Orlando's Lake Jesup is Home to 13,000 Alligators and One Wild Airboat Ride at The Black Hammock
Updated: Oct 6, 2023
"I feel like I just went through a washing machine", I said turning to Brittany, who was pouring water out of her black cowgirl boots beside me. "I didn't realize we were going to see Shamu", she replied in jest. We'd just been drenched from head to toe, right down through the skivvies. There wasn't an inch of dry fabric on my body.
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A choppy January day, four of us met for a teambuilding activity for work, unprepared for the exciting events about to unfold.
Gilligan would be singing "...a three hour tour" looking at this rag tag bunch. I was worried about the boat ride being rough. Others were worried about alligators and capsizing. As it turns out, these were non-issues.
After a brief safety introduction we took to the lake. The boat's giant fan sounded like a jet engine, even through muffled ears. Although loud, it wasn't ear drum shattering and was pretty cool to experience.
We spotted dozens of alligators sunning, splashing and looming in the marsh grass. We saw a bald eagle, a hawk, many herons, and more.
All in all, a pleasant ride through "real Florida". Our hosts, Black Hammock, were informative, professional, and warned us the last part of our ride would be bumpy and 'wet'.
As we learned, wet wasn't just a few dribbles or splashes, but actual WAVES of water crashing into the airboat's flat bow and sides. We screamed in both horror and glee as cold lake water absorbed into our once dry clothes. Although you won't always get wet, what a great time.
When the ride was done we got to take pics with a small alligator and enjoy some backwater eats at their neighboring restaurant.
If You Go on the Lake Jesup Orlando Airboat Ride
Book your airboat ride in advance on their website: https://www.theblackhammock.com/
Another great option for an airboat ride with an option BBQ lunch in the Orlando area is at Wild Florida, smack in the middle of nowhere just 45 minutes south of Orlando. Either option offers great fun for the whole family and surely will not disappoint!
Consider wearing air wicking clothes or even a poncho and leave your stuff in the car.
They WILL provide protective gear for your ears.
If you get there early there is a parrot aviary on site as well as a restaurant and bar.
Pro tip: You can order drinks inside at the bar before you depart and they'll give you a to go cup to bring on board!
Enjoy the amenities The Black Hammock has to offer, and try one of Orlando's coolest airboat rides at Lake Jesup.
Sounds like a fun time! We have company coming to Orlando soon and this will show them "real" Florida.