With 20.3 million acres of wetland in Florida it’s safe to say the most authentic Florida one can experience happens in either a canoe or on an airboat. Since there are 1.25 million alligators in the Sunshine State we opted for the airboat.
To be fair, alligator attacks on people are actually pretty rare. Over the last 70 years there have been fewer than 500 alligator bites and of those only 24 were fatal, reports the Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission. Alligators that bite people are generally looking for food or are female gators protecting their nests. Mating males can also be aggressive. Never feed or entice alligators – it is both dangerous and illegal because when humans feed alligators, they overcome their natural wariness and they begin to associate people with food.
Another way to avoid an alligator attack is to view them from the safety of an airboat. The airboat, sometimes called a fanboat, has the unique ability to travel in as little as one inch of water, thus getting into places most people can’t to see the things most people don’t.
We called upon Swamp Donkey to show us some of Florida’s natural beauty.
Swamp Donkey is run by Captain Charlie who, before his time running airboat tours, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard as a small boat coxswain. After getting out, he returned to the same marsh he grew up on and began showing people the real Florida that’s not seen at Disney World.
A 40-minute drive west from the Space Coast beaches, the Three Forks Marsh consists of 52,000 acres of pure Florida gator territory with native birds who fly from branch to branch hoping to avoid being dinner themselves. In addition to the airboat ride, Three Forks Conservation Area boasts 70 miles of trails for hiking and biking. The area is also known for bank fishing on the levees, seasonal hunting and primitive camping at designated sites. Though why anyone would tent-camp this close to 'gators is beyond me!
We felt 100% safe with Captain Charlie though. Having grown up exploring and fishing the marsh he takes you on a fully narrated adventure across lily pads, through tall grass, and even sliding around trees to show you the Florida wildlife he is so passionate about.
Tours are available in 60 or 90-minute lengths and cost $50 or $65 per adult respectively. Reservations are required by phone with same-day reservations possibly available depending on the daily schedule. Advanced reservations encouraged.
Get Your Listing registered at Florida Beach Break.
For more information visit swampdonkeyairboatrides.com or call Captain Charlie at 321-373-2550.