Orlando · Tampa · Central Florida
Guided Alligator Hunts in Central Florida
If you're looking for alligator hunting near Orlando or Tampa, you've come to the right place. The Central Florida area - situated between the Orlando metro and the greater Tampa Bay region - offers some of the most productive gator hunting waters in the entire state.
Capt. Dave Markett has spent years running guided alligator hunts on the rivers, lakes, and marshes that surround the Orlando and Tampa areas. He has access to some of the best private and public water for alligator hunting in all of Florida and can help you get that trophy 'Gator of a lifetime.
'Gators larger than 12′ have been brought across the deck of Capt. Dave's airboat and alligators from 6-10' are common. Central Florida's warm climate and vast freshwater systems - including lakes near Kissimmee, the Green Swamp area between Tampa and Orlando, and coastal marshes along the Gulf - create ideal habitat for trophy-sized alligators.
Whether you're a local from the Tampa Bay area, visiting Orlando on vacation, or traveling from out of state, Capt. Dave can help you with every step of the process. From getting the permits to the actual hunt, to getting the 'gator processed for eating and then finally help with taxidermy for your trophy.
Hunts typically launch from locations that are easily accessible from both Orlando and Tampa - usually just a short drive from either city. Capt. Dave will coordinate the exact meeting point based on where the best gator activity is at the time of your hunt.
Don't miss this unique and exciting hunting adventure. Make sure you book early to ensure every step of planning is taken care of.
Capt. Dave handles every detail so you can focus on the experience of a lifetime.
Capt. Dave helps you navigate the permitting process from start to finish.
Experience the thrill of hunting from Capt. Dave's airboat on premier Florida waters.
Get your gator processed for eating - alligator meat is a real Florida delicacy.
Preserve your trophy with professional taxidermy arrangements.
12'+
Largest gators harvested from Capt. Dave's airboat
6-10'
Common alligator size range
Book early to ensure every step of planning is taken care of.
Central Florida sits at the heart of alligator country. The freshwater lakes, rivers, and marshes between Orlando and Tampa support one of the densest alligator populations in the state. The Kissimmee Chain of Lakes, the Withlacoochee River corridor, and the vast Green Swamp preserve are all within easy reach.
Our hunting grounds are conveniently located between Orlando and Tampa, making them easy to reach whether you're staying on International Drive, near Disney World, in downtown Tampa, or anywhere in the greater Tampa Bay and Orlando metro areas. Most launch points are within an hour's drive of either city.
Visiting Orlando for the theme parks or Tampa for the beaches? Add an alligator hunt to your trip for a truly unforgettable Florida experience. Many of our clients combine their gator hunt with a family vacation - it's the ultimate adventure activity while you're in Central Florida.
Florida's official alligator harvest season typically runs from August through November, but Capt. Dave can help you plan ahead and secure your permits well in advance. The warm Central Florida climate means gators are active and feeding throughout most of the year, producing trophy-sized animals.
Capt. Dave runs guided alligator hunts on select lakes, rivers, and marshes throughout Central Florida - typically in areas between Orlando and Tampa. Exact launch locations vary based on current gator activity and are coordinated with you before the hunt. Most locations are within an hour of both Orlando and Tampa.
Yes - Florida requires an Alligator Trapping License and harvest permits issued through the FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission). Capt. Dave walks you through the entire permitting process and makes sure everything is squared away before your hunt.
Florida's statewide alligator harvest season generally runs from mid-August through early November. Permits are limited and awarded through a lottery system, so it's important to plan ahead. Contact Capt. Dave early to ensure you have the best chance of securing permits for your preferred dates.
Central Florida is home to some of the largest alligators in the state. Gators in the 6-10 foot range are common on Capt. Dave's hunts, and alligators over 12 feet have been harvested from his airboat. The nutrient-rich freshwater systems between Orlando and Tampa produce consistently large gators.
Absolutely. Capt. Dave offers full-service processing - your gator can be butchered for meat (alligator tail is a Florida delicacy) and the hide can be preserved. He also arranges professional taxidermy if you want to mount your trophy skull, full body, or hide.
Yes - when done with an experienced guide like Capt. Dave, alligator hunting is a safe and controlled experience. Capt. Dave provides all necessary equipment, runs the airboat, and guides every step of the hunt. No prior hunting experience is required.
Simply call or text Capt. Dave at 813-455-3056. He'll discuss dates, pricing, and start the permitting process. Book early - especially for peak season - to make sure everything is taken care of.
Contact Capt. Dave today to start planning your alligator hunt.
