Adventure Awaits with Wild Willy's Airboat Tours

Ready for a wild airboat ride?  Head to Wild Willy’s Airboat Tours for a unique ride on beautiful Lake Tohopekaliga in St. Cloud, Florida.  Wild Willy’s is one of the only airboat operators close to Orlando attractions but far enough away to give you a real, natural Florida experience. 

Thrill seekers, nature lovers and explorers of all ages will enjoy a tour aboard an airboat.  Not sure what an airboat is?  Well, it’s a flat-bottomed vessel propelled by an aircraft-type propeller (read: big fan) and powered by either an aircraft or automotive engine.  They’re used to navigate the shallow waters of the lakes, rivers and swamps in Florida and they are pretty much the only way to get up close and personal with the wildlife in those areas. 

Wild Willy’s Airboat Rides are some of the best in the area as they cater to smaller groups, allowing for more personal interaction and better views of the scenery and wildlife you see along the way.  I was more than comfortable on their 500hp, six passenger high performance airboat.  Plus, the boat had tiered seating meaning everyone had a great perspective of the sights.  Our airboat captain – Captain Dan – was quite insightful and took us to all the places he knew gators would be hiding.  Earmuffs are available for all passengers to help drown out the combustion of the airboat, but I was okay not using mine.  Soaking up the Florida landscape, the ride aboard the airboat was smooth.  As flocks of birds flew through the clear blue sky, Captain Dan navigated the airboat through, around and into places I never thought it could go.   

Captain Dan was an absolute expert on the gators we got to see, explaining to us rides in the morning are preferable as the gators are not fans of heat.  Plus, he pointed out to us an alligator that was almost state-record level –which is currently at 14’3”.  Even better, our captain was able to stop the boat right next to the gators allowing us a very up-close and personal experience.  One of the best stops was near a grouping of baby alligators.  As each of us looked on we would see another baby gator we hadn’t seen before…and then we saw the mama gator, effortlessly blending into the habitat, watching us watch her young. 

Throughout my ride with Wild Willy's, I was mesmerized by the natural beauty of Florida.  All around was lush, green plants, Lilly-covered patches of water, mossy trees and even a beautiful bonnet field.  We even spotted a large bald eagle we were able to get rather close to before he eventually flew away.  Watching this spectacular creature in his natural environment was a definite highlight of the trip.  Of course, Captain Dan had to throw in come hair-pin and 360 degrees turns for added excitement, bringing cheers and smiles from all aboard. 

After the airboat ride, I went back to the main office where I got to hold a baby alligator.  Be sure to do this on your visit.  And snap a few photos your friends won’t believe!