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Spotting Sea Turtles in Florida

When you go on an airboat ride in Orlando, you may be blessed to see up to four different species of sea turtles that call the Sunshine State home. These massive amniotes are amazing reptiles that often leave our guests gasping at their very sight. When you see one, here are some facts to keep in mind.   Loggerhead Turtles Loggerhead turtles weigh an average of 275 pounds as an adult. They live an average of 67 years. If you see an adult one with a long tail, then i...

4 Amazing Effects of Hurricanes on Florida’s Wildlife

When hurricanes arrive in Florida, most people can get inside sturdy buildings or evacuate out of harm’s way. Unfortunately, that Is not always the case with the Sunshine State’s wildlife. A few animals have sensors that let them know that a storm is coming and they can get out of the way. Some animals like raccoons who find new homes more readily available thrive during and after hurricanes. Many others, like burrowing owls who find their homes flooded, are put in danger. Here ar...

Tips for Orlando-area Bird Photographers

The species of birds that you can see in the Orlando area varies throughout the year, making it a great place to capture outstanding images of birdlife. When spring arrives, multitudes of wading birds live in wetland areas with many living in vast colonies. Many migratory birds arrive in the region while heading north to cooler temperatures. As the days heat up in the summer, often scissor-tail kites can be seen flying by the thousands. At the same time, many of Florida’s species that s...

Florida Wildlife that Mate Forever

One romantic activity that couples may want to consider doing when they come to Orlando is an airboat tour. It is a fun way to explore the wildlife in the area while enjoying clean air and some quiet time. While you are sitting arm and arm on the airboat, you may see many animals that breed for life. Beavers Beavers in Florida tend to live together with their offspring from two seasons. While you may have heard stories of their fantastic ability to build their homes from...

The Dangers of the Lionfish in Florida Waters

On May 18 and 19, 2019, a record number of lionfish were harvested in Florida waters when anglers harvested 19,167 of them during a two-day event. While these fish are not the only exotic predators in Florida, they are one of the most invasive. The Florida Department of Wildlife has issued a contest running until Labor Day with many people eligible to win many prizes for harvesting this invasive fish. What is a Lionfish? The lionfish is a native to the Indo-Pacific regio...

Viewing Native Mammals on an Airboat Ride From Orlando

While most people expect to see a variety of fish, birds, and amphibians on an airboat ride in Orlando, the careful observer may also see a variety of native mammals while on our tour. Since these are wild animals, who do not perform on command, we are never sure who will show up during each Orlando airboat ride. The vast variety keeps it exciting for our captain and our visitors alike. Nine-banded Armadillos If you see an animal about the size of a cat with a hard-leath...

Spotting Wild Turkeys in Florida

If you would prefer to see a wild turkey running across the ground than find one on your Thanksgiving dinner table, then you need to make a trip to Florida. The state is home to two of the five species of wild turkey found in Florida. If you are a hunter, then the great news is that turkey hunting season starts earlier in Florida than it does in most locations, so you may want to plan a Florida turkey hunting vacation. Osceola Turkey Florida is the only place in the worl...

Plants to Watch for on Your Orlando Airboat Tour

While you are likely to see many animals and birds while you are on Orlando airboat tour, you will also be treated to seeing some of the most beautiful plants and flowers that the state has to offer. Learning about them ahead of time will help you enjoy seeing them even more. Tape Grass If your airboat tour includes one of Central Florida’s clear rivers, then you are very likely to see tape grass. This plant that grows under the water’s surface serves as home...

Endangered Animals in Central Florida

A day at the Central Florida Zoo is a great way to see endangered animals from around the world. You may also see them on airboat rides in Orlando or when you are visiting other Orlando attractions because many live all-around Central Florida. Learn about some endangered animals that call Orlando home. Atlantic Sturgeon One of the fish species that you may see on airboat rides in Orlando is Atlantic sturgeon. This sturgeon often returns to the area where they were hatche...

The Invasive Species in Florida Dangerous to Florida Wildlife

In early April 2019, three hunters and a National Park ranger caught a 17-foot Burmese python in Florida. The snake weighing over 140 pounds contained 73 eggs. Since Hurricane Andrew, more than 1,000 Burmese pythons have been caught in Florida. The category 5 hurricane destroyed breeding facilities turning the snakes lose to fend for themselves. While this is the largest python caught so far, there are other invasive species that may harm the wildlife that you normally see during airboat tour...