For Children:
These Coast Guard certified deluxe airboats are great for kids. Other airboats I looked into in the area are set high so they don’t allow children for safety reasons. These boats allow guests to sit safely inside. My four- and six-year-old sons loved the experience!

Entering:
When you first enter the parking lot, it seems like a roadside bar. There were lots of cars parked in front of a local pub. However, upon entering, you realized that this is the real deal. You can sit outside on the picnic tables or inside and get a real feel for the local culture. After you’ve paid your admission, you are called by boat number to board.

The Ride:
Everyone receives headsets to cover their ears from the noise of the airboat. You need them! You glide through the grassy marsh of the St. Johns River and Lake Poinsett at speeds of up to 45mph for 30 minutes. As the boat slows down to an idle and you learn about the alligators, you also get the opportunity to take photos of alligators close up. It can be scary and exciting! The ride felt similar to being on a motorcycle, but on the water. Spinning around turns was fun too. Everyone in our family enjoyed the ride, from my senior mother to my young son.

Price:
$17 per adult
$8.50 for kids 12 years and under

For $2 off the price of an adult ticket, print out their internet coupon here.

Food:
After the ride, enjoy lunch in the surroundings of an old style Florida Fish Camp on the banks on the St. Johns River. If you’re adventurous, you can try some of their famous local foods, like gator tail, frog legs, turtle, or catfish. Otherwise, you can go with the stuff you know (like I did). Click here for the menu! It’s standard fare like hamburgers, fries and fried shrimp, good with a cold beer.

The restaurant is open from 10am to 9pm Sunday through Thursday and 10am to 10pm Friday and Saturday.

Boating
The bait and tackle shop is open from 6am till 5pm Tuesday through Sunday, located directly behind the restaurant. There is over 300 feet of dock space, so you can bring your boat. There is also a public boat ramp adjacent to the dock.

Directions:
From I-95 take exit 75, and go west till the St. Johns River.
From 528 out of Orlando, take the 520 Cut off till the St. Johns River!