Patrick Gleason

I finally checked an airboat tour off my bucket list for my birthday, and Airboat Rides at Midway was the perfect choice. Located in Christmas, FL, it was a quick and easy drive, making it a great option for anyone in the Central Florida area looking for a unique outdoor experience.
The tour itself takes you through the stunning watershed marshes and swamps of the St. Johns River. The scenery is beautiful, but the wildlife is the real star. We saw:
Dozens of alligators in their natural habitat.
Various species of local birds and wildlife.
Free-range cows, which was a unique surprise! (Our guide explained they are raised on land leased from the state).
What truly elevated the experience was our tour guide. As a retired biologist who has worked on the river for over 45 years, he was an absolute wealth of knowledge. It wasn’t just a boat ride; it was an educational tour that gave us a much deeper appreciation for the local ecosystem.
Whether you are celebrating a special occasion or just want to see the “real” Florida, I highly recommend Midway. We had a fantastic time!
Tips for your visit:
Location: Very easy to find in Christmas, FL—roughly 40 minutes from the Winter Springs/Orlando area.
Guide: If you can, try to get a guide with a biology background; it adds so much value to the trip.
Wildlife: Bring a camera! You’ll want it for the gator sightings.