Nocturnal airboat

At the end of the day, when the sun sets in remote Osceola County, the night doesn’t stay quiet for long.

Boggy Creek Airboats south of Kissimmee sets sail nightly on Lake Tohopekaliga better known as Lake Toho.

These are the head waters of the Everglades.

But before seeing what's hiding in the waters, you'll need to take some precautions.

Safety glasses will keep the bugs out of your eyes, while earmuffs will drown out the motor.

Then there's the issue of insects.

Once coated, Capt. Wayne has us covered.

"When that light stops, that means I have seen an alligator, and we're going to get close to it," Capt. Wayne said.

Under a full moon, we head out in search of gators.  It's not long, and we find them in their natural habitat.

"I have never been on an airboat,” said Bob Sharpe, a rider. “And to experience what it is like and what it feels like it and all the gators."
 
There's also blue herons fishing and vultures flying by night.  It's all part of Mother Nature’s choirs.

One thing that is amazing out here in the swamp after the captain shuts off the engine is the symphony you're going to hear of the amphibians, and insect, and yeah, reptiles like gators absolutely serenading you. 

This is natural Florida.  This is what it sounds like when you get away from the city.

"Chirping, squawking and noises," said Adam Kingsley, a rider.
 
"It sounds like you're surrounded by a bunch of angry birds, that are not happy you're out there," said Kim Kingsley, another rider.

One rule is not to stop.

"If we stop, we'd be stuck. (How long would we be stuck out here for?) Until daylight," Capt. Wayne said.

After Dark Airboat
 
What:
Float out onto Lake Toho for a look around at gators after dark.
 
Where: 
Boggy Creek & South Kissimmee
Osceola County
 
Hours:
7 Days a Week
Boats leave between 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Admission:
Adults: $49.95
Children ages 3 to 10 $ 45.95
 
Parking:
Free
(Pet lovers take note: there is no shaded parking in the lot).
 
Info Line:
(407) 344-9550

Address:
2001 E. Southport Rd.
Kissimmee, Florida 34746

Longitude & Latitude:
28.139381,-81.361849

Latitude: 28.139381
Longitude: -81.361849

Website:
http://www.bcairboats.com/