Many tourists are fascinated with seeing alligators in Florida.They can be seen in the wild if you know where to go (and have a little luck). Contact us! Many people traveling to this area are curious about our natural attractions, and no other animal peaks the interest of tourists as does the gator. Unless they have a cage near the dock with an alligator in it, there is no guarantee of seeing a wild alligator just because you are on an airboat. It isn’t exactly an Orlando natural attraction and neither is it free. During this drive, you will find over 362 different bird species, wild alligators, otters, bobcats, snakes and many other species of wildlife. Have a tip you'd like to share? Topics: Alligators | The Wild Florida blog is the place to learn about native Florida animals, airboat rides in Orlando and more! There have been 23 fatalities caused by wild alligators in Florida since 1973, according to data compiled by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Hunt wild alligators with certified outfitters and guides. There are several Florida nature sight seeing tours as well. Great day out for families, groups or couples. Alligators are not everywhere, but you might be surprised to see them in some places. However, if it’s raining during one those peak time periods, you may not see an alligator in the wild during an airboat ride. Alligators do live in the springs. Unless you're an early riser or a night owl, you're probably not going to spot an alligator. The Black Bear Wilderness Area in Sanford is a 7-mile tree-lined trail that slopes into the St. Johns River. Under no circumstance should you feed a wild alligator. Look out the window! Of course the best place to see alligators in Orlando is Gatorland. Myth: Alligators can grow to enormous proportions, over 20 feet in length and weighing a ton or more. So where should you go to see wild alligators in Orlando? And you’ll have plenty of places in captivity or the wild to choose from when you set out to observe some … Wild alligators don’t care if they live just a few miles from a NASA launch site. Factbox - About 1.3 million wild alligators in Florida but attacks rare Read full article An aerial view of the Grand Floridian is seen after a two-year-old boy was dragged by an alligator into the lagoon at the Walt Disney World resort in Orlando, Florida, U.S., June 15, 2016. #1 Source Orlando Tourist Tips on Attractions and Vacation Planning, Where to See Wild Alligators in Orlando – Natural Attractions, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, NBC Sports Grill & Brew at Universal’s CityWalk, Tips & Tools Help Stay Organized on Vacation, Traveling over Toll Road 417, I’ve seen gator noses dotting. It is guaranteed to see an alligator there – many, many gators. Of course the best place to see alligators in Orlando is Gatorland. 14 Best Places To See Wild Alligators In Florida Everglades National Park. With all of the beauty to take in, it might be easy to miss a gator-sighting. Alligators are everywhere in Florida – official estimates suggest there may be more than 1.25 million of them in Florida’s waters. Well, maybe not exactly. Do not take your dog near these bodies of water that have gators. Wild Alligators Up Close In The Florida Everglades. Planning a day at the springs? Meet these prehistoric reptiles at Gatorland, known as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” about 40 minutes south of downtown Orlando. See more ideas about Alligator, Crocodiles, American alligator. Unlike humans who peak as teens, alligators continue to grow as long as they live. The best times of the year to spot alligators is March through May (which means we are coming up on one of the perfect times to see these amazing creatures) and September through November. There are four different places where you can see or interact with alligators at Wild Florida: All four gator viewing areas are built around a pond holding alligators ranging in size from six feet to 13.5 feet long. These theme parks are your best bets if you really want to see an alligator during your Florida visit. The best time to spot gators is in the evening, once Lake commotion … On this 1-hour admission, you’ll see zebra, watusi, deer, water buffalo, emu, wild boar, zebu, and monster alligators! There are several places to see alligators in Orlando which are not free. Wildlife Park, Gate Price. Regardless, keep your eyes open near our waters and don’t become ‘gator bait.’, Alligators in Orlando, Gatorland, Natural Attractions. There are also both a 7-mile nature drive and boardwalks available to visitors. Retention ponds and man made canals through neighborhoods are often home to alligators. American Alligators are found in the Southeastern United States including Orlando. That is like inviting an alligator to dinner (which you are supplying). It's the eighth largest lake in Orlando, right behind Lake Jessup, and also has a dense alligator population. Other paid attractions featuring alligators include Fun Spot Orlando, Wild Florida, Central Florida Zoo and Gatorama Alligator Farm (several hours south of Orlando). Yes, there are crocodiles and caimans in Florida. Fact: The longest recorded length for an alligator is 19′ 2′. Alligators like sunny, mild days...they sure sound a lot like the general population when it comes to this weather request. Watch and listen. If you do find yourself in the extremely unlikely position of avoiding a lunging alligator, you should run in a straight line away from the alligator and its habitat. A great place to go to spot some alligators is the Monroe Harbour Marina. Wild Florida Airboats: Alligators in the wild - See 2,964 traveler reviews, 2,127 candid photos, and great deals for Kenansville, FL, at Tripadvisor. These are great natural resources and fun places to visit, but keep your eyes open. It is against the law. It is almost always possible to see alligators in the wild in a special area behind the visitors' center or from your car. There are probably more than 1 million alligators in Florida, most of them live in South Florida, but also a lot can be found in the Orlando area. Best of all take a thrilling ride on an airboat across a vast lake. In short, the alligators are federally protected because they look too similar to the crocodiles and caimans that are endangered in Florida. There's an awesome pathway that skirts Lake Monroe and puts the water right at your feet. South Florida is the only place where you will find the American Crocodile and the American Alligator coexisting in the wild. Another TIP: There is no basis to the myth that you should run in zig-zag patterns to avoid a charging alligator. A little thrashing and the event was quickly over with, and the water was still again. This animal was trapped in the early 1900’s in the State of Louisiana. It does make for an interesting story about your vacation though! If in a neighborhood dogs start to go missing, it is likely to be an alligator on a feeding … Sometimes, try as we might, our airboat captains aren’t always able to show off the wild alligators hanging out in Lake Cypress. ORLANDO TOURIST TIP: If you come across an aggressive alligator (and live to talk about it), report it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission by calling 1-866-FWC-GATOR. About 15 miles northwest of Orlando is an 11-mile driving trail along the 20,000 acres of Lake Apopka. A post earlier this year sparked many inquiries on where to see wild alligators in Orlando. Go on an airboat ride offered outside Orlando or Kissimmee and chances are you’ll be able to spot a few alligators. It isn’t exactly an Orlando natural attraction and neither is it free. With Orlando’s many natural attractions and manmade features appealing to alligators, your chances of seeing a wild alligator when visiting are fairly good – IF you are trying to. There is a hidden mystery about these giant reptiles of the water and since we were in the Florida Everglades, it only seemed right to visit them up close. If you will be staying a few days, relax in a chair outdoors and watch the water for their heads. Many provide an opportunity to see wild alligators. Carol you will be ok. Be careful if you walk your dog or start swimming somewhere, be sure it is free of alligators. On cooler days, alligators often sun themselves on the banks. Experience Alligators Up Close. This park offers a wide range of animals to see as well as alligators. Many resorts feature these types of water bodies. Do not go near a body of water that is known to contain alligators, especially in the evening. The easiest way to see an alligator is to go to one of the many zoos and alligator farms, but if you want to see these impressive reptiles in the wild, there are several places you can go to increase your chances of getting a really good look at them. Seven miles slightly north of Lake Jessup, is Lake Monroe. Stay in cozy lodges at your hunting trips with South Florida Fishing and Hunting on Lake Okeechobee. Alligators. A lot of lakes, swamps, ponds and canals can have at least one or more alligators in them. Some gators may lose their natural fear of humans, especially if fed by humans. The memory still remains. I lived in Orlando for ten years, and I saw wild alligators twice in my life. Take a fun ride with Wild Florida Airboats through a natural wildlife park filled with alligators, eagles, birds and a variety of Floridian flora and fauna. Those fatalities were among 383 unprovoked bites not caused by someone handling or intentionally harassing an alligator. The Wild Florida Airboats tours head into the unique landscape of the Central Florida Everglades, with its miles of stunning wetlands that can only be accessed via an airboat. Gator attacks in Florida are very rare. Most hunters are only allowed a few tags per season, but do offer tourists to hire them as a guide service. There are times when she's just not willing to put on a show. Posted on March 20, 2019 by Gretta Kennedy. Eight children, ages 2 to 16, are among the fatalities. You must be a licensed trapper with a permit and tags. Males are usually larger than females. © 2020 - Orlando Tourist Tips Airboat Tours, Alligators are most difficult to spot during the summer when it is hot out. You are much more likely to be bitten by a shark in the ocean (more on that some other time). Enjoy a tour through the Wild Florida Wildlife Park to see some of Florida’s native wildlife including giant alligators, wild foxes, lemurs, and more. My most memorable sighting of an alligator happened at Lake Baldwin in Winter Park. Join us for a Wild adventure Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations can be made Monday through Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Sundays. Most alligators fear humans and will flee when sighted. Hum…. While there are some monsters out there, most gators are less than 6 feet long, but 8 – 10 foot long gators are not uncommon. Entering the park through the main gateway from Highway 44 puts you on a scenic gravel roadway snaking through the front end of the park, providing views of the gators lounging in roadside pools. Even if you don't see an alligator in the wild during an airboat ride, you are guaranteed to see alligators in our Wildlife and Nature Park at Wild Florida. See Wild Alligators in Orlando – Guaranteed! These are not pets! Most alligators are smaller than tourists think. 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