Tales from the Road: Taking a (Air) Ride on Lake Tohopekaliga

One of the things I love most about the central Florida area is its natural beauty. Best described as true Old Florida, what you see here, you won’t see anywhere else in the state.

And the best part is that in this area there are so many opportunities for you to experience the outdoors.

Just in Kissimmee alone, there’s the new zipline safari at Forever Florida, horse backing riding with Horse World Stables, hot air balloon rides, numerous hiking trails and well, you get the idea.

While that all sounds fun, I was more interested in taking an airboat ride through Boggy Creek Airboat Rides.

Departing from west Lake Tohopekaliga (part of the headwaters of the Everglades), you feel the wind in your hair and soft spray of the water as the boat reaches its top speed of 45 mph. When the airboat turns the corner, all you see is open water, ready to be explored.

Have your cameras ready, because during the 30-minute ride, you never know what you might see. And yes, on my tour, an alligator was spotted. Luckily he was sunning and seem to have little to no interest in the boat. Also seen was a blue heron and a bald eagle.

Additionally, Boggy Creek Airboat Rides also offers a night airboat tour. An hour-long, this probably isn’t for the faint of heart and/or those who need a night-light. They also offer 45-minute private tours, which would be great for families or a group of friends.

photo credit: personal collection