Educational andInformative Eco Tour
Children (aged 3-12) $45 ea 6 person minimum
1 Hour Private Educational Tour
Up to 13 Passengers
Please call for groups over 13
90 Minute Private Educational Tour
Up to 13 Passengers
Please call for groups over 13
1 Hour Capt Mike's
VIP Experience
Up to 6 Passengers
90 Minute Capt Mike's
VIP Experience
Up to 6 Passengers
A Little Bit About Us...
At Airboat Rides Melbourne, we offer unforgettable guided tours through Florida’s breathtaking wetlands—starting with sunrise adventures and continuing through the sunlit day. Whether you’re watching gators bask in the heat or spotting rare birds in flight, every ride promises thrilling wildlife encounters and stunning scenery. Our modern, 13-passenger airboats glide into places other boats can’t reach, giving you a front-row seat to nature’s wonders. Located just a short drive from Orlando and the Space Coast, we’re your perfect escape from the theme park crowds.
FAQ
What makes our tours outstanding?
Our tours are personal and privately narrated with no more than seven of your family members or close friends! (They’re not just another boat ride down the middle of the river with a bunch of strangers!) All of our Captains grew up on the local marshes and wetlands and will take you on a TOUR of Florida`s real outback. We stop along your TOUR to tell you about the history of the river, the Florida alligators life cycle, their mating rituals, how we hunt them, the different birds on the marsh and to take pictures of the wildlife and of your group with a swampy background! We do the cheapest 30 minute “boat rides” on the Spacecoast but our specialty is small personal and privately narrated TOURS catered to your specific desires from one to four hours. We provide hearing protection, water, and a camera (in case you forget yours).
Is there a guarantee we'll see alligators?
Since our tours are in the wild (not an alligator farm) we cannot guarantee you that you will see alligators during your airboat tour but we can guarantee you that we will make every effort possible to show you alligators. Our Airboat captains have many years of experience and normally know where to go to find them, but since alligators roam the wild each tour is unpredictable and unique. Since alligators are cold blooded reptiles they are very temperature sensitive so there are certain months and days that we see more than others. If your only goal is to see an alligator ask before booking and we’ll be glad to tell you what their recent activity has been.
When is the best time of year to take an Airboat Tour?
Anytime of the year is a great time to take an airboat tour in Central Florida! The Spring is incredible with all of the trees and plants blooming (adding vibrant colors to the already phenomenal landscape) and the alligators sounding off and displaying their mating rituals. Summertime is warm and humid which brings the alligators out early in the morning and late in the evening along with the Great Blue Herring and the beautiful White Egrets. Fall is spectacular with very pleasant weather with cool mornings and evenings and an abundance of animals and beautiful foliage. Florida`s mild winters are a great time of year as well bringing out the fur-bearing (fuzzy) animals, like deer, otters and the migratory birds. Being cold blooded, the alligators stay in the water on the bottom as long as the water is warmer than the air but as soon as the sun comes up and the air temperature gets warmer than the water temperature they begin to crawl out on the banks to warm their bodies. This is the best time of the year to get up close for some great pictures of the gators on the bank as they are somewhat lathargic. The mornings and evenings can be a bit chilly so midday tours are a bit more comfortable and the gators are up on the banks warming up!
Are mosquitoes a problem in the swamp?
No, not really. Normally, at dawn, the mosquitos find a place to hide in the foliage and they stay there until dusk. As long as the airboat motor is running the propeller moves enough air to keep them at bay. However, it is recommended that you take precautionary measures by applying mosquito repellent as necessary.
How old do you have to be to ride on the tours?
All ages are welcome on our tours! (However, we don’t recommend that you bring infants unless your group rents the whole boat as we cannot turn around and come back if the child becomes unhappy.) Captain Mike really enjoys having the children and taking pictures of them in the drivers seat with his cap! Seniors also enjoy our tours as the boat is easy to board, very stable and dry. We do a lot of “bucket list” tours!
Will I get wet?
You might get an occassional light spray.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat or cap if you desire, bottled water, camera, a light jacket or windbreaker it the temperature is below 75 degrees.
Where do we go?
On our Lake Washington tours we usually tour to the north end of the lake (where we often see gators lounging on the surface or on the east bank of the lake) and through the reeds in the airboat trail on the north end of the lake. We often stop a time or two to share with you the kind of plants or trees that you see and what the alligators are doing. As we work our way to the northwest corner of the lake into the river itself we often see gators cruising in the river or jumping off the banks. Depending on water levels and the size of the boat we’re in at the time we may go over the weir and up the river a mile or two before heading back south down the river around the west side of the lake and back to the landing.
Our Three Forks Conservation tour is a totally different experience than our Lake Washington tour. We travel south through the the incredibly unique eco system as we slide across the acres fo lily pads and weave between the submerged trees and stumps of what was once a cow pasture before it was diked in to make it a reservoir. The Florida Wildlife Commission in conjuncion with the Saint Johns River Water Management Distrct has worked tirelessly for over ten years to make this a future fishing mecca until they ran into legal issues with the Semnole Indian Tribe of Florida and the Miccosukee Indian.s This is a real swamp boat ride experience but we don’t usually see as many alligators because of the expansive swamp environment with so many places to hide.
We stop along your tour to share pictures and information with you regarding: the mating rituals and life cycle of alligators; different kinds of birds, wildlife, plants and fish. On our 90 minute tours we demonstrate the equipment and techniques used in hunting alligators if the group disires. We also stop several times during your tour to take pictures of your group from inside and outside the boat!
Wildlife You Might See
Alligator
It’s not a Florida airboat ride without spotting one of these giants. Alligators are most often seen sunning themselves on the banks or gliding just beneath the surface with only their eyes and snout showing. If you’re lucky, you might even hear one let out a low bellow — their way of saying “this is my turf.” Despite their fierce looks, they’re surprisingly shy around humans (but best to keep your hands inside the boat).
Turtle
Keep your eyes on the logs! These freshwater turtles love to bask in the sun alongside their gator neighbors. They’re fast swimmers, but even faster at spotting a good sunny spot. You might see them dive into the water the moment they notice the boat — just a little splash and they’re gone. Florida’s wetlands are full of them, and no two shells look quite the same.
Great Blue Heron
Tall, graceful, and often mistaken for a statue, the Great Blue Heron is a wetlands regular. You’ll spot them wading slowly through shallow water, waiting for the perfect moment to spear a fish with that dagger-like beak. With their wide wingspan and prehistoric profile, they look like they belong in another era — and they kind of do.
Meet The Captains
Meet The Captains
Capt Mike
About Mike
Capt Dexter
About Dexter
Posted Reviews
Latest News
Want to catch the latest updates, breathtaking photos, and special offers from Airboat Rides Melbourne? Follow us on Facebook and be the first to see what’s happening on the water. Adventures, wildlife sightings, and fun memories are just a click away—don’t miss out!
Gators are masters of staying hidden... sometimes all you’ll see is a ripple, or a pair of eyes watching back 🐊 That’s why every tour is more than just a ride, it’s a chance to learn how to spot, understand, and respect Florida’s wildlife in its natural habitat! Did you find it right away or did it take a second? Come experience it, learn about it, and see Florida in a whole new way! Book your tour at AirboatRidesMelbourne.com #AirboatRidesMelbourne #SpotTheGator #WildFlorida #GatorSpotting #NatureExperience #LearnTheWild #ExploreFlorida
No tickets. No crowds. Just you and the view! Out here, the front row looks like this... open water, glowing skies, and total peace. It’s not just a ride… it’s a moment you don’t forget. 👉 Book your seat today at AirboatRidesMelbourne.com #AirboatRidesMelbourne #FloridaSunset #BestSeatInFlorida #WildFlorida #ExploreFlorida #NatureViews
Get closer than you ever thought possible! From gators basking in the sun to birds soaring overhead, every ride with Airboat Rides Melbourne is a front-row seat to Florida’s wildest wonders. 🐊 Ready to trade the ordinary for an unforgettable adventure? Book your ride today at AirBoatRidesMelbourne.com #AirboatRidesMelbourne #FloridaWildlife #WildFlorida #AdventureAwaits #AirboatLife #ExploreFlorida 📸 credit: Leigh Credle
There’s nothing like a Florida sunset from the water 🌅 The noise fades, the sky lights up, and for a moment… everything slows down. It’s the perfect way to end a day...peaceful, wild, and unforgettable! Come experience it for yourself Book your tour at AirboatRidesMelbourne.com #AirboatRidesMelbourne #FloridaSunset #WildFlorida #NatureEscape #ExploreFlorida #SunsetViews #AirboatAdventure
Blink… and it’s gone 👀 Out here, wildlife doesn’t always announce itself. You have to look closely, stay alert, and sometimes even double take. That’s what makes every airboat ride feel like a real adventure... you never know what’s hiding in plain sight! Book your ride and test your spotting skills 👉 https://airboatridesmelbourne.com #AirboatRidesMelbourne #HiddenInPlainSight #WildFlorida #GatorSpotting #FloridaAdventure #ExploreFlorida
267 gators in 90 minutes… now that’s an adventure 🐊🔥 Nothing beats seeing Florida’s wildlife up close with a captain who knows exactly where to find the action. From unforgettable sightings to learning about the river and its ecosystem, every tour is packed with moments you won’t forget. We love hearing experiences like this and we can’t wait to create one for you too! 👉 Book your ride today at AirboatRidesMelbourne.com #AirboatRidesMelbourne #FiveStarExperience #GatorSpotting #WildFlorida #FloridaAdventure #ExploreFlorida #Airboat
Mondays are better on the water! Skip the Monday blues and trade them for wide-open skies, calm waters, and up-close wildlife encounters. There’s no better way to kick off the week than an airboat adventure! Your seat is waiting...book today! 📲https://airboatridesmelbourne.com #AirboatRidesMelbourne #BookYourTour 📸 credit: Sean Bulenrose
Meet the captains who make every ride unforgettable! Captain Mike and Captain Dexter aren’t just guides, they grew up on these waters and know the marsh like the back of their hand. From spotting hidden wildlife to sharing stories you won’t hear anywhere else, they turn every tour into a true Florida experience. When you ride with us, you’re in the hands of the best. Come see the wild side of Florida with our expert captains 👉 AirboatRidesMelbourne.com #AirboatRidesMelbourne #MeetTheCaptains #WildFlorida #AirboatAdventure #FloridaWildlife #ExploreFlorida #LocalExperts
Fun Fact Friday! 🐊 Did you know alligators can go through 2,000–3,000 teeth in their lifetime? 😳 When a tooth falls out, a new one grows right back in its place, making them one of the ultimate survivors in the wild. Pretty wild, right? Want to see these incredible creatures up close? Book your airboat adventure today at AirboatRidesMelbourne.com #FunFactFriday #AirboatRidesMelbourne #GatorFacts #FloridaWildlife #WildFlorida #DidYouKnow #ExploreFlorida
