Florida Guide > Other Activities
Boggy Creek
Boggy Creek - it’s not a very inspiring name is it? But don’t be put off by this! It is actually one of our favourite places to visit when we are in Orlando. You’d think we’d be fed up with it by now, but we keep coming back for more and a visit to Orlando is simply not complete without a visit to BC.
The thrill of an airboat ride is quite special and unique. It conjures up “Florida” with all the mystery of the marsh, the excitement of the wildlife and the thrill of the ride. As far away in terms of a holiday experience from the Mouse as you can imagine! But it has it’s own kind of magic.
After donning the obligatory ear defenders (and no, they’re not shaped like Mickey’s for a change!) the boats take approximately 16 people at a time (they always seem able to squeeze in a few extra “wee ones” and they then whiz you across the marsh at a breathtaking speed.
As you fly by, you can see a huge variety of birds gracefully winging their way across the marsh or paddling in the marsh with food in their beaks, pass by beautiful plant life and of course there is always the chance that you can bump into an alligator!
When we visited in August 2005, we were lucky enough (well, that depends on your perspective and your fondness of alligators, I suppose!) to creep up very slowly to 2 alligator nests. The boatmen are very respectful of the environment of the marsh and would do nothing to unduly disturb the natural habitat, so we crept in very slowly and approached the nests with considerable caution.
At the first nest, we could see 3 or 4 eggs sitting in amongst the mud and twig nest and mommy alligator was watching us very closely to make sure we didn’t misbehave. As if you’d argue with an alligator! She was buried in the mud, with just her snout protruding. Only the occasional blink of a beady eye suggested she was awake.
At the second nest, again we could see the group of eggs, but this time mommy alligator was on top of the nest. We were less than 4 feet away! She gave us a steely look for a while but stayed in position. We were able to take some brilliant photos but she eventually lost patience with us and started towards the boat. We didn’t need much persuasion to move on although in order not to disturb her, the boatman did seem to creep away rather slowly! No one got eaten that day though and we came back with all our limbs in place. I guess the gators have worked out by now that the fans of the airboats only get stuck in their teeth! Only joking folks, safety is always of supreme important and these Boggy Creek guys are experts.
Boggy Creek also has a great value restaurant nearby, which you can visit while waiting for your ride or after the ride. The restaurant’s long-term diners are a group of wooden Native Americans in traditional wear and these make for a great photo opportunity. And the food and beer is good too!
We also never fail to come away with a souvenir T-shirt – we’ve got quite a collection and the folks back home sure know by now which is our favourite “park”!
Tips: A visit to Gatorland on the same day as a visit to Boggy Creek makes for a great themed day out. Also, check out local supermarkets for discount coupons to both attractions.
Go visit, you’ll have a fantastic time.
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