Everglades airboat rides.

[Macka]

Hello All,

Back after a long time, just booked for 3 weeks in sunny FLA, and I'd like to take 4 of us to the everglades for an airboat ride. We'll be going from Siesta key on the gulf coast and thought we'd stay overnight somewhere nice, traditional, maybe even luxurious....

So..

Can anyone suggest from experience a nice place to stay overnight and a reputable place to find an Everglades airboat experience?

Online searches just tell of dodgy operators so a recommendation would be nice. Don't mind paying the rate if it's nice.

[Lyn]

Try www.evergladessafaripark.com/ (http://www.evergladessafaripark.com/) we have been with them a couple of times and they have been really good.

[vickk]

We used Speedy Johnsons at Everglade city, I found them to be excellent

[Jill]

We have also used Speedy Johnsons from Everglade City and enjoyed our tour. Afterwards we stumbled on a pure gem at Chokoloskee Island (5 miles south of Everglades City) which is Ted Smallwoods trading post. Have a look at the link to an article I wrote about our visit http://www.villasflorida.com/orlando_guide/ted-smallwoods-store.aspx

[Val]

If you do not want to take the long trip down to the Everglades I would recommend Captain Fred's Nature Airboat ride at Lake Wales. On our last two trips to Florida we have been to Lake Wales and taken the tour with Captain Fred and on a personal level we enjoyed it more than the Everglades. It is only a small one man concern run by Captain Fred and his wife but they are both very interesting and have a good knowledge of gators etc., They also have baby gators for people to hold, if you wish. There is a website www.captfreds.com
10730 Camp Mack Road Lake Wales, FL
863-696-1637

Val

[Macka]

Thanks everyone, some nice tips there. Will definitely be doing one of these.