Orlando: Wild Florida Airboat Ride with Transport & Lunch

If you’re looking to add a splash of adventure and wildlife to your Florida trip, the Wild Florida Airboat Ride with Transport & Lunch might just be what you’re after. This tour offers a chance to get up close and personal with the unique wetlands of Central Florida, all wrapped in a package that’s easy to book and flexible enough to fit into your schedule.

We love that this experience combines an exhilarating airboat ride with an educational visit to a wildlife park, plus a tasty BBQ lunch. It’s a well-rounded outing that mixes thrill with learnings about native animals and ecosystems. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that the wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, since you’re in the wild. But even so, the chance to see alligators, birds, and other animals in their natural habitat makes it a worthwhile adventure. This tour is particularly suited for those who enjoy nature, wildlife, and a bit of excitement—families, solo travelers, or groups looking for a memorable day out.

Key Points

• Authentic Florida wetlands: Travel through 4,200 acres of pristine swamps, marshes, and rivers, free of development or signs of human life.
• Thrilling airboat experience: Feel the wind and excitement on a 30-minute ride that’s unique to Florida’s Everglades.
• Wildlife encounters: Visit a wildlife park with animals like deer, turkeys, bobcats, crocodiles, and alligators, with chances of seeing wild gators in their habitat.
• Educational demonstrations: Enjoy live alligator shows and learn about local animals and ecosystems from knowledgeable guides.
• Convenient and flexible: Roundtrip transportation from Orlando, Kissimmee, and Disney areas, with the option to reserve and pay later.
• Great value: For around $129, you get the ride, park entry, lunch, photos, and a fun, family-friendly outing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What We Think About the Tour

This tour is a fantastic way to experience a side of Florida that many visitors miss — the lush, wild wetlands teeming with wildlife. It’s designed to be accessible, offering an easy half-day trip that doesn’t require extensive planning on your part. The transportation is included, which takes away the hassle of navigating or renting a car, especially if you’re staying near Orlando or Disney.

The main draw, of course, is the airboat ride. We loved the way it combines both thrill and tranquility. The boats are US Coast Guard approved, ensuring safety, and the guides are experts who help you spot alligators and birds, making the experience more engaging. The 30-minute ride is just enough to get your adrenaline going without feeling rushed, and the scenery is stunning—wide-open wilderness, no signs of human life, just natural Florida.

One aspect that stands out from reviews is the guide’s knowledge and personality. Several visitors mention that their guide was funny, friendly, and keen to share facts about local wildlife, which adds a lot to the experience. Plus, the wildlife park after the ride enhances the visit, giving a chance to get closer to animals like deer, turkey, and crocodiles in a more controlled environment.

The Wildlife Park and Additional Attractions

After the airboat ride, the tour continues into the Wild Florida Wildlife Park. Here, you’ll find a mix of animals—some are in enclosures, others are free to roam. Visitors have enjoyed feeding crocodiles and feeding the alligators, which is a highlight for many. The live alligator demonstration is both educational and exciting, especially if you’re with kids who love reptiles.

The park also offers a tropical bird aviary and a 500-foot sightseeing dock, perfect for snapping photos or simply soaking in the views. One reviewer mentioned that the park is home to animals like sloths, crocodiles, and even monster alligators, so there’s plenty to see and explore. The Hawk Swamp boardwalk is another feature, giving visitors a chance to walk through a cypress swamp — a true slice of Florida’s wetlands.

Don’t forget to check out the gift shop for souvenirs and the photo package included in the tour—an 8×6 picture to remember your day.

The Lunch: A Tasty BBQ Basket

Refueling is easy with the included BBQ lunch basket. The options are quite good, with some reviewers mentioning trying Gator bites, which adds a fun local twist. The lunch is straightforward but filling, giving you the energy needed for the rest of the day. The Chomphouse Grill is the designated spot, and it’s conveniently located within the wildlife park.

A tip from visitors: if you have specific dietary preferences or large appetites, you might want to bring some extra snacks. The lunch is simple but ample enough to satisfy most.

The Practical Side: What to Know Before You Go

The tour lasts about five hours, including transportation, the ride, park visit, and lunch. You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes and prepare for the Florida sun with sunscreen and sunglasses. While the tour is family-friendly, it’s worth noting that pets and large luggage are not allowed on the tour, so plan accordingly.

Pickup locations are various, including hotels like the Royal Pacific Resort, Avanti Palms Resort, and Disney Swan, making it flexible whether you’re staying on Disney property or elsewhere in Orlando. The small group size—limited to 14 participants—means less crowding and more personalized attention from the guides.

One thing to keep in mind is that wild animal sightings aren’t guaranteed—it’s wild nature after all. As one reviewer noted, “the trip itself was good…we enjoyed feeding the crocs,” but wildlife can be unpredictable. The park, however, guarantees some sightings, and the experience of being in the wetlands makes up for it.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Cost and Value

At $129 per person, this tour offers a lot. It’s a package deal that covers transportation, the airboat ride, park entry, a live demonstration, photos, and lunch. Compared to booking everything separately — especially the airboat ride alone — this offers good value. The inclusion of photos and the park visit makes it a comprehensive day out without having to plan multiple activities.

Many reviewers felt the experience was worth the price, especially considering the quality of guides and the chance to see wildlife in a natural setting. The tour’s small size also adds to the feeling of exclusivity and comfort.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is excellent for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and families wanting a memorable day in Florida’s wetlands. If you’re interested in wildlife, reptiles, and boat rides, you’ll find plenty to enjoy here. It’s also a good option for those who prefer guided tours with logistics handled — no worries about transport or planning.

However, if your main goal is guaranteed wildlife sightings or you prefer a more relaxed, less structured activity, you might want to consider other options. Still, the combination of scenic beauty, wildlife, and fun makes this a solid pick for most visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from Orlando, Kissimmee, and Disney areas is included, making it easy to join without renting a car.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about five hours, including pickup, the airboat ride, wildlife park visit, and lunch.

What should I wear for the tour?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended. Dress for the outdoors, as you’ll be in wetlands and on boats.

Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
No, as the animals are wild, sightings can’t be guaranteed. However, the wildlife park is guaranteed to have some animals, and guides do their best to point out wildlife in the wild.

How is the group size?
It’s a small group tour, limited to 14 participants, which helps keep it personalized and intimate.

Can I book with flexible payment options?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, giving you flexibility in planning.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, a 30-minute airboat ride, wildlife park admission, a live alligator demonstration, photos, a BBQ lunch, and the guide’s services.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour is family-friendly, especially with children interested in wildlife and adventure.

What is the best way to prepare for the tour?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and be ready for a day outdoors. Pets and large bags aren’t allowed, so pack accordingly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re in Orlando and craving a true taste of Florida’s natural environment, the Wild Florida Airboat Ride with Transport & Lunch offers a well-rounded, fun, and educational experience. You get to feel the rush of the airboat, see animals in their habitat, and enjoy some good food—all in a manageable, small-group setting.

While wildlife sightings aren’t guaranteed, the chance to explore wetlands, learn from guides, and enjoy the park makes this a worthwhile outing. It’s best suited for travelers eager to see Florida’s wild side without too much hassle or planning. For a memorable day immersed in nature, this tour hits the right notes.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Florida adventurer, this trip offers a taste of what makes the Sunshine State so special—its wild, unspoiled landscapes and fascinating wildlife.

You can check availability for your dates here: