Captain's Journal: Private Airboat Tours
We are geared up and ready for adventure. We offer several different types of airboat rides throughout the day to fit any schedule. Whether you are looking for a standard trip or wanting to see the river transform after dark on a night airboat tour, we have a specialized boat waiting for you.
If you're coming from the theme parks and searching for airboat tours Kissimmee area tourists can easily access, our location offers a true wilderness escape just a short drive away. We get groups of all sizes out on the St Johns River every day, ready to show them the real Florida.
Sometimes the most surprising sights on an Orlando airboat tour aren't what you expect. Today, we rounded a bend in the river and found a beautiful brown Florida Cracker cow cooling off right in the flooded grassy marsh! These hardy animals are descendants of those brought over by Spanish explorers, and seeing them living wild along the St Johns River is a real treat. It's a reminder of how intertwined history and nature are out here.
For guests who want an exclusive experience to linger at spots like this for photos, we highly recommend booking a private tour. It gives us the flexibility to stop whenever we see something fascinating, without a strict timetable. Experience the unmatched personalization of Switchgrass Outfitters.
Our specialized sunset airboat tours also offer a chance to catch different animals as they become active. But seeing this rare cracker cattle during the daytime flood stage was unique.
We are proud to serve visitors looking for Port Canaveral airboat tours, providing a quick, convenient escape from the cruise terminals.
This is the real Florida. Just you, your family, and the untouched wilderness of the St. Johns River.
Your tour is 100% private. That means zero strangers on your boat—just your group (up to 6 people) and Captain Seth. You're not sharing the experience with random tourists or waiting your turn for photos.
Every guest gets premium hearing protection headsets. These aren't cheap foam plugs. They're comfortable, adjustable, and let you hear the captain's narration clearly while blocking out engine noise associated with most airboats.
We provide Coast Guard-approved life vests for all ages, including infants. Cold bottled water is included, and there's covered seating if you need a break from the sun.
The tour runs 90 minutes, not a rushed 45-minute loop. You can stop anytime for photos, ask as many questions as you want, or request high-speed segments if you're after thrills.
It's your tour. Captain Seth adjusts the experience based on what your group wants to see and do.
We're located at 28500 E Colonial Dr, Christmas, FL 32709. That's right off Highway 50, about 30 minutes east of downtown Orlando. If you're staying near Disney World, it's a 45-minute drive. Because of our location, those seeking the finest Port Canaveral airboat tours can reach us in a mere 30 minutes from the cruise terminals, making it an exceptionally convenient excursion.
* Call for pricing on the night and lunch/dinner tours.
Book Your Tour
Of course, no trip to the St Johns River is complete without spotting some prehistoric locals. We got lucky and found this big fella gliding silently through the blue water, just eyes and snout visible. Our small, maneuverable airboats allow us to get incredibly close views without disturbing these majestic predators, providing the premier experience for alligator airboat rides near Orlando.
Watching an alligator silently track its prey just feet away is thrilling. While they are active during the day, they are even more fascinating on our sunset airboat tours when they begin their nightly hunting routines. Seeing their eyes reflect under the twilight sky is an unforgettable moment.
Switchgrass Outfitters has been operating in Christmas since 2009. Captain Seth was born and raised in Florida and uses this land to teach his own kids about conservation and wildlife.
Captain Seth Whitaker holds a Master Captain license from the U.S. Coast Guard. That's the highest level of professional mariner certification. It requires thousands of hours of sea time, rigorous written exams, and regular renewals to maintain.
He's been navigating the specific channels and marshes of the St. Johns River for over 15 years. This isn't a side job. He grew up here, raised his family here, and knows every hidden slough and wildlife hotspot to deliver the ultimate airboat rides.
All Switchgrass Outfitters boats are inspected and meet U.S. Coast Guard safety regulations. That includes fire extinguishers, life vests for all ages, communication equipment, and regular maintenance logs.
You're not getting a 19-year-old seasonal worker reading from a script. You're getting a licensed professional who actually lives on this river and knows it better than anyone.
"I'm going to tell you, this is the airboat guide you want. We had Seth, he was great. Showed us around and we saw well over 100 gators... A++++"
— Erik B., Oviedo
(Google Review)
"Captain Seth has extensive knowledge of the area as he not only grew up there, but he is also raising his family and uses the land for sustainability... I highly recommend if you're in Christmas, Florida."
— KeiLani B., Titusville
(Google Review)
"Just amazing, first time and it was the greatest experience ever. Seth was a fantastic guide... You won't regret it!"
— Jessica S., Orlando
(Google Review)
Switchgrass Outfitters holds 314 five-star reviews across Google and TripAdvisor. We've earned TripAdvisor's Traveler's Choice Award, which places us in the top 10% of attractions worldwide based on traveler ratings.
Read More Reviews on GoogleYes. Absolutely no strangers or "semi-private" mixing. When you book with Switchgrass Outfitters, the boat is yours. It's just your group and Captain Seth. We don't sell individual seats or combine bookings like commercial tour operators do.
We have a strict maximum of 6 passengers per boat. That's not negotiable. It keeps everyone comfortable and gives everyone a front-row view. If you have more than 6 people, we can arrange a second boat with an additional captain. This makes our airboat rides perfect for small families.
The Everglades is 3-4 hours away from Orlando. We're 30 minutes away. Everglades tours use 20-30 passenger "bus-style" boats that scare wildlife before you get close. We use small, agile 6-passenger boats that can navigate shallow channels and get you right up to the action without disturbing animals. This creates a superior setting for alligator airboat rides.
Yes. Our specialized night airboat tours are the same price and duration as daytime tours. We use spotlights to scan the marsh for glowing red gator eyes in the dark. It's thrilling and gives you a completely different perspective on the river. Night tours are subject to weather and must be booked at least 48 hours in advance.
Absolutely. The boat is yours for 90 minutes. Captain Seth tailors the pace to what you want. If you're serious about wildlife photography, he'll go slow and position the boat for the best angles. If you want birding, he'll focus on eagle nests and rookeries. If your kids want speed and excitement, he'll open it up on the main channel for unforgettable airboat rides. Just tell him what you're after.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. The Florida sun is intense even in winter. If you want photos, bring your phone or camera—Captain Seth will help position the boat for shots. We provide water, but you're welcome to bring snacks. Wear comfortable clothes you don't mind getting a little wet from spray.
No. We handle all access and permitting. The St. Johns River is public waterway, and Switchgrass Outfitters operates under all required state and federal regulations. You just show up and enjoy the ride.
Switchgrass Outfitters is located in Christmas, Florida, and serves guests from across Central Florida. We are the premier choice for Port Canaveral airboat tours, offering a quick and straightforward drive from the cruise terminals. We're an easy drive from:
We're also convenient for visitors staying in Orlando, Sanford, and Altamonte Springs.
Don't waste half your vacation driving to the Everglades. Experience the real Florida wilderness just 30 minutes from Orlando with a 100% private airboat tour. You'll see rare Florida Cracker cattle, alligators, bald eagles, and untouched cypress marshes with a USCG Master Captain who was born and raised here. These are truly the most immersive alligator airboat rides in Central Florida.
Tours run 90 minutes. Maximum 6 passengers. Premium hearing protection and life vests included. Book online or call us—you'll hear back within 24 hours.
