Thanksgiving is for family, food, and time together. But after the table is cleared and leftovers are packed, many families ask, What’s next? Instead of watching another movie or taking a nap, try something new and exciting. An airboat ride is a fun way to break the holiday routine.
An airboat isn’t just another boat. It’s part thrill ride, wildlife tour, and history lesson, all rolled into one. Whether you’ve never seen one up close or have always wondered how they work, this experience turns an ordinary weekend into an adventure your family will talk about for years.
What Makes an Airboat Different?
An airboat is a flat boat that moves with a big fan at the back. Unlike traditional boats, which require deeper water, airboats can glide across marshes, grass, and even shallow wetlands. That’s what makes them so unique.
Airboats were first developed in the early 1900s and gained popularity because they could reach places that no engine-driven boat could access. Today, they’re used for tourism, rescue missions, and environmental studies.
What Happens on a Ride?
An airboat ride is a mix of energy and calm.
- The thrill: Short bursts of speed across open water feel like a roller coaster on water.
- The stillness: Then comes the slow glide, where guides point out wildlife and share stories.
- The sound: They’re loud, but operators provide ear protection—sometimes even with headsets so you can hear the captain clearly.
- The spray: Expect a light mist of water; it adds to the experience.
It’s not just sightseeing, and it’s not just a thrill ride. It’s the combination that makes airboats unique.
What You Might See
Every ride is different, which is part of the excitement. While nature doesn’t perform on command, you might encounter:
- Alligators or turtles basking near the water.
- You can spot birds such as herons, egrets, ibises, or even migratory species, depending on the season.
- Fish darting through shallow water.
Airboats have shallow drafts, which means they don’t stir up the bottom of the marsh as much as other boats. This makes them surprisingly gentle on the ecosystem.
Why Families Love Airboats
Airboat rides work for almost every age group, which is rare for holiday activities.
- Kids (5–8): They enjoy the excitement of the speed and sound. Shorter tours of 30–45 minutes are best.
- Tweens and teens: The mix of thrill and nature keeps them engaged.
- Adults and grandparents: Comfortable seating and smooth rides make it easy to enjoy the experience. Some airboats are also wheelchair accessible, provided arrangements are made in advance.
It is one of the few experiences that can genuinely entertain multiple generations at once.
Tips Before You Go
- Book early: Holiday weekends are jam-packed, so it’s best to reserve your spot in advance.
- Dress appropriately: Layers, closed-toe shoes, sunglasses, and a hat with a strap work best.
- Pack smart: Bring sunscreen, a water bottle, and a waterproof case for your phone or camera.
- Budget accordingly: Most tours have varying prices according to age. For adults (over 8 years): $45 per person, and children (under 8 years): $30 per person
Private tours cost more but offer a custom pace tailored to your group.
The giant fan on the back doesn’t just provide power; it also helps keep the boat stable while skimming across marshes and grasses.
Why It’s More Than a Ride
An airboat ride isn’t just about speed. It’s about the small moments in between:
- The laughter when the boat takes a sharp turn.
- The silence when the engine cuts and the marsh goes quiet.
- The amazement of spotting a gator or bird up close.
These are the kinds of memories that last long after Thanksgiving leftovers are gone.
This Thanksgiving, skip one more round of couch time and try something different. An airboat ride is an exciting, wild, and unique experience. It brings family together, offers new sights, and gives you stories to share around the table for years to come.
After the meal and dessert, step into adventure. An airboat ride at Grape Hammock in Florida isn’t just a ride; it’s an experience to be thankful for.
Our Service Area: Lake Wales, Serbing, Frostproof, Dundee, Bartow, Babson Park, Haines City, Cypress Gardens, Lake Kissimmee, Avon Park, Highland Park, Davenport
