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Panama City Beach Guide: Airboat Swamp & Alligator Tours

When most people think of Florida, they picture white sand beaches and palm trees. And while Panama City Beach certainly has plenty of that, there's so much more to this Floridian town. For example, did you know that Panama City Beach is home to some of the best airboat swamp and alligator tours in the state?  So, if you're ready to get up close and personal with some of Florida's most iconic residents, then you need to add an airboat swamp tour to your Panama City Beach itinerary. These tours provide travelers with a unique opportunity to see alligators in their natural habitat and learn more about the ecology of the area.

Here are just a few reasons why you should consider booking an airboat swamp tour during your next visit to Panama City Beach.

An Eco-Experience Like No Other

Airboat swamp tours in Panama City Beach offer travelers an eco-experience like no other. These tours take place in the creeks and marsh areas that surround Panama City Beach, providing tourists with a front row seat to observe alligators in their natural habitat. Additionally, these tours give travelers a chance to learn about the ecology of the area and the important role that alligators play in maintaining it.

The Best Time to Go

Airboat swamp and alligator tours run year-round in Panama City Beach; however, the best time to go is during the rainy season and spring/summer months (May through November). Not only will the weather be more pleasant, but the alligators will be more active since they're cold-blooded creatures and spring marks the start of their mating season. Plus, there's nothing quite like watching these prehistoric creatures lounging in the sun by the banks of the swamp.

Booking an Airboat Tour

There are plenty of Airboat Tour operators and Eco experience companies in Panama City Beach, so it's easy to find one that fits your budget and schedule. Most tours start in the morning or early afternoon, last around two hours, and include travel time between the launch point and alligator habitat.  Some of our favorites are Wild Thang Airboat Tours, Swampvette and Panama City Adventures.

What to Expect

During your airboat tour, you can expect to see plenty of alligators, as well as other native Florida wildlife like bald eagles, ospreys, and herons, as well as different types of fish and turtles. Your tour guide will take you through some of the creeks and marsh areas that make up Panama City Beach, explaining the ecology of the area as you go. You'll also learn all about the history of the area and how it came to be such a popular tourist destination. And of course, you'll have plenty of opportunities to take photos—just be sure not to get too close to any of the alligators! 

A Chance to Learn About Alligator Ecology

In addition to getting up close and personal with alligators, airboat swamp tours also offer travelers a chance to learn about alligator ecology. Your tour guide will be able to share information about alligator behavior, diet, and reproduction. You'll also learn about the importance of alligators in maintaining the health of Florida's wetlands. It's an educational experience that the whole family will enjoy!

Swamp & Alligator Tours vs. Other Eco Experiences

When compared to other eco experiences in Florida, like kayaking through mangrove forests or taking a nature hike, swamp and alligator tours are relatively gentle affairs. They're perfect for travelers who want to learn about Florida's unique ecology without having to exert themselves too much. And because airboat rides are so exciting, they're bound to be a hit with kids and adults alike. So if you're looking for a fun and educational activity the whole family can enjoy, look no further than a PCB airboat tour. 

If you're looking for a unique eco-experience during your next visit to Panama City Beach, then look no further than an airboat swamp tour! These tours are sure to be a unique and exciting experience for everyone, offering the opportunity to get up close and personal with alligators while learning about their ecology. So what are you waiting for? Book your tour today!

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Breaking News:

Gator Park is open every day. No reservations required, just show up!

NPS Entrance Fee is now $8 per person for adults, free for seniors, children under 16, National Park passholders, military and veterans.

Please be advised that holding live baby alligator for a photo is no longer allowed. Thank you for your understanding.

We have a limitied availability for private tours. Please call to make reservation in advance. 

Walk-ins are always welcome!

Attention Drivers: Please exercise increased caution while traveling on US41 due to current road conditions. Stay alert, reduce speed , and maintain a safe following distance. 

Welcome to GATOR PARK

An alligator adventure in the heart of the everglades national park..

Looking for some serious gator action? Gator Park is the premier airboat tour in the Florida Everglades to spy these fierce reptiles. Airboat rides depart every few minutes, so your Everglades experience begins the moment you arrive. We also offer private airboat tours for a more up close and personal look at the alligators .

The Everglades National Park is known for its vast wildlife, many of whom you’ll meet on your airboat tour. From endangered birds you won’t find anywhere else to small creatures that live among these wild alligators , you’ll see Florida as few people do.

The Everglades' marine life includes more than 200,000 alligators, so you’re guaranteed to spy quite a few on your Everglades tour! American crocodiles and fish, including large mouth bass,  blue gil and catfish, are also frequent guest stars on the tour.

More than 28 different snakes - a few of which are venomous – also call the Everglades home, alongside the beautiful and elusive endangered Florida panther.

Experience this unique Miami, Florida attraction by booking your airboat ride through the Everglades National Park today. Give us a call at 800-559-2205 or buy tour tickets online now.

Ready to meet the gators? You’ve come to the right place. Buy your airboat tour tickets online and save time and money at the park. No reservations required! Your tickets will be available at Gator Park on the day of your airboat safari.

Airboat Tours

Get ready for the ride of your life. The Gator Park Airboat Tour begins by winding down the canal, providing plenty of photo ops to catch wildlife in their natural habitat. Experienced guides offer tips to ensure you spot alligators large and small...

Wildlife Show

Go beyond the Everglades with Gator Park's famous alligator and wildlife show and watch alligators from just a few steps away! This barehanded technique was originally used to capture alligators and showcases the great power and agility of the gators.

ALLIGATOR TOUR HOURS & RATES

Looking for a unique change of pace from other Florida tourist attractions? An Everglades airboat safari is just what you need. Gator Park is open and ready for your Everglades adventure every day, rain or shine! (The gators like the rain.)

Monday – Sunday:

• 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Last wildlife show:

Last airboat departure:

Tickets to Gator Park include admission, airboat ride through the Everglades and watch alligators at the Wildlife show. Buy tickets online and save. 

• Adults: $29.99 ($29.99 at the gate)
• Children: $19.99 (Kids 1-5 years old ride for free!)

Private airboat tours run on your schedule and are a great way to get up close and personal with the gators. Rates are by the hour.

• 1-4 People: $525.00
• 5-6 People: $695.00
• 7-10 People: $895.00
• 11-15 People: $995.00
• 16-24 People: $1495.00

$8 National Park Service entry fee is not included.

Excluded from National Park entrance fees:

• Children under the age of 16
• National Park passholders
• Senior citizens (62+ years of age)
• Active Military personnel with proper ID

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club cards accepted for all our Everglades attractions.

DISCOVER OUR TOURS

30min Airboat Ride

Our 30 minute tour is a fun and scenic ride. It’s the perfect trip to take during the heat of the day to cool off! Chances of seeing alligators are slim on this tour due to the time restraint. You still have an idyllic and enjoyable ride with great scenery and may have the chance of a dolphin encounter and observing our native birds here in Florida.

1hr Airboat Ride

Skim & Slide across just inches of water through the marshes. Maybe stop by a Crab basket to pull up a few Blue Claw Crabs, search for hermit crabs and sea snails. Wading birds Herons, Egrets, even Osprey, and Bald Eagles love the Marshes. Tour the Creeks searching for Dolphins, or alligators sunning on the banks, because these are Wild Animals you never know what you’ll find in the backwaters!

Night time Airboat Ride

Leaves the dock at Dusk and returns after Dark. Your Captain and Crew use their searchlights to spot the “red eyes” of the alligator as this is their time to be on the hunt it is the best time to find them. It’s a whole other world after dark and a experience your not soon to forget.

• 14808 Bay View Cir, Panama City Beach, FL, United States
• (850) 660-5150

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Wild Thang Airboat Tours

Review Highlights

“ The kids got to hold a baby alligator and the staff shared some cool facts about them. ” in 4 reviews

“ I love wildlife and enjoyed what I got to see but I wish they had an extreme air boat tour. ” in 9 reviews

“ I had never been on an air boat , but I already want to go back. ” in 3 reviews

Location & Hours

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14856 Bay View Cir

Panama City Beach, FL 32413

Serving Panama City Beach Area

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We have the only 18 passenger private pontoon charter with a 10 person tiki bar. For further information or pricing please refer to our website. read more

in Boating, Boat Tours, Boat Charters

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About the business.

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Business Owner

We have the most experienced U.S.C.G. Master Captains in the area, are fully insured, and are the only Airboat company located on the water with our own docks! You can relax under our covered docks while you wait or visit our gift shop for T-shirts, jewelry, and souvenirs. We pride ourselves in making sure you have the safest and most enjoyable experience possible on our Airboats. …

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Overall rating

Never been on an air boat!!! Great ride!!! It seats about 12. Great staff!!! Driver was fun... answered any questions,,, gave us a great ride. Almost went back a few days later,, for another ride. Only air boat company in the area I would ride with!!!

Spent around $250 for 3 adults, 3 kids. The actual tour was OK. We spent 15 minutes trying to get out of the bay to begin the actual tour. Besides a few turns/spins at high speed, this tour was simply OK. The website leads you to believe that you'll see wild life like alligators, eagles, etc but the guide assures you that this is an airboat ride with maybe have wildlife sightings. The guide was good but maybe my expectations were different than what I was expecting.

The airboat ride was fun. The guide we had was funny a little disappointed we didn't get to see any gators, but overall it was a fun ride and I would recommend doing this.

Love the tour around the nature preserve area, our Captain was amazing. Although we did not see any alligators we did learn a lot and the ride was extremely entertaining.

See all photos from Kristene H. for Wild Thang Airboat Tours

Great tour! Staff seemed friendlier than the other companies so I chose them. Pictures with the live alligators made the kids day. It was a great way to see the local ecosystem. Alligators here are not as common as they are in south Florida so it's hit or miss if you see one on the tour. Regardless the guide was experienced and kept everyone entertained.

Such a fun time! Our tour guide, Robert, was awesome! He took us for such a fun ride, although we didn't get to see any alligators on our ride we did get to see some dolphins. Overall, it was such a great experience, and very affordable. The kids got to hold a baby alligator and the staff shared some cool facts about them. Highly suggest this place!

Everyone got to hold a small gator. The air boat ride through scenic areas is a blast itself. We did see several dolphins and one large gator. Service was good. The captain and deck hand did what they could to make the trip a one good. They told stories, made jokes and followed the gator back as far as the boat could go. Had a great time will be doing this again.

Great ride and entertainment!! Will do it again when we're in Panama City!! Thank you for an informative talk too.

Had a great time. Took the hour tour but it lasted almost an hour and half. Saw an alligator and a dolphin. The alligator was eating a deer. Pretty cool. I love wildlife and enjoyed what I got to see but I wish they had an extreme air boat tour. The boat is equipped with a 502 cubic inch engine.

LOVE LOVE LOVE the night tour!My family has done the night tour several times and highly recommend it. Make sure to bring a camera with a speed/sport mode on it. When we went out we saw many alligators and a eagle nest along with many other wildlife. The location is a little bit hidden to get to but not to bad. Great and friendly staff and captains. Can't wait till our next visit.

Sunset from airboat.

Sunset from Airboat.

26 other reviews that are not currently recommended

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Air boat ride was amazing - Gator Country Alligator Park

• United States    
• Florida (FL)    
• Florida Panhandle    
• Panama City Beach    
• Panama City Beach - Things to Do    
• Gator Country Alligator Park

We came as a large family and had a blast! Before the air boat we got to sit and watch a lady hold... read more

Awesome experience the kids loved it and us adults were just as excited. Your guide was one of a... read more

Air boat ride was amazing

Reason for 4 stars instead of 5. We booked this tour understanding thru the online information and our confirmation emails that there would be a 30 minute alligator presentation. Upon arrival we learned that Bubba the big alligator that has been here in the past is not available at this time. Which is fine, had I not been lead to believe he would be there. My 3 year old was super excited for Bubba. Putting that aside...if you go in expecting an air boat ride. This ride is SO fun! A blast! My whole family loved our time on the air boat! Captain was awesome, funny and even in November got us a couple quick glances at gators. So fun for all ages. Definitely check it out.

Our family had a wonderful time! Our teens and young child all enjoyed this experience. We would highly recommend this and would definitely go back if we’re ever in the area again.

Exciting ride away from all the crowds. the entire family will enjoy this trip. Our first time on an Airboat and will do this activity again on the next visit and will take other guests with us.

Was amazing me and my husband went with some friends from Maine ! The air boat was AMAZING !! CAPTAIN MIKE WAS GREAT !!! Will for sure go back! Also got to hold baby alagaters and a snake names Elsa ! Everyone was very nice and welcoming!

Ms Shelly started the experience off amazing. She was friendly and accommodating. Once we arrived we met birds and even Lil Chomps. Learned about alligators, birds, and turtles. Them we went to the airboat. Captain Mike was the best! He was entertaining while he educated us on wildlife and the waterway. The whole experience was great and I would highly recommend!

We had a blast. Very informative. We got to see several animals native to Florida including wild gators. Kids loved the 360s too. Staff/Captain is very kind, great with kids. Would recommend and cannot wait to visit again!

Night-time Alligator Spotlight Hunting Tour

Quick Details

• User Ages: 2+
• Hour Glass Duration: 1.5 hours
• Calendar Tour Days: 7 days a week
• Clock Tour Times: 7:00 PM

Spot Light Hunting for Gators

When your on the water with Panama City’s longest running airboat company, your gonna have a great time! On this tour you will get to watch a spectacular sunset from beautiful West Bay, and then after the sun goes down…we are HUNTING GATORS! They can’t hide from our 3 million candlepower spotlights, and it’s totally cool to get up close to them for great pictures! See ya soon!!!

(Departure times vary nightly, PLEASE read your email and verify departure time)

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• Clock 9 AM to 6 PM
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Daytime Airboat Eco Tour & Alligator Demonstration

Book this Daytime Airboat ECO Tour / Panama City’s ONLY “Full Contact Alligator Experience” today! This is an experience of a lifetime!

• Clock Please call for availability

Private Tours

Book this Private Tour to go to areas the other boats can’t, and you could even get to drive on the waters of Panama City!

Orange Hill Gator Farm

850-527-1383 to schedule your private tour, alligator tours near panama city beach, fl.

★★★★★ "Great place to have a birthday party. Fun for kids and adults!"

–g. waddell.

Family Activities in Panama City 🐊

Alligator Tours 🐊

Animal Photos 🐊

This panama city beach attraction is made for kids and families, " best activity we did in florida " ★★★★★.

Contact us to schedule your tour today!

Welcome to Boggy Bayou Airboat Tours!

Boggy Bayou Airboat Tours located in Panama City, Florida  offers two hour private airboat eco tours for up to six passengers and is safe for the whole family.

We offer daily eco tours and a sunset/night ride that is off the charts! If you are a thrill seeker, well, we got ya covered! Boggy Bayou Airboat Tours is the only airboat company on the Gulf Coast with custom designed dual controls that offers you a “You Drive” experience. You will receive safe operational instructions to drive the airboat! You too can see for yourself why an airboat is so much fun to operate. (Contact directly for the “YOU DRIVE” details) … Read More

All Tours are By Reservation Only. Call 850-527-5123 For Pricing And Tour Availability

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The 5 Most Gorgeous Beaches You Don't Want To Skip Near Panama City, According To Tripadvisor

Panama City in northwestern Florida is often confused with the neighboring destination of Panama City Beach. As they are only 20 minutes apart, Panama City is the ultimate gateway to this iconic Spring Break spot. That said, Panama City Beach (pictured) provides visitors with a fun-filled seaside vacation. The activities are never-ending, from water adventures to attractions like Shipwreck Island Waterpark to Ripley's Believe It or Not! and the M.B. Miller County Pier.

Of course, its alluring soft white sand and year-round summer-like conditions also draw in tourists. However, visitors to both destinations might not realize that there are other beaches in and around the area. Best of all, they are just as stunning as Panama City Beach and great for avoiding the crowds .

Islands searched websites like Tripadvisor and blog posts written by local businesses and travel bloggers to bring you the most beloved beaches in the region. They include islands, hidden gems, and more. One of the most timeless things you can do in Florida is explore all of the fantastic beaches the Sunshine State has to offer. So put on your sunglasses and grab a towel and sunscreen; you won't want to miss out on these beaches.

Camp Helen State Park

@keithhudson972 CAMP HELEN STATE PARK PCB, FLORIDA #BEACHES #FLORIDA #STATEPARKS #WAVES #SUN #SURF #SAND #NORTHWESTFLORIDA #GULFOFMEXICO #FL #NATURE #WILDLIFE #OUTDOORS #RECREATION #FUN #VACATION ♬ Instrumental Café Background Jazz for Coffee Drinkers - 1940s Coffee Jazz

Here's a place in Panama City Beach you might not be aware of: Camp Helen State Park. This scenic nature destination has a white sand beach for swimming. Camp Helen State Park is also home to Lake Powell, ideal for kayaking and paddleboarding. If needed, rentals are available at the park. Fishing is allowed at Lake Powell, and there are a few different hiking trails. In other words, this is the place to go if you want a beach day and outdoor adventure.

One person on Tripadvisor wrote, "If you enjoy a day, walking along trails, with nature all around, kayaking in the Gulf of Mexico, swimming in emerald, green water, camping, listening to wildlife, as you turn in, for the evening, then you need to plan a visit."

In addition, Camp Helen State Park is a historic site. In fact, according to Florida State Parks , nine buildings in the park are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, some of which predate the 1940s. Make sure to check these out during your visit. Camp Helen State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. Admission ranges from $2 to $4. Note that there is no lifeguard on duty.

St. Andrews State Park

St. Andrews State Park is a little-known paradise located in Panama City Beach. It's top-rated on Tripadvisor and features deep blue waters and a white sand shore. An array of activities are available, including swimming, snorkeling, wildlife viewing, and more. In addition, there is a shallow lagoon swimming area available for children. Snorkel gear can be rented at the park's concession stand, and the park also offers a dolphin snorkel tour.

But that's not all. Visitors can also rent pontoon boats, kayaks, and paddleboards for a half or full day. All rentals and tours can be booked online . Overall, St. Andrews State Park is perfect for those wanting an adventurous beach day with family or friends. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. Admission is $8 per vehicle (two or more individuals are included for this price). If you work up an appetite during your beach time, a small eatery in the park serves fast-food classics and cold drinks.

For those who want to extend their beach day, camping is available at St. Andrews State Park for $28 a night. Tents and RVs are welcome, and each site features water and electricity. You can make a reservation online . For a unique experience, book an eco-tent instead.

Shell Island

@panamacity_pontoons All the conditions are right and the weathers perfect in Panama City! #shellisland #shellislandpcb #pcb #panamacitybeach #panamacity #panamacitybeachflorida #30a #rosemarybeach #gulfcoast #emeraldcoast #florida #vacation #dolphin #dolphins #beach #paradise #summer #springbreak #pcpontoons #explorepage #bacheloretteparty #love #happy #pcbrentals ♬ Island Song - Zac Brown Band

Undoubtedly one of the best islands in Florida , Shell Island is off the coast of Panama City Beach. It's a barrier island featuring seven miles of uninhabited beach, and is known for being a popular swimming and snorkeling spot. It's also renowned for its beauty and secluded ambiance. Picture white sand, crystal clear waters, and nothing else—not even bathrooms. Thus, if you plan on visiting Shell Island, bring your drinks, snacks, chairs, and anything else you might need for the day.

There are also no trash cans on the island, so everything you bring with you must also be brought back with you. Visitors can take a ferry from the mainland to Shell Island. One provider is the Shell Island Shuttle. It departs from Panama City Beach and takes 15 minutes to arrive to Shell Island. At the time of this publication, a roundtrip ticket is less than $30 for children and adults. You can purchase tickets online .

The Shell Island Shuttle's hours vary per season. Consider when the last boat departs from Shell Island, so you know when to wrap up your beach day. If you are interested, you can also rent snorkeling gear with the Shell Island Shuttle.

Santa Rosa Beach

Santa Rosa Beach is a hidden treasure an hour away from Panama City. It's part of 30A, a Florida highway known for its stunning beaches. One reviewer on  Tripadvisor wrote in March 2024, "Santa Rosa Beach is a beautiful, pristine beach to enjoy your time at, either solo or with others. The sand is beautiful and the ocean views are intoxicating." However, another must-visit in the area is Blue Mountain Beach.

This Santa Rosa Beach neighborhood is home to quaint local businesses, including Blue Mountain Bakery and Blue Mountain Beach Creamery, which are ideal for those with a sweet tooth. Like Santa Rosa Beach, Blue Mountain Beach is also beloved on Tripadvisor. Reviewers say that it's clean and comparable to the beaches of the Caribbean.

While you're in Santa Rosa Beach, make sure to stop by Grayton Beach State Park. This picturesque destination allows swimming, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. Moreover, you can expect to encounter lush greenery and wildlife, including birds and gray foxes. Grayton Beach State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. Admission is $5 for each vehicle with two or more individuals. Keep in mind that there are no lifeguards on duty.

Miramar Beach

Located about an hour and 20 minutes from Panama City, Miramar Beach, near Destin, Florida, has it all. This includes an immaculate coastline with white sand perfect for sunbathing after a cool ocean dip. Nevertheless, Miramar Beach has much more to offer. Visitors and thrill seekers can enjoy parasailing, banana boat rides, and more. All of these activities can be booked online at  Miramar Beach Parasail . Prices vary per season, but you can expect to pay less than $100 for each excursion at the time of this publication.

Miramar Beach is also home to Dolphin Reef, a unique artificial reef in the shape of a dolphin. This spot is ideal for snorkeling, kayaking, or paddleboarding. A local tour operator provides snorkeling tours of Dolphin Reef, which can be booked online . Likewise, kayaks, paddleboards, and other beach equipment rentals are also available online .

One popular eatery near the beach is Pompano Joe's. The restaurant has ocean views and serves Caribbean-inspired fare, seafood, and more. If you need a place to stay, head to the  Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort . It has amenities, including four pools, complimentary kayak rentals, and more. Depending on when you make a reservation, you can find prices for less than $300 a night.

Our methodology

Using Tripadvisor, we narrowed down the top-rated beaches for readers based on top-ranking reviews. Blog posts and further research also contributed to our decision-making. We ensured the beaches were accessible to the public and less than an hour and a half from Panama City, Florida. Additionally, we chose beaches that offered plenty of activities and amenities for groups or families. These features were considered so you could effortlessly plan a vacation or day trip to these nearby Panama City beach destinations.

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