Kissimmee: Everglades Airboat Adventure Tour

About This Experience

Marsh Landing Adventures runs smaller airboats from a dock on Neptune Road, on the edge of Lake Tohopekaliga in Kissimmee. You park, check in, collect ear protection and a life jacket for younger kids, and board a boat that carries a handful of people. That size means everyone gets a clear view and the captain can talk to your group, and kids can ask as many questions as they like.

The captain heads out across the lake and into lily pads, marsh and wet prairie toward Shingle Creek, stopping to point out alligators, nests, herons, egrets and birds of prey. Between stops you hear stories about the Native Americans and early settlers who lived in these swamps. You choose 1 hour or 1.5 hours when you book.

The Everglades in the title is marketing shorthand with a real basis. Shingle Creek feeds Lake Toho, which is part of the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes and forms the headwaters of the Everglades system. You are in the upstream part of that system in Kissimmee, not in Everglades National Park far to the south.

The catch is the sun and the length. Much of the ride is exposed, the boats are windy and loud even with ear protection, and 90 minutes is a long time for a toddler to sit still. Families with preschoolers usually do better on the 1-hour option, early in the day. If your children need to move around, a park-based ride with a playground afterwards may suit you better.

Highlights

• Ride in a smaller airboat where every seat has an open view
• Weave through lily pads and marsh grass toward Shingle Creek, which feeds Lake Toho
• Stop beside alligators, nests and wading birds while the captain explains what you are seeing
• Hear stories of the Native Americans and early settlers who lived in these swamps
• Choose a 1-hour ride or stretch it to 1.5 hours for more wildlife time

What's Included

• ✓ Airboat tour of 1 hour or 1.5 hours, depending on the option
• ✓ Captain who drives and gives the commentary in English
• ✓ Parking at the dock
• ✓ Life jackets in all sizes
• ✓ Ear protection

Not Included

• Gratuities for the captain
• Food and drinks
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transport to the Kissimmee dock

What to Bring

• Sunscreen and a hat with a strap
• Sunglasses for spray and glare
• Water in a plastic or metal bottle, no glass
• Light jacket or windbreaker for cooler mornings
• Child ear muffs for babies and toddlers

Good to Know & Caveats

• The booking page shows free cancellation, but the operator's notes say tickets are non-refundable once booked. Check the terms at checkout.
• Life jackets are required for kids 6 and under; there is no minimum age to ride.
• Tours go rain or shine and are delayed if weather turns bad; light rain jackets are available.
• It is very windy on board, so the operator discourages eating during the ride.
• Wildlife is wild. Gators are often seen but nothing is guaranteed.
• In summer, book a morning slot; Central Florida storms tend to build after noon.
• Shade on the boats is not confirmed, so plan for full sun.

Meeting Point

Marsh Landing Adventures dock, 2830 Neptune Rd, Kissimmee, FL 34744. Both ride lengths start and finish here, and parking is included.