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Captain Doug's
Stuck on ideas for your family's Florida vacation? Trying to find something which may be both fun and academic for him or her? North America's oldest ecosystem, the Florida Everglades, hosts an original attraction, the airboat ride. Airboat rides are an exciting way to explore the famous 'River of Grass'.

Captain Doug's


What exactly is an airboat?



Airboats are large, flat bottom boats which use an airplane propeller for propulsion. Due to their shape, they are perfect for gliding over the sawgrass and vegetation within the Everglades. Able to reaching speeds of 70mph, they're an adrenaline junkies' dream. Most companies also provide slower paced ecotours suited to classrooms or large families. Airboat captains must keep up with the same rigorous certifications from the U.S.C.G. as ship captains, so you can feel comfortable knowing that your trip will be a safe one.



So what can I expect?



With over 10,000 islands and 500 species unique to the area, the Florida Everglades offers a plethora to understand more about. You can elect to spend the day getting out of bed close and personal using the American Alligator and Great Herons that inhabit the swamp, or have your captain get you over a guided historical tour from the area. Airboat companies offer packages ranging from 30 minutes to in excess of 4 hours, and from private group to corporate group sizes. Incidents where stop off for lunch among the mangroves or on a private island in your trip.



Based on the weather, you may need to bring along a jacket or sunscreen. Earplugs are also a good idea and therefore are typically provided by your captain. Generally, airboat ride companies offer refreshments and snacks. Cameras are allowed, and you may even ask the guide to decrease or stop so that you can snap that perfect photo!



How can Ichoose an airboat tour guide?



Airboating can be a century old industry, and as such you may find how much choices overwhelming. One of the first items to figure out is when you'd like to depart from. With an area as large as the Florida Everglades, you'll find an airboat launching from just about anywhere. Most companies even operate away from heavy suburban areas including Miami and Orlando.



After that you wish to choose which package fits your needs. Do you need a heart pounding airboat ride or even a more enjoyable airboat tour? Would you like to bring the whole family or just special someone? Airboat ride companies permit you to change the duration of your journey as well as the amount of people that are going. Would you be pleased with a large group on your boat, or do you need more personal? Whatever kind of trip you're after, you are almost guaranteed to learn what you want.