Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park Orlando
Experience Florida's wild side with thrilling airboat tours, a unique drive-thru safari, and up-close animal encounters at Wild Florida.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are most active
Wild Florida Airboats & Gator Park Orlando
Best Time
Animals are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Florida's wild side with thrilling airboat tours, a unique drive-thru safari, and up-close animal encounters at Wild Florida.
"Soar through the Everglades and get up close with gators and camels!"
🐪 Camel Encounters!
You might get lucky and have a camel stick its head in your car! Keep windows up if you're nervous.
🦒 Giraffe Feeding Fun
The giraffe feeding at the end of the safari is a highlight for kids.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Airboat Tour Adventure
Everglades
Soar through the Everglades, spotting gators and diverse birdlife on a thrilling ride.
Drive-Thru Safari
Safari Park
Get up close with camels, giraffes, and other exotic animals from your car.
Gator Park Encounters
Gator Park
Meet hundreds of alligators and other fascinating creatures in this interactive park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Animal Sightings
Beyond the Airboat: Explore the Park
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐪 Camel Encounters!
You might get lucky and have a camel stick its head in your car! Keep windows up if you're nervous.
🦒 Giraffe Feeding Fun
The giraffe feeding at the end of the safari is a highlight for kids.
🚗 Drive-Thru Safari Tip
Slow down near animal enclosures for the best interaction. Midday on weekdays is ideal.
🐊 Gator Park Included
Entry to the Gator Park is free with your airboat tour! Explore it before or after.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐪 Camel Encounters!
You might get lucky and have a camel stick its head in your car! Keep windows up if you're nervous.
🦒 Giraffe Feeding Fun
The giraffe feeding at the end of the safari is a highlight for kids.
🚗 Drive-Thru Safari Tip
Slow down near animal enclosures for the best interaction. Midday on weekdays is ideal.
🐊 Gator Park Included
Entry to the Gator Park is free with your airboat tour! Explore it before or after.
☀️ Beat the Heat
Visit in the morning to avoid the intense Florida sun and see more active animals.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the thrilling airboat rides and the unique drive-thru safari experience, with many highlighting the close encounters with animals like camels and giraffes. The included Gator Park offers great value. Some find the animal shows a bit basic, and the extra cost for certain encounters can add up.
"It was wonderful. Every single worker was kind, respectful, and always willing to listen to questions. However, there was this AMAZING woman named Piper. She was so kind, and don’t even get me started on the passion this kind lady has. She made jokes with me and my family, and honestly made our trip worth so much more! When she had explained to use that the lemurs were not being very good workers, she let us still try them, but go to another encounter. The space that the animals have is PERFECT. And the animals were all extremely well kept. At first, I didn’t even know it was a zoo because it was so well kept! I will 100% be coming back next year. Piper also offered to take pictures, and got perfect pictures. I really hope that she has an amazing day. She was so kind and I just loved her."
Alexandria Bentley
"We visited as a family with two children, aged 4 and 11, and we absolutely loved it — trust me, it’s well worth it! We chose the Gator Park tour with Gator Feed, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish.
The park is very well maintained, with a wide variety of animals to see and learn about. Everything was clean, organized, and family-friendly. We especially appreciated how much shade was available throughout the park, which made it comfortable even on a hot day.
A special shoutout to Daniel and Christian, who handled the crocodile and alligator demonstrations — they were absolutely fantastic! Their knowledge, passion, and sense of humor made the show one of the best we’ve ever seen. It was engaging, informative, and exciting for both children and adults.
We highly recommend doing both the safari and the main park together — they complement each other beautifully. The safari gives you a chance to see the animals in a more natural, open setting, while the park allows for closer interaction and some unique educational moments.
The food options were also surprisingly good — fresh, reasonably priced, and with enough variety for both kids and adults. We didn’t feel rushed and had plenty of time to explore at our own pace.
Having visited many zoos and wildlife parks around the world, we can confidently say that this was a different and truly special experience. It’s not just about seeing animals — it’s about feeling connected to them, learning about them, and having fun as a family while doing so.
We highly recommend this place for a memorable family day out. We’ll definitely be coming back!"
S Ehan
"It was not as great as I had hoped from previous reviews implied. We toured the park and watched a show. We also did the half hour airboat tour. We did not see any gators on the tour but we did see an abandoned nest. Staff were friendly. It was enjoyable but not what we were expecting. Animal enclosures seem quite small. The bird enclosure was neat. My son enjoyed seeing the large alligators in the pond. We decided to skip the drive through safari."
Holly
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wild Florida is located about 45 minutes to an hour south of Orlando. The easiest way to get there is by car. You can use GPS navigation to find the address. Public transportation options are limited and not recommended for this location.
Yes, ample free parking is available for visitors at Wild Florida. You can park your car and then proceed to the entrance for your chosen activities.
Rideshare services are generally available in the Orlando area, but availability might be less frequent for the drive to Wild Florida. It's advisable to check availability and estimated fares beforehand.
The drive is mostly on highways and well-maintained roads. It's a scenic route through Central Florida, offering a glimpse of the landscape outside the theme park areas.
While Wild Florida is a day-trip destination, there are hotels and vacation rentals in the Kissimmee area, which is closer to Orlando and offers more options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the package you choose. Airboat tours, drive-thru safaris, and animal encounters are often bundled or available as add-ons. Check their official website for the most current pricing.
It's highly recommended to book your airboat tours in advance, especially during peak seasons or weekends, to secure your preferred time slot.
Yes, entry to the Gator Park is typically included with your airboat tour ticket, offering a great value for a full day of exploration.
Look out for potential discounts on their website or through third-party ticket vendors. Sometimes, booking packages can offer savings.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Wild Florida website for the most up-to-date hours of operation for the park and specific tours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a wide variety of animals including alligators, crocodiles, sloths, giraffes, camels, zebras, and many more native and exotic species.
Airboat tours are generally safe for children, but younger children may need to wear ear protection due to the noise. Life vests are provided.
Yes, Wild Florida offers opportunities for animal encounters, such as petting zoos, giraffe feeding, and even sloth encounters (additional fees may apply).
Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes, especially if you plan on walking around the Gator Park or participating in animal encounters. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended.
The drive-thru safari is designed for most standard vehicles. If you have a very low-slung sports car, you might want to drive cautiously.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Wild Florida offers dining options, including BBQ. Many visitors recommend the BBQ lunch as part of the experience.
Outside food and drinks policies can vary. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly to confirm if you can bring your own provisions.
The food options often include classic American fare and BBQ. The BBQ lunch is a popular choice for those who opt for it.
Information on specific dietary options like vegetarian or vegan meals may not be readily available online. It's advisable to inquire directly with the park's dining staff upon arrival.
Dining prices are comparable to other tourist attractions. Bundling a meal with your ticket package might offer better value.
📸 📸 Photography
The drive-thru safari offers unique photo opportunities with animals close to your car. The Gator Park also provides great shots of alligators and other reptiles.
Yes, you can take photos during the airboat tour, but be mindful of the speed and spray. Protect your camera from water.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography for commercial purposes may require special permits.
A zoom lens is useful for capturing wildlife from a distance. For the airboat tour, a waterproof camera or a protective case is advisable.
In the Gator Park and during animal encounters, you can get closer for photos. During the drive-thru safari, animals approach your vehicle.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking an animal encounter for an extra special treat, like holding a baby alligator or interacting with a sloth (check age restrictions). The airboat tours are also generally family-friendly, but ear protection is recommended for younger children due to the noise. Pack snacks and drinks, and be prepared for a full day of adventure!
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for deals on their website or through third-party vendors. Bringing your own snacks and drinks can also help save money. While some animal encounters have extra costs, the core experiences provide a full day of entertainment without breaking the bank. Visiting on a weekday can also mean fewer crowds and potentially a more relaxed experience.
💑 Couples
Consider booking a package that includes a BBQ lunch for a relaxed dining experience amidst nature. It's a great way to escape the typical Orlando tourist scene and enjoy a more natural and wild side of Florida. The opportunities for unique photos together are abundant!
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of the Airboat Tour
When choosing an airboat tour, consider the duration and the specific areas covered. Some tours might focus more on wildlife spotting, while others emphasize the speed and maneuverability of the airboat itself. It's a good idea to check reviews for insights into the captain's knowledge and the likelihood of seeing specific wildlife. Remember to bring sunglasses and consider ear protection, as the airboats can be quite loud.
Pro-tip: Opt for tours during the cooler parts of the day or after a rain shower, as this is when many animals are more active and visible. The contrast between the quiet natural environment and the sudden roar of the airboat is part of the adventure.
Exploring the Drive-Thru Safari
To make the most of the drive-thru safari, it's recommended to visit during the morning or late afternoon when animals are more active and the Florida heat is less intense. Slowing down your vehicle near enclosures allows for better viewing and interaction opportunities. Some visitors have noted that the experience is more engaging when the park is less crowded, suggesting a weekday visit.
Key takeaway: While the drive-thru is designed for cars, be mindful of your vehicle's clearance, especially in areas with larger animals. The experience is a fun and accessible way to encounter wildlife, offering a different kind of adventure compared to traditional zoos.
The Gator Park and Animal Encounters
Beyond the general park exhibits, Wild Florida offers various animal encounters for an additional fee. These can include opportunities to hold a baby alligator, feed giraffes, or even interact with sloths. These experiences are highly sought after, especially by families, and provide memorable photo opportunities. It's advisable to book these encounters in advance, as they can sell out.
Insider tip: Don't miss the animal shows, which are often included with admission. These presentations are informative and entertaining, providing insights into the animals' lives and behaviors. They are a great way to engage with the park's inhabitants in a structured setting.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit