What to Wear on an Airboat Ride in Orlando
When figuring out what to wear on an airboat ride Orlando, choose breathable layers, closed-toe shoes, and polarized sunglasses. This combination protects you from the 90-degree Florida sun, high-speed winds, and swamp insects. Call Switchgrass Outfitters at (321) 900-2494 to book your real Florida adventure today.
The best clothing for a swamp tour includes lightweight, light-colored pants and a long-sleeved UV-protective shirt. You will face 80% humidity and direct sun on the St. Johns River. These fabrics dry quickly and block UV rays better than sunscreen alone. Bring a windbreaker for early morning trips.
If you want to experience the authentic wildlife of Central Florida, you need to dress like a local. We see tourists arrive every day in heavy cotton and expensive sandals. They usually regret those choices halfway through the trip. Dressing practically guarantees you enjoy the wildlife instead of worrying about sunburn or bug bites. Let our team at Switchgrass Outfitters show you how to prepare.
Our captains typically find that tourists underestimate the wind chill. The boat pushes a 500-horsepower fan slipstream. Even on a hot July afternoon near Christmas, Florida, hitting speeds of 40 miles per hour cools you down fast. You also need protection from occasional water splashes and sudden afternoon rain showers. Layering solves this problem entirely.
You are stepping into a wild, untamed ecosystem. Branches from cypress trees sometimes brush near the boat. Insects thrive near the water. The sun reflects intensely off the river surface. Your clothing serves as your first line of defense against these natural elements. When you dress correctly, you blend in comfortably and maximize your chances of seeing gators and bald eagles.
Pick synthetic materials over cotton. Cotton absorbs sweat and takes 45 to 60 minutes to dry in the humid air. Synthetic hiking pants or quick-dry shorts keep you comfortable. We recommend long pants to block mosquito bites when the boat stops to view wildlife.
When deciding what to wear on an airboat ride Orlando, remember that light colors work best. White, tan, and light gray reflect the sun. Dark colors like navy and black trap heat and actually attract mosquitoes. See our general Services to see the types of environments we explore. If you book one of our airboat night tours, the temperature drops another 10 to 15 degrees. You will definitely want long sleeves and pants after dark.
You must protect your face from the elements. Based on the thousands of Airboat Rides we run each year, we know exactly what works.
Last season, a family visited us from out of state for a 90-minute tour. The parents wore standard cotton t-shirts and regular sunglasses. Their teenagers wore UPF 50+ protective clothing, polarized sunglasses, and hats with chin straps. By the end of the trip, the parents suffered from minor sunburns and missed seeing three alligators because the sun glare off the water blinded them.
The teenagers spotted every gator perfectly through the water glare. The polarized lenses cut right through the reflection. The parents also spent the whole ride holding their loose baseball caps down in the slipstream, while the kids relaxed. Always tie down loose hats and wear polarized lenses. The wind will absolutely snatch a loose hat right off your head.
Wear closed-toe shoes like old sneakers or boat shoes. Leave the flip-flops at your hotel in Lake Nona. Open-toed shoes leave your feet vulnerable to bugs, sunburn, and accidental scrapes when getting in and out of the boat.
Bring a small water-resistant bag for your phone or camera. Water sprays over the side occasionally. Apply a natural bug repellent or one containing 20% DEET before boarding. If you plan to join one of our airboat sunset tours, mosquito activity increases as the sun goes down. A good repellent costs about $8 at the store and saves you hours of itching. Do not forget to bring a reusable water bottle. Staying hydrated is a top priority in the Florida heat.
Never wear heavy denim jeans. They trap heat and stay wet all day if you catch a splash. Avoid expensive clothing that you do not want to get dirty. The swamp is a messy place, and swamp water leaves tough stains.
Skip the strong perfumes or colognes. Heavy scents attract unwanted bugs out in the wild. You also want to avoid loose, flowing skirts or dresses. The high winds will blow loose fabric around constantly, making for a very uncomfortable ride. Stick to fitted, practical activewear.
Preparing properly makes your trip unforgettable. Knowing exactly what to wear on an airboat ride Orlando helps you relax and focus on the remarkable wildlife. Dress smart, protect your skin, and bring your sense of adventure. We are the local experts you trust to show you the real Florida, far away from the crowded theme parks. Reach out to Switchgrass Outfitters at (321) 900-2494 to secure your seats today.
