bird tour orlando

Tour the Sanctuary

Take a tour through our numerous bird flights and meet all of our over 800 beautiful birds we love and care for experience the vast array of species and learn all the fun facts from our experienced tour guides. if you're looking for a more intimate experience with our amazing birds, don't pass up on our high flyer package. get the full experience inside one of our massive macaw flights, where you can feed the parrots.

Book A Tour

You must book an appointment to visit, ($20/adult, $15/youth)

High Flyer: Tour and Macaw Interaction

Tour and macaw interaction. $50 Per Person

Sanctuary Visitation for Owners

Welcome to She Flew Birding Tours!

I am the owner and guide of She Flew Birding Tours, a Colorado based bird watching tour company. The goal of every group at  She Flew Birding Tours is to see, hear, and enjoy your target birds. You can expect to spend some time listening to their vocalizations and watching their behavior. When you sign up for a trip with me, you’re sure to get a quality, safe guided tour that is affordable and fun. You don’t need to be an expert to go on any trip as all levels are welcome. If desired, we can make time for bird photography along the way. Contact me for more information. See you in the field!

Warbler Grand Tour

Would you like to see 34 warbler species on one trip? Do you need some eastern sparrows, vireos, or flycatchers? That’s what awaits you on the Warbler Grand Tour. We visit Kentucky, Ohio, and Michigan for spring migration and look for all the eastern warblers. That way we usually get almost every one. You should expect 200 species, plenty of photo opportunities, and lots of fun. Don’t miss this tour!

• Grouse Tours

This week long tour around Colorado gives us a chance to experience Gunnison Sage-Grouse, Scaled Quail, Gambel’s Quail, Sharp-tailed Grouse, Greater Sage-Grouse, White-tailed Ptarmigan, and Greater Prairie-Chicken.

The lek experience will blow you away with the males dancing, blowing up air sacks, and trying to impress the females. All of this can be seen on this trip.

We also offer two different 3-day tours for the birders who want some help finding a few hard to find species or are working around a busy schedule.

Florida Specialties Tour

Our week long tour starts and ends in Orlando as we traverse down to the upper keys. This is the perfect tour to get a bunch of new birds and get out of the cold. We will target and range restricted and unique species that can be found in southern Florida. Some of the exciting species include Spot-breasted Oriole, Red-whiskered Bulbul, Snail Kite, Limpkin, Cave Swallow, Purple Swamphen, and White-crowned Pigeon. The list is long and will surely provide lots of fun new birding memories.

Your Tour Leader & Owner, Sue Riffe

Sue Riffe has been birding for over 20 years, seen 725+ ABA birds, and specializes in describing bird songs. Getting on the target birds is our priority. Sue has a knack for explaining where the birds are so everyone can see, hear, and enjoy your birding experience. Having been a public school music teacher for 22 years, she has lots of patience working with all levels and interests. She offers individual tours, small group tours, senior tours, all women tours and photography tours. Families are always welcome! We hope to take you on a tour soon!

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Orlando Wetlands

25155 Wheeler Rd., Christmas, 32709 (407) 568-1706 Tuesday – Sunday (Closed Monday)

sunrise to sunset Website Trail Map

With more than 220 bird species and 63 butterfly species the Orlando Wetlands (now open year round) is a “must visit” for birders and wildlife viewers. This large wetlands treatment facility uses aquatic plants to polish already treated wastewater before discharging it into the St. Johns River. This process prevents algae blooms in the St. Johns and provides a fertile habitat for all kinds of wildlife! Look for Least and American Bittern (winter), Purple Gallinule, Limpkin and Osprey. Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Crested Caracara, Snail Kite and Short-tailed Hawk are possible. Watch for Purple Martin nesting in trees each spring – this is one of the few places east of the Mississippi where they nest in natural cavities! A hammock trail that begins at the parking lot and winds east around Lake Searcy and north through a hammock can be good for migratory songbirds. Check out the Wildlife Garden near the entrance and try to spot some butterflies: Palamedes Swallowtail, Pearl Crescent, Queen, Whirlabout and Carolina Satyr are common. Hiking is, for the most part, on raised, exposed dikes. Plan for full sun exposure and insects, and watch for summer thunderstorms. Large alligators also inhabit these wetlands, and may bask on the dikes. Reserve a tour on the park  website , or stop in and visit the education center. A wetlands festival is held every other year on the 3rd Saturday of February.

Orlando Wetlands Park: Perfect stop for wildlife lovers

By: Author Deborah Hartz-Seeley

Posted on Last updated: July 5, 2024

Off the beaten path and uncrowded, the Orlando Wetlands Park is a wildlife lover’s refuge.

From the moment we started walking the paths, we saw startlingly pink spoonbills and snowy egrets with their flowing tufts of mating plumage.

Anhingas showed off their decorated wings as they spread them in the sun. The piercing blue rings around the eyes of the males indicated the birds were searching for mates.

And then there are the two bald eagles with their little ones doing well in the tree tops.

You’d think a park filled with such exquisite and accessible wildlife would be jammed with people. But east of Disney World and west of I-95 at the Titusville exit, the Orlando Wetlands Park seems to be just off the beaten path enough to remain low key. At least for now.

Though out of the way, Orlando Wetlands Park is only 20 minutes off I-95, making it an easy break on an I-95 trip.

For birders, November through May are the months to visit. You’ll not only see migrating and breeding birds but the weather is more pleasant.

But no matter when you arrive, you are sure to see wildlife in this park that’s becoming more and more popular with people as well as Mother Nature.

To help you explore, there are over 20 miles of hiking trails and sandy roads/trails atop berms.

You can walk, bike or ride a horse to visit many areas of the park. Or, if you prefer, you can sign up near the Education Center to take a free tram tour . They are narrated by volunteers Friday through Sunday.

Admittedly, some of the park’s paths are more interesting and better maintained than others. So, on your way from the parking lot, visit the Information Pavilion to pick up a variety of pamphlets including flora and fauna checklists and a park map.

Orlando Wetlands Park boardwalk and tram tour

Because our time here was limited, we asked a staffer what were the best paths for seeing wildlife. She pointed out the 2.5-mile birding route as well as the Cypress Boardwalk .

The boardwalk, which opened in winter of 2022-23, is very popular because it takes you across the marsh to view a cypress dome. As you walk, you have a closeup view of alligators and nesting birds in season so have your cameras and binoculars ready.

We also thoroughly enjoyed our 1 ½-hour tram tour led by Paul McNamara and Carol Geiger who provided history and context while pointing out and identifying wildlife. Our sightings included great and little blue herons, limpkins (found in no other state), coots , purple gallinules , wood storks, whistling ducks (yes, they whistle) and sandhill cranes plus much more .

At last count, according to our guides, the park is host to over 100 roseate spoonbills and 1,700 alligators. There also are 200 different species of birds and over 60 types of butterflies.

 No wonder the Orlando Wetlands Park is part of the Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail.  

  How the Orlando Wetlands Park came to be

If truth be told, the Orlando Wetlands Park resulted from too much sewage. Yep, sewage.

As Orlando’s population grew in the later part of the last century, so did the amount of waste.  As a result, the Iron Bridge Regional Water Reclamation Facility was built in 1979.

As the center produced reclaimed water, it needed wetlands filled with the right plants to filter and remove excess nutrients from the water before it was released back into nature.

That’s when the city purchased over 1,600 acres in nearby Christmas at a cost of over $5 million dollars. And by July 1987, over 1,200 acres of the park’s pasture land had been excavated and planted with 2.3 million wetland plants including 200,000 trees.

This resulted in the Orlando Wetlands Park comprised of 18 water-filled cells filled with the necessary plants to create three ecological communities: deep marsh, mixed marsh and hardwood swamp.

Over time, the wetlands have attracted all sorts of wildlife that you can view today.

How the Orlando Wetlands purify water

Every day, 16 million gallons of reclaimed water flows 17 miles from Orlando’s Iron Bridge Facility to the Orlando Wetlands Park.

Here, the water flows through the wetland plants. Those plants absorb nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates that they use for their own nourishment.

This is important because extra nutrients in the water can encourage algae to grow that, if left unchecked, can lead to those dreaded algal blooms .

Once the water completes its 30-to-40-day journey through the park, it is sampled daily before it is released into canals leading to the St. Johns River . By then, its average phosphorous content is usually less than the water in the river.

Consider the weather

Before you head to this park, find out what the weather will be. It may surprise you.

Seasonal weather in Central Florida can vary from cool to very hot. The park consists mostly of exposed marsh with little-to-no shade or protection .

If you want to walk in a shaded area, there are two hiking trails through the park’s wooded edges.

From late spring through summer and early fall, expect hot temperatures with the potential for high humidity, lightning and thunderstorms.

Be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen. You also may need bug spray. And although this is a water purification area, you need to bring your own drinking water.

If you visit Orlando Wetlands Park

Where: Orlando Wetlands Park ; 25155 Wheeler Road, Christmas

When: The park is open daily, sunrise to sunset.

Education Center: In this small building off the west parking lot, you can see permanent and seasonal exhibits that include a couple of live small animals, displays and an attractive assortment of items for sale. Plus, you can sign up to take a tram tour.

The center is open Fridays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., September through May only. A new, much larger center is under construction and slated to open summer, 2023

Orlando Wetlands Park Tram Tours : September through May , volunteers lead tram tours Fridays through Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The trams hold a maximum of 10 people. Tours are first-come, first-served; no reservations. Sign up at the Education Center to get on the tour list. Subject to weather.

Rambler Tip : Now that the Orlando Wetlands Park is drawing more tourists, the tram tours fill up quickly. If you are interested, be sure to sign in and get your name on the list when you arrive at the park.

Admission and parking: Both are free but parking is limited. There is some overflow parking across the street at the Seminole Ranch Wildlife Management Area lot.

Water and food:   There is no food available in the park and there are only very limited options to purchase food in Christmas. You’ll need to plan ahead if you want to bring your own. Soft drinks and bottled water are available for purchase in the Education Center when it is open. And there’s a public drinking fountain with bottle filling station on the east side of the restrooms.

More information: 407-568-1706; park rules

Places to go near Orlando Wetlands Park

Here are a few places in the region Florida Rambler has written about:

Some great hiking trails are found at the Little Big Econ State Forest. This is about 20 minutes north of the Orlando Wetlands Park.

Also a half hour away is excellent kayaking on the Econlockhatchee River.

About 50 minutes away is a community where we’ve enjoyed a weekend,  charming historic town, Winter Park .

Deborah Hartz-Seeley is a Master Gardener whose yard is certified as Florida Friendly. With a master’s degree in agricultural journalism, she’s written for the Sun-Sentinel, Miami Herald, The Coastal Star, Cook’s Magazine, Florida Food & Farm and Florida Design. If she’s not out back growing things, you’ll find her wandering a garden path or exploring nature on foot, on a bike or in a kayak.

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This post includes affiliate links from which Florida Rambler may earn a modest commission if a purchase is made. This revenue directly supports the creation of original content for your enjoyment.

Welcome to Obsessive Compulsive Birding, LLC

I specialize in general as well as customized birding tours, in and around Central Florida, to fit the wants and needs for making a successful birding experience. I have Merritt Island NWR virtually in my backyard here on the Space Coast, as well as other outstanding Central Florida birding hotspots. If in Orlando for business, vacation or visiting the theme parks and need an escape to nature I have just the remedy to get away from the busy city environment.

Tours can be personalized to acquire target species to add to those ever growing life lists as well as Florida specialties that everyone seeks such as Florida’s only endemic species the Florida Scrub-jay plus Limpkin, Roseate Spoonbill, Crested Caracara, Snail Kite and Purple Gallinule. I am also well versed in the identification of Florida butterflies, dragonflies & damselflies.

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Looking to go birding in Florida? Grab your binoculars and check out the best birdwatching spots near Orlando, FL.

Bird Watching Near Orlando FL

Wekiwa springs state park, lake mary jane-upper econ mosaic, wekiwa basin geopark, wekiva-ocala greenway, lake tohopekaliga and adjacent uplands, lake apopka restoration area, orlando wetlands park, william beardall tosohatchee state reserve, blue spring state park, green swamp ecosystem.

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Central Florida Birding Hotspots

Visit Central Florida any time of year and there’s something to see. In summer, look to the skies for Swallow-tailed Kites and to the wetlands for secretive Least Bitterns. In spring and fall, migratory warblers and shorebirds pass through. Fulvous and Black-bellied Whistling Ducks are year-round residents, while winter brings Lesser Scaup, Blue-winged Teal, Ring-necked Ducks, Ruddy Ducks, and others to the lakes and wetlands.

Here are a few of our top Central Florida birding sites, which include several Important Bird Areas . You can also check out the Great Florida Birding Trail and eBird to find additional popular birding destinations. Be sure to check each location’s website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times.

• Lake Apopka North Shore and the Wildlife Drive : On the NE shore of Lake Apopka, the St. Johns Water Management District wetland restoration area is a State Designated Important Bird Area featuring hiking, biking and an 11-mile Wildlife Drive through the restoration areas. It is one of Florida’s prime eBird hotspots.  For the Drive, the front gate opens 7am to 3pm on Fri, Sat, Sun and major holidays. Schedule at least 1.5 hrs, more on holidays, for the drive. Specialties include Fulvous Whistling Ducks, Mottled Ducks, and Snail Kites with 281 eBird species listed. In season, Peregrine Falcons, Merlin, Northern Harriers and Kestrels patrol the park. Otters, Bobcats and many reptiles make their home here. 2850 Lust Road, Apopka, FL.  Info: www.sjrwmd.com
• Wekiwa Springs State Park : Featuring a signature sandhill community, this park is maintained with prescribed burns making it a successful habitat for Bachman’s Sparrows, Red-headed Woodpeckers, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Carolina Chickadees, Pine Warblers and Great Horned Owls. Gopher Tortoise, Florida Black Bear, White-Tailed Deer and Sherman’s Fox Squirrels also live in the park.  The springs area offers swimming, kayaking and tubing. The Park is part of the Wekiva-Ocala Greenway, a continental-designated Important Bird Area. Weekends can be very busy. Hours: 8am until sunset, 365 days of the year. 1800 Wekiwa Springs Circle, Apopka, FL.  Info: www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/wekiwa-springs-state-park
• Mead Botanical Garden : This city park is a stop-over for migrating warblers in Spring and Fall and is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail. It’s a summer home to breeding Swallow-tailed Kites, and home to Barred Owls, Hawks, and waterbirds. Rarer migrants seen at the park in the past include Cerulean Warblers, Blue-winged Warblers, Kentucky Warblers and Philadelphia Vireos. Hours: 8am to 7pm, 7 days per week.  1300 S. Denning Dr., Winter Park, FL. Info:  www.meadgarden.org
• Orlando Wetlands Park : One of the first human-made wetlands designed to provide advanced treatment for reclaimed water, it hosts nesting colonies of Roseate Spoonbills and Herons, Night-herons, Egrets, Purple Gallinules and Limpkins. Winter residents include dabbling ducks and Painted Buntings. Migrating warblers often stop by the wooded areas of the park. Short-tailed Hawks and Crested Caracara are often seen overhead or on the road to the park. Open 6 days/week (closed Mondays) from sunrise to sunset, for birding, hiking, non-motorized biking, birding horseback riding and photography. 25155 Wheeler Rd, Christmas, FL. Info: www.orlando.gov/Parks-the-Environment/Directory/Wetlands-Park
• Hal Scott Regional Preserve and Park : This property protects resources of the Econlockhatchee River and is an oasis in the rapidly growing Orlando area. Named for a former president and executive director of the Florida Audubon Society, a portion of this property was acquired by the St. Johns River Water Management District using funds from the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority and the Florida Department of Transportation as part of the mitigation for beltway construction. The county also contributed funding to establish a partnership that created this regional preserve. It is the home to the rare Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Bachman’s Sparrows, Bobwhite, Eastern Meadowlarks, Summer Tanagers, and Common Nighthawks are just a few of the finds.  5150 Dallas Blvd. Orlando, FL.  Info: www.sjrwmd.com/lands/recreation/hal-scott/
• Tosohatchee Wildlife Management Area (WMA):  Another Central Florida area on the Great Florida Birding Trail, this WMA hosts 60 miles of hiking trails and uses prescribed burns and hydrological restoration to keep this habitat healthy for a variety of wildlife and birds. Wetland birds can be seen along the Econlockhatchee River and wooded areas house Pileated, Downy, Red-headed, Hairy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers along with Northern Flickers and Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers in season. Surprise finds can include Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Crested Caracara, Yellow-crowned Night-heron, ChuckWill’s-Widow, King Rail, among others. Seasonal warbler migrants stop by on their travels north. Operated by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission this WMA is a State Designated Important Bird Area. 3365 Taylor Creek Rd, Christmas, FL  Info: www.myfwc.com/recreation/lead/tosohatchee/

Central Florida Birding with Kids

Here are some great locations to visit with children, both young birders and those less interested. Be sure to check each location’s website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times.

• Lake Apopka Wildlife Drive : On the northeast shore of Lake Apopka. The driving option makes it easy to take children. Let them count the gators while you scan one of Florida’s top eBird hotspots. 2850 Lust Road, Apopka, FL. Additional information: www.sjrwmd.com
• Audubon Center for Birds of Prey : This Audubon Florida raptor rehabilitation center offers a great opportunity to see and compare raptors up close up, while learning about conservation. The center has “ambassador” birds of all common Florida raptors species, and in addition, Burrowing Owls, Mississippi and Swallow-tailed Kites, and Short-tailed and Broad-winged Hawks. There is a small entrance fee. Open Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am to 4pm. 1101 Audubon Way, Maitland, FL. Info: www.cbop.audubon.o rg
• Gatorland : Native herons and egrets, Wood Storks, Anhingas and others have rookeries where alligators protect nesting areas from raccoons. An occasional Roseate Spoonbill and Sandhill Crane may join the fray. Or you may watch a native vulture join a trainer on-stage, snagging bits of chicken that get dropped. Hours 10am to 6pm, 365 days/year. There are admission fees. 14501 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL. Info: www.gatorland.com
• Lake Eola: You may not add a lot to your life list, but children will love finding the 5 different types of exotic swans in the park (posted signs help with the ID). Domestic, Egyptian and Graylag Geese join Florida native herons and egrets at this busy and surprisingly birdy park (check the island near the bandshell for roosting waders). In the winter, migrating ducks like Lesser Scaup and Hooded Mergansers join the fray. White Pelicans and terns may be joined by a Peregrine Falcon in winter. Playground and picnic areas are available. There is limited free parking. Hours: 6am to 12am. 512 E Washington St, Orlando, FL. Info: www.orlando.gov/Parks-the-Environment/Directory/Lake-Eola-Park
• Mead Botanical Garden : You’re never far from a bench or your car at this urban oasis, making it easy for small children. The botanical garden offer great splashes of colorful flowers in season that attract numerous butterflies. A sandhill restoration garden shows plants native to the original habitat. Make sure to bring your binoculars. 1300 S. Denning Dr., Winter Park, FL. Info:  www.meadgarden.org

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Welcome to the Audubon Center for Birds of Prey

Celebrating conservation, rehabilitation and education

Located in the city of Maitland and the Town of Eatonville, this urban environmental Audubon Center focuses on the rescue, medical treatment, rehabilitation and release of Florida’s raptors. Grounding our roots in conservation, Maitland hosted the first Florida Audubon Society meeting in March 1900 to save Florida's imperiled wading birds. Today, Audubon Center for Birds of Prey carries on that mission of protecting and saving Florida’s birds of prey. We invite you to experience our unique location, tucked along Lake Sybelia, just outside Orlando. Visitors can learn about the unique adaptations of raptors, challenges they face and the many ways to get involved with helping birds of prey and the important habitats and resources they depend on. 

Welcome to our sanctuary we invite you to explore and enjoy a peaceful retreat to learn about conservation and raptors in a safe environment. , hours of operation are tuesday through sunday from 10 am to 4 pm., how you can help, right now, support the audubon center for birds of prey.

Your donation helps to protect America's birds, wildlife, and habitats.  Donate critical funding needed to support our important rehabilitation and education work.

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Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

A Refuge Pass is required to enter the Black Point Wildlife Drive and Bio Lab Road, and to launch a boat at Bairs Cove, Beacon 42, and Bio Lab boat ramps. A variety of passes can be purchased in-person at the Visitor Center. Merritt Island Annual, Daily, and Foot/Bicycle passes can be purchased online at  Recreation.gov . Fees collected are used to directly assist with providing safe and meaningful experiences to refuge visitors.

Learn more about Refuge Passes on our Visit Us page . 

National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge offers a wide diversity of recreational and educational opportunities. From bird watching and nature study, to fishing and seasonal hunting, you are sure to find an activity to satisfy your passion. 

Location and Contact Information

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge was established as an overlay of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s John F. Kennedy Space Center. According to the agreement with NASA, the lands and waters of the Kennedy Space Center are primarily to serve the space program and secondarily to serve as a wildlife refuge or park.

Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters managed within the Refuge System, from the purposes for which a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans. Learn more about national wildlife refuge is established to the recreational activities offered to the resource management tools used.

Our Species

Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1963 for the protection of migratory birds.  Consisting of 140,000 acres, the refuge provides a wide variety of habitats: coastal dunes, saltwater marshes, managed impoundments, scrub, pine flatwoods, and hardwood hammocks. These habitats provide habitat for more than 1,500 species of plants and animals and 15 federally listed species. 

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Visit our digital library to view our brochures and publications all in one convenient location.

Todd Coudret

A list of birds known from Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Deals for humans

Florida resident deals, military, first responder, and teacher deals.

(Four-person max, discount can be redeemed by booking over the phone or being refunded with proof of membership upon check-in. Combos and Half-Day Adventures are excluded.)

FHIA (Florida Hospitality industry association) DEALS

(Three person max)

AAA, TRAVEL AGENTS, SENIOR DEALS

(Discount can be redeemed by booking over the phone or being refunded with proof of membership upon check-in.)

THINGS TO DO

We put the “wild” in Wild Florida at our gator Park

We’ve been giving guests an unforgettable experience at our gator park since 2010. Our goal has been to provide an unforgettable Everglades experience that promotes a connection with animals while inspiring education and conservation.

What You’ll See at Our Florida Gator Park

Don’t let the name fool you. Our gator park is full of more than 200 native and exotic animals. You’ll find lemurs, bobcats, two-toed sloths, and other wild animals. Of course, you’ll find plenty of alligators in their wild habitats. ‍ Take your time exploring the interesting habitats and heritage of our animals. Talk to our animal care team about what it’s like to work with these amazing animals and how our population of lemurs, bobcats, two-toed sloths and other exotic animals have grown over the years.

There’s something for every member of your family

Kids will love feeding and learning more about the baby animals in our Petting Zoo. Mom and Dad can rest easy knowing that there is a covered playground for kids to run around when they need to burn off some energy. Grandma, Grandpa and the whole extended family will love exploring our Hawk Swamp where owls often roost in the coolness of the cypress tree-canopied boardwalk. To help build a connection between people and animals, we offer interactive programs ranging from gator encounters to taking selfies with our Wild Florida animal family members during one of our animal encounters. ‍ Book an animal encounter to get a once-in-a-lifetime experience with your favorite animals.

Set aside 15 minutes to enjoy our shows!

Exotic Animal Show

10:30 a.m. 12:00 p.m. 2:15 p.m. 4:00 p.m.

Crusher Show

11:00 a.m. 3:45 p.m.

Alligator Feeding Show

11:30 a.m. 3:00 p.m.

The Ultimate Florida Gator Experience

See what makes our Gator Park the ultimate experience!

If you’ve just begun your search for gator parks in Florida, you are undoubtedly searching for something the whole family can enjoy with enough activities to keep you busy. There are many places to see alligators near Orlando, but Wild Florida is the only place where you can ride, walk, and drive.

animal encounters

Sloth encounter, vip sloth encounter, gator feeding encounter, ring-tailed lemur encounter, albino gator encounter, porcupine encounter, capybara encounter, chomp house grill.

At Wild Florida, we have an on-site restaurant where you can dine during your visit. If you’re curious to try a taste of the swamp, stop by the Chomp House Grill. Whether cooling off with our signature Swamp Slushy or chowing down on some of the best barbecue around, a visit to Wild Florida isn’t complete until you’ve had a treat from our restaurant. Whether you are an adventurous carnivore who wants to try our Swamp Platter featuring gator and catfish or you enjoy lighter fare like salads and fresh veggies, the Chomp House Grill has something to please every palate. Can’t find anything on the menu to your liking? Talk to our Executive Chef, and she can whip something up for you. Enjoy our great food in a rocking chair on our patio, in the air-conditioned comfort of the Cypress Ballroom or in our shaded Gator Pavillion along the shore of Lake Cypress.

know before you go

(All items served with your choice of 2 sides)

Chomp House Burger - Your choice of toppings

Chicken Tenders - Your choice of sauce

All Beef Hot Dog

The Wild One - 1/2 lb burger, pork, bacon, cheese & BBQ sauce

Pulled Pork Sandwich - Tender pulled BBQ pork on a bun

Philly Cheese Steak - Sliced sirloin, grilled onions & peppers and white American cheese

Grilled Chicken Sandwich - Your choice of toppings

Ham or Turkey Wrap - Soft wrap with lettuce, onion, tomato

Vegetarian Options:

(All items served with your choice of 1 side)

House Salad - Toppings cheese, tomato, cucumbers, croutons, *Add chicken

Veggie Burger - Blackbean patty with your choice of toppings

Platter Options:

(All items served with your choice of 2 sides & a piece of garlic toast)

Gator Platter - Fried gator nuggets served with aioli

Catfish Platter - Fried catfish fillets served with aioli

Swamp Platter - Fried catfish and gator served with aioli

Florida Platter - Fried gator, grouper, and shrimp served with aioli

Kids Menu Items:

(All items served with your choice of 1 side, 1 cookie, and 1 small drink)

2 Pulled Pork Sliders

Chicken Tenders

2 Beef Sliders

Baked Beans

Mac 'n' Cheese

French Fries

Premium Sides:

Onion Rings

Cheese Curds

Fried Pickle Chips

Coffee, Hot Tea, Hot Cocoa

*Ask about our daily chef specials

Family-Friendly Activities at Our Wildlife Park

Feed and learn more about baby animals at our petting zoo. Kids will love exploring our covered playground. Bird lovers will enjoy our Hawk Swamp, where owls often roost in the cypress tree-covered boardwalk.

Fun Facts About Our Drive-thru Safari

• We have more than 150 exotic animals and native wildlife
• You’ll see 170 acres of untouched, scenic landscapes
• You can drive your own car down a four-mile unbeaten path

Airboat Tour Times and Best Times to Ride

Our first airboat tour leaves at 9:00 a.m. and our last airboat tour leaves at 4:30 p.m. In the summer months, the best time to book your airboat tour is at 9:00 a.m. During winter, 12:00 p.m. is an ideal time to ride.

Gator Park and Airboat Tours

Continue your adventure at our Gator Park before or after your airboat ride. You can hold a baby alligator or experience any of our animal encounters. Admission is included with each airboat tour. Make sure you visit our gift shop to pick up your souvenirs.

Reservation Availability

We are available to make reservations Monday through Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The park is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Admission to Gator Park

Any Drive-thru Safari park ticket (regardless of a Florida resident status) includes admission to the Gator Park.

Directions to Wild Florida coming from Disney:

• Go east on U.S. Highway 192 for about 20 miles to Saint Cloud.
• Take a Right on Vermont Avenue heading south for 12 miles. Vermont will become Canoe Creek Rd after a few miles.
• Turn Right on Lake Cypress Road heading west for 2 miles.

            OR

• Go east on Osceola Parkway to the Florida’s Turnpike and go south (right).
• Take the Turnpike to the next exit, #244 (Kissimmee-St. Cloud), for St. Cloud, and turn east on U.S. Highway 192 (left). Exit #240 is a SunPass Only exit and does not accept cash or credit cards.
• Stay on U.S. Highway 192 for 5 miles and turn south (right) on Vermont Avenue for 12 miles. Vermont will become Canoe Creek Road after a few miles.
• Turn right on Lake Cypress Road heading west for 2 miles.

Directions to Wild Florida coming from Orlando:

• Go South on the Florida Turnpike to exit #244 (Kissimmee-St. Cloud) for St. Cloud, and turn east on U.S. Highway 192 (left). Exit #240 is a SunPass Only exit and does not accept cash or credit cards.
• Stay on U.S. Highway 192 for 5 miles and go south (right) on Vermont Avenue for 12 miles.
• Vermont will become Canoe Creek Road after a few miles.

Directions to Wild Florida coming from Melbourne:

• Go west on U.S. Highway 192 for approximately 40 miles to Saint Cloud.
• Take a left on Vermont Avenue heading south for 12 miles. Vermont will become Canoe Creek Road after a few miles.

To ensure a hassle-free trip to and from Wild Florida, consider scheduling your ride with Uber. Using the Uber app, you can book your transportation in advance, allowing you to enjoy your visit without worrying about parking or navigating. This convenient option provides a reliable and stress-free way to manage your travel plans, making your experience at Wild Florida even more enjoyable.

Come early!

Our park opens at 9:00 a.m. and there’s a lot to see. When traveling with a group, we recommend arriving early so you can experience everything our gator park, drive-thru safari, animal shows and encounters have to offer.

Book your excursions ahead of time

Make your travel experience a good one by planning ahead! You can purchase tickets for each of our attractions online, in-person, or by phone prior to your arrival.

Plan meal times and regroup

Lunch is a great time to rest, refuel, and regroup. You can bring in your own picnic baskets or savor some of the best barbecue and food the swamp has to offer from the Chomp House Grill. Wash it down with our Swamp Slushy – a frozen blend of mango, orange and passion fruit and you’ve got what we like to call a well-balanced meal.

We are sensitive to the diverse dietary needs and allergy concerns of our guests. Your well-being and enjoyment are of paramount importance to us, and we are committed to providing you with a safe, satisfying, and memorable experience. Please let us know about any dietary or allergy restrictions you may have, and our team will do its utmost to ensure that your needs are met.

Exotic Animal Shows at Our Gator Park

See alligators live and up close at one of our wildlife shows! Our star of the show, Crusher, is an American alligator who is over 13 feet long. You may have seen alligators in Florida, but you’ve never seen Crusher. Show times are twice a day, at 11 a.m. and 3:45 p.m.

What You’ll See on Your Wildlife Safari

You’ll see native Florida wildlife and exotic animals on your drive. Find giraffes, zebras, eland antelope, scimitar oryx, American bison, mouflon sheep and more. Our animals roam freely through natural habitats, allowing you to get up close and personal.

Precautions

It’s important to consider the weather when booking an airboat tour in Florida. During the summer months and hurricane season, afternoon rains are common. If your airboat tour is impacted by rain or storms, our team will try to contact you by the phone number or email you used to book your airboat tour.

We know you want to meet our WILD family, so we offer services that help all our guests enjoy their visit.

GUIDELINES FOR SERVICE ANIMALS

• We welcome guests with disabilities who choose to bring their trained service animal into Wild Florida. A service animal is a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for someone living with a disability. According to the ADA, service animals must be under the owner’s control at all times and should remain on a leash or in a harness. While in the Drive-thru Safari Park, your vehicle windows must remain up at all times. While in the Gator Park or on an Airboat Tour, the service animal must be on a leash at all times. Emotional support and service animals in training are not allowed entry into the Drive-thru Safari Park or Gator Park. While emotional support animals are often used to help with medical or emotional challenges, they are not considered service animals under the ADA.

Service Animals Accessibility Map

• Service animals may not enter interactive habitats, including the giraffe feeding encounter, lemur encounter, sloth encounter, or porcupine encounter and are not allowed in the petting zoo or walk-thru bird aviary. These specific animals may view dogs as a threat and may become scared or stressed in the presence of a service animal.

ORLANDO AIRBOAT RIDES

Wheelchair Accessibility for Airboat Tours

• Our loading dock is ADA compliant and our Florida airboat tours are accessible by a wheelchair-friendly ramp that runs from the back of the gift shop down to the airboat loading docks. However, there are a few steps from the dock to the airboat where the guest will need to be physically transferred from the wheelchair to the airboat.

Wheelchair Accessibility for Gator Park

• Our Gator Park is also wheelchair-friendly as every exhibit is at ground level and the paths inside our Gator Park are compacted shells, boardwalk and concrete.

Wild Florida is dedicated to providing all its guests with equal enjoyment and a wonderful experience. If you have additional questions regarding our park’s accessibility policies, feel free to reach out to us at 407-957-3135 or by giving us a call on our toll-free number at 1-866-532-7167 .

Wow your group with the sights and sounds of more than 200 native and exotic animals, like ring-tailed lemurs, two-toed sloths, and more! Our Gator Pond is home to more than 150 freshwater alligators and crocodiles who were either born at Wild Florida or declared “nuisance” alligators brought to Wild Florida with the help of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), some of which are larger than 13 feet!

Savor the delight of a refreshing Wild Florida icy slushie or indulge in the creamy goodness of an ice cream cone.

What to Do After Visiting Our Gator Park

More adventure awaits! Once you’ve taken in all of the sights, sounds, and wildlife encounters at our alligator park, take a ride on one of our airboat tours. Our world-famous airboat rides take you through the Headwaters of the Everglades, giving you an unforgettably close encounter of Florida’s native wildlife.

If you’re hungry, check out the Chomp House Grill and fill up on anything from catfish and burgers, to fresh salads and veggies.

When you’re ready to head home, don’t forget to stop by our gift shop. You might even spot a baby alligator on your way out.

What to Do After Your Wild Drive

Take your adventure to new heights. Stop and hand feed giraffes on our elevated giraffe feeding platform. This activity is family-friendly and a guest favorite.

Admission to our Gator Park is included in the price of our Drive-thru Safari Park tickets . Your family will find more than 200 additional animals, as well as enjoy a variety of educational animal shows.

Safety Precautions

Safety at Wild Florida is our number one priority, and we are committed to the health, safety and well-being of our guests, staff and animals. No job is so important and no service is so urgent that we cannot take time to perform our work safely to prevent accidents or injuries to our guests and animals. Here are a few safety points and plans for our guests and animals.

We provide life jackets and ear protection for all guests. Children five and under are required to wear a life jacket. For guests six years old and over, life jackets are available along with ear protection, but they are not required.

• Wild Florida has a stellar reputation when it comes to our airboat tours. Our vessels are U.S. Coast Guard approved and inspected on an annual basis. On the vessels are life preservers for each guest, fire extinguishers, a flare gun and a throw ring if necessary.
• In case of an emergency, we have an accident plan.
• We have an incident report if needed.
• Our loading dock is ADA Compliant.
• There is always a way to communicate to home base and/or 911 anywhere on site or while out on an airboat tour.

Airboat Operations

• One of the many things that sets Wild Florida apart from other competitors is our beautiful Gator Park. You can get up close and personal with many different animals including alligators, zebras and exotic birds. Our park is inspected and approved by Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) , United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) , and Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) , which makes it a safe and enjoyable experience.
• In case of a snake bite, we have a snake bite protocol.
• Our animals are checked regularly by a veterinarian.
• We have a veterinarian on call at all times.
• We have an accident plan for emergencies.

See a side of Florida you won’t see at the parks. Experience untouched landscapes and acres of wildlife. Whether you’re an adventure travel enthusiast, a group of avid bird watches, or a family on their dream vacation, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories at Wild Florida.

At Wild Florida, we have an on-site restaurant where you can dine during your visit. If you’re curious to try a taste of the swamp, stop by the Chomp House Grill. Whether cooling off with our signature Swamp Slushy or chowing down on some of the best barbecue around, a visit to Wild Florida isn’t complete until you’ve had a treat from our restaurant.

Whether you are an adventurous carnivore who wants to try our Swamp Platter featuring gator and catfish or you enjoy lighter fare like salads and fresh veggies, the Chomp House Grill has something to please every palate. Can’t find anything on the menu to your liking? Talk to our Executive Chef, and she can whip something up for you.

Enjoy our great food in a rocking chair on our patio, in the air-conditioned comfort of the Cypress Ballroom or in our shaded Gator Pavillion along the shore of Lake Cypress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is your Gator Park located?

Our gator and wildlife park is near many of Central Florida’s most popular attractions. Most attractions are less than 1-hour away from us.

Can we feed the alligators?

If you’re looking to get even closer to our alligators, book one of our Gator Feeding Encounters.

How much are tickets for the Gator Park?

Tickets to our Gator Park are $15 for adults and $12 for children. Florida residents enjoy $8 admission for adults, and $6 admission for children.

Can you book an animal encounter with any animal?

We have a selection of animal encounters that you can choose from. You can get up close to albino gators, sloths, giraffes, reptiles and more.

Do I get admission to the Gator Park with purchase of a Drive-thru Safari Park?

Yes, any Drive-thru Safari park ticket (regardless of a Florida resident status) includes admission to the Gator Park.

Do I need my own car for the Safari?

Yes, you will need your own car for the Drive-thru Safari Park.

How much does the drive-thru safari cost?

For out-of-state visitors, each ticket is $34 for adults, and $24 per child. Florida residents can purchase tickets for $24 per adult and $19 per child.

Does the drive-thru safari include a guided tour?

Our drive-thru safari is self-guided and you’re able to drive at your own pace.

Can you feed the animals?

While you can’t find the animals on the drive-thru safari trail, you are able to hand feed giraffes on our elevated feeding platform. We encourage you to visit after your drive.

Are you nearby Central Florida attractions?

Wild Florida’s drive-thru safari is near many of Central Florida’s popular attractions, with most local attractions being a 30-minute to 1-hour drive away.

Are all of the wild animals from Florida?

You’ll find both exotic animals and native florida species on your drive-thru safari adventure.

What time does the park open?

The gates to our drive-thru safari will open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. with the last car allowed in at 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

What else is included in my drive-thru safari park ticket?

Admission to our Gator Park is included with each drive-thru safari park ticket. At our Gator Park, you can find even more exotic animals and you can even participate in one of our animal encounters.

Do you offer small group tours?

Our group rate is available to groups of at least 10 people.

Do you provide guided tours?

If you are interested in a guided tour, consider booking a VIP Safari Tour . There are also plenty of opportunities to learn from our wildlife specialists in our Gator Park. Attend one of our exotic animal shows to learn about exotic and native Florida animals.

How do I book a group tour?

Please contact us by filling out the form on this page to begin booking your group trip.

What amenities do group tours include?

Large groups can take advantage of several spaces throughout Wild Florida. Your group can have access to our 2,200-square-foot, air-conditioned Cypress Ballroom, 1,500-square-foot Gator Pavilion overlooking Lake Cypress or a collection of picnic tables on the shore of the lake.

Wild Florida offers group tours near Central Florida’s most popular attractions and we often meet visitors from all over the world who are visiting Florida on holiday or on business trips. You’ll find that we are just minutes away from Orlando’s popular resorts and parks.

Walk through adventure

Book now to experience Florida's swampy side!

VIP Sloth Experience

ULTIMATE WILD FLORIDA EXPERIENCE

$245.00 Per Person – For ages 12 and up.

GATOR PARK ANNUAL PASS

$35 Per Adult / $35 Per Child – Ages 13 and up are adults.

$15 Adult / $12 Child – Ages 13 and up are adults.

FLORIDA RESIDENT GATOR PARK

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