Meet Your Captain

Enjoying a Fort Lauderdale Airboat Ride on our new custom boat, the Southern Thunder!

Captain Wayne, a native of the Florida Everglades, grew up near the Fort Lauderdale Florida area and has been piloting Fort Lauderdale airboat rides since the age of 19 when he bought his first airboat. Wayne is a certified United States Coast Guard Captain with over 30 years of experience doing everglades airboat rides. He fell in love with the Everglades and its diverse ecosystem at a young age and decided airboat rides and fishing charters were a great way to show people worldwide his backyard, the Florida Everglades.

Wayne believes that the best part of his job is his office and meeting new people every day from all over the world who want to experience the river of grass airboat rides and Everglades Tours. If you are in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Weston, or anywhere else in the South Florida area and want to experience an airboat ride in the Florida Everglades, Captain Wayne has more hours on the water doing a private Fort Lauderdale airboat ride than any other Captain existing today. He is one of the original private airboat rides captains in the south Florida area. Learn about the ecosystem, the birds, and the history of the old Florida Everglades with Captain Wayne today!

Everglades Tours,  Airboat Rides Fort Lauderdale

Frequently Asked Airboat Ride Questions

Below is a list of several questions we typically come across here at Airboat Rides Fort Lauderdale. If you have further questions beyond this list or require special accommodations, please contact us through our Contact Us page or call us at (954) 338-4890.

Do we need reservations?

Yes, we do not take walk-ups to the boat ramp. You will need to email or call and make a reservation. As the #1 Airboat Rides Fort Lauderdale, it is always best to make reservations in advance!

I can't find the address to your boat ramp, where is it?

After emailing us or calling us and making a reservation you will be emailed a confirmation with directions. We do not put it on our site. This is because some people will just show up without a reservation. We can’t take them because we are completely booked.

Where is your boat ramp located in the Everglades?

We are in the south portion of Palm Beach County in Parkland near the Loxahatchee preserve. It is approximately 45 minutes away depending on traffic from downtown Fort Lauderdale near Boca Raton.

Do you provide transportation or transfers from the hotel to your boat ramp?

No we do not, but we can refer you to a transportation company that does. Please note that it is always cheaper to rent a car for the day, as we’ve learned through past customer comments. If you’re in a corporate group doing a corporate event we can set up transportation needs.

What times do your Airboat Tours depart daily?

Normally between 9:00 am and 11:00 am or 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm. This may vary in the summertime. Fort Lauderdale airboat rides will take into account extenuating weather and special circumstances.

How many passengers can you fit on one airboat?

Normally six to nine depending on the passenger sizes or if it’s a mixed group with kids. For most of our Fort Lauderdale airboat rides, we will book you aboard Southern Thunder, our custom built airboat.

Are young children and seniors allowed to go on the airboat rides?

Yes we have had passenger ages ranging from 1 year to 92 years old!  Please note it is up to the parent’s discretion to decide whether to bring their child on an airboat ride. We assure you that hundreds of families and companies choose to use us for their Fort Lauderdale airboat rides every year. With our experienced USCG certified Captains, you are completely safe.

What will we see on the trip?

The Florida Everglades has many species of plants and birdlife. It is one of the largest wetlands in the world and home to the American Alligator. You will normally see birds, alligators, and the occasional deer, but please be aware that all of the species are wild. While we will do our absolute best to find them for you every trip, there are no guarantees on wildlife.

What happens if there is bad weather?

We monitor weather daily and will not go out if there is an incoming storm or lightning detected in the area. Above all, we will never jeopardize the safety of passengers and captain. It will ultimately be the captain’s decision to cancel the trip due to bad weather or continue as scheduled. Note: upon booking, your fort lauderdale airboat ride captain will advise you on weather conditions and what to be prepared for. When winter comes, the temperature typically drops by 10 to 15 degrees on the boat while it is moving.

What do we wear on our airboat ride?

Normally in the spring and summer shorts, a t-shirt, and flip flops or sneakers would be completely acceptable. Wintertime in South Florida is normally mild. However, it is a good idea to bring a windbreaker or jacket in the wintertime.

Will I get motion sickness?

No, the boat ride is smooth and glides across the top of land and water.

What should we bring on our airboat trip?

We provide a cooler with bottled water and ice. However, you may bring snacks and beverages onboard if you would like to. Cameras, Sunscreen, and video cameras are a good idea to bring as well as a good pair of polarized sunglasses.Find out more about what to bring on your airboat ride.

Are there a lot of bugs or mosquitoes?

Normally this is not an issue as we are on the water and moving. If you would like you may bring some repellent, however it isn’t necessary.

Do you have a cancellation policy?

Yes, you must cancel your trip 48 hours in advance prior to your everglades tour by phone or email or forfeit your 50% deposit. Deposits are non-refundable with the exception of inclement weather decided by our staff or your Captain. The airboat ride may be rescheduled within the same calendar week.