The rides are run from a shanty-cum-restaurant built on the pier. The whole thing is on pillars where the airboats dock. The place is great for a beer and snacks. We registered, and then we waited for the airboat on the pier. We got to chatting with a man who runs one of the boats, and when he discovered we were from Canada, he said, "Have you tried Alligator Nuggets," to which I said no. Immediately, he rushed inside saying, "I'll be right back." Our boat arrived and we got on, then out he came with a beer and a basket of nuggets and insisted we take them along on the ride.
Our driver had grown up on the canals and waterways, and he told us lots of interesting information about the great big alligators we saw and took us through the grasses and little channels, wind rushing and motor roaring. The swamp is such a labyrinth, with no rhyme or reason, and it seems endless. We stayed out for over 40 minutes, and he ended the tour by showing us an incredible cypress swamp. I learned that the St John River is one of only two in the world that runs to the north. We saw a large mountain in the middle of the marsh that was built by the Indians to have a safe place to bury their people (visions of Indians lugging earth in dugouts and paying respect to their own). But the best thing was the beautiful black cypress trees with their lichen (which are actually living beings), each making what the trees are. I saw white egrets, buzzards and hawks circling, and snakes on the cypress’ "knees." I looked deep into the water. It's not just glass-like, but black and deep, with a sense of such depth.
I have read and knew of such things, but until I glimpsed my first cypress swamp, envisioned Indians, and met a local bearing alligator nuggets, I was only passing through. This is why I timeshare. Learning about an area an awesome little piece at a time is what it's all about.
Quick Tips:
We clipped a disc coupon, and I am glad we decided to go there. The cost was for each of us, and although my husband has tried others, this, for me, was the best. So go! Don't expect much and you too may get
a whole lot from the experience.
Best Way To Get Around:
We drove there from our resort at Ocean Landings. It was probably about 40 minutes and is located at SR520 at St. Johns River. It is just this end of the bridge over the river, and if you look to your left, you will see a type of aluminum truck box with the sign printed on it. They are working on the road and their sign had to come down, so this is a temporary one.