Orlando · GATOR PARKS & WILDLIFE
21 reviewed
Alligators, panthers, sloths and a drive-through safari full of free-roaming animals, all within reach of the parks. This page ranks the best gator parks and wildlife tours near Orlando by what you actually see, how much walking each involves, combo tickets that add an airboat, and current admission.
Orlando airboat ride in Central Florida Everglades wetlands plus Wild Florida animal park admission; optional BBQ lunch upgrade available.
“Fun experience. Lots of gators and great blue herons. Our guide was informative and fun. I would recommend the one hour trip over the half hour.”
Orlando Everglades airboat ride with wildlife park admission and a live alligator show, plus up-close animals and Everglades-style views.
“Nice setting. The tour was very informative. First time on an airboat and was worth the 2 hour drive to get there. Only negative was that it started to rain about 10 minutes before the end of the tour but that’s beyond the tour operator’s control.”
Drive your own car through Wild Florida’s safari, then stroll the included Gator Park with over 150 animals and shows.
“We did the drive thru safari, Gatorade, and the 1 hour airboat ride. All were very good and staff were beyond kind and helpful. Our boat captain found numerous gators and was very knowledgeable. Overall very good choice to go there.”
Kayak 5 miles in clear water at Silver Springs for fish, turtles, manatees, and monkeys with a guide in a small group.
“Chris, our guide, was great. We saw all sorts of animals. It was 2 hours of kayaking so be prepared for that. We only saw a few manatees but there were monkeys, alligators, turtles & birds!! We had a great time.”
2-hour pontoon cruise in Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes: wildlife spotting, local history stops, and bottled water included.
“Very enjoyable and relaxing. Randy was a very knowledgeable about wildlife and history of the area. Nice ride!”
Orlando Everglades airboat tour: 90 minutes on open seating, spot alligators and birds, and learn swamp history with a guide.
“We had a great time and saw 7 alligators, many birds, turtles and a bald eagle! Captain Scott was funny and knowledgeable. We would definitely recommend this!”
Kayak the clear Silver River on a guided glass-like tour with life jackets and dry bag, spotting manatees and monkeys in spring-fed water.
“Really fun experience even had Josh the guide to ourselves. Really cool to see all the wildlife on the River and have Josh’s knowledge and experience to guide us around”
Wild Florida near Orlando for $15: one hour of wildlife viewing, capybara-style feeding, a cypress swamp boardwalk, and an alligator show.
A one-hour pontoon cruise through Winter Haven’s Chain of Lakes with wildlife sightings, local history stops, and a small-group guide.
“Amazing experience. Loved all the knowledge and information the guide gave. Also seen quite a bit of gators!!”
Full-day Kennedy Space Center tour with launch-control bus sights, Shuttle Launch simulator, 3D IMAX, and a 30-minute St. Johns airboat safari.
“The airboat safari ride was exceptional as was Bob the guide and the communication regarding the day and also pre communication regarding collection pick up details The Kennedy space center we found as a family extremely dull .. The first couple of hours was fine then that was enough for us .. ..most of staff are very nice .. The catering indoor space orbit I think it’s called is an unpleasant experience and low standards with staff screening out order numbers .. I wouldn’t bother with the space centre but the airboat is a pleasant experience”
Paddle a clear canoe at Silver Springs for 90 minutes. Spot manatees, turtles, gators, birds, and rhesus monkeys in crystal water.
“Wonderful experience. Rebecca did a wonderful job would come again weather experience was great………..”
Orlando airboat and wildlife park tour with hotel pickup, lunch, and a 30 or 60 minute ride through Florida wetlands.
“Travel driver was great! Captain Lauren was awesome! Very knowledgeable. Overall great day Weather cooperated and sun came out too!”
Kissimmee Everglades airboat tour with live guide talk, wildlife spotting for gators and eagles, and a chance to hold a baby gator.
“The crew was top notch the stories from the “Legend” were epic, holding the gator and zipping around in the airboat with a smile on my son’s face was priceless!”
Zipline at Gatorland on five long, fast lines over crocs and alligators, plus full-day park access for $74.
“It was a great experience! Very exciting and great customer service. 10/10”
Half-day kayaking on the Econlockhatchee River from Chuluota, with wildlife sightings, gear included, and a light riverside lunch.
“Beste Kajak Tour ever!!! Alles hat super geklappt. Guide war sehr nett und wir haben einen Alligator und Manatis gesehen.”
