There are lots to love about Florida – the weather certainly rates high on the list. But along with the sandy beaches and variety of attractions up and down the state, there is also a wealth of exciting adventures that await animal lovers. If you like your animals swimming in the water, flying through the air, or prowling and crawling, there are plenty of unique, exciting attractions in Florida.
Gatorland
Join the fun in Orlando, FL, as the Alligator Capital of the World celebrates their 70th anniversary. A trip to Gatorland is an up-close adventure with amazing alligators, including the extremely rare white leucistic gators. The park is also home to crocodiles, a free-flight aviary, tortoises, wild cats and the chance to feed lovable animals at the petting zoo. Visit the Swamp Walk or Alligator Breeding Marsh; there isn’t a better place to see alligators and crocodiles of all sizes, from babies, to the 14-foot monsters. Enjoy the Gator Wrestlin’ Show, where you can sit on the back of a real alligator! Save over 25%
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
We have another anniversary, this time in Tampa, FL, where Busch Gardens is celebrating 60 years. From the exotic to the endangered, you can meet more than 300 species of animals at Busch Gardens. Commemorative activities are planned throughout 2019 to celebrate 60 years of fun and thrill rides, including the return of two complimentary beer samples included in park admission. And don’t forget: Tigris is coming. Florida’s tallest launch coaster is set to open in Spring. Save over 30%
The Florida Aquarium
Staying in Tampa, let’s head downtown to one of the top aquariums in the world. The 250,000 sq-ft aquarium tells Florida’s unique water story as it follows a drop of water from its underground source to the open sea and is home to more than 20,000 aquatic plants and animals. The Florida Aquarium was recently voted third in the nationwide USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best Aquarium. The Florida Aquarium was the only aquarium representing Florida in the Best Aquariums category. Wetlands Trail, Journey to Madagascar, Bays and Beaches, and Coral Reef are just a few of the amazing exhibits that illustrates why the Florida Aquarium is where the whole family can enjoy a fun day learning about marine life. Save 60%
Discovery Cove
Imagine a place where you and your family can touch and swim with dolphins, wade with mysterious rays, snorkel among thousands of exotic fish, hand-feed tropical birds in a free-flight aviary and relax on pristine beaches. Discovery Cove in Orlando, FL, is a full-day, all-inclusive adventure featuring all your meals, drinks and gear. Relax and explore rocky lagoons surrounded by lush landscaping, tropical reefs, winding rivers, and white, sandy beaches. Your reserved 30-minute dolphin swim experience will be truly unforgettable. A trainer will teach you all about dolphin habits, behaviors and their incredible communication abilities, all the while your dolphin entertains with tricks, flips and fin-waving. Feed the dolphins, rub their smooth skin and have your picture taken with them. Buy now and save
Clearwater Marine Aquarium
The Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a wonderful, family-favorite where guests can view, touch and experience the biology and behavior of bottlenose dolphins, loggerhead sea turtles, river otters, stingrays, and many more. Check out the Dolphin Terrace, home to their male resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, Nicholas. The aquarium’s marine life rescue center is home to Winter the Dolphin, star of the popular Dolphin Tale movies, filmed on location in Clearwater, FL! Come be inspired and learn about the aquarium’s ongoing work of rescue, rehabilitation and release. Save up to 24%
Marineland Dolphin Adventure
In St. Augustine, FL, you can explore decades of Florida history. Come swim with the dolphins, check out the sea turtles and sand tiger sharks, experience captivating history, and get involved in various conservation efforts at Marineland Dolphin Adventure. With the new Behind the Seas Park Pass, guests are able to watch the Atlantic bottlenose dolphins from a closer venue on the dolphin deck. The Behind the Seas Tour will take you on a journey back in time and discover the iconic history of the world’s first oceanarium, where dolphin echolocation was first discovered, and where the first dolphin was ever trained. The popular marine attraction celebrated its 80th anniversary this past summer. Save 30%
By Jeff Hyatt