So, what is an airboat?

If you have ever visited the southern gulf states of the USA, then you may have heard of or seen an airboat gliding over the surface of the shallow, calm waters of marshes, rivers, or lakes. Especially in Florida, where the Airboat Industry spans most of the Sunshine State.

Whether you have experienced an Airboat Tour with Airboat Rides at Midway or are planning one, you may have asked yourself, what is an airboat?

An airboat is a flat-bottomed watercraft propelled by an aircraft-type propeller (or a large fan), situated at the back of the watercraft to push the vessel forward. Airboats do not have a rudder and are controlled by a throttle stick that manipulates the airflow causing the boat to move to the left or the right.

Alexander Graham Bell invented the airboat in Nova Scotia in 1905 and after the British Army noticed the watercraft, due to their design, used them in World War I.

The calm waters of the St. John’s River are ideal for airboats to take guests into the scenery of Florida’s wetlands to experience up-close looks at the native animals of the area like alligators, exotic birds, deer, and more.

Airboat Rides at Midway has a custom Airboat Fleet made up of United States Coast Guard inspected and certified airboats that can take you and your tour group on an exciting trip across the St. John’s River. All of the captains at Airboats at Midway are U.S. Coast Guard Master Captains, will educate you on the area’s history, and give a unique experience with every tour.

Learn more about airboats and their functions when you book an Airboat Tour with Airboat Rides at Midway today!

Sources: What is an Airboat? – Flat Bottom Boat World; What Is an Airboat? - Grape Hammock Fish Camp & Airboat Rides