This Is Florida · Boating

Airboats in Florida: laws, rules and places to ride, hunt and fish

Airboats can run across the sawgrass of the Everglades, the marshes of the St. Johns River and the lakes around Kissimmee where other boats can't go. This page covers the Florida laws every airboat must follow, the public lands and waters where you can run your own airboat to hunt, fish and frog (and where airboats are banned), and airboat tour companies around the state.

Every law comes from Florida Statutes, the Florida Administrative Code, FWC, the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or a water management district. Every tour detail comes from the company's own website. All checked November 9, 2026. Rules and seasons change; check the current regulations before you go.

Every airboat in Florida must have

  • A muffler: an automotive-style factory muffler, underwater exhaust or other manufactured muffler. Cutouts or flex pipe alone aren't allowed.
  • A flag on a mast: at least 10 feet above the lowest part of the boat, at least 10 by 12 inches, international orange.
  • Registration: on an airboat, the number may go on each side of the rudder.
  • A boating safety card for drivers born on or after January 1, 1988 (motors of 10 horsepower or more).
  • Carrying paying passengers? You also need a photo ID, an FWC-approved airboat operator course, and CPR and first aid training, with proof on board.

Find a place

Airboat laws and rules

What Florida law requires of every airboat, and the extra rules for anyone carrying paying passengers.

Official rules to know:
  • Every airboat engine must have a muffler or other device that adequately muffles exhaust sound. (source)
  • An airboat must fly a flag at least 10 feet above the lowest part of the boat. (source)
  • The flag must be at least 10 by 12 inches and international orange. (source)
  • An operator may not carry passengers for hire unless certain documents are on board. (source)
  • The operator must carry a photo ID and proof of a boater education course. (source)
  • The operator must have proof of an approved airboat operator course that meets FWC minimum standards. (source)
  • The operator must carry proof of CPR and first aid training. (source)
  • A U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain does not need the boater education course, but the license must be on board. (source)
  • Breaking the passenger-for-hire rules is a second-degree misdemeanor. (source)
  • FWC's Airboat Operator Course rule (68D-35.001) took effect October 1, 2018. (source)
  • People born on or after January 1, 1988, need the required documents to run a boat with a motor of 10 horsepower or more. (source)
  • For an airboat, the registration number may be shown on each side of the rudder. (source)
  • On a vessel under 26 feet, every child under 6 must wear an approved life jacket while underway. (source)
  • A blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or more counts as boating under the influence. (source)
  • FWC publishes a list of approved course providers for airboat operators carrying passengers for hire. (source)
  • FWC found 55 commercial airboat accidents from 2007 through 2017, with two deaths and 130 people injured. (source)
  • About 65 percent of those accidents were collisions with a fixed object or another airboat. (source)
  • Local ordinances adopted after July 1, 2006 that single out airboats need a two-thirds vote of the governing body. (source)
  • A county may adopt a vessel noise limit of 90 dB A measured at 50 feet. (source)

Airboat flag and mast rule

  • Statewide

An airboat may not run on Florida waters unless it has a mast or flagpole carrying a flag at least 10 feet above the lowest part of the boat. The flag must be square or rectangular, at least 10 inches by 12 inches, and international orange. It must be visible from every direction. A violation is a noncriminal infraction, and FWC's rules page states the same requirement.

Applies to: riding

Key points: Flag at least 10 ft above lowest part of vessel; at least 10 x 12 in; international orange; visible in all directions (s. 327.391(3), F.S.).

Official source

What the official pages say
  • An airboat must have a mast or flagpole with a flag at least 10 feet above the lowest part of the vessel. (source)
  • The flag must be square or rectangular and at least 10 inches by 12 inches. (source)
  • The flag must be international orange. (source)
  • The flag must be displayed so it is not hidden from view in any direction. (source)
  • A flag violation is a noncriminal infraction. (source)
  • FWC's boating rules page lists the same 10-foot flag requirement for airboats. (source)

Airboat registration and numbers

  • Statewide

A vessel that must be registered in Florida has to be registered and numbered within 30 days after purchase, and the bill of sale serves as the temporary certificate during that time. Owners apply through the county tax collector. Airboat owners may put the registration number on each side of the rudder. Each registration comes with a decal showing the year or years it is valid.

Applies to: riding

Key points: Register within 30 days of purchase; airboat numbers may go on each side of the rudder (ss. 328.46, 328.48, F.S.).

Official source

What the official pages say
  • A vessel that must be registered has to be registered and numbered within 30 days after purchase. (source)
  • The bill of sale works as the temporary certificate of number during the first 30 days. (source)
  • For an airboat, the registration number may be shown on each side of the rudder. (source)
  • Owners file the registration application with the county tax collector. (source)
  • Registration numbers must be block characters at least 3 inches high. (source)
  • A decal showing the valid year or years comes with each registration certificate. (source)

Boater education card

  • Statewide

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who runs a boat with a motor of 10 horsepower or more in Florida must carry photo ID and a Florida boating safety education ID card or another accepted proof. The card comes from passing an approved boating safety course and is valid for life. FWC notes the card is not a boating license. A person licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel is exempt.

Applies to: riding

Key points: Born on or after Jan. 1, 1988 and operating 10 hp or more: photo ID plus boating safety education ID card (s. 327.395, F.S.).

Contact: 850-488-5600

Sources differ: Temporary certificate length: s. 327.395(5), F.S. says 'valid for 90 days after the date of issuance'; FWC boating regulations page says 'The temporary certificate is valid for 12 months from the issue date.'

Official source

What the official pages say
  • People born on or after January 1, 1988, need the required documents to run a boat with a motor of 10 horsepower or more. (source)
  • They must carry photo ID and a Florida boating safety identification card or another accepted proof. (source)
  • The boating safety identification card from a course is valid for life. (source)
  • The state statute says a temporary certificate is valid for 90 days. (source)
  • FWC says the card is not a boating license. (source)
  • FWC lists a phone number for its Division of Law Enforcement for boater education questions. (source)
  • A person licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard as a master of a vessel is exempt. (source)

Boating under the influence

  • Statewide

Florida's boating under the influence law applies to anyone operating a vessel, including an airboat. A person is in violation when normal faculties are impaired by alcohol or drugs. A blood-alcohol or breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or more also counts.

Applies to: riding

Key points: BUI: 0.08 blood or breath alcohol, or normal faculties impaired (s. 327.35, F.S.).

Official source

What the official pages say
  • A blood-alcohol level of 0.08 or more counts as boating under the influence. (source)
  • A breath-alcohol level of 0.08 or more also counts. (source)
  • Being affected by alcohol or drugs to the extent normal faculties are impaired also counts. (source)
  • FWC bars skiing or aquaplaning while impaired by alcohol or drugs. (source)

Careless and reckless operation

  • Statewide

Florida law requires every operator to run a vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner. Failing to do so is careless operation, a noncriminal violation. Reckless operation is a crime, and it becomes a third-degree felony if it causes an accident with serious bodily injury. FWC found that most commercial airboat accidents it reviewed were collisions with a fixed object or another airboat.

Applies to: riding

Key points: Careless operation is a noncriminal violation; reckless operation is a crime (s. 327.33, F.S.).

Official source

What the official pages say
  • Operators must run a vessel in a reasonable and prudent manner. (source)
  • Failing to do so is careless operation. (source)
  • Reckless operation with no accident is a second-degree misdemeanor. (source)
  • Reckless operation that causes serious bodily injury is a third-degree felony. (source)
  • FWC found 65 percent of the commercial airboat accidents it reviewed were collisions with a fixed object or another airboat. (source)

Commercial airboat operator course

  • Statewide

Anyone running an airboat that carries passengers for hire in Florida must carry a photo ID, proof of boater education, proof of an FWC-approved airboat operator course, and proof of CPR and first aid training. A captain licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard does not need the boater education course, but must keep the license on board. Breaking this rule is a second-degree misdemeanor. FWC's course rule, 68D-35.001, took effect October 1, 2018.

Applies to: tours

Key points: Passengers-for-hire airboat operators must carry photo ID, boater education proof (or USCG captain's license), FWC-approved airboat operator course proof, and CPR/first aid proof; violation is a 2nd-degree misdemeanor (s. 327.391(5), F.S.; Rule 68D-35.001, F.A.C.).

Official source

What the official pages say
  • A person carrying passengers for hire on an airboat must have a photo ID card on board. (source)
  • They must also carry proof of an FWC-approved airboat operator course. (source)
  • They must also carry proof of CPR and first aid course completion. (source)
  • A captain licensed by the U.S. Coast Guard does not need the boater education course, but the license must be on board. (source)
  • Breaking the passengers-for-hire rule is a second-degree misdemeanor. (source)
  • FWC's Airboat Operator Course rule, 68D-35.001, took effect October 1, 2018. (source)
  • FWC says the requirements for passengers-for-hire operators began July 1, 2019. (source)
  • Course instructors must have at least 120 hours of documented airboat time in the last three years. (source)
  • FWC counted 55 airboat accidents involving commercial activity from 2007 through 2017. (source)

Florida airboat noise and muffler law

  • Statewide

Florida law says every airboat engine on state waters needs a real muffler, such as an automotive-style factory muffler or an underwater exhaust. Cutouts or flex pipe cannot be the only muffling. Breaking this rule is a noncriminal infraction, and a cited operator may not run the airboat again until a muffler is installed. FWC's boating rules page repeats the same muffler rule.

Applies to: riding

Key points: Automotive-style factory muffler, underwater exhaust, or other manufactured muffling device required; cutouts or flex pipe alone prohibited (s. 327.391(1), F.S.).

Official source

What the official pages say
  • Every airboat engine used on Florida waters must have an automotive-style factory muffler, underwater exhaust, or other manufactured muffling device. (source)
  • Cutouts or flex pipe may not be the only muffling on an airboat. (source)
  • A muffler violation is a noncriminal infraction. (source)
  • An operator cited for a muffler violation may not run the airboat until a muffler is installed. (source)
  • State law defines a muffler as an automotive-style sound-suppression device or system. (source)
  • The muffler and flag rules do not apply to people taking part in a permitted or noticed marine event under s. 327.48. (source)
  • FWC's boating rules page states the same airboat muffler requirement. (source)

Life jacket and safety equipment rules

  • Statewide

Every vessel owner and operator in Florida must carry and use safety equipment that meets current U.S. Coast Guard requirements. On a vessel under 26 feet long, every child under 6 must wear a Coast Guard-approved life jacket while the vessel is underway. Vessels also need working lights required by the navigation rules.

Applies to: riding

Key points: Children under 6 must wear a USCG-approved PFD on vessels under 26 ft while underway (s. 327.50, F.S.).

Official source

What the official pages say
  • Owners and operators must carry and use safety equipment that meets U.S. Coast Guard requirements. (source)
  • On a vessel under 26 feet, every child under 6 must wear an approved life jacket while underway. (source)
  • Underway means any time except when anchored, moored, tied to shore, or aground. (source)
  • Vessels must have working lights and shapes required by the navigation rules. (source)

Local airboat ordinances and noise limits

  • Statewide

Chapters 327 and 328 govern vessel operation on Florida waters, and counties and cities face limits on what they can add. A local ordinance adopted after July 1, 2006, may not discriminate against airboats unless it passes by a two-thirds vote. Local governments also may not regulate engine or exhaust noise except as allowed by s. 327.65. Under that section, a county may adopt a limit of 90 dB A measured 50 feet from the vessel, and refusing a sound test is a second-degree misdemeanor.

Applies to: riding

Key points: Airboat-specific local ordinances after July 1, 2006 need a two-thirds vote; county noise limit option is 90 dB A at 50 ft (ss. 327.60, 327.65, F.S.).

Official source

What the official pages say
  • Local ordinances adopted after July 1, 2006, may not discriminate against airboats unless passed by a two-thirds vote. (source)
  • Local governments may not regulate engine or exhaust noise except as provided in s. 327.65. (source)
  • A county may adopt a maximum vessel sound level of 90 dB A measured 50 feet from the vessel. (source)
  • Refusing a sound level test requested by an officer is a second-degree misdemeanor. (source)
  • Cutouts are banned on all vessels except for regattas, official races and their trial runs. (source)

Manatee protection zones

  • Statewide

FWC sets manatee protection rules that limit vessel speed and operation where needed to protect manatees from collisions and harassment. In especially important areas, the rules can bar or limit entry. The state rules are in Chapter 68C-22 of the Florida Administrative Code. Local governments can also set manatee zones, but FWC must approve them first.

Applies to: riding

Key points: Manatee speed and entry zones under Chapter 68C-22, F.A.C.

Official source

What the official pages say
  • FWC manatee rules restrict vessel speed and operation to protect manatees from collisions and harassment. (source)
  • In especially important areas, the rules can prohibit or limit entry. (source)
  • The rules are in Chapter 68C-22 of the Florida Administrative Code. (source)
  • Local manatee protection zones must be approved by FWC before they take effect. (source)

Orange County public boat ramp airboat tour rules

  • Orlando and Central Florida
  • Orange County

Orange County Parks and Recreation sets rules for commercial boat tours, including airboat tours, that run from county public boat ramps. Tour businesses need a Parks Business Permit with an annual fee, and the Highway 50 Boat Ramp is capped at ten permits. Airboats must have mufflers and carbon fiber ground adjustable propellers, and commercial airboat noise may not exceed 90 decibels measured 50 feet away. Operators must show a U.S. Coast Guard captain's license where applicable.

Fees: Annual permit fee $3,000; $2,500 with an Orange County brick-and-mortar address

Applies to: tours

Key points: Commercial airboats at Orange County ramps: mufflers and carbon fiber props, 90 dB max at 50 ft, Parks Business Permit.

Official source

What the official pages say
  • Boat tour businesses need a Parks Business Permit from Orange County. (source)
  • The annual permit fee is $3,000. (source)
  • The fee is $2,500 for a business with a brick-and-mortar Orange County address. (source)
  • No more than ten boat tour permits are issued for the Highway 50 Boat Ramp. (source)
  • Airboats must have mufflers and carbon fiber ground adjustable propellers. (source)
  • Commercial airboat noise may not exceed 90 decibels measured 50 feet from the vessel. (source)
  • The business name must be shown on the rudder or upper cage in letters at least 4 inches high. (source)
  • Operators must show a U.S. Coast Guard captain's license where applicable. (source)
  • The guideline took effect June 5, 2020. (source)

Where to run your own airboat, hunt and fish

Public lands and waters where private airboats are allowed, limited or banned, with what you can hunt and fish there. Rules differ by area and season, so read the area's current regulations before you go.

Official rules to know:
  • Shooting waterfowl and migratory game birds from a vessel moving under power, or herding birds with boats, is prohibited. (source)
  • Migratory birds may not be taken from any motorboat unless the motor is completely shut off and the boat has stopped moving. (source)
  • Shooting game from powerboats moving under power is prohibited; motors must be shut off and progress must stop first. (source)
  • Herding or driving game with vehicles, boats or aircraft is prohibited. (source)
  • Internal combustion motors and airboats may be used on Lake Iamonia, Carr Lake and Lake Miccosukee during the September duck season and the youth and veterans/military waterfowl days. (source)
  • FWC says boat restrictions in countywide alligator units are set by local or regional government authorities. (source)
  • Alligators may be hunted 24 hours a day on most areas. (source)
  • Participants must be at least 18 years old by Aug. 15 of the application year. (source)
  • Hunters must complete an Alligator Harvest Report Form within 24 hours of taking an alligator. (source)
  • On WMAs, fishing or frogging is permitted only during the seasons set for that area. (source)
  • On WMAs, shooting frogs is allowed only during that area's hunting seasons. (source)
  • Picayune Strand WMA bans airboats outright. (source)
  • In Big Cypress WMA, all airboats must carry an orange flag at least 10 inches wide and 12 inches long. (source)

Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge

  • Everglades and South Florida
  • Boynton Beach
  • Airboats with limits

At Loxahatchee refuge, airboats are allowed only at certain times of year and only by permit, in separate phases. A refuge operator's permit, vessel inspection and refuge vessel permit are all required. Frogs may be taken from July 16 through March 15, with a limit of 50 frogs per vessel or party, and frogging or fishing by airboat is limited to non-hunting airboat permit holders. All refuge waters have a 35 mph speed limit.

Airboats: allowed with permit, specific times of year

What you can do: fishing, frogging, hunting, riding (by permit)

Address: 10216 Lee Road, Boynton Beach, FL 33473

Permits: Special Use Permit; refuge operator's permit, vessel inspection and refuge vessel permit

Seasons: Frogs may be taken July 16 through March 15

Hours: Headquarters/Lee Road area open 5:00 am to 10:00 pm

Rules: 35 mph limit on refuge waters; 500-foot idle zone around boat ramps; orange flag 10 feet above waterline in the interior; frog limit 50 per vessel or party.

Contact: (561) 357-4200

Sources differ: The same refuge rules page says, under Fishing, 'We prohibit boats with air-cooled engines, fan boats, hovercraft' and, under Boating, 'We prohibit mud boats, “Go-Devil” style boats, fan boats', while also allowing airboats by Special Use Permit. Read together: airboats are allowed only by permit. URL:

Official source

What the official pages say
  • Airboats are allowed during specific times of the year by permit only. (source)
  • Airboats are allowed by permit in separate phases, and need an operator's permit, vessel inspection and refuge vessel permit. (source)
  • Frogs may be taken from July 16 through March 15. (source)
  • The daily frog limit is 50 frogs per vessel or party. (source)
  • Frogging or fishing by airboat is limited to non-hunting airboat permit holders. (source)
  • All refuge waters have a 35 mph speed limit. (source)
  • Boats in the interior must show a 10-by-12-inch orange flag 10 feet above the waterline. (source)
  • The Headquarters/Lee Road area is open daily from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm. (source)

Big Cypress National Preserve (Stairsteps Unit, Zone 4 airboat trails)

  • Everglades and South Florida
  • Ochopee
  • Airboats with limits

In Big Cypress National Preserve, airboats count as off-road vehicles and need an NPS permit with an annual fee of $100. Zone 4 of the Stairsteps Unit can be reached only by airboat and has 57 miles of designated trails. ORV trails are open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., and the speed limit on Zone 4 airboat trails is 30 mph. Airboats may be no more than 8 feet wide and 16 feet long and must fly an orange safety flag at least 10 feet above the bottom of the boat.

Airboats: allowed with permit on designated trails

What you can do: riding, hunting, fishing, frogging, camping

Address: 33100 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141 (mailing address)

Permits: NPS recreational ORV permit (annual fee), inspection required

Hours: ORV trails open 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Prices (as listed): Annual ORV permit fee currently $100

Rules: Airboats count as ORVs; must stay on designated trails; orange flag at least 10 feet up; 30 mph limit on Zone 4 airboat trails; max 8 feet wide and 16 feet long.

Contact: ORV Office 239-631-9988; preserve 239 695-2000

Official source

What the official pages say
  • ORVs on designated trails give access to hunting, fishing, frogging and camping. (source)
  • Zone 4 can be reached only by airboat and has 57 miles of designated trails. (source)
  • ORV trails are open only from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (source)
  • The ORV trail speed limit is 15 mph, except 30 mph on Zone 4 airboat trails. (source)
  • Recreational ORV permits carry an annual fee, currently $100. (source)
  • Airboats may be no more than 8 feet wide and 16 feet long, not counting the grass rake. (source)
  • Airboats must fly an orange flag of 10 by 12 inches or larger at least 10 feet above the bottom of the boat. (source)
  • The ORV office can be reached at 239-631-9988. (source)

Everglades National Park

  • Everglades and South Florida
  • Homestead
  • Airboats with limits

In Everglades National Park, airboats are limited to an orange shaded area on the park's compendium map, and private or commercial airboats are banned everywhere else in the park. Running an airboat in the park needs a permit, and the permit holder must stay on board. Private airboats may launch only at the public ramps at US 41 next to Coopertown and in the East Everglades near Chekika Day Use Area, or at private ramps next to the park if they stay in the airboat area. Licensed tour airboats launch at Coopertown, Gator Park and Safari Park.

Airboats: allowed with permit only in the designated airboat use area; banned elsewhere

What you can do: riding (designated area only), fishing, tours

Address: 40001 State Road 9336, Homestead, FL 33034-6733 (mailing address)

Permits: Permit required to operate an airboat; permit holder must be on board

Rules: Private airboats launch only at the public ramps at US 41 (next to Coopertown) and East Everglades (near Chekika Day Use Area). Orange flag at least 10 feet above the bottom of the vessel.

Contact: 305 242-7700

Official source

What the official pages say
  • Airboats are limited to the orange shaded area on the compendium map. (source)
  • Private or commercial airboats are banned in all other areas of the park. (source)
  • Running an airboat requires a permit, and the permit holder must be on board. (source)
  • Private airboats may launch only at the public ramps at US 41 next to Coopertown and East Everglades near Chekika. (source)
  • Concession tour airboats may launch at Coopertown, Gator Park, Safari Park or the public ramp next to Coopertown. (source)
  • Airboats must fly an orange flag at least 10 by 12 inches, at least 10 feet above the bottom of the boat. (source)
  • Personal watercraft are on the park's list of prohibited craft. (source)

Everglades and Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area

  • Everglades and South Florida
  • West of Fort Lauderdale and Miami
  • Airboats with limits

This large Everglades area covers parts of three counties west of Fort Lauderdale and Miami. It is open for hunting waterfowl, deer, feral hogs, alligators and small game in the fall, winter and spring, and its canals hold bass, bluegill and catfish. Airboats are used here, with a general gun-vehicle season for airboats in parts of the area, but airboats are banned on tree islands and during shooting hours in Conservation Area 3A North during several seasons. Frogging by airboat in Conservation Area 3A North is allowed only at night. Alligator hunt participants may run airboats throughout the area when taking alligators.

Airboats: allowed with seasonal limits

What you can do: hunting (waterfowl, deer, feral hogs, alligators, small game), fishing, frogging, riding

Permits: General gun-vehicle permit needed for tracked vehicles in the general gun-vehicle season; such permits may be issued to airboat hunters

Seasons: Hunting in fall, winter and spring; general gun-vehicle season for airboats in Conservation Areas 3A South, 2 and Francis S. Taylor

Hours: Airboats banned during legal shooting hours in Conservation Area 3A North during archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons; frogging by airboat in 3A North from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise

Rules: No airboats on tree islands, wildlife islands and tree strands. Commercial airboat rides banned in the part of 3A South leased to the Miccosukee Tribe unless the Tribe allows them.

Official source

What the official pages say
  • The area spans parts of three counties west of Fort Lauderdale and Miami. (source)
  • Hunting of waterfowl, deer, feral hogs, alligators and small game takes place in the fall, winter and spring. (source)
  • More than 200 miles of canals hold game fish such as Florida bass, bluegill and catfish. (source)
  • The general gun-vehicle season is for airboats in Conservation Areas 3A South and 2 and the Francis S. Taylor area. (source)
  • Motorized vehicles and airboats are not allowed on tree islands, wildlife islands and tree strands. (source)
  • Airboats may not run during legal shooting hours in Conservation Area 3A North during archery, muzzleloading gun and general gun seasons. (source)
  • Frogging by airboat in Conservation Area 3A North is allowed from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise. (source)
  • Commercial airboat rides are banned in the part of Conservation Area 3A South leased to the Miccosukee Tribe unless the Tribe authorizes them. (source)
  • Alligator hunt participants may operate airboats throughout the area when taking alligators. (source)

Holey Land Wildlife Management Area

  • Everglades and South Florida
  • Southwestern Palm Beach County
  • Airboats with limits

Holey Land covers more than 35,000 acres in southwestern Palm Beach County, six miles west of US Highway 27. FWC says the marsh is most easily crossed by airboats and tracked vehicles. Hunting of waterfowl, deer, feral hogs, alligators and small game takes place in the fall, winter and spring. Airboats are banned during the archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun-walk and general gun-vehicle seasons, except airboats used for waterfowl hunting on legal waterfowl days. Alligator hunt participants may run airboats throughout the area when taking alligators.

Airboats: seasonal (banned during most hunting seasons except for waterfowl hunting on legal days)

What you can do: hunting (waterfowl, deer, feral hogs, alligators, small game), fishing, frogging, riding

Seasons: Hunting in fall, winter and spring

Rules: Airboats banned during archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun-walk and general gun-vehicle seasons, except for waterfowl hunting on days it is allowed. Alligator hunt participants may use airboats when taking alligators.

Official source

What the official pages say
  • Holey Land covers more than 35,000 acres in southwestern Palm Beach County, six miles west of US Highway 27. (source)
  • The marsh is most easily crossed by airboats and tracked vehicles. (source)
  • Hunting of waterfowl, deer, feral hogs, alligators and small game takes place in the fall, winter and spring. (source)
  • Airboats are banned during the archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun-walk and general gun-vehicle seasons. (source)
  • When water levels are high enough, the marsh can be reached from unimproved boat ramps in the southwestern and southeastern corners. (source)
  • No daily-use permit is required. (source)
  • Alligator hunt participants may operate airboats throughout the area when taking alligators. (source)

J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area

  • Everglades and South Florida
  • Airboats banned

FWC rules ban the use or possession of airboats on J.W. Corbett WMA all year. The same ban covers tracked vehicles, unlicensed motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles. All legal game, fish, furbearers and frogs may be taken there.

Airboats: banned year-round

What you can do: hunting, fishing, frogging

Official source

What the official pages say
  • Airboats may not be used or possessed on the area at any time of year. (source)
  • All legal game, fish, furbearers and frogs may be taken. (source)
  • Deer bag limits are one per day and two per year. (source)
  • Turkeys may not be taken during archery season. (source)

Rotenberger Wildlife Management Area

  • Everglades and South Florida
  • Western Broward and Palm Beach counties
  • Airboats with limits

Rotenberger covers more than 29,000 acres of western Broward and Palm Beach counties, 14 miles west of US Highway 27. FWC says the marsh is most easily crossed by airboats and tracked vehicles. Hunting of waterfowl, deer, feral hogs, alligators and small game takes place in the fall, winter and spring. Airboats are banned during the main hunting seasons, except airboats used for waterfowl hunting on legal waterfowl days.

Airboats: seasonal (banned during most hunting seasons except for waterfowl hunting on legal days)

What you can do: hunting (waterfowl, deer, feral hogs, alligators, small game), fishing, frogging, riding

Seasons: Hunting in fall, winter and spring

Rules: Airboats banned during archery, muzzleloading gun, general gun-walk and general gun-vehicle seasons, except for waterfowl hunting on days it is allowed.

Official source

What the official pages say
  • Rotenberger covers more than 29,000 acres of western Broward and Palm Beach counties, 14 miles west of US Highway 27. (source)
  • The marsh is most easily crossed by airboats and tracked vehicles. (source)
  • Hunting of waterfowl, deer, feral hogs, alligators and small game takes place in the fall, winter and spring. (source)
  • During the general gun-vehicle season the area is closed to airboats except those used for waterfowl hunting on legal days. (source)
  • When water levels are high enough, the marsh can be reached from unimproved ramps along the Powerline levee. (source)
  • Restrooms are not available. (source)

SFWMD Stormwater Treatment Areas (STAs)

  • Everglades and South Florida
  • Airboats banned

The South Florida Water Management District says personal watercraft and airboats are banned in all Stormwater Treatment Areas. Its public-use rule also lists airboats as banned in STA exterior canals. Hunters holding an STA Waterfowl Permit may use canoes and kayaks in several STAs. FWC sets alligator hunting hours on the STAs from 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. the next morning unless the harvest permit says otherwise.

Airboats: banned

What you can do: waterfowl hunting (by permit), alligator hunting, fishing

Permits: STA Waterfowl Permit for hunters

Hours: Alligator hunting on STAs between 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. unless the harvest permit says otherwise

Rules: Airboats and personal watercraft are banned in all STAs and in STA exterior canals.

Official source

What the official pages say
  • Personal watercraft and airboats are banned in all STAs. (source)
  • Canoes and kayaks may be used in STA-1W, STA-2, STA-3/4 and STA-5/6 by hunters with an STA Waterfowl Permit. (source)
  • The District rule lists airboats among vessels banned in STA exterior canals. (source)
  • On District lands, no one may launch an airboat except at designated boat launch facilities. (source)
  • On the STAs, alligator hunting hours are 5 p.m. to 10 a.m. the next morning unless the permit says otherwise. (source)

Fisheating Creek Wildlife Management Area

  • Lake Okeechobee
  • West of Lake Okeechobee, near Moore Haven and Palmdale
  • Airboats with limits

Fisheating Creek sits on the western side of Lake Okeechobee, with entrances north and west of Moore Haven. Every airboat running in the management area needs an FWC airboat use permit, and airboats are banned west of the head of the bushes. Personal watercraft are not allowed. Anglers fish the creek for bass, crappie, catfish and bream, and all hunts except small game need quota permits.

Airboats: allowed with permit; banned west of the head of the bushes

What you can do: hunting (deer, feral hog, turkey), fishing, frogging, paddling, camping

Permits: Airboat use permit issued by FWC; quota permits for all hunts except small game

Rules: No personal watercraft. Airboats banned west of the head of the bushes.

Official source

What the official pages say
  • The area is on the western side of Lake Okeechobee, with entrances north and west of Moore Haven. (source)
  • Airboats are banned west of the head of the bushes. (source)
  • An airboat use permit is required for every airboat operating in the area. (source)
  • Personal watercraft and horses are not allowed. (source)
  • All hunts except small game need quota permits. (source)
  • The creek holds bass, crappie, catfish and bream. (source)
  • Hunting conditions and boat access depend on water levels. (source)

Okaloacoochee Slough Wildlife Management Area

  • Southwest Florida
  • About 30 miles east of Fort Myers
  • Airboats mostly banned

Okaloacoochee Slough lies about 30 miles east of Fort Myers. Tracked vehicles, airboats and off-highway vehicles are banned there except by permit from the lead land manager, the Florida Forest Service or FWC. Small hunts are held on several weekends in late summer and fall, with turkey hunts in spring. The Florida Forest Service charges entrance or recreation fees in some areas.

Airboats: banned except by permit from the lead land manager

What you can do: hunting, fishing, frogging, hiking

Permits: Permit from the Florida Forest Service or FWC for airboats

Contact: Florida Forest Service (863) 612-0776

Official source

What the official pages say
  • The area is about 30 miles east of Fort Myers. (source)
  • Airboats are banned except by permit from the lead land manager. (source)
  • The permit comes from the lead land manager, the Florida Forest Service or FWC. (source)
  • Small hunts are held on several weekends in late summer and fall, with turkey hunts in spring. (source)
  • For recreation and fee information, call the Florida Forest Service at (863) 612-0776. (source)

Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Area

  • Orlando and Central Florida
  • South of St. Cloud and east of Lake Wales (Polk and Osceola counties)

The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes Area spans 21,000 acres in Polk and Osceola counties, from Cypress Lake in the north to Lake Kissimmee in the south. Access is mainly by boat, with public ramps throughout. Hunting seasons run from September through April, wild hog may be hunted year-round, and fishing and frogging are allowed all year. The FWC page fetched here does not state airboat rules for these lakes.

What you can do: hunting, fishing, frogging, camping

Seasons: Hunting September through April; wild hog year-round; fishing and frogging year-round

Contact: SFWMD Orlando Service Center 407-858-6100

Official source

What the official pages say
  • The area spans 21,000 acres in Polk and Osceola counties. (source)
  • It runs from Cypress Lake in the north to Lake Kissimmee in the south. (source)
  • Access is mainly by boat, with public ramps throughout. (source)
  • Hunting wild hog is allowed year-round. (source)
  • Fishing and frogging are allowed all year. (source)
  • The SFWMD Orlando Service Center can be reached at 407-858-6100. (source)

Seminole Ranch Wildlife Management Area and Conservation Area

  • Orlando and Central Florida
  • East of Orlando and north of Cocoa
  • Airboats banned

Seminole Ranch Conservation Area includes 12 miles of the St. Johns River, and its southwestern 6,000 acres make up the seasonally hunted Seminole Ranch WMA. Airboats, tracked vehicles and all-terrain vehicles are banned on the WMA. All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers may be taken. Boat access is at Midway Fish Camp and the Orange County public boat ramp.

Airboats: banned on the WMA

What you can do: hunting, fishing, frogging, boating, canoeing

Official source

What the official pages say
  • The property includes 12 miles of the St. Johns River. (source)
  • The southwestern 6,000 acres are the seasonally hunted Seminole Ranch WMA. (source)
  • Airboats are banned on the WMA. (source)
  • All legal game, fish, frogs and furbearers may be taken. (source)
  • Boat access is at Midway Fish Camp and the Orange County public boat ramp. (source)

Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area and Lake Jackson

  • Orlando and Central Florida
  • Southern Osceola County, southeast of St. Cloud
  • Airboats with limits

Three Lakes covers more than 63,000 acres of southern Osceola County, 25 miles southeast of St. Cloud. Airboats are banned on the WMA, except that they may be hauled to and from the Lake Jackson Public Boat Ramp and run on Lake Jackson outside areas posted as off-limits to airboats. Boats are allowed on Lake Kissimmee, Lake Jackson and Lake Marian, where anglers catch bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, crappie and catfish. Frogs and alligators are among the wildlife that may be taken, and alligator hunters may use airboats except in posted restricted areas.

Airboats: banned on WMA land; allowed on Lake Jackson outside posted areas

What you can do: hunting, fishing, frogging, alligator hunting, boating

Permits: Daily-Use Permit unless you hold a WMA permit

Rules: Airboats may be hauled to and from the Lake Jackson Public Boat Ramp and run on Lake Jackson outside posted restricted areas. Alligator hunters may use airboats except in posted restricted areas.

Official source

What the official pages say
  • Three Lakes covers more than 63,000 acres of southern Osceola County, 25 miles southeast of St. Cloud. (source)
  • Airboats may be hauled to and from the Lake Jackson Public Boat Ramp and run on Lake Jackson outside posted restricted areas. (source)
  • Boats are allowed on Lake Kissimmee, Lake Jackson and Lake Marian. (source)
  • Anglers catch bass, bluegill, redear sunfish, black crappie and catfish. (source)
  • Legal to take includes all legal game, fish, alligators as specified by rule, frogs and furbearers. (source)
  • During alligator hunts, airboats are not allowed in areas posted as restricted to airboat access. (source)
  • A Daily-Use Permit is needed unless you have a Wildlife Management Area Permit. (source)

William Beardall Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area

  • Orlando and Central Florida
  • South of Christmas, Orange County
  • Airboats banned

Tosohatchee lies in Orange County about three miles south of Christmas, between Orlando and Titusville. Airboats, tracked vehicles, all-terrain vehicles and unlicensed motorcycles are banned on the area. Deer, turkey, wild hog, fish, frogs, gray squirrel and coyote may be taken. Public access when hunting is closed runs from 6:00 a.m. to sunset unless camping.

Airboats: banned

What you can do: hunting (deer, turkey, wild hog), fishing, frogging

Hours: Non-hunting periods 6:00 a.m. to sunset; hunting periods from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. EST

Official source

What the official pages say
  • It is in Orange County about three miles south of Christmas, between Orlando and Titusville. (source)
  • Airboats are banned. (source)
  • Legal to take: deer, turkey, wild hog, fish, frogs, gray squirrel and coyote. (source)
  • When hunting is closed, public access is from 6:00 a.m. to sunset unless camping at designated sites. (source)

Canaveral Marshes Conservation Area

  • Space Coast
  • Between State Road 520 and State Road 50

Canaveral Marshes protects about 20 to 25 miles of St. Johns River shoreline. The District says a few shelters reached by boat along the river are very popular with airboaters. Boating and canoeing on the river are reached from nearby county boat ramps. Access is from State Road 520 at the Leroy Wright Recreation Area and from the State Road 50 boat ramp owned by Orange County.

Airboats: used (shelters popular with airboaters)

What you can do: fishing, boating, canoeing, wildlife viewing

Official source

What the official pages say
  • The property includes about 20 to 25 miles of river shoreline. (source)
  • A few shelters reached by boat along the river are very popular with airboaters. (source)
  • Boating and canoeing on the St. Johns River are reached from nearby county boat ramps. (source)
  • Access is from State Road 520 at Leroy Wright Recreation Area and the State Road 50 boat ramp owned by Orange County. (source)

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

  • Space Coast
  • Titusville / Merritt Island
  • Airboats banned

Merritt Island refuge, an overlay of NASA's Kennedy Space Center, bans air thrust boats, hovercraft and personal watercraft in refuge waters. Anglers must carry a signed Refuge Sports Fishing Permit, and taking frogs is not allowed. Waterfowl hunting is allowed on 36,000 acres, with legal shooting hours from half an hour before sunrise until 12 noon. Two Pole and Troll Zones in Mosquito Lagoon require gas engines to be shut off outside posted channels.

Airboats: banned (air thrust boats prohibited in refuge waters)

What you can do: fishing, crabbing, waterfowl hunting (quota)

Address: PO Box 2683, Titusville, FL 32781 (mailing address)

Permits: Signed Refuge Sports Fishing Permit; FWC Waterfowl Quota Permit for areas 1 and 4

Hours: Waterfowl shooting hours half an hour before sunrise until 12 noon

Contact: 321/861 0669 (visitor center)

Official source

What the official pages say
  • Air thrust boats, hovercraft and personal watercraft may not be used in refuge waters. (source)
  • Anglers must carry a current signed Refuge Sports Fishing Permit. (source)
  • Harvesting frogs, turtles and snakes is not allowed. (source)
  • Waterfowl hunting is permitted on 36,000 acres of the refuge. (source)
  • Legal waterfowl shooting hours are half an hour before sunrise until 12 noon. (source)
  • In the Pole and Troll Zones, internal combustion engines must be shut off except in posted channels. (source)
  • The visitor center number is 321/861 0669. (source)

River Lakes Conservation Area (Lakes Washington, Winder and Poinsett)

  • Space Coast
  • West of Melbourne and Cocoa
  • Airboats allowed

River Lakes Conservation Area takes in Lakes Washington, Winder and Poinsett on the upper St. Johns River. Most of the property is part of the Upper St. Johns River Marsh WMA, so hunting is allowed. Lake Washington County Park has boat, canoe and airboat ramps, and other ramps are on State Road 520 and U.S. 192. The vehicle gate at Wickham Road opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m.

Airboats: airboat ramps at Lake Washington County Park

What you can do: hunting, fishing, boating, camping

Hours: Wickham Road vehicle gate open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Official source

What the official pages say
  • The conservation area includes Lakes Washington, Winder and Poinsett. (source)
  • Most of the property is part of the Upper St. Johns River Marsh WMA, and hunting is allowed. (source)
  • Lake Washington County Park has boat, canoe and airboat ramps. (source)
  • Boat ramps are on State Road 520, U.S. 192 and at Lake Washington County Park. (source)
  • The entrance gate opens at 7 a.m. and closes at 7 p.m. (source)

T.M. Goodwin Waterfowl Management Area

  • Space Coast
  • Near Fellsmere, southern Brevard County

T.M. Goodwin, near Fellsmere in southern Brevard County, is known for hunting ducks, coots and snipe. Goodwin Lake is open to boats two days a week from 9 am to 4 pm, and ramps serve canoes, kayaks and small boats with motors under 40 hp. The area is closed to other visitors when hunts are in progress. FWC reports the area is currently inaccessible due to high water.

What you can do: waterfowl and snipe hunting, fishing, paddling

Hours: Goodwin Lake open to boats two days per week, 9 am to 4 pm

Rules: Ramps for canoes, kayaks and small boats with motors under 40 hp.

Contact: 321-726-2862 (office); 352-732-1225 (permits)

Official source

What the official pages say
  • It is near Fellsmere, on the east side of the St. Johns River in southern Brevard County. (source)
  • It is a hunting area for ducks, coots and snipe. (source)
  • Goodwin Lake is open to boats two days per week, from 9 am to 4 pm. (source)
  • Boat ramps serve canoes, kayaks and small boats with motors less than 40 hp. (source)
  • The area is closed to other visitors when hunts are in progress. (source)
  • Due to high water, the area is currently inaccessible. (source)
  • For permit information, call 352-732-1225. (source)

Three Forks Conservation Area

  • Space Coast
  • West of Palm Bay
  • Airboats allowed

Three Forks Conservation Area, run by the St. Johns River Water Management District, is where the first channels of the St. Johns River form. The District lists airboating among its activities, along with boating, fishing, seasonal hunting and primitive camping. Access west of Palm Bay is from the Thomas O. Lawton Recreation Area and other parking areas, and an airboat tour operator works at Tom O. Lawton Recreation Area by appointment. The area has nearly 70 miles of trail.

Airboats: allowed (airboating listed)

What you can do: airboating, boating, fishing, seasonal hunting, camping

Official source

What the official pages say
  • The first channels of the St. Johns River form within this marsh. (source)
  • Airboating is listed among recreational activities, with fishing, seasonal hunting and camping. (source)
  • An airboat tour operator works at Tom O. Lawton Recreation Area by appointment. (source)
  • The property has nearly 70 miles of trail. (source)
  • Alligators are seen year-round. (source)

Upper St. Johns River Marsh WMA and Blue Cypress Conservation Area

  • Space Coast
  • Near Fellsmere (Indian River and Brevard counties)
  • Airboats with limits

In the Upper St. Johns River Marsh WMA, all legal game, furbearers, fish and frogs may be taken. Airboats must launch and load at the designated airboat launch area in the Blue Cypress Water Management Area and must cross levees only at designated airboat crossings. Air-powered boats are banned where posted in the Blue Cypress Water Management Area. Airboat tour operators work from the 512 Recreation Area in the Blue Cypress Conservation Area by appointment.

Airboats: allowed with limits; banned in posted parts of Blue Cypress Water Management Area

What you can do: hunting (waterfowl, small game, wild hog), fishing, frogging, airboat tours

Rules: Airboats launch and load at the designated airboat launch area in the Blue Cypress Water Management Area and must cross levees at designated airboat crossings.

Official source

What the official pages say
  • All legal game, furbearers, fish and frogs may be taken. (source)
  • Airboats must launch and load at the designated airboat launch area in the Blue Cypress Water Management Area. (source)
  • Airboats must cross levees at designated airboat crossings. (source)
  • Air-powered boats and outboards over 10 horsepower are banned where posted in the Blue Cypress Water Management Area. (source)
  • Airboat tour operators are at the 512 Recreation Area, by appointment. (source)
  • The L-77 West Levee area, Lake Garcia, is an idle speed zone. (source)

Guana River Wildlife Management Area

  • St. Johns River and Northeast Florida
  • Between Jacksonville and St. Augustine
  • Airboats mostly banned

Guana River lies midway between Jacksonville and St. Augustine and is best known for duck hunting. Airboats are banned on the area, and boats with engines over 10 h.p. are banned on Lake Ponte Vedra. Alligator hunt participants are the exception and may use airboats and larger outboards on Lake Ponte Vedra when taking alligators. Anglers catch redfish, seatrout, croaker, black drum and spot.

Airboats: banned (except alligator hunt participants on Lake Ponte Vedra)

What you can do: duck hunting, deer and hog hunting, saltwater fishing, crabbing, alligator hunting

Rules: Vessels with engines over 10 h.p. banned on Lake Ponte Vedra; waterfowl hunting from permanent blinds banned.

Official source

What the official pages say
  • Guana River is midway between Jacksonville and St. Augustine. (source)
  • The area is best known for duck hunting. (source)
  • Airboats are banned. (source)
  • Waterfowl hunting from permanent blinds is banned. (source)
  • Alligator hunt participants may use airboats and outboards over 10 h.p. on Lake Ponte Vedra when taking alligators. (source)
  • Anglers catch redfish, seatrout, croaker, black drum and spot. (source)

Lake Woodruff National Wildlife Refuge

  • St. Johns River and Northeast Florida
  • Near DeLeon Springs
  • Airboats banned

Lake Woodruff refuge lies along the St. Johns River, which forms the western edge of its 22,000 acres. The refuge's big game hunt rules state that airboats are prohibited on the refuge. The Western Unit hunt area can be reached only by boat. Fishing is allowed year-round with a Florida freshwater fishing license.

Airboats: banned

What you can do: fishing, boating, deer and hog hunting (big game hunt)

Hours: Hunters may enter no earlier than two hours before sunrise and must leave by two hours after sunset

Contact: 386/985 4673

Official source

What the official pages say
  • The St. Johns River forms the western boundary of the 22,000-acre refuge. (source)
  • Airboats are prohibited on the refuge. (source)
  • Access to the Western Unit hunt area is by boat only. (source)
  • Hunters may not enter more than two hours before sunrise and must leave by two hours after sunset. (source)
  • Fishing is allowed year-round with a Florida freshwater fishing license. (source)

Airboat tours

Companies that sell airboat rides, with prices as listed on their own websites. Only three companies are authorized to run airboat tours inside Everglades National Park.

Official rules to know:
  • NPS says three authorized airboat businesses offer professional airboat tours inside Everglades National Park. (source)
  • The three are Coopertown, Everglades Safari Park and Gator Park, all on US 41/Tamiami Trail between Miami and Shark Valley. (source)
  • NPS requires specific authorizations for commercial businesses to operate in national parks. (source)
  • Any business in Everglades National Park needs prior approval from the Superintendent through a Commercial Use Authorization. (source)
  • Everglades CUA permits now run two-year terms, with a $350 application fee and a $1,000 management fee. (source)
  • NPS says separate fees apply for concessioner-operated tours and rentals. (source)
  • Non-US residents 16 and older pay a $100 nonresident fee, including those on concessioner tours, unless they hold an annual or America the Beautiful pass. (source)
  • In Big Cypress National Preserve, commercial airboat and other tours are offered through permitted commercial service operators. (source)
  • Big Cypress permittees and guides must carry a signed copy of their permit and conditions for ranger inspection. (source)

Airboat Tours Fort Lauderdale

  • Everglades and South Florida
  • Parkland

Airboat Tours Fort Lauderdale runs private airboat tours from a ramp on Loxahatchee Road in Parkland. Tours last 1 hour, 90 minutes or 2 hours and start at $300, $350 and $400, with two riders included. Each boat carries up to 8 passengers, and all rides are by appointment. The company says it is licensed and insured.

What you can do: private airboat tours (1-hour, 90-minute, 2-hour)

Address: Ramp: 15490 Loxahatchee Rd, Parkland, FL 33076

Seasons: 365 days

Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; by appointment only

Prices (as listed): 1-hour from $300; 90-minute from $350; 2-hour from $400; 2 riders included, $75 per extra rider; first 2 kids 12 and under free, extra kids $30

Rules: Maximum 8 passengers per boat including kids; all rides by appointment only.

Licensing: Says licensed and insured

Contact: (786) 376-1788; info@airboattoursfortlauderdale.com

Official website

What the official pages say
  • Tours launch from a ramp on Loxahatchee Road in Parkland. (source)
  • Prices include 2 riders, with $75 for each added rider. (source)
  • A boat holds up to 8 passengers, kids included. (source)
  • A 1-hour tour starts at $300. (source)
  • A 2-hour tour starts at $400. (source)
  • Hours are 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., 365 days, by appointment only. (source)
  • The company says it is licensed and insured. (source)

Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours

  • Everglades and South Florida
  • Miami

Buffalo Tiger Airboat Tours runs airboat trips on Miccosukee tribal lands along SW 8th Street west of Miami. Tours teach about the Everglades and the Miccosukee people, and no park entrance fee is needed. The standard 50-minute tour is $50 for adults and $27.50 for children 4 to 12. It is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm, with the last tour at 4pm.

What you can do: tours (50-minute standard tour, private tours on request)

Address: 29701 Southwest 8th Street, Miami, FL 33194

Seasons: Open daily, 7 days a week

Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; last tour departure 4pm

Prices (as listed): 50-minute tour: adults (13+) $50, children (4-12) $27.50, children 3 and younger free

Rules: No park entrance fee needed; online buyers must bring proof of purchase; walk-ins first come, first served.

Contact: 786-631-1605; btairboatrides@gmail.com

Official website

What the official pages say
  • Tours run on Miccosukee tribal lands and teach about the Everglades and the Miccosukee people. (source)
  • No park entrance fee is needed to take a tour. (source)
  • The 50-minute tour is $50 for adults 13+ and $27.50 for children 4-12. (source)
  • Children 3 and younger ride free. (source)
  • It is open 7 days a week from 9am to 5pm, with the last tour at 4pm. (source)
  • Ticket information line is 786-631-1605. (source)
  • The address is on Southwest 8th Street in Miami. (source)

Coopertown Airboats

  • Everglades and South Florida
  • Miami

Coopertown Airboats runs airboat tours from the Tamiami Trail in Miami and says it is an authorized National Park Service concessioner. NPS lists Coopertown as one of three authorized airboat businesses inside Everglades National Park. The public tour is about 40 minutes plus a short presentation, and walk-ins are welcome from 9 AM to 5 PM. Adult tickets are $39.00 and children 7 to 11 are $21.40, plus an $8 park fee for guests 16 and older.

What you can do: tours (public airboat tour, private airboat tours, seasonal sunset tour, group tours)

Address: 22700 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33194

Seasons: Open 365 days a year; sunset tour November through February only

Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily; last boat 4:30 PM

Prices (as listed): Adult (12 and older) $39.00; child (7 to 11) $21.40; children 6 and under free; plus $8 National Park fee per person 16+

Rules: Tickets are non-refundable under NPS concession policy; ear protection provided; private tours need advance reservation.

Since: 1947 (site also says first airboat rigged in 1945)

Licensing: Says it is an authorized National Park Service concessioner; NPS lists it as one of three authorized airboat businesses in Everglades National Park.

Contact: (305) 226-6048

Sources differ: Same site gives different start years: 'Since 1947' and 'In 1945 , he rigged one of the first civilian airboats'. Tour distance also varies on the same site: '4 miles through National Park sawgrass backcountry' vs '5-mile guided journey inside Everglades National Park'.

Official website

What the official pages say
  • Coopertown says it is an authorized National Park Service concessioner. (source)
  • NPS names Coopertown as one of three authorized airboat businesses in the park. (source)
  • The public tour is a guided ride of about 40 minutes plus an alligator exhibit. (source)
  • Adult tickets (12 and older) are $39.00 with sales tax included. (source)
  • There is an extra $8 National Park fee per person age 16 and older. (source)
  • It is open 9 AM to 5 PM every day, with the last boat at 4:30 PM. (source)
  • Tickets are non-refundable under National Park Service concession rules. (source)
  • The company dates its tours to 1947. (source)
  • The business address and phone are on Tamiami Trail (SW 8th St) in Miami. (source)

Everglades Alligator Farm

  • Everglades and South Florida
  • Homestead

Everglades Alligator Farm in Homestead offers a shared airboat ride of about 20 minutes with alligator shows and farm access. Airboats leave once an hour from 9:20 AM through 5:20 PM, and no reservation is needed for the standard ride. All ages may ride, but children 5 and under must wear a life vest. The site says the family-owned farm has operated since 1992.

What you can do: tours (airboat ride with 360-degree spins, private airboat tour), alligator shows, animal encounters

Address: 40351 SW 192nd Ave, Homestead, FL 33034

Seasons: Open daily

Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM; airboats hourly from 9:20 AM through 5:20 PM

Rules: Children 5 and under must wear a life vest (provided); no food, drinks or pets on the airboat; all ages welcome on airboat.

Since: 1992

Contact: +1 (305) 247-2628

Official website

What the official pages say
  • The farm says it has been family-owned since 1992. (source)
  • The standard airboat ride lasts about 20 minutes. (source)
  • Airboats leave once an hour from 9:20 AM through 5:20 PM. (source)
  • Children 5 and under must wear a life vest, provided at the dock. (source)
  • Food and drinks are not allowed on the airboat. (source)
  • A private airboat tour runs 45 to 60 minutes for up to 8 guests. (source)
  • The farm is at 40351 SW 192nd Ave in Homestead. (source)
  • The farm is open daily 9 AM to 5:30 PM. (source)

Everglades Holiday Park

  • Everglades and South Florida
  • Fort Lauderdale

Everglades Holiday Park is on Griffin Road in western Broward County and runs 60-minute airboat tours with a live alligator show. Adult tickets are $41.99 and children 3 to 11 are $29.99, plus tax and a booking fee. Tours start at 9 AM daily, with the last full tour at 4 PM. Each boat seats up to 25 people, and riders must stay seated.

What you can do: tours (60-minute airboat tour, private and group airboat tours, gator show, animal encounters); jon boat rentals and fishing supplies

Address: 21940 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33332

Seasons: Open year-round, 365 days per year

Hours: Airboat tours from 9:00 AM daily; last full 60-minute tour 4:00 PM; last boat 4:30 PM (30-minute ride)

Prices (as listed): Adults (12 and older) $41.99; children 3-11 $29.99; private tours start at $449; all plus tax and booking fee

Rules: Passengers must stay seated and keep hands and feet inside; boats seat up to 25.

Since: 1982

Contact: 954-434-8111

Official website

What the official pages say
  • The park is at 21940 Griffin Road in Fort Lauderdale. (source)
  • Adult tickets (12 and older) are $41.99 and children 3-11 are $29.99, plus tax and fees. (source)
  • Private airboat tours start at $449. (source)
  • Tours run from 9 AM, with the last full 60-minute tour at 4 PM. (source)
  • Each airboat seats up to 25 people. (source)
  • Riders must stay seated during the ride. (source)
  • The park traces its start to 1982. (source)
  • The park phone number is 954-434-8111. (source)

Everglades Safari Park

  • Everglades and South Florida
  • Miami

Everglades Safari Park is on the Tamiami Trail in Miami and calls itself an authorized Everglades National Park concession. NPS lists it as one of three authorized airboat businesses inside the park. The general tour is a 30 to 40 minute airboat ride plus a wildlife show and trail, with boats leaving about every 20 to 30 minutes. The park is open 9 AM to 5 PM all year, and the minimum age for children is 8 months.

What you can do: tours (general airboat tour, private airboat tours, private sunset tour, wildlife show, jungle trail)

Address: 26700 SW 8 St, Miami, FL 33194

Seasons: Open 365 days a year

Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM daily; final airboat departure 4:30 PM

Prices (as listed): Online general tour $49 per adult and $25 per child ages 3-9 (includes taxes and $8 NPS fee per adult); private 40-minute tour from $313 for the first 4 passengers; private 60-minute tour from $363

Rules: Minimum age for children is 8 months; no refunds or exchanges; no reservation needed for general tours; private tours need a reservation.

Since: 1968

Licensing: Says it is an authorized Everglades National Park concession; NPS lists it as one of three authorized airboat businesses in the park.

Contact: (305) 226-6923

Sources differ: The ticket page shows several different general-tour prices: '$49 per adult, $25 per child - ages 3-9', 'Your Price is: $44.00', 'Your Price is: $39.00', and '$28 $12 per Child' with a $3 NPS fee. Departure spacing is given as 'every 20-30 minutes' and 'every 25 minutes' (same page footer).

Official website

What the official pages say
  • The park says it is an authorized Everglades National Park concession. (source)
  • The park says its tours have run since 1968. (source)
  • The online general tour price is $49 per adult and $25 per child ages 3-9. (source)
  • Online prices include taxes and an $8 National Park entrance fee per adult. (source)
  • A private 40-minute tour starts at $313 for the first 4 passengers. (source)
  • The minimum age for children is 8 months. (source)
  • The park is open 365 days a year, 9 am to 5 pm. (source)
  • The street address is on SW 8th Street in Miami. (source)
  • NPS names Everglades Safari Park among the three authorized airboat businesses. (source)

Gator Park

  • Everglades and South Florida
  • Miami

Gator Park is on the Tamiami Trail in Miami and says it is one of the three officially authorized Everglades National Park concessions. NPS lists Gator Park as an authorized airboat tour business in the park. Tickets include the airboat ride and a wildlife show, with adults at $35.00 online and children at $25.00. Airboats leave every 20 to 30 minutes from 9 AM to 5 PM daily.

What you can do: tours (airboat tour, private airboat tours, wildlife show)

Address: 24050 SW 8th Street, Miami, Florida 33194

Seasons: Every day, rain or shine

Hours: Monday to Sunday 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; last airboat 5:00 PM

Prices (as listed): Online: adults $35.00 ($38.57 at the gate), children $25.00, kids 1-4 free; private tour $595 per hour, additional person $100; $8 NPS entry fee not included

Rules: No reservations required for general tickets; NPS fee excludes children under 16, pass holders, seniors 62+ and active military.

Licensing: Says it is one of the three officially authorized Everglades National Park concessions; NPS lists it as an authorized airboat business.

Contact: 305-559-2255

Sources differ: Home page lists 'Adults (12+): $35.00' while the park information page lists 'Adults: $35.00 ($38.57 at the gate)'; the home page also gives a second phone, 800-559-2205.

Official website

What the official pages say
  • Gator Park says it is one of three officially authorized park concessions. (source)
  • Adult online tickets are $35.00, or $38.57 at the gate; children are $25.00. (source)
  • A private tour is $595 per hour, plus $100 for each extra person. (source)
  • Tours run Monday through Sunday, 9 AM to 5 PM. (source)
  • Airboats leave every 20 to 30 minutes. (source)
  • The park address and phone are on SW 8th Street in Miami. (source)
  • NPS lists Gator Park under airboat tours in Everglades National Park. (source)

Gladesmen Airboat Tours at Mack's Fish Camp

  • Everglades and South Florida
  • Pembroke Pines

Gladesmen Airboat Tours runs private airboat tours from Mack's Fish Camp in Pembroke Pines, in western Broward County. A 1-hour tour is $249 for two riders, a 1.5-hour tour is $325, and a 2-hour tour is $399, with a fee for each added rider. The business also offers airboat bass fishing, fishing guides, rentals and camping. Listed hours are 7:00AM to 9:00PM daily.

What you can do: private airboat tours, airboat bass fishing, fishing guide service, jon boat and canoe rentals, camping

Address: Danell Lane, Pembroke Pines, FL 33029

Seasons: Year round

Hours: Monday to Sunday 7:00AM to 9:00PM

Prices (as listed): 1 hour $249 for 2 riders (+$50 each extra rider); 1.5 hours $325 for 2 riders (+$50); 2 hours $399 for 2 riders (+$75)

Contact: (954) 536-7400

Official website

What the official pages say
  • A 1-hour eco tour is $249 for 2 riders. (source)
  • A 1.5-hour tour is $325 for 2 riders, with $50 per extra rider. (source)
  • A 2-hour tour is $399 for 2 riders, with $75 per extra rider. (source)
  • Services include private tours, airboat bass fishing, rentals and camping. (source)
  • The camp is on Danell Lane in Pembroke Pines. (source)
  • The phone number for booking is (954) 536-7400. (source)

Sawgrass Recreation Park

  • Everglades and South Florida
  • Weston

Sawgrass Recreation Park is on US Highway 27 in Weston and offers a 40-minute general admission airboat tour plus exhibits. General admission is $30.95 for adults and $20.95 for children 4 to 12, and children under 4 ride free. Reservations are required, and children six and under must wear a life jacket. The site says the property began as a fishing camp in the mid 1950s and became an airboat attraction in the 1970s.

What you can do: tours (general admission airboat, private, nighttime); fishing jon boat rentals and tent camping

Address: 1006 North US Highway 27, Weston, FL 33327

Seasons: Open 363 days each year; closed Thanksgiving

Hours: Boats every 20 to 30 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; final boat 5 p.m.

Prices (as listed): General admission adult (13+) $30.95, child (4-12) $20.95, under 4 free

Rules: Reservations required; children six and under must wear a life jacket (provided).

Since: Fishing camp from the mid 1950s; airboat attraction in the 1970s

Contact: 954-389-0202; bookings@evergladestours.com

Sources differ: FAQ says '$28.95 + tax per adult, $18.95 + tax per child (ages 4-12)', while the home page and general admission page say Adult $30.95 and Child $20.95.

Official website

What the official pages say
  • The general admission airboat tour lasts 40 minutes. (source)
  • General admission is $30.95 for adults 13+ and $20.95 for children 4-12. (source)
  • Reservations are required for all tour options. (source)
  • Children six and under must wear a life jacket, which the park provides. (source)
  • Boats leave every 20 to 30 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with a final boat at 5 p.m. (source)
  • The site traces the park to a fishing camp in the mid 1950s. (source)
  • The park address and phone are listed in the footer. (source)

Airboats & Alligators (Lake Trafford)

  • Southwest Florida
  • Immokalee

Airboats & Alligators is a family-owned business in Immokalee that runs guided airboat rides on Lake Trafford. Tours look for alligators and birds in what the site calls the headwaters of the Everglades, and sunset tours are offered. The office is on Lake Trafford Road, with assistance hours from 8:00am to 4:00pm daily. Prices are not printed on the home page.

What you can do: airboat rides on Lake Trafford, sunset airboat tours, reptile zoo and wildlife encounters

Address: 6001 Lake Trafford Rd, Immokalee

Hours: Mon to Sun 8:00am to 4:00pm (assistance hours)

Rules: Closed-toe, non-slip shoes recommended; family-friendly for all ages.

Contact: (239) 657-2214

Official website

What the official pages say
  • It is a local, family-owned business in Immokalee. (source)
  • Airboat rides cruise Lake Trafford looking for gators and birds. (source)
  • Sunset airboat tours are offered on Lake Trafford. (source)
  • The office is at 6001 Lake Trafford Rd, open Mon-Sun 8:00am-4:00pm. (source)
  • The phone number is (239) 657-2214. (source)

Captain Jack's Airboat Tours

  • Southwest Florida
  • Everglades City

Captain Jack's Airboat Tours runs 50-minute airboat tours through the mangrove tunnels of Everglades City from Dupont Street. Adult prices run $52 to $56 and vary with demand, plus tax and fees. Children 1 and older may ride, riders 17 and under need an adult, and every rider must have a seat. The site says its captains are licensed by the Coast Guard, and it is open daily 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What you can do: tours (mangrove tunnel airboat tour, private airboat tour, combos with grassland airboat, swamp buggy and Ten Thousand Islands boat tour)

Address: 905 Dupont Street, Everglades City, FL

Seasons: Open daily

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prices (as listed): Mangrove tunnel tour $52-56 per adult (11+), $33-41 per kid (4-10), $13-20 per toddler (1-3), prices vary with demand; private tour from $309 for 1-6 people

Rules: Ages 1 and older on airboats; riders 17 or younger need an adult 18+; everyone, even lap infants, must buy a seat (Coast Guard rule); mangrove boats seat a maximum of 6.

Licensing: Says captains are licensed by the Coast Guard

Contact: 239-695-4400

Sources differ: Home page lists the mangrove tunnel tour 'from $52' and the private tour 'from $309'; Jungle Erv's site lists the same Captain Jack's mangrove tunnel tour 'from $48'.

Official website

What the official pages say
  • The mangrove tunnel tour costs $52-56 per adult, with lower prices for kids and toddlers. (source)
  • The tour lasts 50 minutes and is open to ages 1 and up. (source)
  • Riders 17 or younger must ride with someone 18 or older. (source)
  • Coast Guard rules require everyone, even lap infants, to buy a seat. (source)
  • A private mangrove tunnel tour starts at $309 for 1-6 people. (source)
  • The site says its captains are licensed by the Coast Guard. (source)
  • It is open daily 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 905 Dupont Street. (source)
  • No park pass is needed except for the Ten Thousand Islands boat tour. (source)

Everglades City Airboat Tours

  • Southwest Florida
  • Everglades City

Everglades City Airboat Tours runs tours of about 55 to 60 minutes from DuPont Street in Everglades City, a family business that says it has operated since 1982. Each airboat carries at most 6 passengers, which the company calls a Coast Guard rule. The company says its tours do not enter Everglades National Park and that tours are not permitted in state and federal parks. It is open 8:30 am to 4:00 pm and closed Sundays.

What you can do: tours (about one-hour mangrove airboat tour on the Barron River area)

Address: 907 DuPont Street, Everglades City, Florida 34139

Seasons: Closed Sundays, Thanksgiving and Christmas

Hours: 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Rules: Maximum 6 passengers per airboat regardless of age (Coast Guard rule); tours do not go inside Everglades National Park.

Since: 1982

Licensing: Says all guides are USCG-licensed captains, state certified and insured; says it is licensed for 24 airboats

Contact: 239-695-2400; 877-222-6400

Official website

What the official pages say
  • Tours usually run 55 to 60 minutes. (source)
  • The company says its airboats do not go inside Everglades National Park. (source)
  • Each airboat carries 1 to 6 passengers, which the company calls a Coast Guard rule. (source)
  • All guides are USCG-licensed captains, state-certified and insured. (source)
  • The company says it is licensed for 24 airboats but runs five. (source)
  • It has operated year-round since 1982. (source)
  • The tours page lists $52, $35 and $300 prices plus tax and fees. (source)
  • The office is at 907 DuPont Street, Everglades City. (source)

Jungle Erv's Airboat Tours

  • Southwest Florida
  • Everglades City

Jungle Erv's runs a 50-minute airboat tour through a private mangrove maze near Everglades City, with combos that add grassland airboat, swamp buggy or national park boat tours. The single mangrove maze tour starts at $48. The site says it is the longest continuously-running airboat tour company in Everglades City, going back to the 1980s. It is open daily 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What you can do: tours (mangrove maze airboat tour, combos with grassland airboat, swamp buggy and Ten Thousand Islands boat tour), boardwalk, animal sanctuary

Address: Mangrove maze tours: 31222 Tamiami Trl E, Everglades City, FL

Seasons: Open daily

Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prices (as listed): Mangrove maze airboat tour from $48; combos from $74 to $106

Since: 1980s

Licensing: Says captains are licensed by the Coast Guard

Contact: 239-695-2820

Sources differ: Speedy's site lists the same Jungle Erv's mangrove maze location as '31222 Tamiami Trl E Naples FL' and describes 12-seat boats; Jungle Erv's own site says 'Everglades City FL' and '10-seat boats'.

Official website

What the official pages say
  • The mangrove maze airboat tour lasts 50 minutes and starts at $48. (source)
  • Mangrove maze boats are 10-seat airboats. (source)
  • The company says it has run nonstop since the 1980s. (source)
  • The site says its captains are licensed by the Coast Guard. (source)
  • It is open daily 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (source)
  • Mangrove maze tours leave from 31222 Tamiami Trl E. (source)

Wooten's Everglades Airboat Tours

  • Southwest Florida
  • Ochopee

Wooten's runs airboat tours across 259 private acres of Everglades grassland from the Tamiami Trail in Ochopee. The 30-minute grassland tour starts at $36, and a private airboat for 1 to 9 people starts at $319. The site says Wooten's has welcomed visitors since 1953 and that its captains are licensed by the Coast Guard. It is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What you can do: tours (grassland airboat tour through 259 private acres, extended and private airboat tours, swamp buggy combos), animal sanctuary and alligator show

Address: 32330 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL

Seasons: Open daily

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prices (as listed): Grassland airboat tour from $36; extended tour from $48; private airboat tour for 1-9 people from $319

Since: 1953

Licensing: Says captains are licensed by the Coast Guard

Contact: 239-695-2781

Official website

What the official pages say
  • The 30-minute grassland airboat tour crosses 259 private acres and starts at $36. (source)
  • A private airboat for 1-9 people starts at $319. (source)
  • The site dates the business to 1953. (source)
  • The site says its captains are licensed by the Coast Guard. (source)
  • It is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Tamiami Trail in Ochopee. (source)

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures

  • Orlando and Central Florida
  • Kissimmee

Boggy Creek Airboat Adventures runs airboat tours from 2001 E. Southport Rd. in Kissimmee and says it is open seven days a week from 9 to 5. Tours head into the headwaters of the Everglades on Coast Guard-inspected airboats that hold up to 17 passengers. The site lists a 30-minute tour at $34-$41, a 1-hour tour at $54-$61 and a night tour at $67-$79. There is no age limit, and children under 6 must wear Coast Guard approved life jackets.

What you can do: airboat tours (30-minute, 1-hour, sunset, night and private)

Address: 2001 E. Southport Rd., Kissimmee, FL 34746

Hours: Open 7 days a week, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; 30-minute tours 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Prices (as listed): 30-minute tour $34-$41; 1-hour tour $54-$61; night tour $67-$79 (as printed on the company site)

Rules: No age limit; infants under 3 free; children under 6 must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket.

Contact: 407-344-9550; groups@bcairboats.com

Official website

What the official pages say
  • The park is at 2001 E. Southport Rd. in Kissimmee. (source)
  • It is open seven days a week from 9 to 5, with rides starting at $34. (source)
  • The half-hour tour is listed at $34 to $41. (source)
  • The one-hour tour is listed at $54 to $61. (source)
  • The night tour is listed at $67 to $79. (source)
  • Tours go into the headwaters of the Everglades to look for wildlife. (source)
  • The one-hour tour uses a Coast Guard-inspected airboat that holds 17 passengers, run by licensed captains. (source)
  • There is no age limit and infants under 3 ride free. (source)
  • Children under 6 must wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket. (source)

Grape Hammock Fish Camp & Airboat Rides

  • Orlando and Central Florida
  • Lake Wales

Grape Hammock is a family-owned marina and fish camp on the south end of Lake Kissimmee in Lake Wales that also runs airboat tours. It provides ear protection on its fast-paced airboat tours. Its history page says the first fish camp there began around 1938, and the site was known in the late 1800s as Grape Hammock Landing. The main office is at 1400 Grape Hammock Road.

What you can do: airboat tours, fishing, camping

Address: 1400 Grape Hammock Road, Lake Wales, FL 33898-9349

Since: Fish camp from around 1938

Contact: (863) 692-1500

Official website

What the official pages say
  • Grape Hammock is a family-owned marina on the south end of Lake Kissimmee in Lake Wales. (source)
  • It provides ear protection on its fast-paced airboat tours. (source)
  • The main office is at 1400 Grape Hammock Road in Lake Wales. (source)
  • Riders can call 863-692-1500. (source)
  • The fish camp began around 1938 with cabins, boats and bait. (source)
  • The site was known in the late 1800s as Grape Hammock Landing. (source)

Kissimmee Swamp Tours

  • Orlando and Central Florida
  • Kenansville

Kissimmee Swamp Tours runs airboat tours on Lake Kissimmee from Middleton's Fish Camp Too at 4500 Joe Overstreet Road in Kenansville. It uses boats that carry up to six people and calls itself a licensed professional airboat tour operator. A 60-minute tour is $48 for adults and $42 for children, a 90-minute tour is $74 and $64, and children under 3 ride free. It is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What you can do: airboat tours (30, 60 and 90 minutes, private, evening and frog gigging)

Address: 4500 Joe Overstreet Road, Kenansville, FL 34739

Hours: Open 7 days a week, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prices (as listed): 30-minute tour $38; 60-minute tour adults $48, children $42; 90-minute tour adults $74, children $64; under 3 free; private 60 minutes $200, 90 minutes $300

Rules: Boats carry up to 6 people.

Contact: (407) 460-6481

Sources differ: The company site lists two phone numbers: (407) 460-6481 on and (407) 436-1059 on (phrase: "(407) 436-1059 Home Tour Information About Contact").

Official website

What the official pages say
  • The company is at 4500 Joe Overstreet Road in Kenansville. (source)
  • It is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (source)
  • Tours leave from a fish camp on Lake Kissimmee. (source)
  • The 60-minute tour costs $48 for adults and $42 for children, and children under 3 ride free. (source)
  • The 90-minute tour costs $74 for adults. (source)
  • A 30-minute tour costs $38. (source)
  • Boats carry no more than six people. (source)
  • The company describes itself as a licensed professional airboat tour operator. (source)
  • It also offers frog gigging and evening trips. (source)

Marsh Landing Adventures

  • Orlando and Central Florida
  • Kissimmee

Marsh Landing Adventures has run airboat tours from 2830 Neptune Rd in Kissimmee since 2008, heading into the headwaters of the Everglades on Lake Tohopekaliga. Tours run from 60 minutes to four hours. The 60-minute tour is $55 for adults and $50 for children 3 to 10, and the 4-hour tour is $165 to $175. The site says each captain is licensed by the US Coast Guard, and kids 6 and under must wear life jackets.

What you can do: airboat tours (60-minute, 90-minute, 2-hour, 4-hour and private)

Address: 2830 Neptune Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34744

Prices (as listed): 60-minute tour: adults $55, children 3-10 $50; 90-minute from $58; 2-hour $85-$90; 4-hour $165-$175; private $600-$750

Rules: No age limit; life jackets required for kids 6 and under.

Since: 2008

Contact: (407) 572-3561; marshlandingadventures@gmail.com

Official website

What the official pages say
  • The company is at 2830 Neptune Rd in Kissimmee. (source)
  • It has offered airboat tours since 2008. (source)
  • Longer tours go deeper into the headwaters of the Everglades on Lake Tohopekaliga. (source)
  • The 60-minute tour costs $55 for adults and $50 for children 3 to 10. (source)
  • The 2-hour tour costs $85 to $90. (source)
  • The 4-hour eco tour costs $165 to $175. (source)
  • Private rides cost $600 to $750 and last up to four hours. (source)
  • The site says each captain is licensed by the US Coast Guard. (source)
  • There is no age limit, and kids 6 and under must wear life jackets. (source)

Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides

  • Orlando and Central Florida
  • Kissimmee

Spirit of the Swamp runs small airboat tours from 2830 Neptune Rd in Kissimmee. Its boats carry up to six passengers and riders use two-way headsets, with 1-hour and 90-minute tours. A 1-hour public tour is listed at $49 for adults and $44 for children 10 and under, and the 90-minute public tour starts at $79. Toddlers must weigh at least 18 pounds, and the company asks for 48 hours' notice to cancel.

What you can do: airboat tours (1-hour and 90-minute, public and private)

Address: 2830 Neptune Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34744

Prices (as listed): 1-hour public tour: adults (11 and up) $49, children (10 and under) $44; 90-minute public tour from $79; 1-hour private tour from $54

Rules: Boats carry up to 6 passengers; toddlers must weigh at least 18 lbs; 48-hour notice to cancel.

Contact: 321-689-6893; info@spiritoftheswamp.com

Official website

What the official pages say
  • The company is at 2830 Neptune Rd in Kissimmee and can be reached by phone or email. (source)
  • Tours use small six-passenger airboats with two-way headsets, in 1-hour and 90-minute lengths. (source)
  • The 1-hour public tour costs $49 for ages 11 and up and $44 for ages 10 and under. (source)
  • The 90-minute public tour starts at $79. (source)
  • The 1-hour private tour starts at $54. (source)
  • Groups of four or more can have their own private boat. (source)
  • Toddlers and babies must weigh at least 18 pounds to ride. (source)
  • The company asks for 48 hours' notice to cancel. (source)

The Black Hammock

  • Orlando and Central Florida
  • Oviedo

The Black Hammock runs airboat rides on Lake Jesup from 2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road in Oviedo, Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A 30-minute ride is $40 for adults and $35 for children, and a 1-hour ride is $65 and $52 with a six-passenger minimum. Night rides with U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains are $84 for adults. There are no age or height limits, but children under 6 must wear a life vest and ear protection.

What you can do: airboat tours (30-minute, 1-hour, sunset, night and private) on Lake Jesup

Address: 2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road, Oviedo, FL 32765

Hours: Airboat rides Tuesday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prices (as listed): 30-minute ride: adults $40, children $35; 1-hour ride: adults $65, children $52 (6-passenger minimum); 1-hour night ride: adults $84, children $74; 30-minute private charter $360 for up to six (all plus tax)

Rules: No age or height restrictions; children under 6 must wear a life vest and ear protection.

Contact: 407-365-1244

Sources differ: Company pages differ on the Lake Jesup alligator count: says "The lake is home to an estimated 13,000 alligators"; says "This 100,000-year-old lake is home to over 9000 alligators". Neither is an official count.

Official website

What the official pages say
  • The Black Hammock is at 2316 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road in Oviedo. (source)
  • Airboat rides run Tuesday through Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (source)
  • Rides explore Lake Jesup. (source)
  • A 30-minute ride costs $40 for adults and $35 for children, plus tax. (source)
  • A 1-hour ride costs $65 for adults and $52 for children, plus tax. (source)
  • The 1-hour ride needs at least six passengers and a 24-hour advance reservation. (source)
  • The 1-hour night ride costs $84 for adults and $74 for children, plus tax. (source)
  • Night rides are run by U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captains. (source)
  • There are no age or height limits, but children under 6 must wear a life vest and ear protection. (source)

Tom & Jerry's Airboat Rides

  • Orlando and Central Florida
  • Lake Panasoffkee

Tom & Jerry's Airboat Rides runs 60-minute airboat tours on Lake Panasoffkee from 68 N Main Terrace, just off I-75 at exit 321. The site says it uses USCG-certified boats with licensed captains. Tours are open to all ages, with $10 off for children 3 to 9 and free rides for children 2 and under. Boats go up to 40 mph, and only trained service animals are allowed.

What you can do: airboat tours on Lake Panasoffkee

Address: 68 N Main Terrace, Lake Panasoffkee, FL 33538

Rules: All ages; children 3-9 receive $10 off and 2 and under are free; only trained service animals allowed.

Since: Says it is celebrating 15 years

Contact: (321) 689-9821

Official website

What the official pages say
  • The company is at 68 N Main Terrace in Lake Panasoffkee. (source)
  • It is just off I-75 at exit 321. (source)
  • Tours run on the waterways of Lake Panasoffkee. (source)
  • The standard ride is 60 minutes. (source)
  • The site lists USCG-certified boats and licensed captains. (source)
  • Children 3 to 9 get $10 off and children 2 and under ride free. (source)
  • Boats go up to 40 mph. (source)
  • Only trained service animals are allowed. (source)

Wild Willy's Airboat Tours

  • Orlando and Central Florida
  • St. Cloud

Wild Willy's Airboat Tours runs 1-hour airboat tours on West Lake Toho from 3640 Lake Tohopekaliga Road in St. Cloud. The site lists $58 for adults, $52 for children 3 to 10, and $48 for the 9 a.m. departure, with seasonal after-hours tours at $70. A private tour for one to six guests is $390 plus tax. Children 6 or younger must wear a life jacket, and the site says its captains are licensed.

What you can do: airboat tours (1-hour, after-hours and private)

Address: 3640 Lake Tohopekaliga Road, St. Cloud, FL 34772

Hours: Departures offered between 9 a.m. and 7:15 p.m.; seasonal after-hours tours at 4:45, 6 and 7:15 p.m.

Prices (as listed): 1-hour tour: adults (11+) $58, children (3-10) $52, 9 a.m. departure $48, ages 0-2 free; after-hours tour $70; private tour $390 for 1-6 guests

Rules: Children 6 or younger must wear a life jacket.

Contact: (407) 891-7955; wildwillystaff@gmail.com

Official website

What the official pages say
  • The company can be reached by phone and email. (source)
  • A ticket covers a full 1-hour tour on West Lake Toho. (source)
  • The 1-hour tour costs $58 for adults 11 and up, $52 for children 3 to 10, and $48 for the 9 a.m. departure. (source)
  • Tours are offered between 9 a.m. and 7:15 p.m. (source)
  • Seasonal after-hours tours leave at 4:45, 6 and 7:15 p.m. and cost $70 for ages 3 and older. (source)
  • A private tour for one to six guests costs $390 plus tax. (source)
  • Children 6 or younger must wear a life jacket. (source)
  • The site says its captains are licensed. (source)

Airboat Rides at Midway

  • Space Coast
  • Christmas

Airboat Rides at Midway runs 1-hour airboat tours on the St. Johns River from 28501 East Colonial Drive in Christmas and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It began as a fish camp in the 1930s and added airboat rides in the 1970s. The site says every captain is a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Master and the fleet is Coast Guard inspected. A 1-hour tour is $49.77 for ages 13 and up and $45.07 for ages 2 to 12, plus tax.

What you can do: airboat tours (1-hour public and private) on the St. Johns River

Address: 28501 East Colonial Drive, Christmas, FL 32709

Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prices (as listed): 1-hour tour: ages 13+ $49.77, ages 2-12 $45.07, 1 and under free; private tour $375 for up to 6, $62.50 per person for 7 or more (all plus tax)

Rules: Children 5 and under must wear a life jacket (USCG rule); no pets, including service animals.

Since: Fish camp in the 1930s; airboat rides since the 1970s

Contact: 407-568-6790

Official website

What the official pages say
  • Midway is at 28501 East Colonial Drive in Christmas. (source)
  • It is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and walk-ins are welcome. (source)
  • Tours run on the St. Johns River with a U.S. Coast Guard Master Captain. (source)
  • The 1-hour tour is $49.77 for ages 13 and up and $45.07 for ages 2 to 12; ages 1 and under ride free. (source)
  • A private tour is $375 for up to six people. (source)
  • Every captain is a licensed U.S. Coast Guard Master and the fleet is Coast Guard inspected. (source)
  • Midway started as a fish camp in the 1930s and added airboat rides in the 1970s. (source)
  • Children five and under must wear a life jacket for the whole tour. (source)
  • Pets are not allowed on the boat, including service animals. (source)

Camp Holly Airboat Rides

  • Space Coast
  • Melbourne

Camp Holly is a fish camp on the St. Johns River at 6901 U.S. 192 in West Melbourne, near I-95 Exit 180. It dates to the early 1920s and added airboat rides in 1983. Its standard 35- to 40-minute tour is first come, first served and costs $45 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under. Airboat tours run every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What you can do: airboat tours (35-40 minute, 1-hour, 2-hour and sunset eco tour) on the St. Johns River

Address: 6901 U.S. 192, Melbourne, FL 32904

Hours: Airboat tours every day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Prices (as listed): Standard 35-40 minute tour: adults $45, children (12 and under) $35; 1-hour tour $65 per adult (minimum 4), children $35 (plus tax)

Rules: Standard tours are first come, first served (no reservations).

Since: Fish camp in the early 1920s; airboat rides since 1983

Contact: (321) 723-2179; Camphollyairboats@gmail.com

Official website

What the official pages say
  • Camp Holly is at 6901 U.S. 192 in Melbourne. (source)
  • It sits on the St. Johns River in West Melbourne, off I-95 at Exit 180. (source)
  • Airboat tours run every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (source)
  • Standard tours last 35 to 40 minutes. (source)
  • Standard tours are first come, first served, with no reservations. (source)
  • The standard tour is $45 for adults and $35 for children 12 and under, plus tax. (source)
  • A 1-hour tour is $65 per adult with a minimum of four, and $35 per child. (source)
  • Camp Holly dates to the early 1920s and calls itself the first fish camp in Brevard County. (source)
  • Airboat rides began at Camp Holly in 1983. (source)

Sea Serpent Tours

  • St. Johns River and Northeast Florida
  • St. Augustine

Sea Serpent Tours runs airboat tours from Trout Creek Memorial Park at 6550 SR 13 N in St. Augustine and was established in 2015. Its freshwater tour runs about 1.5 hours through Trout Creek, Six Mile Creek and Palmo Cove, tributaries of the St. Johns River. The tour is $84.95 per person and a private tour is $750. The site says its captains are US Coast Guard licensed Master Captains, and all seats are the same price.

What you can do: airboat tours (freshwater St. Johns River tributaries, saltwater marsh, private)

Address: Trout Creek Memorial Park & Marina, 6550 SR 13 N, St. Augustine, FL 32092

Prices (as listed): Airboat Adventure Tour $84.95 per person; private tour $750

Rules: All seats are the same price; no pets; tours run in rain; refunds only with cancellation protection.

Since: 2015

Contact: (904) 495-4200; capt@seaserpenttours.com

Official website

What the official pages say
  • Tours leave from Trout Creek Memorial Park at 6550 SR 13 N in St. Augustine. (source)
  • It can be reached by phone and email. (source)
  • The freshwater tour covers Trout Creek, Six Mile Creek and Palmo Cove, tributaries of the St. Johns River. (source)
  • The tour lasts about 1.5 hours on a 15-passenger boat, costs $84.95 per person, and a private tour costs $750. (source)
  • The company was established in St. Augustine in 2015. (source)
  • Captains are US Coast Guard licensed Master Captains certified through state approved airboat operator safety programs. (source)
  • All passengers need a ticketed seat, and all seats are the same price. (source)
  • Riders have ranged from 1 to 94 years old. (source)
  • Tours are not canceled for rain. (source)

Homosassa Airboat Ventures

  • Tampa Bay and Nature Coast
  • Homosassa

Homosassa Airboat Ventures runs airboat tours on the Homosassa River from 5297 South Cherokee Way in Homosassa. Boats carry up to six passengers, and there is a two-person minimum. A 1-hour tour starts at $59 and a 90-minute tour at $79, with private tours from $354. Riders get a full refund or credit with 72 hours' notice.

What you can do: airboat tours (1-hour and 90-minute, shared and private) on the Homosassa River

Address: 5297 South Cherokee Way, Homosassa, FL 34448

Prices (as listed): 1-hour tour from $59; 90-minute tour from $79; private 1-hour from $354; private 90-minute from $474

Rules: Up to 6 passengers per boat; 2-person minimum; 72 hours' notice for a refund or credit.

Contact: (352) 422-1225; manateemaniacs1@gmail.com

Official website

What the official pages say
  • The company is at 5297 South Cherokee Way in Homosassa. (source)
  • It can be reached by phone and email. (source)
  • Tours wind through the channels and marshes of the Homosassa River. (source)
  • The 1-hour tour starts at $59. (source)
  • The 90-minute tour starts at $79. (source)
  • A private 1-hour tour starts at $354. (source)
  • A private 90-minute tour starts at $474. (source)
  • There is a two-person minimum to go out. (source)
  • A full refund or credit requires 72 hours' notice. (source)

River Safaris

  • Tampa Bay and Nature Coast
  • Homosassa

River Safaris runs airboat tours from 10823 W Yulee Dr in Old Homosassa. The 60-minute tour stays in the river and backwaters for $60 per person, and the 90-minute tour goes into the Gulf of Mexico for $74 per person, plus tax. The site says all captains hold U.S. Coast Guard (OUPV) licenses with airboat endorsements. Airboats hold up to five guests, and the captain decides what size children may ride.

What you can do: airboat tours (60 and 90 minutes), manatee tours, pontoon rentals

Address: 10823 W Yulee Dr, Homosassa, FL 34448

Prices (as listed): 60-minute tour $60 per person; 90-minute tour $74 per person (plus tax)

Rules: Airboats hold up to 5 guests; no dogs on tours; captain decides what size children may ride.

Contact: (352) 628-5222; info@riversafaris.com

Official website

What the official pages say
  • River Safaris is at 10823 W Yulee Dr in Homosassa. (source)
  • The 60-minute tour costs $60 per person plus tax. (source)
  • The 90-minute tour costs $74 per person plus tax. (source)
  • The 90-minute tour goes into the Gulf of Mexico. (source)
  • Airboats hold up to five guests. (source)
  • All captains hold U.S. Coast Guard OUPV licenses with airboat endorsements. (source)
  • The captain decides what size children may ride the airboat. (source)
  • Dogs are not allowed on tours. (source)

Wild Bill's Airboat Tours

  • Tampa Bay and Nature Coast
  • Inverness

Wild Bill's Airboat Tours runs airboat rides on the Withlacoochee River from 12430 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy in Inverness. It says it has served Central Florida for 45 years and that it was the first airboat tour in Florida to be Coast Guard approved. The rates page lists a 1-hour ride at $55 for adults plus tax, and children 2 and under ride free. Riders must arrive 30 minutes before their reservation.

What you can do: airboat tours (1-hour and private) on the Withlacoochee River

Address: 12430 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy, Inverness, FL 34450

Prices (as listed): 1-hour ride: adults $55 plus tax; children 2 and under free (rates page also shows a seasonal reduced rate)

Rules: Must arrive 30 minutes before the reservation.

Since: Says it has served Central Florida for 45 years

Contact: 352-726-6060; wbairboats@yahoo.com

Official website

What the official pages say
  • The company is at 12430 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy in Inverness. (source)
  • It can be reached by phone and email. (source)
  • Rides go down the Withlacoochee River and through the swamps. (source)
  • The tour is on the river, not a lake, and the company says it has served Central Florida for 45 years. (source)
  • The 1-hour ride is listed at $55 for adults. (source)
  • Children 2 and under ride free. (source)
  • Riders must arrive 30 minutes before their reservation to check in. (source)
  • The company says it was the first airboat tour in Florida to be Coast Guard approved. (source)

Notes

  • "Airboats banned" and "Airboats with limits" labels summarize each area's official rules. Read the card and the area's current regulations for details.
  • 10 entries print different details on different official pages. We show both on those cards.
  • Tour prices are as listed on each company's site and change often. Promotions and discount codes are left out on purpose.

These websites wouldn't let our automated check read them, or didn't print enough details, so we only link to them:

Also see our Florida boating and jet ski rules guide.

Questions people ask

Does an airboat need a muffler in Florida?

Yes. Every airboat engine used on Florida waters must have an automotive-style factory muffler, underwater exhaust or another manufactured muffling device. Cutouts or flex pipe may not be the only muffling. Counties may also adopt a vessel noise limit of 90 dB A measured at 50 feet.

What flag does an airboat need?

An airboat must fly a flag at least 10 feet above the lowest part of the boat. The flag must be square or rectangular, at least 10 by 12 inches, and international orange.

Do I need a license to drive an airboat?

Florida has no boating license, but anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 needs a boating safety identification card or other accepted proof to run a boat with a motor of 10 horsepower or more. To carry passengers for hire, an airboat operator must also have a photo ID, proof of an FWC-approved airboat operator course, and proof of CPR and first aid training on board. A Coast Guard licensed captain doesn't need the boater education course.

Can I take my own airboat into Everglades National Park?

Only with a permit and only in the park's designated airboat area, with the permit holder on board. Private airboats may launch only at the public ramps at US 41 next to Coopertown and East Everglades near Chekika. Airboats are banned in all other parts of the park.

Can I hunt ducks from an airboat?

Not while it is moving. Shooting waterfowl and migratory game birds from a vessel moving under power, or herding birds with boats, is prohibited. The motor must be completely shut off and the boat stopped first. Some areas also ban airboats during hunting seasons, so check the area's rules on this page.

Which airboat tours go inside Everglades National Park?

The National Park Service says three authorized airboat businesses offer tours inside the park: Coopertown, Everglades Safari Park and Gator Park, all on US 41 (Tamiami Trail) between Miami and Shark Valley.

Rules and seasons change. Confirm the current page with the agency before you go. A listing on this page is not an endorsement.