Can visitors hold a baby alligator at Everglades Alligator Farm?

Yes, the Everglades Alligator Farm typically offers guests the opportunity to hold a baby alligator at the end of their Alligator Handling Show for a photo opportunity. There are also dedicated "Alligator Encounters" that include holding baby gators and interacting with a three-foot gator.

What should I expect during the airboat ride at Everglades Alligator Farm?

The airboat ride is a thrilling 20-25 minute experience that takes you across the "River of Grass" in the Everglades. Expect high speeds and exciting 360-degree turns. You will be provided with ear protection due to the noise, and it's common to get wet, especially in the front seats. During the ride, you'll have a chance to spot wild alligators, turtles, and various tropical wading birds.

Are there animals other than alligators to see at Everglades Alligator Farm?

Yes, in addition to over 2,000 alligators, the farm houses a variety of other animals. You can expect to see exotic snakes, tortoises, crocodiles, caimans, fish, parrots, and emus. Some exhibits have also included Florida panthers and capybaras.

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Everglades Alligator Farm

Step into the wild heart of Florida at Everglades Alligator Farm, a captivating destination near Homestead, where adventure and education intertwine.

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About

Step into the wild heart of Florida at Everglades Alligator Farm, a captivating destination near Homestead, where adventure and education intertwine. As South Florida's oldest alligator farm, this unique attraction offers an unparalleled opportunity to get up close and personal with over 2,000 alligators, along with a diverse collection of other fascinating reptiles and native wildlife. The farm itself is a charming "Old Florida-style" attraction, thoughtfully landscaped with shade trees, vibrant orchids, serene ponds, and cascading waterfalls, providing a pleasant environment to explore.A visit here is a thrilling journey into the Everglades ecosystem, highlighted by signature experiences.

Glide across the "River of Grass" on an exhilarating airboat ride, spotting wild alligators, turtles, and tropical wading birds in their natural habitat. Back on dry land, be captivated by the Alligator Handling Show, where expert handlers demonstrate ancient capturing techniques and educate visitors about these magnificent reptiles, including their relatives like crocodiles and caimans.

The excitement continues with the Alligator Feeding Show, a spectacle where hundreds of gators emerge from their breeding pond in a wild scramble for lunch, showcasing their incredible speed and feeding habits.Beyond the main attractions, the Everglades Alligator Farm offers hands-on experiences like the Alligator Encounters, allowing guests to hold a baby alligator and even feed larger ones from a VIP area. With its blend of educational exhibits, thrilling shows, and immersive nature experiences, it’s a perfect family-friendly destination for anyone eager to discover the unique wildlife and natural beauty of Florida's famous wetlands. Unlock an interactive field guide for this spot: get the Snappit app to identify nature on the go.

The Everglades Alligator Farm holds a notable place in South Florida's history, having been founded in 1982. Initially conceived as an attraction primarily offering airboat rides for visitors to observe alligators in their natural environment, its purpose soon expanded. By 1985, the farm received approval for commercial farming, which included conservation efforts for the species. It proudly claims to be the oldest alligator farm in South Florida and is situated conveniently near the entrance of Everglades National Park. The farm works closely with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, emphasizing responsible training and handling of alligators and their eggs.

Seasonal info

Florida's weather can be hot and humid, especially in summer. Airboat rides may be delayed or canceled during heavy rain due to visibility concerns. The cooler, drier winter months generally offer more comfortable visiting conditions.

Accessibility

The farm is described as "small and easy to navigate," suggesting it's suitable for families with small children. Specific wheelchair accessibility details are not extensively mentioned in the search results, but the compact nature suggests paved pathways for main areas.

Don't miss

Airboat Ride

A thrilling 20-25 minute journey through the Everglades, featuring high speeds, 360-degree turns, and opportunities to spot wild alligators, turtles, and wading birds. Ear protection is provided.

Alligator Handling Show

Witness expert handlers demonstrating traditional techniques to manage alligators, learning about the biology of alligators, crocodiles, and caimans. Visitors can often hold a baby alligator for a photo.

Alligator Feeding Show

Watch hundreds of alligators compete for food in their breeding pond, a captivating display of their natural hunting behaviors.

Alligator Encounters

A specialized experience allowing guests to hold baby alligators, interact with a three-foot gator, and feed over 250 large alligators in the breeding pond from a VIP area (requires separate booking).

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Black Vulture

American Alligator

Green Iguana

Collared Dove

Great Blue Heron

Brown Anole

Common Grackle

Northern Mockingbird

Brown Pelican

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Arrive early

Aim to arrive around opening time (9:00 AM) to beat the biggest crowds, especially for the airboat rides and shows, and to enjoy cooler temperatures.

Wear appropriate clothing

Since airboat rides can be wet, consider quick-drying clothes. Also, comfortable, lace-up shoes are recommended for walking around the farm.

Protect your electronics

If taking the airboat ride, keep cameras and phones in waterproof bags, as you will likely get wet.

Stay for the shows

The Alligator Handling and Feeding Shows are integral to the experience and provide both entertainment and education. Plan your visit around the hourly showtimes.

Consider an animal encounter

For a more hands-on experience, book an Alligator Encounter or Capybara Encounter in advance to feed and interact with specific animals.

Visit Robert Is Here Fruit Stand

Located nearby on the road to the farm, this famous fruit stand is a great spot for unique fruit shakes and local produce, perfect for a refreshing stop after your visit.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, the Everglades Alligator Farm typically offers guests the opportunity to hold a baby alligator at the end of their Alligator Handling Show for a photo opportunity. There are also dedicated "Alligator Encounters" that include holding baby gators and interacting with a three-foot gator.
: The airboat ride is a thrilling 20-25 minute experience that takes you across the "River of Grass" in the Everglades. Expect high speeds and exciting 360-degree turns. You will be provided with ear protection due to the noise, and it's common to get wet, especially in the front seats. During the ride, you'll have a chance to spot wild alligators, turtles, and various tropical wading birds.
: Yes, in addition to over 2,000 alligators, the farm houses a variety of other animals. You can expect to see exotic snakes, tortoises, crocodiles, caimans, fish, parrots, and emus. Some exhibits have also included Florida panthers and capybaras.