Snapping into Wild Adventures at St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park in Florida
May 2025
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Alligator Farm Zoological Park
While in St Augustine I wanted to find things to do that would cater to my younger son and I felt visiting the Alligator Farm would accomplish that. St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park created lasting memories full of wild adventure. This park was established in 1893 and is one of Florida’s oldest attractions and the only place you can find all 24 species of crocodilians such as alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and gharials. So, grab the kids and head over to the Alligator Farm in St Augustine.
Address: 999 Anastasia Blvd, St Augustine, Florida. Parking is limited but there is more parking across the street.
Hours: 9am to 5pm daily and extended hours until 6pm in the summer months
Cost: $36.99 adults, $21.99 children ages 3-11, discounts apply for seniors, military personnel, and AAA members. Print their online coupon for a discount.
Alligator Farm Map
Beyond the impressive collection of reptiles, you can also find exotic birds, mammals and reptiles from around the globe. Find a rare albino alligator, tropical birds, and exhibits show casing their multiple animal species. Grab a map at the ticket counter to help guide your day at St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park. The map also provides the location to their cafe, show times, alligator feedings and educational talks.
Albino Alligator
First stop is viewing the impressive albino alligator which was mesmerizing as I studied its body with a lack of melanin (color) and mild manner as he stayed perfectly still in his area for us to view.
Transferred from the Louisiana bayou this rare American alligator species is one of less than 200 in the world making it a treat to view him at this zoological park.
Crocodile Crossing Zip-line
Up for adventure? Try thrill seeking on the Crocodile Crossing Zip-line. You will soar across seven acres on two challenging courses. Get a birds-eye view of the reptiles and the surrounding park as you soar above the crocodiles.
Sepik River Course is the shorter course with 9 ziplines and 15 obstacles and last about 45 minutes. Cost $40 per person.
Nile River Course is more challenging with 15 ziplines and 25 obstacles and last about 90 minutes. Cost $70 per person.
Land of Crocodiles
Explore the Land of Crocodiles where you will find every species of crocodiles from around the world. But before you enter the land, take a peek at the sloths and mimic their slow pace as you explore the rest of the park.
KidZone and Adventure Outpost
Stop by the KidZone if you are needing a little break. This area has picnic tables so you can eat a snack, playground for the kids to play on, photo opportunities with animal statues, and a small climbing wall. This area was the perfect area to stop at for a short break and is designed for smaller children.
Birds of Africa
Stop by the Birds of Africa to view vultures and storks as they interact with each other. Animal feedings most days at 10:30am provide an educational experience while also watching the cranes dive in for a chance to steal the show. Next to the Birds of Africa, stop and view the lemurs of Madagascar as they interact with each other and leap around their surroundings.
Galapagos Tortoise
The Galapagos Tortoise are some of the largest and longest living tortoises in the world. Here you get a glimpse at their daily life as you watch them slowly roam their habitat.
Theater
Stop by the theater for one of many shows where you can get up close encounters with some of the parks reptiles and other animals and discover educational learning opportunities. Learn about the habitat and biodiversity of some of Florida’s animal friends or stop by for the reptile show to learn about these slithering creatures up close. You might also get the opportunity to touch one of these reptiles after the show.
Daily shows at the theater:
Florida Forest Friends 10:00am
Scales and Tails Reptile Show 1:00pm, 5:00pm
Rainforest Review 2:00pm
Toucan Tina Cafe
When you get hungry, stop by the Toucan Tina Cafe for a quick meal. From burgers, veggies burgers, chicken fingers, hotdogs, sweets, and more you are sure to find something good to eat! Find shaded outdoor seatings for the perfect reprieve from the heat and if you are lucky you might get to hear the alligators bellowing to each other.
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Alligator Lagoon
One of our favorite parts of visiting St Augustine Alligator Zoological Park was the alligator lagoon. Here you can find may alligators basking in the sun. We listened to the alligators communicate by bellowing which we truly enjoyed hearing this. Later we watched the animal feeding and learned more about the alligators themselves.
I had always heard that you need to run in a zig zag pattern if an alligator is chasing you. Staff stated this is not true. Alligators are fast but only for a short distance and in a straight line. They can lunge quickly, up to 20 mph but only for a few yards and usually from the water’s edge where on land they are much slower. Best thing to do is keep your distance from the alligators and if you have to get away, you should run fast in a straight line. Don’t worry at this alligator farm you are safe from them chasing you due to the fences they have put in place.
The alligator demonstration continued with feedings and training demonstrations.
Daily show 11:00am and 4:00pm.
Pacific Island Reptiles
Head inside the Pacific Island Reptiles building to see these creatures up close. Find snakes, turtles, spiders and more. This small building offers a rare glimpse of animal carcasses to inspect up close to learn more about each reptile.
Maximo
Stop by and say hi to Maximo the largest animal at the Alligator Farm. He is an impressive 15-foot, 9-inches and weighs 1,250 pounds. This saltwater croc hatched in the Australian riverbanks and eventually was moved to this area for us to enjoy.
Interactive areas throughout the park
You will find several interactive areas throughout the park from comparing vulture wingspan to a human arm span, to talking to the parakeets, to a sloth encounter. You will love the interactive nature of this park.
Animal encounters can enhance your experience at the park as you get up close and personal with some amazing creatures throughout the park.
Maximo the alligator’s Incredible feeding as the 1,250-pound croc leaps into the air to grab the food you will be giving him. Encounters at 12:00pm on Saturdays for an additional $25 per person.
Sloth encounter allows you to get up close to these slow creatures and learn all about them as you feed them their favorite snack. Encounters at 2:30pm Tuesday through Saturday for an additional $55 per person.
Behind the Scenes Tour for up close animal experiences where you can feed and touch some of the animals. Tours start at 12:30pm Tuesday through Sunday for an additional $20 per person.
Gomek Forever
Be amazed at the preserved Gomek alligator that lived at St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park for many years as an adult. He is from New Guinea and was 18 feet long and weighed about 2,000 pounds and was brought to St Augustine by adventurer George Craig in 1989. Watch a video of his history inside where you can take a quick break before continuing on your journey.
Native Swamp and Rookery
Located in the wading bird rookery you will find multiple species of birds from herons, egrets, and spoonbills surrounded by hundreds of alligators who keep them safe. Walk along the wooden walkway finding alligators basking in the sun all around you. Photographers and bird enthusiasts gather here to take pictures of the magnificent birds in their natural habitat. The astounding number of alligators to enjoy was peaceful as you matched their desire for nothing more than to enjoy the sun along with peace and quiet.
Gift Shop
They had the cutest gift shop available for your souvenir needs. From stuffed animals or books for the kids, to coffee mugs, snacks, and jewelry for the adults. You are sure to find something perfect to take home as a remembrance of your time here.
Flight and accommodations into St Augustine
Your Flight: Jackson International Airport (JAX) is the nearest airport for commercial airlines. Check out CheapOair for flight deals.
Your Accommodations: Browse booking.com or VRBO for options in St Augustine.
Add this attraction to your St Augustine list
Visiting St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park offered a unique experience. Typically, you might think of food tours and historical landmarks while visiting St Augustine but remember this park is one of Florida’s oldest attractions making it a destination that’s both educational and deeply rooted in the history of the area.
Come up close with the reptiles and learn from the passionate wildlife experts as you stand in amazement as they get up close with the crocodiles. This fun family experience will have your kids talking about the massive crocodiles, their experience soaring high above on the zipline or experiencing a theater show with an educational component.
Don’t miss the opportunity to support this popular St Augustine family destination.
Enjoy the journey,
Meet the author: Jennifer
I am a girl who loves to travel with my family and enjoys sharing expert family travel advice. I am a content creator and influencer on Instagram with years of travel experience and provide readers with advice, tips, and details on adventurous family travel and tips on saving money while boondocking or traveling across the US. You can usually find me dreaming up our next epic vacation or outside exploring natural landscapes. I am a fearless roadtripper who isn’t afraid to explore new and off the path adventures.
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St Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park creates lasting memories full of wild adventure. This park was established in 1893 and is one of Florida’s oldest attractions and the only place you can find all 24 species of crocodilians such as alligators, crocodiles, caimans, and gharials.