When you have planned your trip to Orlando and you have you itinerary organized you might want to do something different other than visiting the theme parks, shopping or relaxing by the pool.
Why not take a trip across one of the many lakes in Florida on an Airboat. These boats are propelled my a huge motor at the back of the boat which then glides you across the water at speeds of up to 45mph. There are a number of Airboat rides in Orlando and all are fully licensed, the guy who drives the boat is also very knowledgeable and will tell you all about the lake your on and the history behind it. He also explains all about the surrounding wildlife and of course the alligators. It really is quite interesting and depending on the time of year you will be able to get up close and personnel with an alligator as he pulls the boat up next to them when they are swimming.
July and August is the time when the alligators breed so just remember you won't always get to see them at time of year.
Airboat rides is also a great way to see the scenery around Orlando and Florida, there are some spectacular sights on lake Tohopekaliga, east lake Tohopekaliga in Orlando as well as lake Okeechobee which is about an hours drive from central Orlando. When you board the airboat you are supplied with a set of ear protectors because of the noise of the engine but don't let that put you off because as long as you wear them you will be fine.
You can also rent your own airboat but obviously these boats are a lot smaller and will only go up to 5 mph. Also to rent an airboat yourself means that you don't get to go out onto a lake but instead you travel round small rivers with surrounding marshland.
Another alternative which I can thoroughly recommend is a night swamp safari on a airboat, this is a fascinating tour across the marshland swamps at nighttime, the tour guide takes you into alligator territory where you get to see the gators searching for their next prey. Also you will expect to see snakes, turtles and what ever else happens to appear.
As a general rule you can expect to pay $19.95 for an adult and $15.95 for a child from 3-12 but obviously prices will vary depending on which particular airboat you take. The rides usually last for 30 minutes but sometimes can be up to an hour.
Yes I can fully recommend an airboat ride, Florida has so much to offer but if you want to do something different and like to get close to nature then do yourself a favour, the next time you visit book yourself an airboat trip it really is a great experience for all the family.