Boggy Creek

[Cath38]

Hi

could anyone please tell me the best time of day to see the most wildlife on an air boat ride ?

Also which is the best place to go from as I've noticed a few and how easy it is to get there.

Thanks
Cath x

[FLGirl-UKNow]

It depends on the time of year that you are going. I would recommend going earl in the morning or late afternoon.

It would be a good idea to call them the day before and ask what the best time for viewing is. They are more than happy to help out and they've been spot on with suggestions.

If the day before has had rain that will make a difference too.

We've been several times and have never been disappointed. We've always seen wildlife and have often (but not always) seen many gators.

Enjoy it!

[Captain]

Cathy38 I hope you do not read this too late for your trip. The best time to see wildlife at Boggy Creek Airboats is hard to answer depending on the season. Throughout the year the birds are always changing however, most any time if good to see a selection of birds. Alligators, snakes, turtles, like most reptiles, are temperature sensative. In the middle of the summer the water and air temperatures can be too warm for these animals and they are hiding from the sun and the heat during the day. At such times the earlier and late rides are the best to see them. If you have your heart set on seeing an alligator in the wild, during the hot summer season I recommend a night ride. They are night time feeders and nocturnal animals and they are very active on a calm summer night. When the seasons get cooler the reptiles start to seek the warmth of the sun and on a calm sunny day they can be often observed from the boat during the daylight rides either floating on the surface of the water, out of the water on the shore, or on top of a floating object. Often we can get right next to them during these periods and sometimes you can be close enough to touch them however, petting alligators is not recommended unless you want to lose a few fingers. Try to imagine that you are the animal you want to see and come when they are the most comfortable and observable. During the dead of the winter it can be quite cold and windy so even though the sun may be out an alligator would be warmer under the water in such conditions rather than out of the water.

I hope this helps and I hope you enjoy you vacation. Welcome to Florida!

If you come on a ride and I am working please say hello. I have met several people from this board and it is nice to put a face with the names that I see here.

Captain Gerry

[Villainlover]

So what would you recommend from the 20th oct until 11th November?

[Captain]

The water will be cooler by October- November so you want to go in the middle of the day (After noon-ish) when it is sunny and there is low wind. That allows the water to get warmer since the alligators will be seeking warmth. They will be out of the water sitting in the sun if the sunny and the wind is light.
Useful information: Refrain from petting the gators!

Welcome to Florida and I hope you have fun at whatever you decide to do while here.
Captain Gerry

[Villainlover]

Thanks for that advice ... and don't worry I won't be trying to pet no gators :confused2

[lesleyanne]

hello captain gerry.
we were there in may and we had great fun. we will be coming in march next year when do you suggest the best times in march?
lesley

[Captain]

March will be spring like conditions and the fall and spring are exactly the same times to see alligators. (see the above post by me) The water is cool and the sun is the only source of heat for an alligator so that brings them out during the day so they can get warm. That means you can see them more frequently and usually view them better because they are out of the water or at least on the surface to soak up those rays. The most difficult time to see them during the day is in the peak of the summer and winter. In the winter the water is cold but if the wind is blowing the air is sometimes too cold to overcome the limited heat from the sun at that time of the year so the gators stay under the surface in such conditions.
To answer your question Lesleyanne, middle of the day with lots of sun and low wind. Say hello if I am working!

Captain Gerry