Skip the 30-Passenger Tourist Boats
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
Private Airboat Tours vs. Large Tourist Operations
Here's how the experience compares when you book a private airboat tour with Switchgrass versus the crowded commercial operators.
The Switchgrass Airboat Experience
- Passengers: Maximum 6 (your group only)
- Wildlife: We typically see 30-50 alligators because we reach quiet, shallow spots
- Duration: Full 90 minutes on the water
- Interaction: Ask your captain questions, stop for photos anytime
- Access: Navigate shallow cypress channels large boats can't reach
- Price: $75 per person
Commercial Tourist Experience
- Passengers: 20-30 packed shoulder-to-shoulder
- Wildlife: Large engines scare animals before you get close
- Duration: Rushed 30-45 minute rides
- Interaction: Listen to recorded script or PA system
- Access: Stuck in main deep-water channels
- Price: $60-80 per person (similar cost, vastly different experience)
Why Smaller Boats See More Wildlife
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
Who Books Private Airboat Tours?
Families
With Kids
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.
Couples
On Dates
Nothing ruins a romantic sunset quite like sitting next to strangers. Our private tours offer an intimate setting perfect for dates or anniversaries.
Photographers
Wildlife Shots
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.
Anyone Who
Hates Crowds
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.
The St. Johns River: Florida's Best-Kept Secret
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.
Private Airboat Tour Options and Pricing
Every tour is private. Every tour is designed to give you the best possible view of the river.
90-Minute Private Tour
Day Tours: $75 per person
Sunset Tours: $85 per person
Night Tours: $100 per person
Maximum 6 passengers per boat
What's Included
Hearing Protection
Comfortable headsets provided for all passengers during the ride.
Life Vests
Coast Guard approved life vests for all ages, including children.
Cold Water
Complimentary cold bottled water available before and after your tour.
Waiting Area
Climate-controlled waiting area to relax before you board.
What Private Tour Guests Say
"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
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Airboat Tours
Is it really just our group on the boat?
Yes. If you book a private tour, we do not add strangers to your boat. It's your group and the captain.
How many people fit on a private tour?
Our boats have a strict maximum capacity of 6 passengers. Everyone gets a comfortable seat and great view.
What's the difference between this and Everglades airboat tours?
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.
Do you offer private night airboat tours?
Yes! Night tours are thrilling. We use spotlights to find glowing red gator eyes in the dark. Same price and duration as day tours.
Can we customize our private tour?
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.
Book Your Private Florida Airboat Experience
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 | $75/person | 6 passengers max
Switchgrass Outfitters & Airboat Tours
28500 E Colonial Dr, Christmas, FL 32709
Family-owned and operated since 2009
