Homosassa Airboat Tours
Enjoy the solitude of your thoughts and the beauty of nature while riding an airboat inches above the surface of the water sliding into turns and exploring waters not accessible by other boats.
This one hour trip is the perfect introduction to air boating! Slide through palm covered canals, twist around mangrove covered islands and breathe in the salty air while nature dances all around you!
Approximately 1 hour. 3 person minimum.
Travel the backwaters through the estuaries and saltwater marsh to the inner islands of the Gulf of Mexico. Captains will be pointing out wildlife to you and stop from time to time to talk with you about our area.
Approximately 1 1/2 hours – 3 person minimum.
Extended Airboat Tour
Traveling to pristine islands in the open Gulf. This is a full Florida experience through the National Wildlife Refuge into the open Gulf to St. Martins Keys and then Bird Key, returning via the backwaters. A little bumpier than our other rides while in the Gulf but many say that’s the fun of it.
Approximately 1 3/4 hours – 3 person minimum.
All our airboat rides go by Monkey Island then thru “downtown” Old Homosassa passing historic homes, shrimp & crab boats , businesses and private residences before hitting the airboat trails which are too shallow for normal boats to travel. The Captains will be looking for wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, alligators, turtles, eagles, herons, and many other birds. The plant life most abundant is cedars and palms. Seeing animal life under the water such as fish, corals, and sponges is possible and will depend on the tour you choose, the time of year, winds and tides.
What time are the rides?
9, 11am 1, 3 & 5pm-during the winter the 5pm rides are scheduled earlier at 4 or 4:30 because it gets dark earlier.
How many people will the boat hold?
Our boats are 6 passenger airboats. The number of people will depend on the number that has signed up for the tour. A private tour is available if your group wishes to be on the boat by themselves. See information on the airboat page.
Are the airboats wheelchair accessible?
No, but we have many people go on airboat rides by having their family and friends assist them in getting into the seat-the wheelchair will be left behind.
What happens if it rains?
We keep the radar available for the Captain and passengers to see before departing. If it looks like it may rain you can elect not to go, reschedule or decide to go knowing there is a chance of getting wet. If we can see that it will definitely not be safe we will cancel the trip and there is no charge if you are not able to reschedule.
Do we get wet on the airboat ride?
This is not a water ride but there are times when a small amount of water is sprayed during the sharp fast turns. We suggest you wear clothing that you do not mind if you get some water sprayed on you.
What kind of shoes should I wear?
Any type shoe or sandal you are comfortable in will be okay.
Are there bathrooms on the boat?
No, we do not have facilities on the airboats. Our longest ride last 90 minutes and our shortest is 60 minutes. There is no place to stop along the way to use proivate facilities.
Are there places like islands that we can get off on?
No, you must stay on the airboats at all times.
Does the Airboat have an anchor and live vests?
Yes, all required safety equipment will be on the boat as well as over the head hearing protection.
What should I bring?
Camera, sunglasses and you can take drinks and snacks on the boat in a small cooler which will have to be secured to the deck or your seat. Travel lightly.
Is tipping my Captain required?
Tipping your Captain is voluntary and shows your appreciation for the skills and the work they do. And it is very much appreciated as they receive a small percentage of the payment you made to take the ride. Airboats are very expensive machines to purchase, operate and maintain.
What ages can ride on the airboat?
There is no maximum age for air boating, but relatively good health is recommended. Children should be over 5, and accompanied by an adult.