What to Wear on a Summer Airboat Tour in Florida
Quick checklist for a summer airboat tour:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Hat with a chin strap, not a baseball cap
- Reef-safe SPF 30 or higher
- Lightweight long-sleeve shirt
- Quick-dry shorts or pants
- Closed-toe water shoes
- Small dry bag for your phone
- Bug spray for the walk to the boat
The boat moves fast, the wind takes anything loose, and the sun does not negotiate. Dress like you’re spending 90 minutes in direct Florida summer sun, because you are.
Sun protection
The Everglades sun in July isn’t the same as the beach sun. There’s no umbrella, no shade canopy, no breeze break. Just open marsh, a fast boat, and a sky that wants your skin.
Polarized sunglasses. Not optional. They also help you spot gators below the waterline, which is half the fun.
Hat with a chin strap, or it’s gone in five minutes. The boat hits 30 mph in spots. Baseball caps blow off at 8.
Reef-safe SPF 30 or higher. Reapply at the 45-minute mark. The wind makes you forget you’re burning until you see the photos that night.
Light, breathable clothing
Counter-intuitive, but long sleeves beat tank tops in summer.
A UPF-rated long-sleeve shirt blocks sun more reliably than sunscreen does. Linen, quick-dry synthetic, or technical fishing-shirt material all work. Avoid heavy cotton if you have a choice. Wet cotton stays wet for the rest of the tour.
Avoid all-white if you sit close to the boat floor. The deck splashes, and white shows it.
Footwear
Closed-toe, always. No flip-flops, sandals, or open shoes. Even if you don’t get off the boat, you’ll thank yourself when the deck splashes through the drainage holes and your feet stay protected.
Water shoes or sneakers you don’t mind getting wet are the move. No high heels, which should be obvious but it happens more than you’d think.
What not to wear
If it can blow off, it will.
- Dangly earrings (lost ones never come back)
- Loose hats without chin straps
- Scarves, lightweight cover-ups, anything that flaps
- Anything you can’t afford to lose in the swamp
If you’re wearing it for the photo and not the function, leave it in the car.
Camera and phone gear
Phones die in the swamp every weekend. Don’t be that person.
- Dry bag or zip-top freezer bag for your phone
- Wrist lanyard if you plan to hold it during the tour
- Skip the expensive lens cap. It’ll fly. Get a wrist strap instead.
If you want serious photos, a small mirrorless or a GoPro is the right tool. A phone with a wrist strap works for 90% of riders.
What we provide
Two things you don’t need to bring:
- Ear protection (the engine is loud, we hand it out at boarding)
- Life vests if you want one (kids 12 and under wear them automatically)
Everything else is on you.
FAQ
Do I need closed-toe shoes?
Yes. Even if you don’t get off the boat.
Can I wear a bathing suit?
Sure, with a cover-up. The bench seats aren’t dry. If you’re planning to swim somewhere else after the tour, bring a change of clothes for the boat.
Will I get wet?
Lightly, usually. Some splash on the deck, occasional spray on a turn. No full soak unless we hit weather, which we’d be turning back from anyway.
Should I bring a change of clothes?
Smart move for summer. Heat plus splash plus a 30-minute drive home, you’ll want a dry shirt waiting in the car.
Got the gear, now lock in the ride
Morning slots fill first in summer. Book before Saturday.
Call (561) 247-0393 or use the booking form.
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