Private Airboat Tours in Florida
Experience Florida wildlife on a private 6-person airboat. When we say "private," we mean it. Many airboat companies sell "semi-private" tickets, which often means you're still squeezed onto a bench with 12 or 15 strangers.
At Switchgrass Outfitters, a private booking means the boat is reserved exclusively for your group. Whether you're a couple or a family of four, it's just you and Captain Seth on the water. Personal conversation, not a scripted speech over a loudspeaker.
314 Five-Star Reviews | Family Owned Since 2009 | USCG Master Captain
Here's how the experience compares when you book a private tour with Switchgrass versus the crowded commercial operators.
It comes down to noise and access. Large commercial airboats are heavy and loud, which spooks wildlife long before you arrive. Our 6-passenger boats have a smaller footprint and can slide quietly into the shallow marshes where alligators sunbathe and birds nest.
"It was so nice having a private tour. The smaller boat let him navigate parts of the river the big tourist boats couldn't reach."
— Isabella M., TripAdvisor
Parents love our tours because they control the environment. No strangers to worry about, and kids can ask Captain Seth as many questions as they want.
Nothing ruins a romantic sunset quite like sitting next to strangers. Our private tours offer an intimate setting perfect for dates or anniversaries.
Need the perfect shot of an osprey taking flight? Just ask us to stop. On a private tour, we position the boat for the best lighting and wait for wildlife to cooperate.
If you want to see the real Florida without tourist traps and long lines, this is the antidote. Just you, the river, and the wildlife.
Many visitors assume they have to drive 4 hours south to the Everglades to see alligators. That simply isn't true.
We're located on the St. Johns River in Christmas, FL, just 30 minutes from downtown Orlando. This river is one of the most diverse ecosystems in the state. You get the same incredible wildlife, gators, eagles, wild hogs, herons, without spending your whole day in the car.
Every tour is private. Every tour is designed to give you the best possible view of the river.
Day Tours | Sunset Tours | Night Tours
Maximum 6 passengers per boat
Comfortable headsets provided for all passengers during the ride.
Coast Guard approved life vests for all ages, including children.
Complimentary cold bottled water available before and after your tour.
Climate-controlled waiting area to relax before you board.
"The private tour was worth every penny. Just our family of 4 on the boat. Captain Seth took us into areas the big tour boats can't reach. We saw so many more gators than friends who did the bigger operations."
Cpfam
TripAdvisor
"Loved that it was just our group on the boat. No fighting for the best view, no strangers. Seth adjusted the tour based on what we wanted to see."
Alex M.
TripAdvisor
"The boat was a 6 seater not a 12, and the tour lasted 90 minutes for the same price others charged for 60 minutes. When they said we'd see hundreds of alligators, I thought they were exaggerating. They weren't."
Denise D.
TripAdvisor
Yes. If you book a private tour, we do not add strangers to your boat. It's your group and the captain.
Our boats have a strict maximum capacity of 6 passengers. Everyone gets a comfortable seat and great view.
The Everglades is a 3-4 hour drive from Orlando. We're 30 minutes away. Most Everglades operators run large "bus-style" airboats. We run small, agile 6-passenger boats for better wildlife viewing.
Yes! Night tours are thrilling. We use spotlights to find glowing red gator eyes in the dark. Same price and duration as day tours.
Since the boat is yours for 90 minutes, let Captain Seth know if you want to focus on photography, birding, or just enjoying a fast ride. We tailor the pace to your preference.
Don't settle for a crowded tourist trap. See the real Florida with a local family who has been guiding these waters since 2009.
Private tours | $65/person | 6 passengers max
Switchgrass Outfitters & Airboat Tours
28500 E Colonial Dr, Christmas, FL 32709
Family-owned and operated since 2009
