Spring is upon us, and summer is just around the corner, and what better way to enjoy the beautiful Florida weather than taking one of Wild Florida’s unique Orlando airboat rides? We won’t give you a million reasons why you should check out our airboat rides (although we could!), because frankly, there is no better reason than to simply enjoy the thrill of the ride! What we will tell you however, is what you should bring with you so that you get the most out of your next Wild Florida air-boating experience!

1. A camera will be your best friend throughout the trip. Expect to see a variety of different plant and animal species and be prepared to take photos to show off to your friends. Binoculars are a great alternative if you don’t have a camera.

2. Sunscreen: You don’t want to head back home looking like a lobster after a day in the sun. Even on a cloudy day, you can still get a sunburn! Wearing a hat during our airboat rides can also help you avoid a little sun burn.

3. Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, so you may want to consider bringing a jacket or a raincoat! It can get a little chilly during the ride, and Florida is notorious for short and random rain-showers.

4. Sunglasses: Not only will sunglasses help you see better in the Florida sun, but if they are polarized, you can see the gators underwater more clearly.

5. Comfortable clothing: There’s nothing worse than being outside in uncomfortable clothes! Sneakers, shorts and a t-shirt are recommended, especially in the warm weather! If it’s comfortable enough, long sleeves and pants can help deter insects while keeping you warm.

6. Water: Although we may be surrounded by water throughout the tour, you can’t exactly drink it… Bring a water bottle just in case you get thirsty during the ride.

7. Bug repellent can be your best friend while outdoors, especially if you opt for the t-shirt and shorts.

Wild Florida gives you and your family the opportunity to get away for a day while enjoying natural Florida at its finest. Enjoy our Orlando airboat rides for a wildlife adventure to remember! Book your tour today by calling us at 407-901-2563.

Apr. 10, 2013 – ORLANDO, Fla. — Wild Florida Airboats (http://wildfloridairboats.com/), an airboat tour and wildlife park attraction located in St. Cloud, Florida, is pleased to announce they will be participating in March for Babies on May 4th at the St. Cloud Lakefront. Wild Florida and the Munns family are forming a team and would encourage support from anyone that would like to join their walkers or give a donation to help reach their goal of $1,000.

March of Dimes and March for Babies is a foundation that helps save prematurely born babies across the world. The money Wild Florida raises will support March of Dimes research and programs that helps moms have full-term pregnancies and helps babies begin healthy lives. In addition, the money will be used to bring comfort and information to families with a baby in newborn intensive care.

“Every day, thousands of babies are born too soon, too small and often very sick. We’re walking because we want to do something about this,” says Ranier Munns, co-founder of Wild Florida, who has 13 children and 50 grandkids! “So, we’re going big this year and hope to raise a lot of money for this great cause.”

Wild Florida feels very strongly about the importance of families and healthy babies. According to Florida Hospital Corporation, the Munns family has had more children born in their hospitals than any other family in Central Florida!

This year, more than 7 million people will join Wild Florida and the Munns family by participating in March for Babies, including the Medical City and Nemours Children’s Hospital in Lake Nona. To join Wild Florida’s team for March for Babies or to make a donation to this great cause, please visit their team page at http://www.marchforbabies.org/team/t1992353. Thank you for helping give all babies a healthy start!

About Wild Florida Airboats – Orlando’s Only Airboat & Wildlife Experience

When it comes to airboat eco tours, there is simply no comparison to Wild Florida. Just a short drive from the Orlando and Disney area, we offer beautiful day tours, relaxing sunset tours and exciting night tours that guests of all ages will love. Travel deep into the protected swamps, marshes and rivers that make up the Central Florida Everglades. Get an in depth look at the gators, birds, eagles, trees and plants that can be found in our beautiful wetlands. This is Natural and Authentic Florida at its best! We guarantee you won’t see any development, homes, or signs of human life. Come see for yourself how good it feels to be in the middle of nowhere.

After the tour explore our amazing wildlife park full of zebras, watusi, deer, water buffalo, emu, wild boar, zebu and monster alligators. Visit the tropical bird aviary, hands-on alligator demonstrations, gift shop and 500 ft. sightseeing dock. Discover the Hawk Swamp boardwalk through a pristine Florida cypress swamp ecosystem. Don’t forget to try our delicious barbeque with smoked ribs, chicken, pulled pork, fried alligator and even frog legs! Wild Florida is properly insured with a fleet of US Coast Guard approved boats and captains. Groups of all sizes or individuals are welcome. Day or night, we are prepared to offer an experience you will never forget.

*This press release can also be viewed online at http://www.prlog.org/12114982-wild-florida-airboats-is-participating-in-march-for-babies.html and http://www.1888pressrelease.com/wild-florida-airboats-is-participating-in-march-for-babies-pr-465155.html.

Extinction is a term that suggests the ultimate ending of a species from the Earth, never to be seen existing again. Many people don’t often think about extinction until they hear it on the news, but it is a very real concept that some think go hand-in-hand with humans’ destructive ways. Scientists are now discussing the idea of de-extinction, the idea that we can bring back extinct species by using the DNA from the extinct animal and injecting it into an embryonic cell, then finding a surrogate to give birth. It’s an effort that can be a step towards reversing damage done to the environment and the species.

One thing that might come to mind with the de-extinction topic is the idea that we could create a real-life Jurassic Park! Unfortunately, dinosaurs have been dead far too long to be considered. One animal that has been considered though is the Woolly Mammoth, one among many species that are on the table to be resurrected. Many have claimed that bringing back extinct species can ultimately help conservation biologists preserve highly endangered species by increasing genetic diversity of smaller populations.

Although it sounds like a fun and interesting concept, some oppose de-extinction simply because we wouldn’t be focusing on preserving the populations that are nearly going extinct now. Several factors contribute to the extinction of animals each year, including habitat destruction, pollution and climate changes, and one of the only ways to avoid the elimination of endangered species is reducing the causes of extinction. Many claim that de-extinction would only contribute to a fraction of conservation efforts, though it would also be a scientifically amazing feat if it were to be accomplished!

At Wild Florida, we understand how important it is to preserve the existence of endangered animals, which is why our Orlando airboat rides donates a portion of costs from our your purchased alligator photos to the Friends of the Florida Panther Refuge. FFPR is dedicated to helping save the Florida Panther from extinction, with only 100 to 160 left in the wild. Call our Orlando airboat rides today at 407-901-2563 to schedule your airboat tour and to learn more about the environment and the impact we can have on supporting conservation!

At our Orlando airboat rides at Wild Florida, there is no surprise to the abundance of wildlife you’ll encounter throughout our park. Some of our most popular residents, our wading birds, make the park an ideal location for bird watchers. Egrets are just one of the many wading birds you may come across, and believe it or not there are several different species that call our swamp home. Next time you visit Wild Florida, bring your camera and binoculars so you can start identifying the egret family!

The Great Egret is a commonly distributed egret throughout the tropical regions, and warmer climates. It is a member of the heron family, like all egrets and feeds in shallow waters. Its diet consists mainly of fish, frogs, small reptiles, small mammals and insects. The Great Egret is actually the symbol of the National Audubon Society! They can be distinguished by their size, which is larger than other egrets, their all white plumage, black legs and yellow bill.

 Cattle Egret:

A few months ago, our Orlando airboat rides wrote a blog about a gator who had lost his tail, likely due to a bite from another gator. Mr. Stubbs, the gator who was missing his tail when he arrived at the Phoenix Herpetological Society, has finally been fitted with his brand new prosthetic tail that has taken over a year to create!

Alligators are prime swimmers, but Mr. Stubbs had a hard time without his tail. He was often in danger of drowning because of his lack of tail, which gave the folks over at the Phoenix Herpetological Society an idea that could help him swim more like a gator, rather than with the dog-paddle that he is so used to.

Although he has to unlearn his dog-paddle swimming, the new prosthetic tail will give Mr. Stubbs a better quality of life that would keep him in motion. The gator was confiscated in 2005 when he was 3 years old, and an x-ray had shown a crushed vertebrate likely due to another gator who had bitten off his tail. The center’s main goal is to re-home their alligators to zoos or refuges, but Mr. Stubbs didn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. The team took six months just to teach him how to swim with his front feet!

After many trial and error fittings, Mr. Stubbs was placed into a pool while his new tail waved behind him. Though more prosthetics will need to be constructed as he grows, he’s on the right track to re-learning how to swim like an alligator.

At Wild Florida, we specialize in creating unique and exhilarating Orlando airboat rides that are fun for the whole family. We dedicate our time to giving you a once in a lifetime airboat ride with the best opportunities to view Florida’s natural wildlife ranging from alligators to bald eagles. Call our airboat tours today at 407-901-2563 to book your tour today!

According to the University of Florida’s website, gallinippers are huge, aggressive mosquitoes (think 20x the size of a normal mosquito!) that will be abundant in Florida this summer. Gallinippers, scientifically known as “psorophora ciliata,” are floodwater mosquitoes with bodies about a half-inch long. The females lay eggs in soil at the edges of ponds, streams and other bodies of water that are prone to overflowing during heavy rains.  We recommend wearing bug repellent before coming to Wild Florida for our Orlando airboat rides.

The species is notoriously aggressive and known to have a very painful bite – nothing like a regular mosquito. You can prevent these pesky insects from biting you by using repellents that contain DEET and/or by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when you’re venturing into wooded areas, especially where standing water collects after rainstorms.

But don’t let irksome mosquitoes prevent you from an airboat adventure! Just wear repellent this summer when you’re planning your next trip to Wild Florida Airboats for an Orlando airboat ride. And don’t worry, safety is Wild Florida’s number one priority, and we are committed to the health, safety and well-being of our guests, staff and animals. No job is so important and no service is so urgent that we cannot take time to perform our work safely to prevent occurrences of accidents and injuries to our guests.

Summer is just around the corner, and in the Sunshine State, that means a whole lot of fun in the sun for Floridians and tourists! Millions of visitors from around the globe visit Florida for the beaches, amusement parks and endless number of activities. Although Orlando is known for its abundance of theme park attractions, there are many natural attractions that residents and visitors can enjoy, like Orlando airboat rides or natural state parks! Skip a day at the theme park and enjoy one of these natural Central Florida attractions.

Wild Florida: Of course we have to mention our very own Orlando airboat rides simply because it really is a unique experience that everyone should enjoy at least once when they come to Florida. Our airboat ride experience takes you through the Central Florida everglades where you get a chance to see gators up close, along with a variety of Florida’s native wildlife. After your airboat ride, you also get free admission to our wildlife park to see some exotic animals, and the chance to hold and take a photo with a gator!

Harry P. Leu Gardens: If you’re looking for a unique and tropical garden, this is it. With nearly 50 acres of landscaped grounds, you can enjoy the trails, gardens and exotic plants. It’s a beautiful getaway from the hustle and bustle of Orlando’s theme parks.

Wekiwa Springs State Park: This park offers a variety of different activities that everyone can partake in, like canoeing, kayaking, camping, snorkeling, swimming, fishing, hiking, and much more. If you’re looking for an outdoor weekend getaway, Wekiwa has a number of options and activities within the natural state park.

Orlando Wetlands Park: Nature enthusiasts will love the scenery of Orlando Wetlands Park. Although closed in winter, this park is a wonderful spot to relax and enjoy nature. Some popular activities include bird-watching, bicycling, jogging, photography, picnicking and more. Those who love nature may be able to catch a glimpse of local deer, raccoons, rabbits, gators, foxes, and an abundance of different birds.

When you’re looking for a getaway from the typical Central Florida attraction, visit Wild Florida’s Orlando airboat rides, or any of these natural attractions! Our unique Orlando airboats take you through the pristine Everglades ecosystem that is home to a variety of native wildlife. Experience our eco-tours and take a break from bustling Orlando to catch a glimpse of our gators and other wildlife by calling us at 407-901-2563.

Spring is only about three weeks away, and with the upcoming warm season, you may begin to notice the sights and sounds of alligators more than usual. April marks the beginning of alligator mating season, though i don’t think the gators are exactly marking their calendar. Regardless, spring and summer bring in warmer temperatures that are ideal for alligators, keeping them active as they search for potential mates. That means you may see increased gator encounters throughout the season, even at our Orlando airboat rides.

Alligators were on the brink of extinction, but have seen a large increase in population over the years, now with more than one million alligators in the state of Florida. They are often seen as solitary creatures until they begin mating during the spring and summer months. Believe it or not, the temperature of the nest is a deciding factor in how many males and females there will be. The warmer the nest, the more males that will be produced, and the nest will have around 30 eggs. You may even see a few baby gators swimming around our Orlando airboat rides during the summer and fall months once they’ve hatched!

Alligators have a lifespan of around 50 years, and begin reproducing between the ages of 8 and 12, when they’ve reached about 6 to 7 feet in length. Alligators make their presence known to other gators that they may potentially mate with by making low bellowing sounds in the water, and it can be loud. You may notice it this spring and summer if you’re out on a nature hike or taking an airboat tour.

Whether it’s winter or spring, Wild Florida offers Orlando airboat rides any time of the year so you and your family can enjoy the pristine environment of natural Florida. No matter if you live in Florida or are just visiting, book an airboat tour with us to experience Florida wildlife at its finest. Call us today at 407-901-2563 to book your tour and to learn more about our Everglades airboat rides.

Within the next few years, Florida’s tourism industry is expected to bring in over 100 million visitors as a goal for being the number one tourism destination on the planet. Several events throughout 2013 are looking to help bring in tourists for their goal of surpassing two of its contenders, California and France. Along with major theme parks opening up new Orlando attractions, Florida is also celebrating its 500th anniversary!

The quincentennial celebration is set to kick off an ad campaign that gives visitors an inside look into Florida’s culture and history, dating back to when the Spanish explorers set foot on the land. Florida resident and celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse also kicked off his new show, Emeril’s Florida, which highlights Florida’s restaurants and food, along with unique attractions. Perhaps he can make a stop to our Orlando attractions? We can only hope!

With the tourism industry lacking funds throughout the past decade, Florida’s legislation is expected to help tourism marketing efforts with a $75 million allocation of funds. For Wild Florida this means we could see an increase of visitors from around the world to our Orlando attractions! The tourism industry in the Sunshine State employs over 1 million Floridians, and the push towards increasing tourism will help bring in more jobs.

At Wild Florida we provide tourists and travelers with Orlando attractions that are both unique and exciting for people of all ages. Our airboat rides capture the essence of natural Florida and provide guests with an inside look to what the Everglades are all about. Book your tour online and receive a 10% discount or call us at 407-901-2563 to learn more about Orlando’s only Everglades airboat rides and wildlife park experience.

When it comes to Orlando airboat rides, there is simply no comparison. Wild Florida’s airboat tours are truly an experience like no other. Not only is this a unique alternative to some of the more crowded, touristy Orlando attractions, but also it’s an opportunity to appreciate Florida’s natural habitat. Day or night, we are prepared to offer you an Orlando airboat tour you will never forget!

Whether it’s your first Orlando airboat ride or your fiftieth, there is always something exciting to experience in our swamp. All of our Orlando airboats are US Coast Guard certified and our airboat captains are experienced at navigating through the Florida Everglades and they know where the alligators usually reside!

Even more, Wild Florida Airboats has partnered with Gray Line of Orlando, the area leader in local sightseeing tours, to offer daily shuttle transportation services to and from our Orlando airboat rides, making Wild Florida the first airboat tour company in Central Florida to offer daily scheduled transportation services. Now, it is easier than ever to visit Wild Florida as an add on attraction during your visit to Central Florida.

Prices for Wild Florida’s Orlando airboat rides vary between $25-60 depending on which airboat ride you choose – day, night, private, etc. This is much cheaper than most other Orlando attractions! Call 407-901-2563 today to book your Orlando airboat tour and see why Wild Florida’s Orlando airboat rides are truly the best Orlando attraction!