Air Boat Rides & Everglade Airboat Rides

Air boat rides are a technology that allows people to travel swampy, marshy or watery surface easily. Air boats are not like traditional boats; there are no rudders or blades, but simply large propellers that send the boat gliding over the water. This allows for easy and cheap navigation of shallow waters; therefore air boat rides are growing popular among tourists and fishermen. Wildlife watchers and thrill-seekers alike will find a grand adventure on air boat rides.

The Florida Everglades are one of the best places in the country to take an air boat ride, and there are a plethora to choose from. Some businesses sell tickets for their air boat rides; others, such Ride-The-Wind, charter their air boats on an hourly basis. Ride-The-Wind is located in the Everglades, and allows the customer to choose the adventure. An excellent family activity, these air boat rides are educational and fun, and a safe way to count the multitude of alligators. Most air boat rides are extremely loud and guides must provide ear protection. At Ride-The-Wind, technologically advanced features on the air boat rides keep the roar to a minimum, allowing for a more pleasurable experience. At a maximum capacity of nine people, a two-hour air boat ride starts at $350. Longer air boat rides are also available for those seeking to extend the experience.

Those looking to stretch their budget can visit websites such as buymiamitours.com or go through their travel agent to research and compare prices. There are also cheaper group air boat rides available. These may not be as private or as customized, but can be fun and exciting nonetheless. For example, Sawgrass Recreation Park in the Florida Everglades offers 30-minute air boat rides for under $20 per adult and $10 for children. This air boat ride also promises to be educational, as the guide is trained in Everglades natural history. It can also be cheaper to take air boat rides in the off-season.

Air boat rides are noisy, but tourists can also expect to get wet. As extra precaution, do not bring anything valuable that can be damaged by water; some frisky guides enjoy maneuvering the boat so water splashes the guests. A waterproof disposable camera is a good idea for capturing snapshots of wildlife without putting that expensive digital camera at risk. Do not wear nice leather shoes or carry an expensive purse on air boat rides; consider bringing a change of clothes if the rest of the day is packed with other activities as well.

Air boat rides are an excellent way to view nature from a new angle. Be sure to stay inside the boat however. In the Everglades especially, air boat rides are safe, but the waters they traverse are certainly not; alligators may be lurking at every turn. Guides should be well-versed in these precautions.

Air boat rides are fun, educational and a must for your next vacation to the southeastern United States. With a little planning and respect for the environment, everyone can enjoy this up close and personal view of their beautiful surroundings.


Sources:
"Pricing." Sawgrass Recreation Park. 8 Aug 2007. http://www.evergladestours.com/pricing.html

"Airboat Rides." Sawgrass Recreation Park. 8 Aug 2007. http://www.evergladestours.com/airboatrides.html

"Miami and the Keys." Buy Miami Tours. 8 Aug 2007. http://www.buymiamitours.com/

"Airboat Adventures." Ride-The-Wind. 8 Aug 2007. http://www.ride-the-wind.com/adventures.htm

Ezra, E.H. "Tips for Finding Bargain Airboat Tours. " 14 June 2007. Associated Content. 8 Aug 2007 http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/276677/ti ps_on_finding_bargain_airboat_tours.html.