The theme parks of Orlando do their best to provide adventure and thrills in simulated and imaginary worlds, and they do a good job. However, when it comes to beauty, variety and the unexpected, then nothing can top what Mother Nature has in store for us. So, while you are in Orlando take a break from the theme parks and explore Central Florida's amazing natural environment. One of the best ways to do this is to take an airboat ride along the headwaters of the Everglades.

In the Orlando area, there are several airboat rental services that will provide you with an educational and fun-filled outing on the waterways of Central Florida, but before I list them, let's take a look at what you can expect on one of these rides.

The airboats are low vehicles with a big propeller in the back. In the smaller airboats six people plus the pilot are seated on the deck, and when the boats get going they move at a face pace in the low, marshy waters of Florida's rivers and lakes. Some of the larger boats carry 30 people at a time.

Along the way you can expect to see a variety of birds, wild boar, raccoons, turtles, wild turkey and the star attraction, the alligators.

The routes followed by the airboats vary according to the operator that you choose. The St. Johns River is a popular locale for the airboats, and other boats ply the waters of Lake Kissimmee, Lake Jesup, and Lake Toho. The rides last from 30 minutes to 90 minutes depending on the operator. Prices are around $45 per person for a 90 minute boat ride. Prices also vary with the differing services, so you should check it advance to see how much it will be. Most of the airboat operators are located within a one hour's drive from Orlando.

Here is a list of some of the airboat services near Orlando:

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Cypress Lake Airboat Tours

407-957-2277. They offer tours featuring views of alligators, birds, rivers and creeks. You need to call ahead and make your reservations for this operator.

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Aquatic Adventures Airboat Tours

321-689-4281.They offer one hour tours and also have night tours. You should call ahead for reservations.

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Big Toho Airboat Rides

Located off Highway 192 & John Young Parkway, Kissimmee, Florida

321-624-2398, this service has daily tours and fishing guide services on Lake Toho. Call in advance to make your reservations and for help with the directions.

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Black Hammock Airboat Rides

2356 Black Hammock Fish Camp Road, Oviedo, Florida, 407-365-1244

Black Hammock offers airboat rides that depart daily from Lake Jesup every 30 minutes from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.

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Boggy Creek Airboat Rides

2001 East Southport Road, Kissimmee, Florida, 407-344-9550

They call themselves "Orlando's Closest Airboat Tour," and offer six-passenger airboat rides through the Central Florida Everglades. In addition to continuous ½ hour Everglades tours, Boggy Creek Airboat Rides offers one-hour night airboat excursions. Reservations are suggested by this operator.

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Kissimmee Swamp Tours

4500 Joe Overstreet Road, Kenansville, Florida, 407-436-1059

Billed as "more than just an airboat ride," Kissimmee Swamp Tours takes you for an adventure along Lake Kissimmee where you will view a diverse selection of wildlife. Call ahead for reservations.

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Old Fashioned Airboat Rides

Christmas, Florida, 407-568-4307

They offer 90-minute guided tours along the scenic St. Johns River. Day and night rides are available and reservations are required. Old Fashioned Airboat Rides is located in Christmas, just 45 minutes east of the Orlando area and 15 minutes from Kennedy Space Center.

There are other airboat operators as well. Check online for more. But whichever one you choose, you are certain to enjoy your experience on the waterways of Central Florida

Copyright (c) 2009 Mark Whichard