Our most popular ride takes you beyond the Safari and zooms through backwaters, estuaries and passed the Historic Indian shell mounds. We will then glide through saltwater marshes leading  to the clear, shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Sponges, corals, and fish fly by as birds beckon from the islands around. Keep your eyes peeled on the horizon, sometimes dolphins surprise us as they play and frolic in the area! Go ahead, let out a Howl at the Gulf and feel your troubles slip away! 

The meandering madness of this tour will knock your socks off! If you are looking for adventure and were born to be wild….then this is the boat ride for you! Brace yourself, hold-on, feel the speed explode beneath you as we twist and turn through the mangroves, canals and backwaters of Homosassa! 

Air boats explore areas that other boats simply can not go and will leave your head buzzing with excitement! Wildlife abounds as we glide off the beaten trail and head back in time to the beauty of ‘Old Florida’s Nature Coast’! Remember, we are never guaranteed to see wildlife on any tour, but our Captains do their best to live up to your expectations!

Feel alive again as our USCG Captain operates in confidence for an adrenaline rush that leaves many with goosebumps! Ride, slide, glide! Let out a whooping Yee-Haw! Hold on to your hat and find your smiling adventure seeker amid the birds, dolphins and fish. For families and thrill-seekers alike, exploring the backwater salt-marshes where other boats can not delivers a Pure Florida Experience that will take your breath away!  

• 1.5 hour tour
• Led USCG Master Captain and eco-tour guide
• Available Private or Semi-private
• Bottled water is available complimentary
• Join a group tour or book for a private excursion
• Tour departs from River Safaris
  Meeting point:
  

  10823 W Yulee Dr, Homosassa, FL 34448

Available 7 days a week. Please call for booking if within 24 hours.

What to Bring

We provide you with everything you need to enjoy this adventure, but there are a few things that we recommend. Sunscreen and insect repellant are a good idea, as are sunglasses for eye protection. During the cooler months, dress accordingly! Pants, jackets, even a small blanket will help to keep you warm. We provide you with bottled water and headgear for ear protection. Airboats are loud! If you wear a hat, you may have to hold onto your head, so we don’t recommend it!

Tour Information

If you have never taken an airboat ride....get ready for an adventure! You will start at our airboat facility. You will meet our Master Captain and tour guide at the launch location and head out into the waterways of Homosassa for a roaring good time. Keep your eyes open, there is so much natural beauty to take in while you zoom along!

How fast do airboats go?

Racing airboats can reach speeds of over 130 mph, of course this can be very dangerous! Our airboat is much safer....while it is fast, we will not go over 45 to 50 mph. It doesn’t go quite as fast on land as on water, and we always use caution!

What should I expect to see?

Every day is different when it comes to wildlife, and we highly recommend the morning ride if you hope to view wild animals. The variety of birds will amaze you, we often have dolphin sightings, sometimes manatee, and on a very good day, we may even spot a gator or two!!

Where does the Airboat tour start from? / Where do we meet our Captain?

How long is the drive from River Ventures in Crystal River to River Safaris in Homosassa?

The drive is approximately 15 minutes from our shop in Crystal River. 

Maps and directions to both locations are included in the map links below and your email confirmation.

https://goo.gl/maps/5v4V4mgXitK2

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.

Can I ride the air boat if I’m pregnant?

This can be a bumpy ride, so we recommend getting advised by your Doctor before you book your Airboat trip.

Do we go out rain or shine?

A small amount of rain will not stop us, but the speed can make the rain more powerful. Long sleeves or rain parkas are a good idea if there is more than a sprinkle. We would also give you the option to reschedule if the weather makes you uncomfortable. High winds, heavy rain, lightning; any conditions that our Captain deems unsafe would cause us to cancel or postpone. People often travel long distances to participate in our tours, so we only cancel when absolutely necessary!

Should I book a reservation?

Reservations are always recommended here at River Ventures. Our boats often fill to capacity and the air boat only seats 6. If you are hoping to take a ride, at least call us so we can let you know what availability looks like. We welcome walk ins, however; we hate to disappoint so reservations are a super idea!