Safety & Experience

Airboats are one of the most exciting, up-close-and-personal ways to get around the grass flats. They give visitors a chance to see the wetland’s vastness, along with its flora and fauna. Airboats are a safe way to glide through the waterways, but like anything there are risks. Airboat injuries and accidents have occurred, so it is important as a passenger you follow all safety precautions and rules.

Cartagena Safari  Airboat Tours has more than 30 years of experience exploring the grasslands on an airboat. Safety is a top priority for all of our Captains.  They are familiar with the area and are trained and experienced in proper navigation techniques. Before going out on a tour, the airboat captain and staff perform a pre-operation check to see if there’s an issues or concerns with the boat. Many accidents and injuries can be avoided by keeping up with regular checks and maintenance.

What kind of things are looked at during these boat inspections? Here are just a few of many items an airboat captain or staff member will check on:

• Safety chains
• Oil level, radiator fuel level
• Navigation lights
• Leaks
• Safety gear
• Gauges
• Hull
• Engine and engine mounts for anything loose
• Rudders and propellers

While on an airboat, the captain will instruct passengers to not go near the propeller as a precaution. Any loose items and clothing can get caught in the propeller, which can bring harm to both the person and damage the boat. People will be instructed to secure all items they have with or on them.

On the airboat, there is ear and eye protection, a first-aid kit, a cell-phone, drinking water, and a fire extinguisher.

Since nature is unpredictable, airboat captains keep an eye on the weather. Cartagena is home to some powerful thunderstorms, so it’s extra important captains know the timing of these storms. If lightening, thunderstorms, or high wind is happening, a captain will dock the boat.