,
Jessica
Written June 18, 2018
They use headsets to communicate, and there are only plugins for 6. But the seating is bench-style, so maybe if several children or small adults and you didn't care about the headsets, you could fit 7. Best bet is to call them directly to ask.
Written June 18, 2018
Hi I would like to book for a 90 minute ride for Saturday 2nd June if possible for two adults and two children if that date is fulll what dates do you have available for a 90 minute ride around that date . Thank you Carol
Written May 28, 2018
Hi Carol - you can book on our website or give us a call at 321-689-6893, thanks!
Written May 29, 2018
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