airboat tours vero beach florida

The Difference Is In The Tour

Welcome to Vero Beach Florida’s most popular airboat adventure!

Capt. Bob set the standard in 2004 with the first and most talked about, narrated airboat tour on the Treasure Coast. Located in Vero Beach just west of I-95 on the beautiful Blue Cypress Conservation Marshland.

Experience Florida’s natural marshlands, and feel the thrill of flying over the water and drifting through turns as you glide over miles of natural Florida wetlands. During your one hour airboat tour you will observe exotic birds, plants, turtles and Florida alligators in their own natural environment in pristine areas that ordinary boats simply cannot reach. Getting so close you’ll be amazed.

Capt. Bob is a long time Indian River County resident and guide. He transformed an average airboat ride into the best fully-narrated airboat tour through Indian River County’s marshland. While navigating the waters, Capt. Bob shares information about the area and its habitat through aviation talk-around headsets provided to all guests. On your airboat tour, Capt. Bob will share points of interest about the birds, plants, fish and gators that you see. He will also cover the history of the marshlands and its previous transformation. Capt. Bob’s airboat tour has been enjoyed by thousands young and old. Capt. Bob set the standards that others try to follow. Enjoy a fun, exciting, educational and entertaining look at the marshlands in its natural inhabitants. A must see for tourists and Florida residents of all ages, Capt. Bob is known by the locals as the Marsh Entertainer!  Capt. Bob’s Airboat Adventure Tour has proudly been the premier airboat adventure tour since 2004.

Vero Beach AirBoat TOURS & PRICES

gatorBait Airboat adventures Vero Beach, Florida

Rated five stars​.

Awarded TripAdvisor certificate of excellence 2014 – 2018​

GATOR BAIT VERO​ BEACH

SEE THE REAL FLORIDA​​

Feel the exhilaration as your airboat slides through the swamp. You can watch the many species of elegant wetland birds, as they ply the waters edge, just out of reach of the hungry alligators. See the “Real” Florida. Imagine going back in time, to a place teaming with wildlife, a place where you are not at the top of the food chain. We call it “Wildlife WildRide”TM.

STATE OF THE ART HEADSETS

Our voice activated headsets allow you to clearly hear your guide, ask questions and never miss a single moment. 

GUIDED BY A REAL FLORIDA NATIVE

Vero tour details.

• Vero Beach Airboat Tour Length
• $52.00 +tax per person for Individual Tours
• $600.00 +tax (up to 8 people)and $52.00 +tax for additional people For private tour bookings please call if not available for booking
• Fall/Winter/ Spring Tour Times
• 9:00am, 10:40am, 12:20pm and 2:00pm
• Summer Tour Times (Memorial Day - Labor Day)
• 8:00am, 9:40am, 11:20am and 1:00pm
• WHAT TO BRING
• On cold days, a jacket is recommended
• Camera and/or phones are allowed​
• DO NOT BRING
• Food on the boat ( picnic areas are available on land)​
• Children under 2 years old
• Firearms or Weapons​
• You must arrive 30 minutes prior to your departure time for boarding. Any no shows or late arrivals will forfeit all monies. Our boat leaves on time. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• If you are trying to book for a certain time and date and the booking agent says we are full, please call. Sometimes we can make special arrangements or we may have a certain number of seats blocked off and may still be able to get you on. This is new and we are trying to fit everyone into the slot they prefer. Larger groups please call if not enough seats are available online

Blue Cypress Conservation Area

3725 County Road 512 Vero Beach, FL 32966

772-766-2629

[email protected]

See alligators up close

Marvel at stunning landscapes and wildlife, as your Captain narrates and points out alligators and countless wetland bird, including the Roseate Spoonbill and Purple Gallinule.  See islands visited by the Ais (or Ays) Indians in the early 1700’s. 

Our voice activated headsets allow you to clearly hear your guide, ask questions and never miss a single moment of your trip. 

Florida 60, Vero Beach, FL 32966

[email protected]

(772) 461-0303

AIRBOAT TOUR

Discover florida wildlife on an airboat adventure.

Capt. John and Capt. Krista will take you into the heart of Florida’s natural wonder Lake Garcia located in Blue Cypress Conservation Area. It’s exciting, educational, and safe. On this Vero Beach airboat tour, get an up close and personal look at gators, birds, eagles, and the unique flora that make up our beautiful and remarkable Florida wetlands airboat tour.

We have one goal – to give you a fantastic and unforgettable Florida marsh tour – one you're sure to talk about for years to come. Our airboat adventure brings you to exotic places and allows you to see Florida wildlife in their natural habitat. Your captains were both born and raised in South Florida with a lifetime of outdoors, airboat experience, knowledge, and professionalism. All are USCG Licensed Captains whose job and top priority is keeping you safe while providing a truly entertaining experience.

Florida Airboat Excursions takes great pride in its equipment and safety. Book online now and come join us on the “Best Airboat Tour in Florida.”

For Your Special Event

F lorida Airboat Excursions offers special programs for special events like birthdays, family reunions, office or corporate events. Call us to learn more and book your Vero Beach airboat tour.

Airboat Tour

Person $52.00

Private $572.00

QUICK DETAILS:

Durations: 50 Minutes

Ages: All Ages

What Vero Beach Visitors Have to Say About Our Airboat Tours...

Still not sure about getting a tour with us? See what our other customers have to say about us!

Florida Airboat Excursions

Phone: (772) 461-0303

Email: [email protected]

Vero Beach, FL 32966

General Links

Get in touch

772-778-9654 

772-778-9654

Take the trip of a lifetime on Stumpknocker!

Video Transcript

For a fully keyboard-accessible alternative to this video, view it in Chrome or on any Android or iOS device, view it in Firefox with the YouTube ALL HTML5 add-on installed, or disable Flash in Internet Explorer.

Sit back and enjoy a tour with us on the pristine headwaters of the beautiful St. Johns River. Be captivated by the beauty and the ecology of the marsh.

The tour is appropriate for guests of all ages, family and friends or just an afternoon getaway. It is one hour long and as you can see the boat is equipped with AvComm headsets to muffle most of the engine noise and facilitate an unsurpassed narrative. The time of the year determines what, where, and when you will see it. In the summer early morning is best. When the water temperature drops in the late Fall middle of the day to later in the afternoon is the prime time.

As you ride through the marsh, you will learn to spot the alligators. Sometimes in the winter, you can pick them out from a quarter of a mile away, while sometimes you can be right on top of them and not see them.

On a typical tour, you will see gators of various sizes from hatchlings to some pretty big boys. I do love to snuggle up next to a big Gator every chance I get. We should get close enough for everyone taking pictures to get some really good close ups, so bring your camera. Most of the time I can maneuver the boat close enough for someone to reach out and pet one. When the water temperature cools off in the fall gators migrate to the levees and grass beds. The birds migrate in and out with the seasons while some species reside here year round. Over half of the year birds are nesting. The Angus and great blue heron start in December while the common moorhen finish up in late summer. Osprey, smaller heron, egrets and ibus take up most of the time in the middle. Florida is one of two places in the world where osprey live year round. Most of our Osprey migrate out in summer, a few residents stick around all year. Life in the ecosystem of the marsh is as diverse as it is interesting. From the minnows and tadpoles to the biggest alligator and the apple snails to the osprey and the plain old water lettuce to the beauty of the yellow lotus lily there's always something in the march to intrigue and press and captivate everyone anytime of the year.

Ladies and gentlemen, we're fixing to take a little airboat ride. We're going to do some slippin and slide and shake a few bushes too.

I am Captain Steve Hayes, certified Florida master naturalist through the University of Florida, United States Coast Guard master captain and I have over 30 years and thousands of hours of airboat experience.

More than just an airboat ride, it is an Eco Tour of the back–country with some history and some color thrown in for good measure. During an hour-long tour, you will hear stories of how Garcia's came to be, some facts about the wildlife that inhabit the area, and a story—or two—about some incidents of interest. A tour of the marsh is just a phone call away. To schedule a tour, give me a call and we will set up a time that is mutually agreeable to both of us. The airboat can accommodate as many as 13 adults comfortably. If you have a larger party, Capt. John can arrange multiple boats and/or multiple trips to accommodate any number of guests. To guarantee a private tour, a discussion with Capt. John is in order. You and your party will meet me at Blue Cypress Recreation Area, also known as Garcia's, on County Road 512, 15-20 minutes before the scheduled ride time so that we may load the airboat and leave at our scheduled time. This will facilitate a full hour tour.

$52.00 per person plus FL sales tax.

It is advisable to allow enough time to stop at the closest exit to the park and visit their facilities, as the ones at the park are sometimes less than desirable. When your party arrives and the introductions are complete, we will load the airboat. Since I have, and maintain, a U.S. Coast Guard Captain's License, everyone on the vessel will wear a Coast Guard approved inflatable life vest and all children 12 and under will wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket—it is the law. Talk-Around Headsets by Av–Com are provided for ear protection and communication.

On a glide through the marsh, we will always see alligators, native and migratory birds, and flora. The time of the year determines where we will see the alligators and a variety of other sights. In the cooler months when the sun and air are warmer than the water, gators like to spend their days warming on the levees, while in the warmer months, they like the cooler water. Many species of birds are always here. Ospreys, egrets, herons, and ibis are here year round, while the ducks, falcons, hawks, white pelicans, roseate spoonbills, etc. come and go. In the spring, the egrets, herons, and ibis nest in a place that we call the Rookery. When this happens, there will be thousands of nests in a small area of the marsh. Photographic opportunities abound, from nests with eggs that haven't yet hatched to the floundering juveniles waddling around in the branches. For those wanting to see the flora, summertime is the best. As you can see, anytime is a great time to take a tour of the marsh.

Believe me, we are never lost. I've been runnin' round this marsh for a long time, and we will always come back to where we started.

See What Our Customers Have to Say About Us!

Get in touch

772-584-0089

Discover The Marsh

Discover the blue cypress marsh conservation area in vero beach, florida with us.

Enjoy an Airboat Tour or Airboat Ride on the Marsh Beast through the Blue Cypress Conservation Area in Vero Beach Florida. This Wetland is a wildlife management area on Florida’s East Coast along the St. Johns River between State Road (SR) 60 and the Indian River/Brevard county line at Fellsmere Grade.

Located off I-95 near Vero Beach and Yeehaw Junction, this area includes Blue Cypress Lake, Stick Marsh/Farm 13, and Kenansville Lake. Click here for directions to Marsh Beast Airboat Tours at the Blue Cypress Conservation Area

This area is part of the St Johns River and is implemented to reduce flooding and restore and maintain natural hydrologic cycles and protect water quality. It will also reduce freshwater diversions to the Indian River Lagoon estuary and enhance native habitat for fish and wildlife. Blue Cypress Lake and Kenansville Lake are located on the western portion of the area.

This area is an excellent viewing location for the endangered snail kite. Wetland and marsh dependent species found here include great Blue Herons, White Ibis, Snowy Egrets, Limpkins, and Night Herons. Other species include Wood Storks, Ospreys, and Bald Eagles. This area is also a great location for Florida Alligator Tours by Airboat! Alligators can be seen nearly all year round on an airboat around Vero Beach, Florida inside the Blue Cypress Recreation Area.

See What Our Customers Have to Say About Us!

• Prices And Reservations airboat rides vero beach fl
• About the Boats
• Airboat ride Photo Gallery

Take an exciting airboat tour guided by A Real Florida Native!

– $50.00 per person + tax.

due to state regulations on October 1, 2018 coupons can no longer honored .

Update*** Larger groups please call for special arrangements*** Also, if you are trying to book for a certain time slot and it says we are full, please call sometimes we can make special arrangements. This is new and we are trying to fit everyone into the slot they prefer.

For more info call 772-766-2629.

Book online now!

Rides are 50 minutes on our fastest airboat ride.

Gator bait airboat adventures the treasure coast’s most informative ecological airboat tour, offering an unforgettable experience that you and your family will remember for a lifetime..

Captain Bob's Airboat Adventure Tours

Review Highlights

“ The ride was smooth and fun, the views were amazing and the guide ( Captain John ) made sure everyone had a fabulous time! ” in 6 reviews

“ Our tour kicked off promptly at 8:30 and we saw plenty of wildlife , lots of birds and half a dozen gators. ” in 7 reviews

“ So glad to share the Capt Bob 's Airboat experience with family and friends! ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

Suggest an edit

Vero Beach, FL 32966

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About the Business

Capt Bob's is the longest running Airboat Tour in Vero Beach. Voted best airboat tour on the Treasure Coast from Palm Bay to West Palm Beach. With unmatched narration enjoyed by thousands young and old. Capt Bob's where "The Difference is in the Tour" …

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Captain Bob was amazing. We had the most beautiful day and saw at least 30 alligators! His stories about the birds and the land/lake were riveting. I even loved when the alligator tried to jump in the boat with us once I was able to get my heart out of my throat! Thanks for an awesome experience Captain Bob! BEST IN THE BUSINESS!

We had a fabulous trip and John who was our guide so knowledgable. Having lived in the area most of my adult life it was so nice to see the wildlife flourishing there. John took time to make sure everyone is able to see the sites turn the boat around and was checking with people to make sure everybody could see it. It was a lovely day couldn't have been better.

CAPTAIN JOHN YOU ARE AMAZING!!!! This is the tour guide you want!!! If you're reading this and are having trouble deciding what company to go with, this review is the voice guiding you!!! So informative, knowledgeable and KIND!!!! Felt safe the entire journey and WAS! Enjoy the beauty of it and how Mother Nature works!!! TIP YOUR TOUR GUIDE!!!!!!!!!!

Great trip, lots of fun. Capt John was entertaining and informative. Highly recommend this excursion.

We had captain John and he was extremely kind, along with all the other drivers from different companies. He gave us descriptions of 90 percent of the animals we saw and it was all around fun and interesting.

An alligator.

A sneaky alligator

Awesome airboat ride! We saw so much Florida wildlife! Loved the linked headphones for tour narration. Captain John did great sharing the history and local lore! Highly recommend if you're visiting or even if you live here!

Fun time! Very entertaining. Saw some wildlife. Acquired a love of swampland. Awesome.

Amazing as always! Captain Bob is so knowledgable and fun to do this tour with. My girlfriend had never been on an airboat, and I'm so glad we went on this one together. Bob's expertise and general ease on the water are a real pleasure. If you're looking for an airboat ride near Vero, this is the one you want. Lots of gators and wildlife to see. Enjoy!

Spot the people from the northeast! You can't tell but we're smiling.

We had Capt. John and an 11:30 am ride. Wonderful! 7 of us from age 3-70. John was very careful loading us in and we appreciated that. Headset so all could hear and communicate. The boat held 10 people. John shared some Garcia family and lake history and pointed some local flora. He noted several birds and chicks and of course found us some gators. Again from about 2 years to 30 ish. Great eyes. Great ride. Great tour. Great information. Great care. Thanks John. The pick up point is at a public dock. There are 3 port-a-pots that are infested with ants and one locked handicapped bathroom. Empty your bladder before you arrive. Hat and sun block important.

We had the absolute best time out on the water with Captain John. The tour was informative, funny, and honestly thrilling. Gators EVERYWHERE! And even though my girlfriend was nearly cutting off circulation in my hand when we got near one, we felt safe and secure the whole time. And I can really not speak more highly of Captain John. First of all, the dude has a jawline that doesn't quit. But more importantly, he's a master at his craft, seamlessly transitioning between fun facts and comedy. I would recommend anyone and everyone to check out Captain Bob's Airboat Adventure Tours!

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772-584-0089

[email protected]

Vero Beach, FL 32966

772-584-0089       [email protected]     Vero Beach, FL 32966

Learn more about Airboat Wilderness Rides in Vero Beach

About your airboat:.

Our captains have more time on the water than any other airboat tour company on the Treasure Coast. They’ve all successfully completed the USAMT/D.O.I./FWC approved airboat operation course and are the first in Florida to be certified. 

• Captain George Lins; USCG license 40 years
• Captain Bob Johnson; USCG license 35 years
• Captain Shannon Petit; USCG license 20 years
• Captain Bob Pennington; USCG license 45 years

About Airboat Wilderness Rides

Airboat Wilderness Rides is the longest running airboat company on the Treasure Coast. That was 18 years ago! We strive to make every tour better than the last. Our captains are all USCG licensed captains. They are eager to share their vast knowledge of the marshland and its diverse ecosystem. Tours are limited to nine passengers for your comfort, safety, and enjoyment as every guest has a great view.

Generations of people travel near and far to our community on the Treasure Coast and can vouch for the awesome experience Airboat Wilderness Rides provides.

AWR is also the exclusive airboat tour company to accommodate Navy Seals and their families when visiting the Treasure Coast!

Our captains have more time on the water than any other airboat tour company on the Treasure Coast. They’ve all successfully completed the USAMT/D.O.I./FWC approved airboat operation course and are the first in Florida to be certified.

• Captain John Smith; USCG license 25 years

Quick Links

9 Years Running!

Gator Bait Airboat Adventures

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Gator Bait Airboat Adventures - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

10 Fun Things to Do in Vero Beach for locals & vacationers alike

V ero Beach, located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, offers a perfect blend of pristine beaches, cultural attractions, and outdoor adventures. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or as a family, this charming destination has something for everyone. Here are 10 fun things to do during your vacation in Vero Beach, including where to stay and the best restaurants to indulge in delicious cuisine.

1. Visit the Vero Beach Museum of Art:

Start your vacation with some cultural enrichment at the Vero Beach Museum of Art. This museum showcases an impressive collection of American and international art, including works by renowned artists. Spend a leisurely afternoon strolling through the galleries and appreciating the diverse exhibits.

Photo by Rockerchi379

2. Relax at South Beach Park:

Unwind on the sandy shores of South Beach Park. This beach is known for its calm waves and peaceful atmosphere, making it perfect for sunbathing, beachcombing, and swimming. Don’t forget to catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset for a truly magical experience.

Nature lovers will be delighted by a visit to McKee Botanical Garden. This tropical paradise boasts a wide variety of exotic plants, water lilies, and unique sculptures. Enjoy a leisurely walk through the garden’s pathways and take in the serenity of nature.

4. Kayak or Paddleboard on the Indian River Lagoon:

Discover the beauty of Vero Beach’s waterways by kayaking or paddleboarding on the Indian River Lagoon. You may even spot dolphins and manatees as you glide through the mangroves and scenic channels.

5. Airboat Tour in Blue Cypress Conservation Area:

Experience the thrill of an airboat tour in the nearby Blue Cypress Conservation Area. A knowledgeable guide will lead you through the marshlands, pointing out wildlife and providing interesting insights into the local ecosystem.

6. Catch a Show at the Riverside Theatre:

For an evening of entertainment, head to the Riverside Theatre, a renowned performing arts venue in Vero Beach. Whether you enjoy a Broadway show, live concert, or comedy performance, the Riverside Theatre has something to offer.

7. Shopping on Ocean Drive:

Explore the charming boutiques, galleries, and specialty shops along Ocean Drive. This vibrant street offers a mix of unique shopping experiences, allowing you to find souvenirs and one-of-a-kind treasures.

8. Golf at Sandridge Golf Club:

If you’re a golf enthusiast, tee off at the renowned Sandridge Golf Club. This picturesque golf facility offers two championship courses, Dunes and Lakes, designed to challenge players of all skill levels. With meticulously manicured fairways and stunning landscapes, Sandridge Golf Club provides an unforgettable golfing experience amidst the natural beauty of Vero Beach. Whether you’re an experienced golfer seeking a competitive round or a beginner looking to improve your game, Sandridge Golf Club is the perfect destination to enjoy a day on the links.

Photo courtesy of Coste d’Este

9. Where to Stay:

For a luxurious and comfortable stay, consider booking a room at the Costa d’Este Beach Resort & Spa (yes, this IS Gloria Estefan’s hotel). This oceanfront property offers elegant rooms, a full-service spa, and multiple dining options.

10. Where to Eat:

Indulge in delicious seafood at The Ocean Grill. Located right on the beach, this restaurant offers breathtaking ocean views and a delectable menu featuring fresh catches of the day and classic Florida dishes.

Another fantastic dining option is Di Mare Vero Beach, a charming Italian restaurant offering a warm and intimate atmosphere. Enjoy traditional Italian cuisine prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Vero Beach is a destination that promises fun, relaxation, and memorable experiences. Whether you’re into art and culture, outdoor adventures, or simply unwinding on the beach, this beautiful city has it all. Plan your vacation in Vero Beach, and create cherished memories that will last a lifetime.

The post 10 Fun Things to Do in Vero Beach for locals & vacationers alike first appeared on Champagne Living .