No trip to Orlando is complete without a visit to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex in Cape Canaveral. Join us for a fun full day from the Orlando, Lake Buena Vista and Kissimmee areas that includes round-trip transportation, admission to the Kennedy Space Center, and an airboat ride on St Johns River. Our tour guide will help you get the most out of your time at the space center, which will include a chance to hear from veteran astronauts, exclusive tours of exhibits such as the Space Shuttle Atlantis, and more.

Kennedy Space Center with Airboat Ride Tour

This full-day tour to the Kennedy Space Center is perfect for families and groups vacationing without a car. You'll have plenty of guided and free time to check out this impressive attraction that opened in 1965 at Cape Kennedy, which is now known as Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Throughout the years, as NASA advanced, so did the exhibits and attractions which include shuttle simulations, an IMAX theater, and tons of cool interactive sections that are fun for all ages.

What to Expect

• 30-Minute Airboat ride on the St Johns River
• Exclusive guided tour of the Space Shuttle Atlantis Building
• Blast off in a shuttle at the Shuttle Launch Experience
• Enjoy full access to the IMAX-3D movies
• Explore the Apollo/Saturn V Rocket Center
• Meet a real life astronaut from one of the shuttle or rocket programs
• Visit the Rocket Garden and have a guided tour by NASA staff members
• Space Shuttle Atlantis and Heroes & Legends – NOW OPEN AND INCLUDED AT NO EXTRA CHARGE!

About the St Johns River airboat ride

St Johns River is the longest river in Florida, stretching more than 300 miles. We go to Lone Cabbage Fish Camp and embark on a 30-minute airboat ride through the grassy marsh of the scenic St Johns River and Lake Poinsett at speeds up to 45 mph. Your boat captain will slow down for our local wildlife, allowing you ample time to take photos and enjoy viewing all of the wildlife the St Johns has to offer. Depending on your visit, expect alligators, bald eagles, wading birds and maybe even wild hogs and cows!

FAQs Kennedy Space Center

Q: Is this airboat part of the tour family-friendly?

A: We get asked a lot about bringing young children on our airboats. Children under 3 years old are free. We can say that the steady vibrations and fresh air often puts young kids right to sleep!

Q: How far is the Kennedy Space Center from Orlando?

A: The Kennedy Space Center is a quick drive from Orlando, about an hour without traffic.

Q: Is lunch included on this Kennedy Space Center tour?

A: Lunch is not included in the price on this tour, but there are plenty of great options at the Kennedy Space Center including the Orbit Cafe, IMAX Snax, Milky Way, and Red Rock Grill.

Q: Who is the tour guide on this Kennedy Space Center and airboat tour?

A: You’ll spend the day with a group of knowledgeable guides including our very own City Sightseeing Orlando driver as well as airboat captain (who is Coast Guard–certified), NASA employees, and even a chance to hear from real, veteran astronauts.

Q: How far is St Johns River from the Kennedy Space Center?

A: It’s a short 30 minute drive to the natural cypress swamp with plenty of breathtaking views along the way.

What’s Included

• Round trip Transportation from select locations in Orlando
• General Admission into Kennedy Space Center
• 30 Minute Airboat ride on the St Johns River

Included with General Admission

• Kennedy Space Center Bus tour to explore the Apollo/Saturn V Center (daily from 9.30AM - 2.30PM)
• Space Shuttle Atlantis
• Shuttle Launch Experience
• Heroes and Legends featuring the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame
• Journey to Mars: Explorers Wanted
• Astronaut Encounter
• IMAX Theater 3D Films
• Numerous Shows and Exhibits

Additional Information

• Stroller and wheelchair rentals available
• Electronic Translator Systems available for hire
• No backpacks, large bags, coolers, food, or weapons allowed inside the KSC Visitor Center
• In the event a Rocket Launch is scheduled for your travel date our pick up and returns times may vary. For more information about rocket launch opportunities please Click Here.
• If you are interested in subscribing for Rocket Launch Viewing Opportunities - Click Here to Subscribe

COVID-19 Guidelines

Face coverings are optional for fully vaccinated guests and crewmembers. This includes in all facilities, attractions, and when riding on buses. For guests/crewmembers that are not fully vaccinated, masks are still strongly recommended.