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Zoos

Croc Encounters

📍 Greater Thonotosassa, FL

★4.7(1,526 Google reviews)

Croc Encounters runs guided tours through a sanctuary housing over 30 crocodilian species plus snakes, lizards, turtles, tortoises, and amphibians. Visitors feed turtles and alligators hands-on with knowledgeable guides.

✓ reptiles✓ crocodilians✓ guided tours✓ hands-on✓ wildlife sanctuary✓ birthday parties
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★★★★★Featured review by Angie Boyd

Absolutely amazing. Hands on experiences paired with a wealth of knowledge. Great opportunity for any age.

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with kids aged 5 and up who are curious about reptiles and wildlife. The guided format keeps the experience structured and safe for children of all confidence levels. Kids who are nervous around reptiles are introduced gradually by trained staff. Alligator wrestling shows add a theatrical element for older children and teens.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Book guided tours in advance, especially for weekend visits and birthday parties
⏰Check the public events calendar for alligator wrestling show dates
đŸŽŸī¸Educational school programs cover specific themes — contact the team to arrange a curriculum-linked visit
🚗Wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes — tours move through outdoor and covered animal areas

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.7
★★★★★

1,526 Google reviews

Expert, engaging guides50%
Hands-on animal access35%
Species variety15%
A

Angie Boyd

★★★★★

“Absolutely amazing. Hands on experiences paired with a wealth of knowledge. Great opportunity for any age.”

A

Adrianna Endres

★★★★★

“Had a blast here! Keona was such a great guide super friendly!! I really enjoyed the tour and seeing all they had. Will be bringing our guests!”

K

kim anderson

★★★★★

“Wonderful experience at Croc Encounters. We got a real up close encounter with all sorts of animals! Kiana was our tour guide and she was incredibly knowledgeable, friendly and very considerate! We even got to feed the turtles and alligators. I highly recommend visiting Croc Encounters! Well worth the price, (much cheaper than zoo Tampa) and make sure you tip your tour guide! Thank you!”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Croc Encounters is a wildlife sanctuary in Tampa specialising in reptiles and crocodilians, with species including American alligators, Nile crocodiles, ball pythons, boa constrictors, sulcata tortoises, and dozens more. Guided tours are led by named, knowledgeable staff — reviewers frequently call out guides by name. Hands-on feeding of turtles and alligators is part of the standard tour.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday08:00 – 20:00
Tuesday08:00 – 20:00
Wednesday08:00 – 20:00
Thursday08:00 – 20:00
Friday08:00 – 20:00
Saturday08:00 – 20:00
Sunday08:00 – 20:00

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