Ever tried the Airboat tours then it is a must for any Florida Vacation.

We have tried a few and Big Toho Airboat tours has been the best so far. It is located just down from Highway 192 in Kissimmee Town.

When we arrived there were a few people waiting as well so we knew it was a popular trip and should be good. We were not disappointed.

As we sauntered out of the Marina a slow pace the Captain then opened the throttle as we headed across one of the biggest lakes we have seen. The widing and turning of the airboat was a scream.

As we headed into the Swap area under the Mangrove trees we headed along a causeway that was so picturesque. The captain gave us all a local history lesson and made the trip event more enjoyable.

The next part was the best as we waited in anticipation as we drove through the water and reeds looking for our alligator. We were not disappointed, even on this hot day, the captain took us almost right on top of a large alligator just basking in the afternoon sun. This was fantastic as we snapped away to add to our holiday photo collection.

As we headed a bit out into open water we saw all the local birds, the feathered kind of course. As we drew closer to a samll island and the reeds again we came across above five small alligators that could not have been born long.

After over an hour out on the lake we headed back to the marina, at speed. It was like being on a theme park ride again - fantastice. Weaving and turning across the water.

As we got off the Airboat we had one last treat in store for us. The Captain then took a real life alligator out of the cooler and then let us hold it for a while for another picture opportunity. What a great afternoon spent in the real Florida.

Do not miss the opportunity and take the Big Toho Airboat ride. We will again!

Theme parks are made to make you scream and shout. Any person in the world would love the opportunity to visit this amazing place.

Walt Disney World is one of the most outstanding places ever.  It is filled with spine-tingling rollercoaster’s and if you don’t like big rides, don’t worry there are smaller ones too.

Theme parks are probably the main attraction of Florida as Disney and Universal are probably the most famous ever. Because of this it has high ratings. It has some spectacular rides that go extremely fast and some that bend and bend until you’re so dizzy you want to go on again, but the highest one of them all is Hollywood Rip Ride Rocket. You go up 180 degrease and just drops you helplessly from the sky and you plummet around a bendy, loopy track, you even get to listen to music whilst going around. The Mummy is another great ride at Universal as it was one of the first there. It takes you on a journey into a Mummies Sarcophagus and then into a dark room where it throws you around. There are many amazing rides at Universal and these two are the scariest there but that is for you to decide!!!

Disney has some fantastic rides like Tower of Terror and Rocking Rollercoaster and many more. But it is not just the rides that are awesome but also it is the people and the sights. Disney has some amazing things to see and people to meet. You can meet your favourite Disney characters and you can have a photo with them. Disney rides are made for people big and small, thin and wide so you can ride no matter what size you are.

Another amazing attraction is Air boating. You cruise across lakes and lands in the fields but do be careful as a huge alligator could come and eat you but only if you’re a child!!! There are two types of airboat trips one with a guide and one with no guide. The one with the guide is a bigger boat and he takes you slowly around the river. If you are on your own you can go as fast as you want without anyone to stop you.

 BIG TOHO AIRBOAT RIDES

Big Toho Airboat Rides

100 Lakeshore Blvd

Kissimmee, Florida, 34741

Tel 321-624-2398

Big Toho Airboat Rides is very easy to find, and there is plenty of parking available. The rides depart from the public marina located on the northern tip of Lake Tohopekaliga (known locally as Lake Toho), which are the headwaters for the Florida everglades – the closest swamp and everglades area to Walt Disney World.  The little creek where the everglades actually start is seen on the tour.

The airboat pilots are experienced guides and US coast guard master captains, and operate 2 x 15-passenger boats, and 1 x 6-passenger boat, to accommodate either large groups or a family group wanting a boat to themselves.  The pilots are very knowledgeable about the area, its history and the environment.

It is an unforgettable chance to see the real Florida, and marvel at the breathtaking scenery and territory that can only be seen from an airboat.  As well as the thrill of skimming over the marshes, there is a slow trek through Shingle Creek, a very serene and beautiful expanse of water. Go early if you want to see lots of alligators, as come noon, they are often caught sleeping. There is also a wide variety of birds to be seen, such as eagles, osprey, sandhill cranes, and egrets, and wildlife such as wild deer and pigs.

Prices (@ Jan 09):

Adults: 1 hour tour                               $41.00

                         ½ hour tour                             $25.00

Children:           1 hour tour                               $31.00

 (3-10)            ½ hour tour                              $20.00

Under 3’s are free.

Night Tours:                                                     $60.00 (all ages)

Directions

About 3 miles past marker #15 on US192 going east, turn right at Space Coast Pkwy onto N Main Street for 0.6m, continue on Broadway for 0.3m, turning left at Ruby Ave for 0.2m, and finally turn right at Lakeshore Blvd.

Gator Hunting

For something a little different, they also offer gator hunting trips (when in season), for which you must have a gator hunting permit from the state of Florida – see website for further details, rates and trophy fees, and rates for observers only.