Animal Encounters

Meet cats and enjoy time together in a spacious lounge

Meet more than 100 animal species at a zoo and wildlife museum

Learn feline nutrition while serving dinner to rescue cats

Hands-on nature discovery for elementary-aged families

See Crocodile Encounter behind the scenes on a 1-hour guided feeding tour

Fish for crocs with a bamboo pole at Crocodile Encounter

Feed alligators and Nile crocodiles in a private, guide-led encounter

See resident bears with timed 40-minute viewing in Sitka

Private, captain-led exploration of Estero Bay’s backwaters and islands

Meet a spotlight-ready animal in Reptile Cove

Meet Bleu and learn about ball python habitats and diets

Learn hands-on baby gator wrangling with a keeper

Test your timing as alligators and crocodiles leap for a snack

Get close to Big Daddy alongside a lead keeper

Meet and feed gentle tortoises with a keeper

Charter the Prince Of Tides for a private dolphin and nature cruise

Walk Chincoteague’s history and birdwatching spots with a local guide

Cruise Chincoteague waters and look for bottlenose dolphins (1.5–2 hours)

Cruise Broad Creek and watch for Atlantic bottlenose dolphins

Cruise Broad Creek and watch the sun set

Cruise the intracoastal waterway and look for dolphins with a local captain

Meet goats, watch cheesemaking, and sample fresh farmstead cheese

Meet animal ambassadors and hand-feed two-toed sloths

Journey 80–100 miles offshore with expert naturalists to find whales and pelagic birds