Latest Black Hammock Airboat Rides Reviews!

Posted on May 14, 2013 by admin

We at the Black Hammock really love our customers! Here is just a glimpse of the absolutely fantastic feedback our customers sent us after their airboat ride!

May 12, 2013

Great place to just hang out but also a fun airboat tour. All the staff are really nice.

May 8, 2013

This was my fourth airboat ride at Black Hammock and each time, have had multiple alligator sightings and of course birds of all kinds. Highly recommend this trip, especially in the mornings when the wind is lighter and the gators seem to be more active.

April 29, 2013

My girlfriend n I went n had a great time. We are big fans of all the gator shows on TV and thought it would be fun to see some Live! Black Hammock didn’t let us down. The airboat was fun n left u wishing it last a little longer! We saw tons tons of gators though probably close to 30 total. Good Fun!

April 13, 2013

Airboat was a good time. Captain was courteous and educated about local wildlife we saw.

March 16, 2013

Amazing day at Black Hammock. We landed in Orlando at 7 am in the morning from Vancouver, Canada and by 11 am we were on the boat. It was our first visit in Florida and the kids had a blast. Lots of first experiences: seeing gators, wild boar, holding a baby gator, riding in a airboat, enjoying Florida’s wildlife. Our guide was great. What an amazing experience. We would have never been to Black Hammock if we didn’t receive this Groupon. I’m so glad we did!

Black Hammock airboat rides take place on Lake Jesup – known for having the largest alligator population in all of Florida! Our award-winning attraction includes a lakeside bar with free wifi, on-site restaurant and gift shop. Are you looking to take an airboat ride? No reservations are required for our 30-minute airboat tour!

Increase of Alligator Sightings at Black Hammock Airboat Rides

Posted on April 26, 2013 by admin

Black Hammock guests and staff has been reporting record numbers of alligator sightings on their airboat rides this year! There have been a number of large gators basking on the peninsula by the airboats as well as swimming in the bank. At one point there were so many alligators in the bank that Captain Steve had to delay his entry upon return from an airboat ride. Recent downpours have caused the water levels in Lake Jesup to rise. This has caused a spike in alligator activity on top of it being mating season.

In addition to this, there has also been sightings of Osprey flying with live fish in their talons, Limpkins, Black Neck Stilts, Cardinals, Great Blue Herons and many other birds!

We at the Black Hammock do not feed, harass, or interact with the abundant bird population or wildlife on or airboat rides or anywhere else. Wild Boar, White-tailed Deer, Marsh Rabbits, and Alligator Gar inhabit the lake as well and can be seen on occasion. We embrace the seasonal plant-life, amazing cypress trees, thousands of alligators, the ever-growing bird life, and the general wonder of this ecosystem.

This is an excellent time to dust off your camera and head to the Black Hammock where many photo opportunities await! Visit our Facebook page linked below to view the many photos submitted by guests and staff on a weekly basis. Don’t forget to “Like” us while you are there!

Free Airboat Ride for Mom!

Posted on April 22, 2013 by admin

Mother’s Day is just around the corner taking place on Sunday, May 12th; though you shouldn’t forget such an important day, right? You are probably thinking of ideas for things to do with your mom. What better gift to give her than a day out with the family on an exciting airboat ride at Black Hammock?

Well good news everyone: Mom’s ride FREE with three loved ones on Mother’s Day! Simply print the coupon below and present it to the gift shop attendant upon arrival.
Remember: Coupon & Reservations are required!
For reservations call 407-365-1244 ext 101.

After your ride head down to the restaurant for an exclusive Mother’s Day meal:

Home Cooked Ham dinner
with choice of Dessert
for just $14.99

Now doesn’t that sound nice?

Restaurant Reservations suggested call 407-365-2201

About Black Hammock Airboat Rides

Black Hammock Adventures is an exciting “Real Florida” lakeside experience like nowhere else! Our airboat rides will take you on a thrilling exploration of Lake Jesup – known for hosting the LARGEST alligator population in ALL of Florida and located near Orlando. Airboat ride also includes a tour of Bird Island where you can witness many nesting species of birds such as Double-crested Cormorants, American anhingas, Great blue herons and many others. Our airboats are U.S. Coast Guard approved and piloted by licensed and experienced captains. Remember your adventure with a photo with a live baby alligator. Afterwards, get 10% OFF lunch or dinner at our on-site restaurant – home of our famous Gator Bites!

The Black Hammock includes a airboat rides, free wildlife exhibit, lakeside bar, full service restaurant and more! Located just a stone’s throw away from Orlando’s busiest attractions. Book your event with us! Our venue provides a unique backdrop for your corporate outing, wedding, birthday, field trip and much more.

Thrilling Airboat Ride with Bull Gators fighting in the wild!

Posted on April 10, 2013 by admin

A customer recently emailed us an exciting photo she took from her Airboat Ride on Sunday with Captain John. Stacey and her husband got to experience a thrilling sight to see of two large and equally sized bull gators fighting in the wild! Here is what they wrote:

“Sunday morning (around 11am) we had the privilege of the finest display of gators on Lake Jessup. This was our 5th ride in the past year, and we enjoyed more sightings than all our prior trips combined X 10!!! My wife Stacy got this great picture from the far side of the lake. From a short distance, Capt John thought the wound may be a gunshot, but as we got close it was clear the large male was engaged in a big struggle with the equally large male in the water and had suffered a gash to his back. They had each others leg in their mouth and as we passed by – they engaged in a fierce display of combat. John did an excellent job of letting them have their space and allowing us to see this spectacular exhibit from a safe distance. Definitely a trip to remember.

Hopefully you enjoy the photo as much as we did the trip!All the best and we’ll see you soon.”

Now for the spectacular photo taken by Stacey on Sunday, April 7th 2013:

Why do alligators fight?

April marks the beginning of alligator mating season. Although these fascinating creatures do not have vocal chords; a male gator will attract a female by bellowing loudly and sometimes by blowing bubbles in the water. These loud “roars” also serve as a way to ward off competition from other male alligators. What you see here in the photo above is two large males competing with each other in order to court a female or defend his territory.

Alligators are quick to display their dominance over other males. They fight by biting, thrashing and rolling until one retreats or is killed. This is one reason why alligators in captivity are known for having a longer lifespan than their counterparts in the wild. Stacey and her husband were absolutely thrilled to witness such an event on their airboat ride and were kind enough to share it with everyone. Thank you Stacey!

About alligator mating season

Alligator mating season begins in April. When you take an airboat ride your captain will be quick to point out the various nesting locations for you to view. Female alligators build nests of sticks, mud and vegetation to lay 20 to 50 eggs. The gender of the hatchlings depends on the temperature during incubation. You can tell the sex of an alligator before it hatches based on the temperature near the nest. High temperatures of 90° to 93°F (32°to 34°C) during incubation will result in a male alligator, while lower temperatures of 82°to 86°F (28°to 30°C) will produce a female.

Black Hammock airboat rides are located on Lake Jesup where you can witness alligator courtship and hear the mating calls from male gators as they search for a prospective female. Lake Jesup is known to have the largest alligator population in all of Florida. When you take an airboat ride during this time you will also have a chance to see the baby gators swimming around from last season! It is an exciting experience and fun for the whole family!

You are also welcome to join us at the Black Hammock Restaurant where you can try our FAMOUS gator bites; grab a souvenir at our gift shop or lounge at our lakeside bar with free wifi!

Alligators at the Black Hammock

Posted on March 28, 2013 by admin

When you visit the Black Hammock you are greeted by the gators in our free wildlife exhibit. However, you may not be aware that you are also being watched! Black Hammock is located on Lake Jesup just north of Orlando. It is the large lake you cross when traveling on 417. Lake Jesup is unique because it is widely known for hosting the largest alligator population in all of Florida. This lake is a truly ideal location to take an airboat ride because of it’s abundant wildlife.

So how do you spot these spectacular creatures? When walking around the Black Hammock peninsula you will see a canopied outdoor terrace by our lakeside bar. Look to your left; where the airboats are located. You will often see alligators basking in the grass area. Look closely! You will notice the ridges from their backs and tails slightly above the water.

Walk past the airboats further down the peninsula and look for breaks in the water. Often times alligators look like a log or two small bumps. The bumps are their eyes and nose. If you glance around and across the peninsula you may see larger gators basking in the sun as well. Gators have a natural fear of humans and you should never feed them! It is also illegal to feed them.

When taking an airboat ride at the Black Hammock your captain will do most of the spotting for you! All you have to do is bring your camera. Your airboat captain is highly experienced and often knows the nesting locations and can easily spot a hiding alligator for you to see. The airboat ride also includes a tour of bird island which provides for many photo opportunities. Black Hammock is a unique attraction both on the lake and on shore. If you are tired of the same old theme parks then come visit us! Free wifi on the terrance now available!

Things to do in Orlando

Posted on March 27, 2013 by admin

Are you looking for something off the beaten path near Orlando? Tired of the theme park crowds? How about visiting an exciting attraction with an authentic “Real Florida” vibe? Black Hammock offers daily airboat rides departing every thirty minutes from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM. No reservations are required for our thirty minute rides! Our award-winning attraction includes a FREE Wildlife Exhibit and more!

Our airboats are piloted by licensed and experienced captains on our U.S. Coast Guard approved airboats. Airboats are the best way to witness Florida wildlife in their natural habitat as they can travel through shallow areas where you can get up close and personal for some fantastic photo opportunities.

Black Hammock airboat rides take place on the beautiful Lake Jesup. Lake Jesup is one of the largest lakes in Central Florida. Located in the heart of Seminole County along the middle basin of the St. Johns, the lake encompasses an area of approximately 16,000 acres; including open water and floodplain. Lake Jesup is also known for having the largest alligator population in all of Florida. Some even say there is at least one alligator every 5 feet. Often times you will see baby alligators basking on the Black Hammock peninsula by our Lazy Gator Bar.

Are you interested in birding? Well you are in for a treat as the airboat ride includes a tour around Bird Island. According to the Seminole Audubon Society, nesting species observed on Bird Island include but not limited to: Double-crested Cormorant, American anhinga, Great blue heron, Little blue heron, Cattle egret, Great egret, Snowy egret, Tricolored heron, Glossy ibis, White ibis, Wood stork.

Remember your experience in Florida with a photo of you and your family members holding a live baby alligator! Don’t forget to bring your camera! Afterwards, dine at our restaurant and try our FAMOUS gator bites or enjoy a cold one at our lakeside bar.

If you are traveling with a larger party of 12 persons or more simply call ahead 407-365-1244 ext 101.

Sunset Airboat Rides Are Back!

Posted on March 25, 2013 by admin

Black Hammock‘s spectacular Sunset Airboat Rides are back in season! The beautiful sunset on Lake Jesup is an exciting experience like none other. Our sunset airboat rides are very affordable – only $15 per person. This airboat ride includes a mini tour of Lake Jesup and Bird Island. Lake Jesup has the LARGEST alligator population in ALL of Florida. Black Hammock airboat rides are a great way to get off the beaten path and experience “Real Florida”. Reservations are required for Sunset Airboat Rides with a four person minimum and are available from Friday – Sunday. For reservations or questions call 407-365-1244 ext 101.

Our attraction also includes a FREE Wildlife Exhibit, on-site restaurant and a lakeside bar with FREE wifi!

Special discount on Airboat Rides for Field Trips

Posted on March 11, 2013 by admin

Black Hammock is happy to announce that we are now offering an exclusive School Field Trip discount on Airboat Rides! Our airboat rides provide an exciting yet safe adventure for children of all ages. They will learn about Florida’s spectacular wildlife and witness it first hand. The tour includes a thrilling airboat ride around Lake Jesup and Bird Island where they can view live alligators in their natural habitat as well as many species of birds. Lake Jesup is located just north of Orlando and is an ideal place for students to learn about “Real Florida.” Our airboats are U.S. Coast Guard approved and piloted by licensed and experienced captains. For Grades K – 12.

WHAT IS INCLUDED
Chaperon’s Ride Free!*
FREE class photo with a live baby alligator using your own camera.
Only $14.99 per Student for a 30 Minute Airboat Ride for Seminole County Schools, $16.99 for non-Seminole County Schools – A $21.95 Value!
Add Lunch for an additional $5.95 per Student – includes Soft Drink or Lemonade!

THE DETAILS
Tax and Gratuity not included.
A 12 Student minimum is required for all Field Trip reservations.
Reservations must be made in advance and are subject to availability.
Pricing and information subject to change without notice.

Please feel free to print and share our 2013 Field Trip Brochure with your colleagues. If you have any questions you are welcome to call us at 407-365-1244.

If you would like to request a Field Trip for your school please choose one of the options below:

Field Trip Request Form – Seminole County Schools

Field Trip Request Form – Non Seminole County Schools

What to expect on your Airboat Ride

Posted on March 7, 2013 by admin

Purchase your airboat ticket at the Black Hammock Gift Shop where you will be given an approximate departure time. When it is time to head down to the dock your captain will collect your airboat tickets and help you onboard. He will then give you an airboat safety speech. Leaving the Black Hammock marina your airboat will travel at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour! Your captain will take you on an exciting tour of Lake Jesup with your companions. He will point out alligators and wildlife and teach you about the many things you will see on your airboat ride. Alligators can reach over 13 feet in length and weigh over 800 pounds!

We recommend dressing comfortably in weather appropriate clothing. As the airboat approaches higher speeds it will feel a bit windy – so you may want to bring a light jacket. Don’t forget to bring sunblock or sunglasses on particularly sunny days, but those items are also available at the Black Hammock Gift Shop. Hearing protection will be provided for your airboat ride as well as life vests for children. Adult life vests are available upon request. The Black Hammock airboat rides can accommodate both large and small groups.

Never try and feed the alligators during your airboat ride. They have a bone crushing bite! Many look like floating logs in the water; so you really need to be alert. The best time to take pictures of them is when they are sunning on the bank. You will often see baby alligators on the shores of the Black Hammock peninsula before you depart on your ride. Don’t forget to have your cameras ready as they often dive in the water when approached.

Black Hammock 30 minute airboat rides depart approximately every half hour with no reservations required! Airboat ride hours are 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Don’t Feed the Gators

Posted on March 6, 2013 by admin

There are many reasons why you shouldn’t feed the alligators on your airboat ride. Though it may seem like a harmless thing to do; this action is actually very dangerous! It is not a matter of what you feed them, but the change of alligator behavior if you do feed them. When you feed an alligator it associate’s humans with food. It is also illegal to feed or harass an alligator in the state of Florida. The Black Hammock takes the safety of our airboat ride passengers and of the surrounding wildlife very seriously. Feeding alligators is not only dangerous to you but also harmful to the animal. This will dissolve their natural wariness of humans and will encourage them to approach unsuspecting humans. You can just imagine how dangerous that could be! Black Hammock airboat rides take place on Lake Jesup; located just north of Orlando. Lake Jesup is known for hosting the largest alligator population in all of Florida.

Black Hammock airboat rides provide a safe way for you to witness Florida’s wildlife the way nature intended. Your experienced airboat captain will never entice an alligator or try to lure it to the airboat with food. Instead, he will take you on an airboat ride to the locations that you are most likely to see alligators in their natural habitat. Don’t forget to bring your camera on your next airboat ride at the Black Hammock.

Black Hammock Airboat Rides – Central Florida

airboat rides on Lake Jesup, Florida

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