If you want something to do for half a day whilst visiting Central Florida that’s a bit different from the large commercial theme parks, visit Boggy Creek and take an airboat ride.
It’s about 30 minutes drive out into the local Florida countryside. As you drive into Boggy Creek Airboat Rides you pass some very basic lodges used by truck drivers stopping for the night during one of their long journeys. Then in front of you are boats moored and a small hut where you book your airboat ride. These run every 30 minutes, 7 days a week from 9am – 5.30pm. (At the time of writing the cost is US$18.95 adults and US$14.95 children. Tickets can be purchased through Orlando Villa/Florida Villa/Online Florida Villa website.)
You board one of their large airboats which can accommodate around 25 people. Ear muffs are provided to protect your ears from the noise. The boat starts up and you slowly move from the dock, through some rushes and then this large, expansive lake opens up in front of you. Beautiful on the clear, warm day we visited. The boat ride is exciting and enjoyable, as you build up speed, move and swerve through rushes and waterways.
Every so often your driver/guide explains that through a series of lakes and rivers these waters join the Everglades. They explain about the wildlife, which includes alligators, bald head eagles, herons and other types of birds and flowers. During the 30 minutes or so you begin to learn about the wildlife of Florida, with ample opportunity to ask questions. I won’t spoil it by telling you all about alligators – but now we know the difference between alligators and crocodiles! We even learned about airboats themselves and saw a boat plane land.
After your ride you can visit the gift shop or try their restaurant where they offer gator tail, frog legs and catfish amongst the more traditional southern food.
We and our 9 and 11 year old daughters thoroughly enjoyed our morning trip. The rides run all day – they even do night time rides. These are a little more expensive but last for one hour between the months of March and October. There are two locations the one we visited at East Lake Camp Fish – the other is closer to Poinciana Boulevard.
If you want to see and learn something of natural Central Florida or take a break from the theme parks, Boggy Creek may be just the place for you.