Air Boat - Spirit of the Swamp vs. Wild Willy's

[conniehar90]

We plan to take an air boat tour on our next trip and I have narrowed it down to these two companies. Has anyone tried both? They both have near perfect reviews on Trip Advisor. Sounds like it comes down to holding the baby alligators (Wild Willy's) vs. having the headphones (Spirit of the Swamp).

I can't make a decision!!! Help!

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We haven't tried Spirit of the Swamp, but we have done the tour at Wild Willy's and would highly recommend them. The tour was awesome, our captain was super knowledgeable, we saw lots of wildlife, and the staff were so friendly. Getting there was easy, and we loved the photo ops with the baby alligators after the ride. Absolutely one of the highlights of our Christmas trip (you can click on the link in my signature for my December 2012 trip report if you want to check out our photos and write-up).

Ear protection was provided for all tour guests, and the captain would stop the boat from time to time to show us something specific or answer questions. We didn't find not having headphones was an issue at all.

 

[conniehar90]

Thanks Gina - after I wrote this I thought - what am I thinking? Of course, my kids would pick holding a gator over headphones! I guess I needed to put it in writing in order to make my decision. Ha.

 

[brownhaired_girl]

Hi,
I'm guessing you probably don't need anyone making your choices more difficult but last month we took a tour with with A-Awesome airboat rides out of Christmas, FL. (This was about a 40 minute drive but worth it) I couldn't say enough good things about them. Gator Bruce took us on a 90 minute ride in a six person boat. $50/person. You could check them out on Tripadvisor.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

This article might also help you in your decision:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...able_Airboat_Operators-Kissimmee_Florida.html

The comments/discussion below the original post specifically talk about Spirit of the Swamp. Unlike Wild Willy's, apparently SotS operates from a public boat dock, so they have no office, no restrooms, etc. They also talk about the pitfalls of the headphones.