It is possible to arrange an entire vacation around visits to the theme parks – but it is always good to find an alternative way of spending a few hours.  Especially when it is something which simply isn’t available at home – at least for UK and European visitors.

So we can thoroughly recommend an airboat ride as a great ‘tourist attraction’ – slightly off the beaten track, yet typically Floridian.

One option is to drive down to the Everglades, where airboat rides will skim you across the lakes – yet there are similar trips available much closer to the attractions area in central Florida.

Our favourite is at Boggy Creek, just minutes away from Orlando International Airport (close enough that you can read the writing on the sides of the jets as they land at the airport!).  Here you can join an airboat ride which takes you across East Lake Toho – a typical daytime trip lasts around 30 minutes, with a very different experience available after nightfall.

This is an opportunity to see the local wildlife, including eagles and turtles, as well as alligators.  And in an 18 seater airboat, at high speeds skimming across the water amongst the reeds – do take up the option of earphones, as the engine on these boats is loud, to say the least!

So – a few tips to enjoy your airboat ride:

Take a discount voucher with you – these are widely available in many tourist brochures, distributed at kiosks, malls and supermarkets.  A couple of dollars saved on the cost can be very welcome!

Wear shades – the sun is very bright on the water.  And there will inevitably be a few insects, so shades will protect your eyes at speeds of up to 50 mph.

Wear a sun-block – its not worth the risk of sunburn.

Booking is not always necessary – but be prepared for a short wait at the coffee bar, or an opportunity to grab a bite to eat.