Until this trip, I did not realize that a portion of Lake Tohopekaliga begins the headwaters for the Florida Everglades. As such this area of swamps and marshes provides a rich habitat for wildlife, including numerous birds, snakes, plant life and of course, the Florida Alligator.
What better way to explore these headwaters than on an airboat tour through the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes? While there are several operations offering airboat rides, Spirit of the Swamp is the only airboat company that I found that offers private, interactive tours. On a boat designed to hold a maximum of six people, five guests plus the captain, our group was alone on the tour. No sharing, no strangers that come with the larger boat tours.
The only thing better than the individualized tour was that the airboat was equipped with voice activated microphones and headsets. This state of the art equipment allowed for our family to communicate with the boat captain, as well as each other.
Considering the noise level of these powerful boats, this is a huge benefit. There was no need to shout at each other, no pointing and nodding pretending I understood what the other person was telling me. We were able to listen as our pilot relayed information to us, pointed out highlights and best of all we were allowed to ask questions of him. It seemed that our family was a little shy using the mics at first, but before long we were firing the questions, which made the trip so interactive and fun.
Our adventure began as we met up with our captain at the boat dock at Partin Triangle Park. Offering shady places to park our car, a picnic area, playground and convenient restrooms, the park would make an nice spot for a lunch before or after the boat experience.
After introductions, we learned that our captain and guide for our tour was the owner of the Spirit of the Swamp, Captain Harold. I was comforted by the fact that before we set foot aboard the boat, we were offered a brief safety talk, shown where additional life vests, a fire extinguisher, cell phone and airhorn was located, ensuring us that safety was the number one priority of the tour company.
Our original reservation was for the two hour “Florida Cracker” tour, wherein we would land on an uninhabited island and explore on foot, guided by Harold. However high winds, and the fear of a very bumpy ride, forced Captain Harold to adjust our route to extend our time aboard the boat instead. Captain Harold’s enthusiasm for airboating and love of native Florida was very evident throughout our tour.
Gliding the boat into an area where a mother alligator was protecting her young, we were instructed to take off our headsets and listen quietly. We were amazed to here the baby gators “barking” to their mother like puppies. Although we were witness to various species of wildlife, including American Bald Eagles, I think my favorite part of the tour, was the pure beauty of the area with its brilliant greens and beautiful blooming waterlilies.
Spirit of the Swamp also offers a variety of tours including sunset tours and picnics packages. Working with Debi, guests can arrange the tour of their choice, the sky is the limit, or should I say, the Swamp is!
Blogger Malise Terrell will visit Kissimmee next week! Want to share your Kissimmee story? 
we loved the spirit of the swamp trip it was brilliant and captain harold was fantasic,the whole family and friends had a brilliant time and we look forward to going out with them again when we get back to florida
We absolutely were thrilled with our air boat tour with Captain Harold and Debi. They are awesome and the personal attention was great. Highly recommend you book with them!
It doesn’t surprise me one bit when I see reviews like this for Spirit of the Swamp.
We have been visiting Florida for the last 3 years (2011 will be our 4th year) and every year we have at least 1 trip on the airboat with Debi and Harold, this year will be our 6th trip on Lake Toho with Spirit of the Swamp. It doesn’t get any better than this, from start to finish it is just an amazing experience.
i love to read the comments left by the guest when they experience their fist private and exclusive airboat tour. The personal touch that comes with the adventure for small parties of 6 or less. Something seems to get lost when you are with 20 to 30 other passengers that you dont know.