See Real Florida Wildlife 30 Minutes from Your Ship
You didn't come to Florida to sit on a bus with 40 strangers. While cruise lines offer shore excursions, they often pile you onto massive vessels where it's hard to hear the guide or see the wildlife. At Switchgrass Outfitters, we run private, 6-passenger boats just 30 minutes from Port Canaveral.
For $75 per person, a fraction of what the ship charges, you get Captain Seth Whitaker (USCG Master Captain, 15+ years experience), a 90-minute private tour, and a front-row seat to the St. Johns River ecosystem.
314 Five-Star Reviews | TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice | Christmas, FL
$75 Per Person. Half the Price of Ship Excursions.
Ship excursions cost $150+ per person for a crowded boat with 40 strangers. Our daytime tours are $75 per person with a maximum of 6 passengers. You get the captain's full attention, better wildlife viewing, and an authentic experience.
Private Tours
Not Crowded Boats
Maximum 6 passengers per boat. Your group only. No strangers, no fighting for the best view, no rushed experience.
$75 Per Person
Half the Price
Ship excursions charge $150+ for crowded tours. We offer a superior private experience for a fraction of the cost.
30 Minutes
From The Port
Easy drive via FL-528 West and FL-520 West. Free parking on site. Plenty of time before or after your cruise.
Will I Make My Ship on Time?
Yes. Our morning tours are designed specifically to get you back to the terminal with hours to spare. We know the biggest worry for cruisers is missing the boat, so we've timed our schedule to work perfectly with embarkation windows.
Embarkation Day Tours
If your ship leaves in the afternoon, start your vacation early:
- Arrive at Switchgrass: 8:15 AM
- Tour Time: 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
- Drive to Port: 30 minutes
- Arrival at Terminal: 11:00 AM (Perfect for noon check-in)
Disembarkation Day Tours
Kicked off the ship by 9:00 AM but your flight isn't until evening? Don't sit at the airport all day. Drive 30 minutes west to us, enjoy a 90-minute tour, and you'll still be on your way to Orlando International Airport (MCO) by early afternoon.
What You'll See on the St. Johns River
You'll likely see 30-50 alligators on a single tour. Unlike the Caribbean ports you're heading toward, the St. Johns River offers a look at the 'real Florida': ancient cypress swamps, marshes, and an ecosystem that hasn't changed in centuries.
American Alligators: From 2-foot babies to massive 10-foot bulls basking on the banks.
Bald Eagles: Multiple nesting pairs along our route. Florida has the largest population outside Alaska.
Wild Hogs: Often spotted along the shoreline, especially on morning tours.
Roseate Spoonbills: Stunning pink wading birds that rival anything in the Caribbean.
Captain Seth, who grew up hunting and fishing these waters, knows exactly where the wildlife likes to hide. This is wild Florida, not a zoo.
Getting Here from Port Canaveral Cruise Terminals
It's a simple, straight shot from the cruise terminals to our dock:
- Take FL-528 West (The Beachline) from the port
- Exit onto FL-520 West
- Turn right onto FL-50 West (East Colonial Drive)
- Arrive at 28500 E Colonial Dr, Christmas, FL 32709
The drive takes about 30 minutes. We have free parking on site.
Combine Your Tour with Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is about 15 minutes from the port and 40 minutes from us. Many guests do both in one day:
- Morning: 90-minute Airboat Tour with Switchgrass
- Lunch: Local spot in Titusville
- Afternoon: Explore rockets at Kennedy Space Center
- Evening: Head to airport or hotel
Practical Tips for Cruise Passengers
What About
Luggage?
If you're between the ship and the airport, you likely have suitcases. Keep them in your vehicle. We have a climate-controlled waiting area where we can store smaller bags while you're on the water.
What If
It Rains?
Florida weather can change in five minutes. We monitor the radar constantly. If it's unsafe to ride, we reschedule or refund you immediately.
What If My Ship
Is Delayed?
Call us at (321) 900-2494. We work with cruise passengers every week and understand maritime schedules can shift. We'll accommodate you.
What Cruise Guests Say
"Did this before our cruise out of Port Canaveral. Perfect timing - got to the terminal with plenty of time to spare. Saw probably 40+ gators. Way better than any ship excursion would have been."
Jeff F.
TripAdvisor
"We had a few hours before boarding and didn't want to sit at the terminal. This was the perfect solution. Captain Seth was great and the price was way less than the cruise line's excursions."
Shayla P.
TripAdvisor
Frequently Asked Questions About Port Canaveral Airboat Tours
How far is the airboat tour from the cruise terminal?
30 minutes. Whether you're at Terminal A (Royal Caribbean) or Terminal B (Disney/Carnival), the drive via FL-528 and FL-520 is direct.
Is this better than shore excursions on the ship?
We believe so. Ship excursions cost $150+ for a crowded boat. Ours are $75 for a private experience with a maximum of 6 passengers.
Can we do an airboat tour and still make our cruise departure?
Yes. Our 8:30 AM tour gets you back to the terminal by 11:00 AM, plenty of time for afternoon departures.
What should we wear?
Dress comfortably. You might get a little spray. Sunglasses are a must. Sunscreen is smart even on cloudy days.
Can children go on the tour?
Yes, kids love it. Seeing a wild alligator up close is usually the highlight of their trip. Children under 3 ride free.
Book Your Port Canaveral Airboat Adventure
Don't let your Florida vacation pass by without seeing the real thing. Our schedule fills up quickly when cruise ships are in port.
90-minute private tours | $75/person | 30 minutes from the port
Switchgrass Outfitters & Airboat Tours
28500 E Colonial Dr, Christmas, FL 32709
Family-owned and operated since 2009
