The Everglades make up over 1.5 million acres throughout the state of Florida, much of it right near Orlando. These wetlands are full of native plants, wildlife, and more than a few endangered species.

This makes airboat tours one of the top unique attractions in the sunshine state. Visitors ride through the swampy marshes to catch some gator sightings.

But before booking a tour boat company, it’s important to do some research. Orlando is home to over 20 different companies that offer airboat tours.

Some offer unforgettable experiences complete with their own gator parks. They go above and beyond standard customer service with coast guard trained captains. Others can fall short in following safety rules and the ethical treatment of animals.

Family-friendly features are also of importance as many Orlando visitors come with children of all ages. Airboats ride through native habitats full of wild animals. So, it’s crucial that both visitors and animals are well protected.

You’ll want to go with a reputable business that prides itself on safety, customer service, and unique attractions. Companies such as this care more about quality experiences and preserving the environment than making profits. They also meet social and environmental responsibilities.

Online reviews play an important part in highlighting the unique qualities of airboat tour companies. This is why 84% of the population values online testimonials the same as personal recommendations.

Booking with the most reputable airboat companies will ensure you get the best possible experience. Here we take a look at the top 5 Orlando airboat tours.

1 – Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides (9.91)

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With our new friends from England and california

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Spirit of the Swamp Airboat Rides Online Reviews

About: Our Captains make sure you get the best views of the breathtaking Florida outdoors, stunning scenery, amazing wildlife, and more. Picture yourself gliding through a beautiful natural paradise of swamps, marshes and incredible wildlife – just a short 30 minute ride from Orlando.

2 – Wild Willys Airboat Tours (9.91)

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#wildwillys @kimling967 lookin for #Gators @rosjackwitz84

A post shared by Darren Lingard (@daz13) on Nov 5, 2017 at 9:45am PST

Wild Willys Airboat Tours Online Reviews

About: Looking for something other than the concrete jungle? Stop by Wild Willy’s for a thrilling airboat tour and get in touch with Florida in it’s natural habitat. Glide across the headwaters of the everglades in high performance 6 passenger airboats with our licensed and fully insured Master Captains. Huge alligators, bald eagles, the endangered snail kite and more await your arriva! At the end of your educational tour, you’ll have the opportunity to take pictures with our resident alligators Cricket and Sergio! We treat them and all of our customers like family. So come on out and…SURROUND YOURSELF WITH NATURE!

3 – Marsh Landing Adventures / Orlando Airboat Tours (9.89)

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All aboard! 👀🐊☀️🚤 2 hour tour in progress… #alligators #marshlandingadventures #outdoors #wildlife #airboattours #memories #hiddenplaces #explore #adventure #adventureisoutthere #birds #swamp #swamplife #visitkissimmee #orlando #kissimmeefl #kissimmee #boating #disney #sunshine #summer #vacation

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Marsh Landing Adventures Online Reviews

About: Marsh Landing Adventures offers the closest Airboat Tour and Eco Tour to all of the Central Florida Attractions. Orlando Airboats Rides fleet of boats are state of the art, premier 6, 7 and 8 passenger, stadium seating boats, which gives all passengers an unobstructed, fantastic, view of the diversity of wildlife and plant life that call the swamp their home. Our fleet of airboats and airboat captains are US Coast Guard trained, approved, and properly insured. Enjoy nature at its finest on our 1 Hour, 90 Minute, 2 Hour or 4 Hour Wilderness Excursion Airboat Safari’s now available. Our tours give you the opportunity to experience the real WILD side of Florida. You will see Florida alligators, wildlife of all kinds, many species of birds, and beautiful flora.

4 – Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park (9.53)

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Airboats were made for families! #BeWild #WeAreRealFlorida

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Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park Online Reviews

About: Inside our Gator and Wildlife Park, you and your family will be able to get up close and personal with more than 200 animals in the Middle of Nowhere! Take your time exploring the interesting habitats and heritage of our animals. Talk to our experts about what it’s like to care for these amazing animals and how our population of lemurs, zebra, watusi, bobcat, sloth, and other exotic animals has grown over the past year.

5 – Airboat Rides At Midway (9.39)

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Today we are at Midway Airboat Rides to kick off #earthmonth with @salondulay and @aveda. #activatetheriver #avedaearthmonth

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Airboat Rides At Midway Online Reviews

About: Experience a thrilling airboat tour of the Central Florida’s Everglades on the legendary St. John’s River, a natural paradise teeming with wildlife and native vegetation. Each airboat ride is a unique opportunity to see Florida alligators, bald eagles, otters, blue herons and other wildlife. If you’re visiting Orlando , Orlando’s Central Florida Everglades is an attraction in itself. Until recent years, getting to see it has been a long drive to Kissimmee or having to meet someone at a public boat ramp. Combine the beauty of nature with the thrill of an airboat ride at MIDWAY.

6 – Boggy Creek Airboat Rides (9.39)

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VIP TOURS! Your boat – Your Captain for one hour of exciting fun in the swamp! These fantastic tours are our most popular ride and book up fast, we suggest booking ahead! #airboating #fanboat #family #bestdayever #orlando #florida #adventure

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Boggy Creek AirBoat Rides Online Reviews

About: The Longs started Boggy Creek Airboat Rides as the ORIGINAL airboat company in Central Florida with just one six-passenger airboat in 1994. At that time it was unheard of to stay in the Orlando area and take an airboat ride. The Florida Everglades in south Florida are known worldwide as the location to go out on an airboat tour. It took years of talking to journalists, travel agents and customers to open up the awareness that the headwaters to the Florida Everglades actually start right in Orlando. They were able to finally make visitors realize that with their few precious vacation days Boggy Creek’s central location still gives them a chance to see the “Real Florida” only minutes from Orlando’s attractions.

7 – Alligator Cove Airboat Nature Tours (8.81)

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Awesome ride….

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Alligator Cove Airboat Nature Tours Online Reviews

About: Our specialty gator tours of these Headwaters are 2 hours of breath taking sights and sounds. These Florida swamp tours are into areas created by mother nature herself. View alligators and birds, and the flora of these remote areas on our tour, one never knows what wildlife you may come across. Our tour location has no signs of mans building frenzy only miles and miles of native wetlands. Let us show you the Florida of yesteryear on a today. Don’t forget your camera as many a photo moment will occur each trip out.

8 – Tom and Jerry Airboat Rides (8.73)

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Would like to thank everyone for coming out on Fourth of July awesome turn out 198 guest

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Tom and Jerry Airboat Rides Online Reviews

About: Tom and Jerry’s Airboat Rides is owned and operated by Captain Jerry Sloan and has been in the outdoor industry for over 30 years in Central Florida. Captain Jerry has been a fishing guide in Central Florida, and an airboat captain all over Central Florida as well. With all this experience you can rest assured you will get the best experienced captain in the airboat tour business. Being located on Lake Panasoffkee doesn’t hurt any either.

9 – Captain Freds Outback Airboat Rides (8.61)

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Back: Vic, Breda, Ted, me; Middle: Bek's friend Christina, Captian John; Bottom: Bek, Grandpa Rick, Rick's new squeeze Jan.

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Captain Freds Outback Airboat Rides Online Reviews

About: Each airboat, piloted by a friendly U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain, is designed for safety and fully equipped with ear protection and life vests. Comfortable six passenger stadium seating ensures perfect viewing for every passenger. All steps have been replaced with ramps at Capt Fred’s facilities to make it handicapped friendly. The spacious paved parking lot makes easy access to the office. Our loading dock is also step free and always level with the decks of the airboats. Passengers never wade in water or balance on portable steps to board boats.

10 – Kissimmee Swamp Tours (8.52)

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Today was amazing! A must do for anyone visiting Florida #kissimmeeswamptours #kissammee #orlando #florida #usa #unitedstates #america #lillypad #swamp #travel #alligators #airboat #nature #lake #mustdo #travel #passport #explore #water #birds #adventure

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Kissimmee Swamp Tours Online Reviews

About: Kissimmee Swamp Tours and Airboat Tours is a unique and different adventure from anything you will ever experience. We are not just a quick airboat ride through the lakes and rivers in town like most other airboat rides out there. Kissimmee Swamp Tours is an amazing, exciting, and informative 60 or 90 minute airboat tour through the untouched and pristine headwaters of the Florida Everglades. You will be taken through some of Florida’s untouched wilderness by professional and informative captains.

11 – Wicked Airboat Rides (8.10)

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Really enjoyed the airboat ride we took today, so glad we did it……just fantastic!! #gators #florida #wickedairboatrides #family #airboats #vacationtime #summer #summerholidays #boggycreek #usa

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Wicked Airboat Rides Online Reviews

About: An airboat ride is an absolute “must do experience when in Florida”. Whether you start your first day in Orlando gliding through the Central Florida Everglades on an airboat or on your last vacation day, you will have a vacation full of wonderful memories.

12 – Alligators Unlimited Airboat Tours (8.02)

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Alligators Unlimited Airboat Tours Online Reviews

About: We have the location. Right here in Central Florida on the Kissimmee River which just so happens to be the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. Step on to our airboat and back in time, as our U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Master Captains show you the REAL FLORIDA! Our airboats are the “Real Deal” not 20+ passenger Air-Busses! This guarantees your Everglades airboat tour to be personal and powerful!

13 – Capt Dukes Airboat Rides (7.80)

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Had a great time out on the St John's River today. Big thank you for riding with us everyone! #airboatrides #swamptours #airboattours #alligatortours #CaptDukesAirboatRides @captdukes

A post shared by CaptDuke Davis (@captdukesairboatrides) on Mar 30, 2017 at 2:29pm PDT

Capt Dukes Airboat Rides Online Reviews

About: No doubt, Everyone loves the thrill of our Airboat Rides & Swamp Tours! Therefore, why not take one of our thrilling rides down the historical St. Johns River. You will venture through the swamp and marshy grasslands of the Orlando area, some areas which are only accessible by airboat. Additionally, given that Captain Duke is a lifelong Central Florida native, he offers a colorful history of the area. Of course while you’re on one of our airboat tours you will come face to face with alligators, snakes, turtles, birds and other wildlife right in their natural habitat. As a matter of fact, over a hundred alligators are being seen on our tours right now.

14 – Black Hammock Airboat Rides (7.70)

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#airboating with the best

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Black Hammock Airboat Rides Online Reviews

About: Black Hammock Adventures operates three large U.S. Coast Guard approved 18, 15 and 12 passenger state of the art airboats plus a smaller 6 passenger airboat. All of our Captains are U.S. Coast Guard Licensed. Hearing protection will be provided as well as life vests for children. Adult life vests are available upon request. Tired of conventional travel destinations? Have the adventure of a lifetime and take on our airboat rides just outside of Orlando, Florida. The Black Hammock is located right on Lake Jesup – known for hosting the LARGEST alligator population in Florida!

15 – Switchgrass Outfitters & Airboat Tours (7.69)

Out here in the swamps……chasing us down a gator ?? On a airboat! #vacation #florida #swamp #airboat #gator #summer #fl #friends #onaboat

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Switchgrass Outfitters & Airboat Tours Online Reviews

About: Switchgrass Outfitters and Airboat tours is one of the most popular and exciting air boat rides in Orlando Florida. Whether you are looking for a scenic airboat eco tour or a once in a lifetime trophy gator hunt, we can accommodate all of your needs and cravings for wildlife exploration. With joyous air boat rides in central Florida that are sure to get you coming back for more, you can get close with some of the indigenous creatures we hold right here, in our backyard.

16 – Twister Airboat Rides (7.25)

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Went out on an airboat yesterday and came across an unexpected surprise 😂

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Twister Airboat Rides Online Reviews

About: Glide thru the grassy marsh of the St. Johns River & Lake Poinsett at speeds of up to 45 M.P.H. As the boat slows down to an idle you will have several photo opportunities to take photos of our local wildlife, such as alligators, eagles, and several species of wading birds by the hundreds, and visit a natural cypress swamp.

17 – A-Awesome Airboat Ride (7.17)

A-Awesome Airboat Ride Online Reviews

About: Take a Central Florida Airboat Ride and see Florida Alligators and other native wildlife up-close. This unforgettable adventure is waiting for you right here only minutes away from downtown Orlando. A-Awesome Airboat Rides is located close to all of the Central Florida attractions as well as Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, Cocoa Beach, Titusville, The Kennedy Space Center (Cape Canaveral) and Orlando. We will take you on an amazing airboat ride away from the crowds of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World.

18 – Airboat Rides Melbourne (7.05)

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Airboat Rides Melbourne Online Reviews

About: Our state-of-the-art airboats are fully equipped for up to 9 guests in total comfort (depending on size), and are small enough that we can explore any area that catches your interest and assure you of the best possible opportunity for wildlife sightings. These boats can go where no others can, anywhere you wish in the vast majesty of the swamplands. Our guides also carry cameras and will be more than happy to take photos of you and your friends and family, and email them to you after your trip.

19 – Ray’s Airboat Rides (6.81)

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#airboat #vacation #naturesgiftscaptured #thebest_capture #naturelover_gr #ig_photostars #PHOTOARENA_NATURE #nature #global_nature #NikonD4s #marvelshots #waycoolshots #outdoors #whywelovenature #naturephotography #wildlife_seekers #boat #water #florida #florida2016 #outdooradventurephotos #sky #clouds #nikon_top #nikonphotography #portrait

A post shared by Tami (@tami_hrycak) on Aug 5, 2016 at 3:32am PDT

Ray’s Airboat Rides Online Reviews

About: Captain Ray has been doing Eco tours and Fun Rides for 20 years. It’s an unforgettable experience. We look forward to showing you all the sights and animals. Our boat is smaller than the over commercialized boats that take out the masses. This is a more personal experience with a fun loving and​ very knowledgeable Captain. Please remember to ask questions and take plenty of pictures to remember your experience!

20 – Big Toho Airboat Ride (6.23)

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Another beautiful ride🐊🐊🌞☀️ #floridalakes #westtoho #centralflorida #florida #floridaweather #sunshine #airboats #airboatlife #bigtohoairboatrides #captain #captainbrent #live #love #lake

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Big Toho Airboat Ride Online Reviews

About: We are conveniently located in Kissimmee, just a few minutes from Walt Disney Resort in Central Florida. If you are in or coming to the Orlando, Kissimmee, Walt Disney World area or anywhere in Central Florida and want to experience some real excitement, then you need to check us out. We offer real exciting airboat adventure rides in the Orlando, Kissimmee and Central Florida Area. Come join us on an exciting airboat ride through the headwaters of the Florida Everglades as we take tours on beautiful Lake Tohopekaliga which is part of the Florida Everglades System and the Kissimmee River State Park.

Qualities of a Reputable Airboat Tour Company

These top 5 Orlando airboat tours have more than glowing online reviews. They also take pride in their company missions and the environment. Here are the qualities that set the best airboat companies apart from all the rest.

A Variety of Tour Options

People need variety when it comes to airboat adventures. Offering different tour times suits the needs of those traveling with young kids. Companies that offer sunset and nighttime tours appeal to adults traveling without children.

Different tour lengths are helpful for visitors who have a vacation schedule to stick to. Some companies offer short 30 minute trips, along with 60 and 90-minute tours. Others do half day excursions which take about 4 hours to complete.

Private tours are also great for groups of 4 or more. Companies that offer them allow you to rent the entire boat for only your family. This is appealing for those who don’t want to share the experience with strangers.

A Knowledge of the Everglades and Gator Behavior

The best Florida airboat tours have insider knowledge of gator nests and habitats. They are familiar with the preferences and behavior patterns of all the wildlife creatures you’ll get to encounter. They know the best locations to travel through to increase your chances of seeing a gator.

Most companies will tell you that the best time to spot a gator is around 10 am. Yet, with millions of gators living in Florida, you’ll have no trouble spotting one in their natural habitat during your swamp tour.

The Airboats

The most popular companies will have a fleet of boats to allow many tours a day. Yet always be sure to book reservations in advance to ensure a seat on these popular boat tours. Most tours request them.

Depending on the company, boat seating includes as little as 4 or as many as 20 guests. So, if you have a large group, you’ll want to make sure their boats can accommodate you.

Boats with shaded areas are also important to protect passengers from the sun’s glare. Some also feature stadium seating to provide clear views of all your surroundings.

Reputable companies always keep their airboats inspected and fix any repairs immediately. Their airboats are also insured.

The Captains

Airboat captains have vast experience and a great personality to match. They are knowledgeable in the history of the Everglades. As well as fun facts about alligators and other native species.

All captains should have active licenses to operate the boats. Those certified by the Coast Guard go above and beyond standards.

Some captains also have headsets with microphones for each rider. This way you can communicate with each other during the ride and ask the captain questions.

Other companies even give the option of renting and driving your own airboat. You get a skilled captain as your guide.

Safety Features

Reputable companies take safety seriously. They follow all rules and regulations to protect both visitors and animals. Airboat companies should have their captains and boats insured.

Tours should follow proper safety procedures for small children. Boats can travel at speeds of 45mph. So, life vests should also be available and enforced.

Airboat rides get loud. Ear protection should get provided for your own comfort and safety.

Some tour companies also offer ADA accessibility. This is something to ask at the time of booking.

Animal Rights and Responsibilities

Airboat adventures are all about fun, but should still put animal protection first. The Everglades are home to many endangered species. Captains and staff are sure to never disrupt native habitats of any animals.

During your tour, you can expect to see bald eagles, panthers, water buffalo, and turtles. Some airboat tours also offer zebras, sloths, wild pigs, bobcats, and monkeys.

You’ll also see a variety of bird species, like egrets, pelicans, and herons. As well as endangered species like the snail kite bird.

Ethical treatment and care of animals are of utmost importance. Some companies even donate proceeds to the Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge.

Environmental Protection

Orlando airboat ecotours do their best not to impact the natural environment of the swamp marshes. They care about the ecosystem and work with other organizations to help preserve it.

Reputable companies stand by their promise to protect and preserve the Everglades habitat. Many airboat tours also work alongside the Florida Wildlife Commission as well as other state departments.

Extra Attractions

Yes, most people go on an airboat ride to spot alligators, panthers, and bald eagles. But, extra attractions also appeal to families traveling with kids. Some tours even allow you to take pictures with baby alligators.

Other companies have a Native American Village complete with Chickee huts and artifacts. Here you’ll learn all about the heritage and culture of Kissimmee River’s Jororo tribe.

Other attractions include a gem and fossil mine. Little ones can use their water tower to mine their own treasures, like shark teeth.

Tours that offer on-site dining options make it easy to grab lunch before your ride. Or you can work up an appetite on the boat then head to a local restaurant. Here’s a list of the best bakeries in Orlando for those with a sweet tooth.

Booking the Best Orlando Airboat Tours

These Orlando airboat tours will provide you with the best experience in Central Florida. They have gotten ranked high by qualified visitors and each offers their own unique experience.

Online reviews play an important part in selecting an airboat tour to book. Read recent reviews for honest feedback. It also helps to look for the number of reviews each company has.

Learn more about how these 5 tours made the list and what characteristics we use to qualify them.