ray's airboat rides

My husband has wanted to go on an airboat ride since he was a kid watching Gentle Ben reruns. My daughter has wanted to go on a ride since an episode of The Wild Thornberrys. So when I knew that we were going to Florida, I did a ton of research to make sure that they would get an amazing experience. Thankfully, Capt. Ray delivered. His boat is small and fits 6 people (including himself) and that is a giant plus in my book. We felt like it was a personalized tour and we got to ask questions and chat and take in the whole trip privately as a family. Capt. Ray was born and raised in Florida so he was knowledgeable, but he's also quite a character as well. Avoid the big box airboat companies and call Capt. Ray. No regrets!!!

What a great day on the water nice n warm Gators Galore ! Thanks Ray for another memorable day on the St Johns River! It was FABULOUS! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!

Ray runs small boats - which in our opinion was a real advantage as you get a much more custom-tailored tour than with the larger operators. There were 4 of us, so we had the boat to ourselves. We asked for a tour that focused on birds and wildlife and Ray gave us just what we wanted. He took us up into corners of the St. Johns River to mysterious cypress bayous, found us a Great Blue Heron's nest with a baby sitting in it; showed us little baby alligators and wild horses; got us close up to all sorts of birds; took us to an island where the Indians lived; and taught us throughout about the environment of the river. He was extremely generous with his time. As we watched the much larger boats go through their standard trips, we really felt that we had made a much better choice.

Had a great time with Ray on the river. Liked the small boat experience. Got up close to lots of alligators, and all sorts of birds. Ray is a character, and my wife and I enjoyed every minute of the trip. If you want a local experience, book a trip with Ray.

We have been with Ray on more than one occasion (with friends and with our daughter and her husband) and will be repeating this trip with some other friends in April. Forget the big boats - we have also used them before we discovered Ray. If you want something tailored to your interests (birds in our case) go with Ray. You will go off the main routes to see the wildlife; follow the birds as they fly if you wish; get some great photo opportunities; not feel pressurized over time out and have a thoroughly enjoyable time. A great experience.

We had a BLAST !!!!! Do not go to one of the larger air boat places. Their goal is to cram as many strangers on a boat as possible and start the count down clock! With Ray's Airboat rides we got the red carpet treatment. We felt as if we were out on an airboat with an old friend. We went to places most boats don't go. Ray didn't watch the clock and he gave us more time than we paid for. This guy is the real deal. We will definitely be back for another ride!!!! Thanks for the great memories Ray. Its good to know there are some businesses out there that still treat their customers like family!

Captain Ray showed us a great time on the water. Great examples of local wildlife on a beautiful fall day.

We went with a almost 2 and almost 4 year old and where sceptical as to whether they were patient enough... Ray was brilliant and it was an awesome experience. Highly recommended.

RAY @ RAY'S AIBOAT RIDES Gave Us a Fabulous ride My 2 boys will always remember their day on the River with Ray Not only does he know how to handle an airboat he knows how to teach kids about the history and wildlife of the St Johns River. One TRIP we will Treasure forever!!

We have to agree with many past reviewers. Ray's boat is set up to comfortably transport 3-4 people, so the experience is more one on one than commercial. Ray is a great guy, has lots of stories and is very knowledgable about the area and the wildlife. He was very adaptable as we had a bit of a scheduling misunderstanding (our fault)'and another boat captain saw Ray at his home and told him he had customers waiting at the dock. He rushed right over and we went for our boat ride! The area is beautiful and we highly recommend Ray's service.

Ray's airboat ride was great fun and educational for ourselves and our granddaughter. We saw many wild life and beautiful scenery. Ray was very accommodating and knew a lot about the river. His airboat is smaller, so makes it more personable, better than the ones that hold 20 people. We plan on going again when our grandson comes for a visit this month. Saw an animal I never expected to see out in the water, but I won't tell, so if you go you"ll be surprised to.

My wife and I and our two grand kids had a really special time - really enjoyed the ride, the river, the wild life, the scenery ..and Ray. He grew up on the river and is a very interesting guy. Has lots of stories and cares about making sure you have a great time . This ride is worth every penny. The kids have not stopped talking about it. The smaller 6 passenger air boat sure beats the 'cattle car' approach that some call an airboat ride. Highly recommend - you will not be disappointed. We will be back to do it again ... maybe a sunset ride!

Captain Ray is the best. You will not go wrong booking a ride with him. I always wanted to go on a air boat ride. Captain Ray's boat ride was exciting and excellent. Tons of wild life. Lost count of how many gators we saw. The ride was very informational and so much fun!!! I will be telling everyone I know that comes to Florida to book a ride with Captain Ray!

Having been on commercial airboat rides before, I was looking for something different, and that is what I got! We had a wonderful adventure...myself, my husband, a friend and 3 children (3 yrs., 5 yrs., and 7 yrs. old). Our hour and a half tour turned into an afternoon of fun, site seeing, airboat ride and fishing. Not only does Ray know the area and it's history, he's quite the fisherman. We stopped and watched him net MANY tilapia, which he then filleted for us to have for dinner that night. My children loved the adventure, helping catch the fish, learn about the cypress groves, seeing so many alligators, eagles, turtles, spoon bills, etc. We all highly recommend going with Captain Ray. It will be an adventure "outside the box" and one you will enjoy.

This is also the man you want as your guide! I had a wonderful time! Ray was so good at what he does! I saw several "big boats" full of people and I know they weren't getting the kind of service that we were! I was able to take so many wonderful photos because of his laid back nature! You will love his stories! Pick Ray...you won't be sorry!