Kennedy Space Center Tours

It may seem strange to combine the high-tech world of the KSC with the rural nature of airboating but, since the Space Center is surrounded by conservation areas and wildlife refuges, there is a strong link between the two. You’ll get the full effect of ultra-modern and natural all on this one tour.

It all starts with a gentle drive out to Brevard County where the first part of your adventure awaits on the St. Johns River. Here, on the longest river in Florida, your airboat captain will showcase the natural splendors of Central Florida with an unforgettable ride on one of these unique, flat-bottomed craft that are powered by a giant propeller.

Skimming along the river and its surrounding wetlands at up to 45 mph, you will catch glimpses of alligators, turtles and other wildlife that make the river their home, including the state’s abundance of birdlife, from egrets and herons to eagles and ospreys.

After your nature experience, it’s time to head to the home of One Small Step For Man and a complete immersion in the world of NASA and its astronauts.

You will have the rest of the day to explore the Visitor Center and soak up the vast array of exhibits and presentations that provide the full lowdown on the past, present and future of the space program as it gears up for a return to the moon, and on to Mars.

Be sure to visit the superb Space Shuttle Atlantis exhibit for one of the most emotional tributes to the former earth orbiter, as well as the Shuttle Launch Experience and a host of hands-on opportunities.

When you want to take your space exploration a step further, what better way to enjoy KSC than with one of the people who actually makes it all happen – one of NASA’s very own astronauts.

Not only will you be whisked to the Visitor Complex with all the convenience and efficiency of Real Florida Adventures transport, you will also be first in line for one of THE great personalized experiences the Space Center has to offer.

Set in a purpose-designed venue away from the main center, you will be introduced to some common astronaut traditions – including training in the T-38 jet, visiting the Astronaut Beach House, and staying in crew quarters before a launch – before the main event, lunch with a seasoned veteran of the space program.

After your chef-prepared meal, there will be a full presentation from the featured astronaut, who will talk visitors through their experiences of that first launch, subsequent missions, and what it’s like to live and work in space.

Be sure to have some questions up your sleeve for the subsequent Q&A opportunity with the day’s representative of NASA’s astronaut corps, and be ready for the highlight of a photo opportunity with him or her, and a memory to last a lifetime.

Of course, you will still have plenty of time to explore the rest of the Space Center and soak up the amazing, dynamic vibe of the modern KSC, which has been dramatically revamped in recent years to really immerse visitors in both the history and the future of space exploration.

When you want to immerse yourself completely in the space center vibe, this is the adventure for you – transportation and admission to the Visitor Complex, plenty of time to explore all that’s on offer, PLUS the superb Dine with an Astronaut option, and finally a trip ‘behind the gates’ for a two-hour Discover KSC bus tour.

We’ve rightly labeled this our ‘Ultimate’ tour as it maximizes every moment at the Space Center with a full-on and in-depth exploration that touches on all the key aspects of the space program.

First, there is the chance to get up close and personal with exhibits like the essential Space Shuttle Atlantis (don’t miss this, as it packs a really emotional punch with its big ‘reveal’), the Shuttle Launch Experience, Heroes & Legends center, extensive Rocket Garden, and IMAX Theater.

Once you have soaked up NASA’s past, present and future, we’ll take you on to the highlight of lunch with one of their veterans, and a chance to hear first-hand about what it takes to be a member of the astronaut corps. Along with a tasty meal, you will have an opportunity to ask questions and have your photograph taken with him or her for a unique souvenir.

Then it’s time to spread your wings a little and head out to see more of the full 144,000-acre extent of the KSC, which was founded in 1962 by President Kennedy and has been growing ever since.

This unique behind-the-scenes bus tour provides rare close-up views of the signature sights such as the gigantic Vehicle Assembly Building – the tallest one-story structure in the world – the historic launch sites and other operational facilities before concluding at the fascinating Apollo/Saturn V Center, home to a full-size Saturn V rocket, a moon-landing recreation, and a piece of moon-rock you can actually touch.