Discover Gators2023-08-04T08:54:22-05:00

Discover Gators

The Gulfarium is home to several life stages of Florida’s state reptile, the American alligator. Meet and touch our juvenile gators, then set foot into the large gator habitat for a closer look at these fascinating swamp dwellers.

DISCOVER GATORS

Fast Facts

Price: $39.00

Ages: 5 and up

Duration: ~20 minutes

* Does not include admission

Touch and hold | Up close and personal

Venture into Fort Gator to meet our two adult American Alligators, Brutus, our 500-pound, 11-foot male, and Glades, our 7-foot, 190-pound female. You’ll get to learn all about these modern-day dinosaurs and how they are important to our ecosystem here in Florida. During the Spring and Summer, guests even get the opportunity to feed them! Next you will have the opportunity to meet and touch a baby American alligator and learn about their journey in the wild and the habits they exhibit while they are this small.

  • Participants must be at least five (5) years of age due to height limitations and educational content. Age limit is strictly enforced.
  • Participants with special needs including mobility, seeing, or hearing impairments must contact Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park prior to reserving the encounter.
  • Encounter must be paid in full at the time of reservation.
  • Encounters continue rain or shine, no refunds or exchanges due to inclement weather.
  • 24-hour notice must be given in order to receive a full refund of the purchase price.
  • In the event that an encounter must be rescheduled within 24 hours prior to the encounter start time, or after a missed encounter, a rebooking fee of 25% of the encounter purchase price will be applied. Rebooking is subject to program availability and is not guaranteed.
  • Cameras/phones are not allowed into animal enclosures or on docks as participants’ hands must be free to interact with the animals.  Family and friends are welcome to take photos from general admission viewing areas.
  • For the safety of the animals, remove jewelry and loose articles from pockets prior to the start of the encounter.
  • All pricing is subject to change.

Watch a sneak peak of the Discover Gators encounter!

baby alligator sticking his head above the water

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to go into the enclosure with the adult gators?2023-03-15T17:51:54-05:00

Yes. Encounter participants will be led into the exhibit by an experienced Gulfarium reptile keeper. Participants will stand in a safe area of the exhibit with an unobstructed view of the gators.

Do I get to touch the gators?2023-03-15T17:51:54-05:00

There will be opportunities throughout the program to touch the juvenile American alligators.

What types of reptiles will I get to meet?2023-03-15T17:51:54-05:00

You will have the opportunity to learn about and meet juvenile American alligators, and enter the habitat of adult American alligators.

My child is four years old, can they participate?2023-03-15T17:51:54-05:00

No, participants must be at least five (5) years of age.

Can I reschedule my encounter for a different day if something comes up? What if I miss my scheduled encounter?2023-03-16T15:24:51-05:00

If more than 24 hours notice is given, an encounter can be rescheduled at no charge. Rescheduling is subject to program availability and is not guaranteed. In the event that an encounter must be rescheduled within the 24-hour window prior to the encounter start time, or after a missed encounter, a rebooking fee of 25% of the encounter purchase price will be applied. Call 850-243-9046 x 4 for assistance.

Can I get a refund if I need to cancel my reservation?2023-03-16T15:24:10-05:00

24-hour notice must be given in order to receive a full refund of the purchase price.  Call 850-243-9046 x 4 for assistance.

Can I get a refund if it is raining on the day of my encounter?2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

Encounters continue rain or shine, no refunds or exchanges due to inclement weather.

Does the encounter price include general admission?2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

Unless otherwise noted, the encounter price does not include general admission.  General admission must be purchased in addition to the encounter.

Can I take photos during my encounter?2023-03-15T17:51:55-05:00

Cameras/phones are not allowed into animal enclosures or on docks as participants’ hands must be free to interact with the animals.  Family and friends are welcome to take photos from viewing areas.

five gold stars

“This was the coolest birthday gift for my husband!

We both learned so much about alligators and we even got to hold a baby alligator!”

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