FRENQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Am I Required to Sign a Release of Liability Waiver before a Tour/Trip?

Yes. All adults age 18 or over and/or guardian of a minor child must sign a Release of Liability Waiver to participate in a tour/trip. The Waiver will be provided by your Captain before the boat leaves the dock.

Cancellation Policy

You may cancel your booking up to 48 hours prior to your tour’s departure for a full refund. If you cancel a trip between 48 and 12 hours before your tour’s departure, you will receive a 50% refund. If you cancel a trip within 12 hours of your tour’s departure, no refund will be given.
NOTE: A cancelation request must be made either by phone or email. 

Rainbow River Rules/Regulations

The Rainbow River is designated as a Registered Natural Landmark, an Aquatic Preserve and an Outstanding Florida Waterway. Because of this, the following rules apply:

Taking any type of alcohol or disposable items on the Rainbow River is prohibited by law. Acceptable containers include Tupperware, Rubbermaid or a thermos. (NOTE: Hard plastic non-disposable screw top water bottles/jugs are acceptable) Unlawful containers include: paper and plastic bags, boxes, disposable plastic water bottles, glass, aluminum cans, styrofoam, breakable plastic utensils, paper napkins and paper towels.

Withlacoochee River and Lake Rousseau Backwaters Rules/Regulations

There are no rules/laws regulating what you may bring on the on the Withlacoochee River and the Backwaters of Lake Rousseau. You may bring disposable plastic water bottles and other disposable items if you wish.

Where Does the Boat Pick Us Up?

All tours/trips with the exception of the guided fishing trip** leave from the Dunnellon city boat dock located at 12196 S. Williams St. (boat ramp dock at the Withlacoochee River bridge) See the map above. DO NOT PARK IN THE BOAT TRAILER PARKING AREA OR RISK GETTING A TICKET! You may park anywhere else in the parking lot or there is a overflow parking lot 1/2 block down from the main parking lot on the corner of S. Ohio St and Ned Love Ave.
**The guided fishing trip leaves from KP Hole Park, located at 9435 SW 190th Avenue Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432

What Time Does the Tour/Trip Start?

We only book one tour/trip a day. All tours/trips start at 8:30 am. Wildlife is most active in the morning and we want you to have a chance to witness mother nature in all her glory. Please be at the dock and ready to start your tour/trip at 8:30 am. Please give us a call if you are running a few minutes late. If you are more than 20 minutes late and we have not heard from you, we will consider you a “no show” and your tour/trip will be cancelled and no refund will be given.

What Do I Need to Drive a Airboat?

You must be at least 18 years old to drive the airboat. It is a Florida state law that if you were born on or after 1/1/1988, you must have in your possession proof that you have completed a Boating Safety Education Course and a Photo ID to pilot a boat with more than 10 hp in Florida. You can obtain this online for free at boatus.org.

Our airboat is uniquely equipped with duel controls and duel throttles for training. This is one-on-one instruction with Captain Chris. NOTE: No other passengers are allowed on the airboat during training. Wireless Bluetooth headsets will be provided so we stay in constant communication during training. Everything you need will be provided, including bottled water. The boat is equipped with all required USCG and FWC safety equipment. It is recommended that you check the weather prior to your trip and dress appropriately. Other recommended things to consider are sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, a hat, camera and snacks/drinks if you like.

What Do I Need to Bring for a Guided Fishing Trip?

A Florida fresh water fishing license is required for every guest on this trip. (if required by law) You can obtain a Florida freshwater fishing license online at gooutdoorsflorida.com or at the local Dunnellon Wal-Mart. Rods, reels and tackle are provided, but you may bring your own gear if you like. If you are into fly fishing, bring your fly rod! A 4 wt. to 6 wt. is perfect! This is a 4 hour trip, so please bring water/drinks in non-disposable bottles such as a thermos.
NOTE: See the Rules/Regulations for the Rainbow River above. The boat is equipped with all required USCG and FWC safety equipment. It is recommended that you check the weather prior to your trip and dress appropriately. Other recommended things to consider are sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, a hat, camera and snacks/drinks.
**The guided fishing trip leaves from KP Hole Park, located at 9435 SW 190th Avenue Rd, Dunnellon, FL 34432
NOTE: Children age 12 and under must bring their own life jacket. The boats do not have children’s life jackets onboard. It is required by the USCG and FWC that there is a USCG approved life jacket onboard of proper size for each passenger. Failure to bring a life jacket of appropriate size for children will result in that child not being able to go on the tour.
NOTE: Children age 6 and under MUST wear a life jacket at all times per Florida State Law.

What Do I Need to Bring for a Swim/Snorkel Trip?

The upper Rainbow River has a constant water temperature of 72 degrees (22C) year round. If that is too cold for you, than you may consider bringing a wet suit. Don’t forget to bring towels! Masks, snorkels and swim noodles will be provided. You may want to bring fins or your own mask and snorkel, although not required. The pontoon boat is equipped with a Bimini top for shade and a Bluetooth stereo to play music from your phone if you like. This is a 4 hour trip, so please bring water/drinks in non-disposable bottles such as a thermos. You may consider bringing a cooler to put your food/drinks in.
NOTE: See the Rules/Regulations for the Rainbow River above.
The boat is equipped with all required USCG and FWC safety equipment. It is recommended that you check the weather prior to your trip and dress appropriately. Other recommended things to consider are sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, a hat, camera and snacks/drinks. 
NOTE: Children age 12 and under must bring their own life jacket. The boats do not have children’s life jackets onboard. It is required by the USCG and FWC that there is a USCG approved life jacket onboard of proper size for each passenger. Failure to bring a life jacket of appropriate size for children will result in that child not being able to go on the tour.
NOTE: Children age 6 and under MUST wear a life jacket at all times per Florida State Law.

What Do I Need to Bring on a Pontoon Boat Tour?

The pontoon boat is equipped with a Bimini top for shade and a Bluetooth stereo to play music from your phone if you like. The boats are equipped with all required USCG and FWC safety equipment. It is recommended that you check the weather prior to you tour and dress appropriately. Other recommended things to consider are sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, a hat, camera and snacks/drinks. You may bring 1 cooler on the pontoon boat if you like.
NOTE: See the Rules/Regulations for each river above.
NOTE: Children age 12 and under must bring their own life jacket. The boats do not have children’s life jackets onboard. It is required by the USCG and FWC that there is a USCG approved life jacket onboard of proper size for each passenger. Failure to bring a life jacket of appropriate size for children will result in that child not being able to go on the tour.
NOTE: Children age 6 and under MUST wear a life jacket at all times per Florida State Law.

What Do I Need to Bring on a Airboat Tour?

Hearing protection is provided. The boats are equipped with all required USCG and FWC safety equipment. It is recommended that you check the weather prior to you tour and dress appropriately. Other recommended things to consider are sunscreen, insect repellent, sunglasses, a hat, camera and snacks/drinks.
NOTE: Children age 12 and under must bring their own life jacket. The boats do not have children’s life jackets onboard. It is required by the USCG and FWC that there is a USCG approved life jacket onboard of proper size for each passenger. Failure to bring a life jacket of appropriate size for children will result in that child not being able to go on the tour.
NOTE: Children age 6 and under MUST wear a life jacket at all times per Florida State Law.

What About Bad Weather?

Safety is our utmost concern. If the Captain determines that heavy rain, thunderstorms or severe weather appears imminent, the tour will be canceled and you can either reschedule or receive a full refund.

Can I Bring Food and/or Drinks?

Yes! Please bring snacks/drinks as none are provided. NOTE: See the rules and regulations for each river above.

Can I Bring a Cooler?

You may bring 1 cooler on the pontoon boat as long as what is in the cooler follows the rules and regulations of each river.  There is a built in medium sized cooler on the airboat for food/drinks. NOTE: See the Rules/Regulation for each river above.

Can I Bring Alcoholic Beverages?

No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the boats.

Is Smoking or Vaping Allowed?

No smoking of any kind are allowed on the boats.

Is There a Restroom on the Boat?

There are public restrooms at the dock. The pontoon boat has a small primitive place to go in the event of an “emergency” with a privacy curtain. Please utilize the public restrooms before you board the boat.

Are Pets Allowed on the Boat?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the boat. This is for the safety of the pet and the safety of the crew and guests.

Is the Boat Handicap Accessible?

The airboat unfortunately is not. The pontoon boat can accommodate a person with disabilities with assistance. The gates are not wide enough for a wheelchair to fit through.

Why Don't You Do Tours/Trips on Saturdays?

The Rainbow River in particular is a very popular destination; especially during the spring, summer and fall. It can get very busy and sometimes overwhelmingly congested with kayaks, canoes, tubers, divers, snorkelers and boats on the weekends. Because we want you to have a relaxing and enjoyable experience, we do not do tours/trips on Saturdays.