Epic Florida Day Trip: Everglades Airboat Ride at Wooten’s

Ready for an adventure that’s as wild as Florida itself!? Buckle up for an epic Florida day trip Everglades airboat ride at Wooten’s! From speeding across the swamp to spotting alligators, birds, and other untamed wildlife, this is the kind of one-stop everglades adventure that turns an ordinary day into an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature lover, Wooten’s delivers an adrenaline-packed ride through one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. 

So, if you’re ready for an epic Florida day trip, strap in, and let’s dive into what makes Wooten’s airboat rides an absolute Florida bucket list must!

Airboat Virgin No More: Our Wild Ride Awaits!

Can you believe we have NEVER rode on an airboat!? It’s kind of a right of passage living in Polk County, Florida. Yet somehow we missed the boat. Literally. So what’s a couple of Florida Natives to do!? 

Simple. GRAB their “partners-in-crime” and wander down to the Florida Everglades. Because if I’m being completely honest, the Everglades sounded like a great location to adventure and take an Everglades grassland airboat tour. 

So, grab the snacks and the gang for this epic Florida day trip Everglades airboat ride at Wooten’s. We promise you’ll love it! And, who knows…you might get lucky and spot the Florida Skunk ape! Or…at least SMELL him!

We know you love a great Florida day trip like this one. So, come wander over to The Ultimate Florida Day Trip To Homosassa, Florida to add to your your Florida bucket list destinations!

The Legendary Roots of Wooten’s Airboat Rides in the Florida Everglades.

Located on the Tamiami Trail (US-41) near Everglades City, Wooten’s began operating airboat tours in 1953 when Florida tourism was in its infancy. As the first airboat company in the Everglades, families would make the journey to southwest Florida. Owning 259 acres of private everglades grasslands, it became a must-see family destination.

DID YOU KNOW- Wooten’s and Corrie Billie’s Airboat Rides are the only two airboat companies that are on family owned private preserves. All other airboat companies operate on leased government property in the Everglades. 

First Impressions: The Gateway to the Everglades.

Arriving at Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours is like stepping into a Florida postcard. It reminded us of the roadside attractions that dotted the state of Florida before the rise of Disneytopia. Complete with a quintessential gift shop and a live alligator show,(so Florida), it’s the perfect educational experience. 

We rolled up on a gorgeous Florida Fall day and was greeted by the unique musk of swamp waters. Ahhh…the Everglades! This bright blue attraction in all its glory, is located in Ochopee, Fl, and is a piece of the Everglades you don’t wan to miss. It’s a vibe that’s part adventure, part old-school Florida charm.

The check-in process is smooth, and before you know it, you’ll be boarding a sleek, unique airboat that will glide through the mangrove tunnels. Wooten’s is known for its well-maintained, comfortable boats, and their staff’s enthusiasm is contagious. 

PRO TIP– Grab the Wooten’s Ultimate Everglades Combo Package which includes your airboat ride, swamp buggy ride, and access to the animal sanctuary. It’s a great price for everything that’s included. You’ll fill out a waiver they send right to your phone and you are all set!

You’ll notice a few things right away. The airboats are open, so it’s all about the wind in your hair and the sounds of nature surrounding you.

Hold On Tight: The Everglades Are About to Get Wild!

Once we loaded up and found a comfy seat, (try to grab the front row), and our guide fired up the engine, we realized just how powerful these airboats are. There’s a distinct roar as the propeller starts spinning, and within moments, you’re zipping across the Everglades, with the wind whipping through your hair, a giant smile on your face, as the boat skims over the shallow water at thrilling speeds. 

It’s a feeling that combines exhilaration and awe. There are also headphones available if it gets too loud on the ride on the back of every seat. But seriously, this isn’t just a airboat ride—this is nature’s playground at full throttle. 

As your boat slices through the shallow waters, you’ll be treated to a close-up view of the Everglades’ incredibly diverse wildlife and lush flora. You’ll glide past mangroves that stretch endlessly in every direction, while the boat’s sharp turns and skimming give you a taste of what it feels like to truly experience this wild, untamed land.

…You’ll also love it because…

You’re likely to spot a few alligators sunning themselves on the banks or slipping silently into the water. The gators were being shy on our adventure. Our guide was able to spot two hiding in the mud protected by the mangroves. 

The Everglades is home to around 1.3 million alligators, so they’re pretty much the rockstars of the swamp. Not to mention the invasion of the pythons who escaped in 1992 during Hurricane Andrew. 

Your guide will keep you informed with fascinating facts about these ancient creatures. You may also see other wildlife, like eagles, herons, and the endangered West Indian Manatee if you’re lucky. Skunk ape anyone!?

The Guide: Your Personal Everglades Expert

One of the things that sets Wooten’s apart is the quality of the guides. These are not just boat captains—they’re passionate Everglades experts with a deep love and respect for this ecosystem. Many of them have grown up in the area, and their knowledge is as vast as the Everglades themselves.

They’ll point out hidden spots you’d never notice on your own, like alligator nests camouflaged in the grass, or an osprey’s nest high in the cypress trees. They’ll also explain the delicate balance of this ecosystem—how the Everglades is both a wetland and a river system, and why its preservation is critical to the health of Florida’s environment.

The guides are also great at keeping the mood light and fun. Whether they’re cracking jokes or sharing quirky stories about the Everglades’ history, you’ll be both entertained and informed throughout the ride. It’s the coolest experience that combines adventure with education!

FUN FACT– Did you know the Seminole Tribe hid in the Everglades during the Second Seminole War?

Post-Ride: Explore the Everglades Wildlife Show and More.

After our thrilling airboat ride, the adventure didn’t end. Wooten’s offers more than just boat tours—it’s a full-on Everglades experience. The wildlife park at Wooten’s is a hidden gem where you can meet some of the creatures that call the Everglades home.

You’ll get to see a variety of reptiles, from baby alligators to larger-than-life gators that will make you do a double-take. But it’s not all about gators. You can also find snakes, tortoises, and even exotic birds. 

The live alligator show is a fun Florida must-see for first-time visitors. The staff doing the live alligator shows will keep you entertained with his humorous commentary and fascinating facts. 

One of the most unique parts of the park is the opportunity to hold a baby alligator. Yes, you read that right—you can totally pet a baby gator. (Don’t worry, the staff makes sure you’re guided through the process safely, and they have all the tips on how to properly hold a gator without making it feel threatened.) It’s a perfect Instagrammable photo op, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get up close with one of nature’s most iconic creatures.

Buckle Up: It’s Gonna Be a Bumpy, Muddy Ride Through the Everglades!

As much fun as the airboat ride was, the swamp buggy tour has my heart! Across the street from the main entrance, you’ll find the swamp buggies.

Once short school buses, these tricked out and super cool buggies are ready to party through the swamp! Greeted by the BEST swamp buggy tour guide, Michael, he brought the natural beauty of a cypress forest to life.

On this tour, you’ll explore the wild side of Florida and the diverse eco system here in the Everglades. We encountered native water birds, Seminole chickee huts, native plant species, and an old moonshine still that our guide said was a water filtration system! 

Tips for the Ultimate Wooten’s Everglades Adventure.

Before you go, here are a few tips to make your experience even better:

1. Bring sunscreen – The Florida sun is no joke, and you’ll be out on the water for a while. Protect your skin! Here’s our favorite for the harsh Florida sun.
2. Wear something comfortable – The airboat ride can get a little bumpy, so be sure to wear clothes that won’t restrict your movement. 
3. Bring a camera – There are some truly magical photo ops, so don’t forget your camera (or phone) to capture the moment.
4. Arrive early – Wooten’s is a popular destination, so arriving early gives you the best chance to get on an airboat without a long wait.
5. Be ready for surprises – Nature is unpredictable, so don’t be surprised if you encounter something unexpected on your tour. That’s part of the adventure!
6. Pre-order your tour online. Saves time & you can electronically fill out the waiver. 
7. Save the Swamp Buggy Tour for the end of the day. The lighting is gorgeous and you’ll see more native wildlife.
8. DON’T FEED THE GATORS. Ever.
9. Grab your permit. You can only bag two Skunk apes per season and you MUST have a permit. You’re welcome.
10. Bug spray is an Everglade MUST! The Florida mosquitos and horseflies are no joke down here in the ‘glades. Here is our preferred Everglade voodoo spray.

Skunk Ape Headquarters: Come for the Legends, Stay for the Smell!

Welcome to the official “headquarters” of the Everglades Skunk Ape—where mystery, mayhem, and swampy scents meet! Nestled deep in Florida’s wild wetlands, this quirky spot is the go-to location for anyone serious about spotting the elusive (and stinky) Skunk Ape. 

Here, at the Florida Everglades Skunk ape research facility, people visiting who have had loved ones mysteriously disappear in the Everglades can post flyers and grab a hunting permit. You’ll also be able to get information on the next hunt, join the support group, and pick up some cool swag!

Whether you’re here for a guided tour or just to get your fill of cryptid lore, prepare for an adventure filled with tall tales, local legends, and maybe even a whiff of something… questionable. Just remember, if you see something big, hairy, and smelly, it might not be a swamp tour guide—it could be the Skunk Ape himself!

Skunk Ape Research Headquarters is located at 40904 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL on the Trail Lakes Campground property.  You can reach them directly at (800) 504-6554.

An Epic Florida Daytrip To The Everglades.

To wrap it up, an epic Florida day trip Everglades airboat ride at Wooten’s is everything you could ask for and more—speed, adventure, and a front-row seat to nature’s wildest show. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, wildlife lover, or just someone looking for a truly unique Florida experience, Wooten’s has it all. So grab your hat, hold on tight, and get ready for a ride you’ll be talking about long after you leave the swamp. Happy Wandering!

WOOTEN’S AIRBOAT TOURS: 32330 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL | 239-360-3766 | Open daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Last alligator show at 4 p.m.

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