tour in alligator farm

Breaking News:

Gator Park is open every day. No reservations required, just show up!

NPS Entrance Fee is now $8 per person for adults, free for seniors, children under 16, National Park passholders, military and veterans.

Please be advised that holding live baby alligator for a photo is no longer allowed. Thank you for your understanding.

We have a limitied availability for private tours. Please call to make reservation in advance. 

Walk-ins are always welcome!

Attention Drivers: Please exercise increased caution while traveling on US41 due to current road conditions. Stay alert, reduce speed , and maintain a safe following distance. 

Welcome to GATOR PARK

An alligator adventure in the heart of the everglades national park..

Looking for some serious gator action? Gator Park is the premier airboat tour in the Florida Everglades to spy these fierce reptiles. Airboat rides depart every few minutes, so your Everglades experience begins the moment you arrive. We also offer private airboat tours for a more up close and personal look at the alligators .

The Everglades National Park is known for its vast wildlife, many of whom you’ll meet on your airboat tour. From endangered birds you won’t find anywhere else to small creatures that live among these wild alligators , you’ll see Florida as few people do.

The Everglades' marine life includes more than 200,000 alligators, so you’re guaranteed to spy quite a few on your Everglades tour! American crocodiles and fish, including large mouth bass,  blue gil and catfish, are also frequent guest stars on the tour.

More than 28 different snakes - a few of which are venomous – also call the Everglades home, alongside the beautiful and elusive endangered Florida panther.

Experience this unique Miami, Florida attraction by booking your airboat ride through the Everglades National Park today. Give us a call at 800-559-2205 or buy tour tickets online now.

Ready to meet the gators? You’ve come to the right place. Buy your airboat tour tickets online and save time and money at the park. No reservations required! Your tickets will be available at Gator Park on the day of your airboat safari.

Airboat Tours

Get ready for the ride of your life. The Gator Park Airboat Tour begins by winding down the canal, providing plenty of photo ops to catch wildlife in their natural habitat. Experienced guides offer tips to ensure you spot alligators large and small...

Wildlife Show

Go beyond the Everglades with Gator Park's famous alligator and wildlife show and watch alligators from just a few steps away! This barehanded technique was originally used to capture alligators and showcases the great power and agility of the gators.

ALLIGATOR TOUR HOURS & RATES

Looking for a unique change of pace from other Florida tourist attractions? An Everglades airboat safari is just what you need. Gator Park is open and ready for your Everglades adventure every day, rain or shine! (The gators like the rain.)

Monday – Sunday:

• 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Last wildlife show:

Last airboat departure:

Tickets to Gator Park include admission, airboat ride through the Everglades and watch alligators at the Wildlife show. Buy tickets online and save. 

• Adults: $29.99 ($29.99 at the gate)
• Children: $19.99 (Kids 1-5 years old ride for free!)

Private airboat tours run on your schedule and are a great way to get up close and personal with the gators. Rates are by the hour.

• 1-4 People: $525.00
• 5-6 People: $695.00
• 7-10 People: $895.00
• 11-15 People: $995.00
• 16-24 People: $1495.00

$8 National Park Service entry fee is not included.

Excluded from National Park entrance fees:

• Children under the age of 16
• National Park passholders
• Senior citizens (62+ years of age)
• Active Military personnel with proper ID

Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover and Diner's Club cards accepted for all our Everglades attractions.

Welcome to Alligator Alley

Start your self-guided tour adventure with a walk to the elevated viewing platform, where you can see over 600 alligators now from hatchlings to mature adults, relaxing, sunbathing, courting and nesting. After a breath taking view, continue your adventure with a nature walk on the elevated boardwalk and see alligators in their natural habitat along with other natural inhabitants such as turtles, ospreys, owls and bull frogs only a couple feet away!

Facts & Mythbusters

Did you know that alligators can go as long as 18 months with no food? It’s rare, but not impossible. Learn more fascinating facts about these incredible creatures.

Parties & Groups

Looking for the perfect place for your birthday party, field trip or even just a fun outing for your family/friends? We have special rates for your group!

Hands On Experiences

Feed them. hold them. have lunch with them..

After you’ve finished your self-guided adventure and walking tour along the elevated boardwalk, you may feel like you’re ready to get to know your new friends a little better. Come hang out in our air-conditioned gator station, where you can hold a baby alligator.

Testimonials

We had so much fun! The staff was great! Wes was so passionate and informative. Sherri was so sweet and let us walk Pickles! (Thanks to Chris for wrangling Pickles for us!) We had a wonderful time and plan on being back!

This is the only place that makes me feel like a kid in a candy store. I’ve always been fascinated by alligators so I think this place is awesome! Can’t wait to go back for a 3rd time! My son was just a baby last year but I think he’d really enjoy it now so I’m really looking forward to it!

Today I visited Alligator Alley. I am seven years old, and I had so much fun. I came home and looked at the website. I think that your park is a great place, and I decided that I would like to work there one day. I love Captain Crunch! He and the Colonel and Big Moe were my favorites!

Just wanted to say that you guys have a fantastic place! My family and I enjoyed our visit. There were so many great things. It was very helpful having Evan around.

It was an experience we will never forget and we keep talking about to others. It is really nice to go to places where you can interact with animals but also have a friendly and knowledgable staff.

TODAY'S HOURS: 9AM – 5PM

ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

Animal encounters at the Alligator Farm provide an exciting opportunity to get up close and personal with some of our zoo’s most fascinating species.

Each Animal Encounter has specific rules and regulations that must be observed in order to ensure the safety of our visitors and animals. Please read the Animal Encounter policies within the description of each Encounter. 

GALAPAGOS TORTOISE ENCOUNTER

Come face to face with the largest terrestrial turtles in the world and the oldest residents at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm. In this Encounter, you will enter the habitat of our tortoises to feel a 100-year-old tortoise shell and learn about the importance of this species and their unique home on the Galapagos Islands.

ENCOUNTER INFORMATION:

Time: 11:00 am Days: Tuesday – Sunday Price: $35 per person in addition to zoo admission Note: Encounter runs 15-20 minutes. There is a 6-person maximum.

Children two and under are not permitted during encounters or tours. All participants must be paying guests or members of the Alligator Farm or must receive permission from the St. Augustine Alligator Farm’s Education Department, in order to participate. All tickets are non-refundable/non-returnable. We are unable to issue exchanges or refunds after a purchase has been made including but not limited to lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed tickets. However, these encounters take place in the homes of our animals due to safety, we reserve the right to cancel encounters without advanced notice due to emergency. In the event of a cancellation that occurred on behalf of the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, a full refund for the encounter will be offered.

A minimum of 24 hours notice is required to book.

MAXIMO ENCOUNTER

In this dramatic encounter, you’ll have an up-close view of Maximo’s incredible feeding process as the 15-foot, 1,250-pound croc leaps from the water to retrieve his dinner. A saltwater crocodile, or “Saltie” as his species is called in Australia, Maximo hatched from an egg collected by Aboriginal people along an Australian riverbank. He was brought to the Alligator Farm in 2003, and since then has been the zoo’s largest and most beloved Saltie. During the Maximo encounter, you will be permitted to accompany our zookeepers and educators atop Maximo’s feeding platform, where you’ll hear a short presentation about saltwater crocodiles’ diets, behaviors, and habitats, and about the role the Alligator Farm plays in their conservation. You’ll then experience the feeding session from our elevated platform that will give you a new perspective to our top predator.

Time: 12:00 pm Day: Saturday Price: $25 per person in addition to zoo admission Note: Encounter runs 15-20 minutes. There is a 6-person maximum.

This encounter requires all participants to be able to walk up a set of stairs leading to the feeding platform. You are strongly encouraged to read about Saltwater Crocodiles before your Maximo Encounter to make the most of your experience. Photography is permitted and encouraged, but no food or drink are allowed in the Maximo Encounter. Participants must stay with our zookeepers and educators at all times in order to ensure the health and safety of our animals.

RAINFOREST SLOTH ENCOUNTER

Interact with the zoo’s most charismatic mammals—our Hoffman’s two-toed sloths, Teddy, Grizzly, and Winnie! The Rainforest Encounter places you up close and personal with the sloths, even providing opportunities to touch these shy animals. A brief introduction will provide an overview of the species’ habitats, behaviors, and diet, and you’ll also learn about the conservation work being done at the Alligator Farm to protect sloths throughout the world. You’ll then have a 15 to 20-minute physical encounter with the sloths, as our staff facilitates your feeding of our sloths their favorite fruits and veggies.

Time: 2:30 pm Days: Thursday – Sunday Price: $55 per person in addition to zoo admission Note: Encounter runs 15-20 minutes. There is a 4-person maximum.

You are strongly encouraged to read about Hoffman’s two-toed sloths before your Rainforest Sloth Encounter to make the most of your experience. Photography is permitted and encouraged, but no food or drink are allowed in the Rainforest Sloth Encounter. Participants must stay with our zookeepers and educators at all times in order to ensure the health and safety of our animals.

In following our veterinarian’s recommendations to keep our animals healthy, we are requiring all guests who participate in the encounter to follow these simple guidelines:

• All guests will be required to wash their hands immediately prior to the encounter. Our staff will ask your entire party to visit the restrooms before to do so.
• Your party will then be asked to use hand sanitizer when debriefing inside the habitat.

General Policies for All Animal Encounters

Children two and under are not permitted during encounters or tours. All participants must be paying guests or members of the Alligator Farm or must receive permission from the St. Augustine Alligator Farm’s Education Department, in order to participate. All tickets are non-refundable/non-returnable. We are unable to issue exchanges or refunds after a purchase has been made including but not limited to lost, stolen, damaged or destroyed tickets. However, these encounters take place in the homes of our animals due to safety, we reserve the right to cancel encounters without advanced notice due to emergency. In the event of a cancellation that occurred on behalf of the St. Augustine Alligator Farm, a full refund for the encounter will be offered.

BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR

Experience a unique fun-filled behind the scenes tour at the St. Augustine Alligator Farm Zoological Park with one of our expert educators.

On this walking tour, you will be invited to go behind the glass and take part in up-close animal experiences. You will have the opportunity to touch, feed, and see exclusive ambassador animals as you learn all about the global conservation efforts the Alligator Farm is a part of.

TOUR INFORMATION:

Time: 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm Days: Tuesday – Sunday Price: $15 per person in addition to zoo admission. Note: 6-person maximum

24 hours advance booking required. Children two and under are not permitted during encounters or tours. All participants must be guests or members of the Alligator Farm or must receive permission from the St. Augustine Alligator Farm’s Education Department in order to participate.

Everglades Tours

Animal encounters, alligator shows, and much more, everglades airboat tours, everglades vip tour, animal encounters, alligator shows, group tours & events, everglades holiday park airboat tours & rides in fort lauderdale, fl.

Welcome to Everglades Holiday Park Airboat Tours & Rides! We are located in sunny South Florida, just outside of Fort Lauderdale and Miami. Our world-famous airboat ride and alligator park is a top attraction for locals and visitors alike. It’s perfect for kids and adults of all ages.

Climb aboard one of our state-of-the-art vessels for an unforgettable Everglades airboat tour . Then, experience a live alligator show featuring the Gator Boys Alligator Rescue team in our world-famous Gator Pit! Even get an opportunity to hold a baby alligator. With miles of wetlands and mangrove tunnels, you’ll journey deep into the Florida Everglades, zipping across the “River of Grass” at top speeds with an expert airboat tour guide.

Our fleet of airboats are spacious safe, offers comfort, and covered protection from all weather conditions. Lock eyes with an American alligator and snap amazing pictures as you come face-to-face with some of the most unusual and exciting animals. Don’t forget to upgrade your boat ride experience with an animal encounter. There’s only one Everglades and only one way to see it. 

AIRBOAT TOURS & ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS

Exciting tours.

Experience a tour as stunning as it is intriguing. Our tours of the ‘Glades are unlike any other—packed with facts, history, and educational tidbits about this distinct Florida region filled with unparalleled wildlife; our exclusive fan boat tours offer you an exhilarating thrill like never before. The following are included.

• *60-Minute Everglades Airboat Tours
• 20-Minute Live Alligator Show
• 1 Premium Group Photo for Your Party
• Unmatched Family Fun for All Members

VIP TOUR WITH TRANSPORTATION

Your tour should be the very best—that’s why we make it more seamless than ever to ensure your visit is exhilarating, streamlined, and as memorable as can be. In other words, leave the round-trip transportation planning to us. Our tour transportation packages offer you a ride from our park. Includes: 

• Round-Trip Transportation Included
• *60-Minute, Fully Narrated Airboat Tour
• 20-Minute Live Alligator Show 

Wildlife & Animal Encounters Experience

Discover the thrill of interacting in a private setting with up to 5 exciting and unique, uncaged animals during our private tour. Listen and learn as our professional animal handlers dive into deep, detailed explanations, fun facts, and intriguing information about some of the most interesting and distinctive wildlife.

• 45-minute Animal Encounter Experience 
• Stories and Fun Facts About the Animals
• Professional Photos Included
• Special Packages Available

EXOTIC, EDUCATIONAL FUN

Our thrilling airboat rides through the Florida Everglades offer both education and entertainment (we call it edutainment) —with experienced captains, cutting-edge performers, and exceptionally talented wildlife handlers on our team, we’re proud to offer an experience unlike any other.

join us in Fort Lauderdale for a thrilling experience, and also available with round-trip transportation included!

Adrenaline Packed

60-minute airboat tour.

Glide through the wetlands of the Everglades at top speeds for amazing views, unparalleled thrills, and a thoroughly stunning experience! Our expert guides will take you on an enthralling tour of this distinctive habitat while imparting their vast knowledge of the plants and animals that call it home. Get ready to see alligators, rare birds, and other amazing creatures up close.

Leave the transportation up to us for an effortless vacation. When you book an airboat tour with transportation, we’ll handle the to-and-from accommodations—you handle the 1-hour airboat tour, exclusive live alligator show, and 1 free premium group photo per party. This VIP experience is created to satisfy the needs of explorers who seek both the excitement of exploration and the comfort and convenience of seamless transportation. With our VIP Tour, you can take your journey to the next level and make memories that will last a lifetime.

OUR EXCITING WILDLIFE

Our animal encounters offer you the chance to experience exciting and interesting wildlife as up close and personal as possible. Meet our uncaged animals courtesy of our expert wildlife handlers—learn about their diet, lifestyle, habitat, and much more

OUR GROUP TOURS & ADVENTURES

From school field trips to corporate team building activities, our group tours make for epic, fun-sized adventures. No matter what your event—a family gathering, birthday party, or a summer camp field trip—we can accommodate your party in style.

Stop by The

Gator bites café & gift shop.

If you’ve worked up an alligator-sized appetite while here at our park, you can chomp on some delicious treats from our full-service café and deli. From tasty breakfast and lunch options, we’re proud to offer both kid-friendly delights as well as some more exotic delicacies (an order of frog legs, please). Don’t forget a souvenir from our gift shop to remember your once-in-a-lifetime experience. Gator Bites Café & Gift Shop is more than just a pit stop.

A PRIVATE AIRBOAT TOUR

Climb aboard for a personalized experience just for you and your party. You tell us where you’d like to go how fast to do it, and your wish is our command. Enjoy the wetlands at top speeds for a thrilling adventure, or take a moment to slow down and savor the scenery. You have the freedom to explore, whether they be close encounters with wildlife or peaceful periods in unspoiled wilderness. Our guides will offer a fully narrated experience at your preferred pace.

THE GATOR BOYS IN ACTION

Live shows at the world-famous Gator Pit.

High-octane performances and captivating education about alligators.

Witness a mind-blowing, up-close-and-personal look at the antics and demeanor of rescued American alligators.

Our tour is loaded with excitement and maximum entertainment in mind—that’s why each tour includes an action-packed live alligator show. Our 20-minute gator shows offer heart-pumping stunts peppered with tons of educational facts—all brought to you by the Gator Boys Alligator Rescue team from Animal Planet’s hit TV series.

NEWS & ARTICLES

Visiting everglades national park.

Everglades National Park wasn’t established until 1947, and by then, the damage to the Everglades was already noticeable.

Decades Of Restoration Work – The Everglades Bridge That Changed it All

10 surprising facts about the everglades.

Do you know the Florida Everglades? You might be surprised to learn that America’s wetland is actually a river. Here are 5 surprising facts about the Everglades.

EVERGLADES TOURS, ALLIGATOR SHOWS, AND ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS EXPERIENCE

Our cutting-edge airboats provide a smooth and secure ride, allowing you to concentrate on taking in the surrounding natural beauty.

After your *60-minute Everglades airboat adventure concludes, take in an exciting and educational alligator presentation where you’ll learn all about the American alligator! As part of the airboat tour experience, you’ll receive 1 free group photo per party to remember your fun-filled day at the park! If that’s not enough, GO WILD with our animal encounters experience, where you’ll meet, interact with, and learn about five different animals within a private area inside our park.

No matter where your interests lie, you’ll find something to enjoy during your stay with us. Just ask the locals: they know Everglades Holiday Park is a great place to host a birthday party or a corporate event. Our private airboat tours cater to parties of 2 or more. You can also customize unique shore excursions for your entire group.

As you soar over the glassy waters near Everglades National Park, our designated coast guard will reveal secret information about this unique ecosystem as you soar over the glassy waters. The lush mangroves provide a welcoming aura, and the chirping sounds of animals affirm that you are truly experiencing the purest form of nature.

🐊 Alligator Farm Tour (With an Airboat Ride & Wildlife Show)

🐊 experience the "real" everglades, book online — save $5, view photos.

Listen to the tour introduction before you go

The main pick-up spot, hotel pickup and return, your tour includes....

• Holiday Park admission (a $41 value!)
• 1-hour airboat tour (50% longer than other places)
• Live show by the Gator Boys from Animal Planet TV
• Free professional grade group photo (a $7 value)
• Luggage storage on the bus

Customer reviews

What you should do now.

• We already did a tour just like yours . (We've been guiding tours around Miami for over 10 years.) 5-star reviews are fairly common. So if you'd like us to be your guide —to dramatically improve the experience of everyone in your group— check availability now . If you prefer to buy tickets by phone, call us directly at 305-260-6855.
• Still have questions? We appreciate how hard it can be to take a tour with a company you just met, so here is how we made it easy: you contact us letting us know what you need. You don't need to provide anything, if you just have some questions.
• If you want to receive a proposal, please tell us the dates, amount of people, and what you want to do. For example, the name of this shared experience is the "Aligator Farm Tour" . All activities are covered by our Bad Weather Guarantee, which is described here Why wait? Check availability now.

Orange Hill Gator Farm

850-527-1383 to schedule your private tour, alligator tours near panama city beach, fl.

★★★★★ "Great place to have a birthday party. Fun for kids and adults!"

–g. waddell.

Family Activities in Panama City 🐊

Alligator Tours 🐊

Animal Photos 🐊

This panama city beach attraction is made for kids and families, " best activity we did in florida " ★★★★★.

Contact us to schedule your tour today!

• Animal Sanctuary & Alligator Park

3 attractions

20 min show

1-2 hour visit

There’s a good chance you’ll see alligators and other wild animals on our airboat and swamp buggy tours, but Mother Nature makes no guarantees. That’s where our Animal Sanctuary & Alligator Park comes in! It’s home to animals like turtles, a lion, alligators, and otters. Our professional alligator handlers put on a live alligator show hourly. Our handlers will thrill you, fascinate you with alligator trivia, and let you hold and hug an alligator!

3 Attractions Included with All Our Tours

Animal Sanctuary

Alligator show.

Hug an Alligator

Live alligator shows run hourly between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m, with the last show starting at 4:00 pm.

Our expert handlers will show you the power and beauty of these magnificent creatures. Feel free to ask questions and learn everything you wanted to know about the uniquely American alligator. After the show, you can even hold and hug a baby alligator.

Upgrade Your Tour

+ Add Swamp Buggy Tour

+ Add Grasslands Airboat Tour

+ Add Extended Airboat Tour

Choose the right tour.

• On a 30-minute Grassland Airboat Tour you'll take an airboat through the expansive grassland and mangroves on 259 acres of private land. Boats seat a maximum of 15 guests.
• On a 50-minute Extended Airboat Tour , you'll explore the grasslands and get deeper into the mangroves where the larger boats can't go. Boats seat 9 guests.
• On a 50-minute Private Airboat Tour , you get the same amazing experience as the Extended Tour, but the entire boat is reserved only for your party. Boats seat up to 9 guests.
• On a 30-minute Swamp Buggy Tour , you'll explore exclusive grasslands and cypress forests from a raised buggy, which seats up to 22 guests.
• For groups of 20+ people, see our group tour page for discounts on airboat and swamp buggy tours.
• If you have students K-12, create a fun, educational experience with an  Everglades Field Trip .

Guests Love Us!

"What an amazing day! Airboat ride and swamp buggy were so great! Got to see the Everglades, a lot of gators, bear tracks, birds and vultures. Staff was friendly and accommodating. They knew a great deal about the animals in the area and answered a lot of questions. I highly recommend!"

—S. from North Carolina

"The airboat was a thrilling ride and we saw a lot of alligators! The swamp buggy was fun and fascinating. This is definitely the place to go to check off your bucket list. Everyone working there was friendly and gave us a great time! I would definitely do this again."

—L. from Florida

—C.Z.

"We sat in the front row for the airboat tour and it was so much fun. The captain was very knowledgeable with a sense of humor. Seeing the alligators and holding them was something I never thought I would get to do!"

—S. from Massachusetts

Why Choose Wooten's?

Local Roots

Most of our team grew up in the Everglades and they all look forward to sharing their passion for the water and wildlife with you!

Safety & Experience

Our safe, experienced captains are licensed by the Coast Guard, and our boats are regularly maintained.

Alligators & Animals

You'll definitely see alligators and other animals in our sanctuary, and you might even see wild ones on your tour!

Quietest & Comfiest

Our custom airboats are the quietest and most comfortable they've ever been, with a ride just as thrilling.

A Timeless Classic

Wooten's has a long history of delighting customers since 1953!

Refreshments & Gifts

Buy refreshments and take Everglades gifts and souvenirs home with you.

Top Questions

• 45 minutes from Naples
• 75 minutes from Fort Myers
• 90 minutes from Miami
• 3 hours from Tampa
• 4 hours from Orlando

Don't use Uber, Lyft, or other ride-sharing services. They can't pick you up when you're done!

• Yes, all ages are welcome on all our tours.
• Any passengers aged 17 or younger must be accompanied by at least one passenger who is aged 18 or older.
• Coast Guard regulations require everyone, even infants on your lap, to buy a seat.
• Consider bringing sunblock, bug spray, and comfortable shoes and clothes.
• You might get a little wet from small splashes and spray.
• If rain is forecasted, we recommend bringing a poncho.
• Many guests see wild alligators, birds, and other wildlife on their airboat and buggy tours, but Mother Nature makes no guarantees, so neither can we.
• You will definitely see alligators and other rescued animals in our Animal Sanctuary , an attraction included with all our tours.
• Our tours run rain or shine, except when there's a thunderstorm.
• We don't refund bookings if you cancel too close to a tour's departure time (check the policy when booking).
• Sometimes we need to delay due to thunderstorms or other unforeseen circumstances. We'll do our best to reschedule or issue a refund.
• Our airboat docks are handicap accessible, but wheelchairs can’t be loaded onto our airboats.
• If anyone in your party is using a wheelchair, please be sure they can move from the wheelchair onto the airboat.
• For everyone's safety, pets and service animals are not allowed in the Animal Sanctuary , near the boat launch, on airboats, or on swamp buggies.
• Service animals are allowed only in the gift shop, restrooms, and picnic areas.
• Grassland & National Park Combo
• Original Combo
• Extended Combo
• Total Everglades Combo
• Private Combo
• Kayak Airboat Combo
• Grassland Airboat Tour
• Extended Airboat Tour
• Private Airboat Tour
• Swamp Buggy Tour
• Lodging Nearby
• Stay & Play Adventure
• Large Group Grassland Airboat Tour
• Large Group Original Combo
• Students & Field Trips
• Online Gift Shop
• Gift Cards for Tours
• Shipping, Tax & Returns

Gator Ranch Tours

Come see Insta-Gator Ranch where you’ll get to tour our alligator ranch to feed ’em, catch ’em, and, seasonally, hatch ’em!

Individual Tours

Groups of less than 24 people.

Guided Tours

Alligator hatching, group tours.

Groups of more than 24 people.

School Field Trips

Birthday parties.

• Corporate Groups

Gators-to-Geaux

Make your event one to remember with our exciting Gators‑to‑Geaux event options where we bring the party animals to you!

Give your guests a fun way to learn all about an alligators anatomy hands-on!

• Gator Greeter

There’s no better way to get attention or greet your guests than with a live alligator!

• Edu-Gator Show

Meet 2+ live alligators while learning about the behind-the-scenes of Insta-Gator Ranch.

• Alligator Catch Pools

Everyone gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Catch a swimming alligator with your hands!

Parties & Events

Chomping for some fun with our gators? Share this one-in-a-lifetime experience with everyone at your next event for a memorable day!

• School Events

Corporate Events

• Youth Groups
• Church Events
• Video Production

• About Insta-Gator

Since 1989 John and his family have operated Insta-Gator Ranch  with a mission of teaching the history and conservation of alligators.

Insta-Gator Shop

If you’re looking for a way to support this amazing conservation program, check out our shop for everything from t-shirts to luxury alligator leather!

• Luxury Alligator Products

Insta-Gator offers sustainable American Alligator leather products. From wallets to belts, we produce only high-quality leather products that will last for years. 

• SHOP WALLETS & PURSES
• SHOP ALLIGATOR BELTS
• Insta-Gator T-Shirts

Made with 100% pre-shrunk cotton with the Insta-Gator Logo on the front and back. Perfect to commemorate your trip or contribute to our program.

• SHOP SHIRTS
• SHOP OTHER ALLIGATOR GIFTS

Tour Insta-Gator Ranch

Alligator tours near new orleans.

Combining Education with Entertainment

Insta-Gator Ranch is the most informative and interactive alligator tour in the New Orleans and Baton Rouge area. You’ll meet hundreds of alligators from babies to 8 footers while learning the all about the king of the marsh and how Insta-Gator Ranch’s conservation efforts protect these beautiful creatures.

During your guided tour , you will be able to touch or pet alligators, but don’t stop there. You also have the opportunity to feed ‘em, catch ’em, and, from August to September, you can even hatch ’em!

1-24 People

See hundreds of alligators of various ages and sizes swimming in crystal clear water. From protected walkways, you’ll be able to see gators above and below the surface of the water. At the end of your tour, you’ll have the opportunity to hold a gator and have your photo taken, and catch ’em in our tabletop catch pools.

Discover the vital role that this ancient resident has played in Louisiana’s colorful, Cajun heritage and learn how Louisianians have become world leaders in the Alligator Protection Program.

Let us take you back to the days of the dinosaurs, where the journey of the American Alligator began. You’ll learn how the Alligator Conservation Program has become a world-renowned conservation effort and even see firsthand what an Alligator nest looks like.

Your guide will take you through our temperature-controlled Alligator barns, where you’ll have the opportunity to feed alligators! You’ll learn what caused alligators to become an endangered species and what Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries did in collaboration with alligator ranchers to make our conservation program a world-renowned success story.

Your experience will start with a 5-10 minute explanation of how to assist your Baby Alligator out of his or her egg. Once you have helped your baby alligator out of its egg, you’ll have plenty of time to get to know them and take ’em for their first swim.

If you would like to include a tour before or after your hatching, a separate booking is required.

Alligator Eggs begin hatching around August 8 and end around September 6. Hatching is subject to Mother Nature; if eggs do not hatch on the date that you select, we will reschedule your reservation or refund your deposit in full. Anyone wishing to join an egg hatching customer in the hatchery will pay $19.99 to watch or assist and should reserve their entry fee at time of making Hatching Reservation, due to limited space.

Bring the Fun to You

Check Out Gators-to-Geaux Where We Bring the Alligators to You

For group tours, Insta-Gator requires booking in advance to ensure that every person in your group gets time at all stations of Insta-Gator Ranch. Our tours are entertaining for all ages from Pre-K to grandparents, and everyone.  Your guests will be talking about their experiences for years to come. We guarantee it!  

For larger groups, our tour times become more flexible. If your group contains more than 70 people,  they are divided into separate tours, each additional tour adding 45 minutes to your total visit time.   We hold your tour without a deposit for 72 hours while you work out the details. We understand that your originally booked tour numbers are an estimate and may change. You will be responsible for 75% of your estimate, and if your numbers increase, we must be notified immediately and cannot guarantee space for additional numbers.

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At the start of your guided tour, we’ll start you off gently by introducing you to Li’l Red Bean, one of our baby hatchlings. red Bean loves being pet and will show you the inside of his mouth and all of his teeth. Don’t reach out until we hold that little snapper’s mouth shut. Later, you will have the opportunity to feed the bigger alligators and even touch their teeth! Don’t worry- the fun doesn’t end there! You’ll also have the opportunity to hold ’em and even catch ’em if you’re more adventurous. From August to September, you can even hatch a baby alligator in your hands!

Your adventure awaits!

Event rentals.

Host your next event with us. From parties to weddings to seafood boils, we can host it all. 

Learn the history of the Louisiana Swamps. Find out how alligators are part of your life.

Hold and meet a live alligator face to face!

Birthday Parties

Our large overhang has tables and a field for party games. Inflatable rental optional. Have your kids birthday adventure with real alligators!

Alligator causes (unofficial) seven-minute delay at Zurich Classic

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Competitive golf often includes rain delays, and sometimes there are wind delays. Enter the alligator delay.

During Thursday’s opening round at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, an alligator crossed roughly 3 feet in front of the tee box at the par-3 17th hole at TPC Louisiana, requiring the group of Paul Barjon/Sam Stevens and Jhonattan Vegas/Bronson Burgoon to wait seven minutes for the gator to pass.

Stevens, 27, was readying to hit his tee shot at No. 17 when it appeared the gator would rest on the rope line for a minute, but he was called off by his caddie when the gator got up and started walking again. The group arrived on the tee at 11:38 a.m. local time and teed off at 11:45 a.m. (The tournament was not officially delayed.)

"The gator was a bit unusual," Barjon texted PGATOUR.COM afterward. "It wasn’t really getting close to anyone but moved very slowly and we had to probably wait five minutes or a bit more. It was pretty cool."

Alligators and the Zurich Classic have long been intertwined. A gator named Tripod once traversed the TPC Louisiana grounds, allegedly as early as 2004 and for nearly two decades, making for captivating social media fodder through the years.

Thursday’s spotted alligator (yet to be named) has four legs, in contrast to the three-legged Tripod.

“That particular critter has four legs. For a long time, a legendary alligator which was named Tripod was here; he has three legs, as you might imagine,” remarked a PGA TOUR LIVE broadcaster during the gator crossing. “There is another three-legged alligator that has been spotted around the course recently, but he is missing his front left leg. Tripod was missing his front right leg.”

Assume this won’t be the last gator crossing at TPC Louisiana.

Current Road Conditions at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge

Weather, repairs, and wildlife management activities have led to the temporary closures of several refuge roads to vehicles and/or general public access. The descriptions below summarize current road status as of April 18, 2024. A complete map of the refuge can be found in the Refuge Tearsheet.

The refuge is open during daylight hours (half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset).

End of Buffalo City Road

Heavy rains caused water to cover part of the end of Buffalo City Road. Water levels are going down, but there are still puddles on the road. Please avoid parking or turning around in flooded areas. 

Upper and Lower Creef Units

The Lower Creef unit, between Link, Bear, Borrow Pit, and Long Curve Roads, is currently closed. This includes Grouse Road, Link Road, and Bear Road. Roads and refuge farm fields are closed to all traffic, including foot traffic. Visitors are still able to travel the rest of the Wildlife Drive, Long Curve Road, and Borrow Pit Road, as well as all other refuge roads open at this time of year. 

The closures are necessary due to growing visitation pressure on both red wolves and black bears in this area. Some visitor behaviors change wildlife behaviors and lead to an unnatural comfort level of red wolves and bears around people and vehicles. These behaviors include closely approaching wildlife, following wildlife, and remaining in one spot for long duration.

Human habituation, or acclimating to the presence of people, reduces wildlife’s normal elusiveness and fear responses. Instead of avoiding areas of human activity and fleeing at the sight of people, the animals may choose to approach or remain closer than is natural. Acclimating to people may increase the likelihood of incidents that are detrimental to their survival, such as the vehicle strike mortality of red wolf 2323, the breeding male of the Milltail red wolf pack.

Please be mindful of your behaviors and actions at all times when on the refuge. On a National Wildlife Refuge, the welfare of plants and animals and their habitats come first. Follow these viewing guidelines:

• Use binoculars or a zoom lens to view wildlife from a distance—at least 100 yards or eight school buses.  
• If wildlife approaches you, move back to stay 100 yards away.
• If animals react to your presence, you are too close.
• Don’t remain in one spot for a long time, so that wildlife has time to use that area without human presence.
• It’s illegal to feed, touch, tease, frighten, or intentionally disturb wildlife.

Be careful when driving to protect wildlife as well. Be sure to always follow the speed limits and watch for wildlife that may dart into the road. When you want to stop to watch wildlife, pull your vehicle to the side of the road, do not block traffic, and move on once you've had a good look.

Red Wolf Recovery Program staff will be continually monitoring red wolf activity in the area of the closures throughout this time period. The most reliable source for current information about red wolves is the Red Wolf Recovery Program website .

The Upper Creef Unit, which lies east of Milltail Road and north of Link Road and includes Gadwall, Bobcat, Creef, Peterson, and Sprigtail Roads, is closed to all public entry for resource management.

Dry Ridge Road North

Dry Ridge Road North and Grassy Patch Rd are currently closed to all public entry for refuge management activities. Dry Ridge Road North is closed north of the intersection with Possum Road. 

Laurel Bay Unit

The Laurel Bay Unit is the area west of Buffalo City Road. Laurel Bay Rd, Beaver Rd, Hickory Rd, Wynne Rd, and North Perimeter Rd west of Buffalo City Rd are closed to motorized vehicles until fall. Osprey and Hook Rds are closed to all public entry. 

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Alligator interrupts PGA Tour event with stroll across tee box

There was more alligator-related action from round 1 of the zurich classic, too., by eric mullin • published april 25, 2024 • updated on april 25, 2024 at 4:33 pm, scroll down to watch the video.

There was a course-invader during the opening round of the PGA Tour 's Zurich Classic of New Orleans on Thursday.

But it wasn't a fan who interrupted play.

As golfers were preparing to tee off on the 17th hole at TPC Louisiana, an alligator made its way across the tee box . And the creature certainly didn't appear to be in a hurry.

A GATOR showed up to the tee box at the Zurich Classic in New Orleans 😳 (via @PGATOUR ) | @Zurich_Classic pic.twitter.com/VGrv6DrYY8 — NBC Sports (@NBCSports) April 25, 2024

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The gator deserves some credit for not waiting until one of the golfers was in their backswing to take its stroll. That's great golf etiquette.

There was more gator-related action from Round 1, too. The PGA Tour shared video of an alligator sliding into a pond near one of the greens.

Slip 'n slide (Gator version) 💦🐊 https://t.co/JXTY07Vz6i pic.twitter.com/45ATuyGO9A — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 25, 2024

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Alligators have long been known to make their presence felt at the Avondale, Louisiana, course. As the broadcast alluded to in the first video, a three-legged gator named "Tripod" has turned into an unofficial course mascot.

The Zurich Classic, which is a team event that features two rounds of fourball and two rounds of foursomes, runs from Thursday to Sunday.

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PGA Tour Event Disrupted by Alligator Casually Walking Across Tee Box

• Author: Madison Williams

The Zurich Classic of New Orleans is used to having a special four-legged friend show up from time. to time on the course.

The guest, an alligator, halted play at the 17th hole during Thursday's first round. The groups of Bronson Burgoon and Jhonattan Vegas, along with Paul Barjon and Samuel Stevens, had to wait at the tee box for the alligator to cross in front of them before they could tee off. The animal didn't stop them from taking a few practice swings, though.

This isn't the first time an alligator has showed up at the Zurich Classic. The PGA Tour commentators reminded viewers that the tournament was used to a three-legged alligator gracing the course fittingly named "Tripod."

Now on the tee, from New Orleans, Louisiana ... A GATOR 🐊 pic.twitter.com/N8wEJh1pQ1 — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 25, 2024

The alligator walked across the tee box without causing any issues with any golfers or fans. But it definitely took its sweet time to walk across.

Both golfing duos ended up paring the 17th hole despite the distraction.

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The PGA Tour Zurich Classic of New Orleans is underway, and the play was interrupted in the most Louisiana way.

The PGA Tour tweeted a video of an alligator walking throughout the course.

Video above is of alligator spotted at last year's Zurich Classic

This is not an uncommon sight, and delights those who attend the Zurich each year.

One of people’s favorite patrons 🐊 here at the @Zurich_Classic enjoying some great golf and beautiful weather pic.twitter.com/FzyaDj7MZn — Kendall Duncan (@kendallduncanTV) April 25, 2024

The tournament runs through Sunday.

Watch the hilarious moment in the video below:

Now on the tee, from New Orleans, Louisiana ... A GATOR 🐊 pic.twitter.com/N8wEJh1pQ1 — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) April 25, 2024

18-year-old last seen working on hog farm found dead years later in another state

MERCER COUNTY, Mo. ( KCRG /Gray News) - Missouri authorities say a body found this week was that of a missing 18-year-old.

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, the young man’s body was found near the Iowa border on Tuesday.

Authorities said the remains were identified as Sebastian Tyrese Husted who went missing in 2018.

Husted’s body was found this week by a turkey farmer in Mercer County.

A social media page dedicated to finding Husted said he was 18 when he was last seen in January 2018 working at a hog farm in Lineville, Iowa.

Police did not say how Husted died or if foul play was involved but their investigation remains ongoing.

Copyright 2024 KCRG via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Lavender Farm at Chateau de Vie

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1220 N Kyrene Rd

Chandler, AZ 85226

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About the Business

The Lavender Farm at Chateau de Vie is open Thursdays and Fridays 10-6 and Saturdays 9-3. Stop in and enquire about having a guided tour of the mansion. Shop local. Shop at The Lavender Farm. Take a tour of Chateau de Vie. Have a lavender cookie. Great for girls trip. Great for couples. And ok for self care, kidding it is great for self care too! Due to overwhelming demand and parking limitations tours will be $20 a person starting 1/4/24. Tours start each half hour, have limited capacity and are sold on first come first serve basis. Seeing the grounds is done at own pace without a fee at this time. The mansion tours are guided and last about 30 minutes. Yes you can take some pictures as you go (not a photo session with poses). Please enter The Lavender Farm only through the gate. Access is not available down any of the dirt roads near the property. Please tell your friends. …

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Took my mom to visit the farm today. She's really into lavender and it was a wonderful day together. Daisy was a great tour guide, very knowledgeable and quick witted. The Lavender farm isn't much to write home about (it's newly planted) but the grounds & mansion are stunning! Tours are first come, $20 each and run about 45 minutes There are also extended night tours but only on special days. Check their website for details. All proceeds go to the upkeep of the grounds/home and are well worth it. We learned all about the multiple owners, 40 year old history and the juicy details.

See all photos from Sara M. for Lavender Farm at Chateau de Vie

The Lavender Farm is open Thursdays & Fridays 10-6 and Saturdays 9-3 The shop inside the "Roadside Farm Stand," which features products made on the farm. You can even sign up for soap-making classes. Cost for 2-2024 is $125 for one hour. Roadside Farm Stand purchases go to restoration and preservation efforts.

See all photos from Paula C. for Lavender Farm at Chateau de Vie

Tours are provided Thursdays and Fridays 10-6 and Saturdays 10-3. Price is $15 until end of 2023.

See all photos from Valerie M. for Lavender Farm at Chateau de Vie

Came for the Lavendar Farm and house tour. Beautiful. So much to see and take in on such a brief tour. Foyer, master bedroom, children's rooms, laundry room, balconies, and so much more to view. Tour is a mere $10 and certainly worth the experience.

They completely ripped off prom kids. $10 per person, not kid taking pictures or car.

I'd recommend checking out this beautiful estate...farm..come get some good smelling lotions..lavender ...soaps.....and many more...even offer a intriguing tour of the property and mansion.... classes on soap making ..which I'm excited to be apart of sometime...

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NYRA expands Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding…

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Subscriber only, nyra expands saratoga breakfast and breeding farm tours for 2024 season.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) is expanding the popular Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tour program this summer with the addition of a third participant, Sugar Plum Farm, to complement incumbents Old Tavern Farm and Song Hill Thoroughbreds.

Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours will be offered Wednesday through most Saturdays, plus select Sundays, beginning Friday, July 12 through Saturday, Aug. 31.

Tickets are $95 for adults and $35 for children 12 years of age and under and are available on a first-come, first-served basis at NYRA.com. Each tour accommodates up to 52 guests.

Tours will be available weekly as follows: Wednesdays and Thursdays at Song Hill Thoroughbreds, 290 County Road 75 in Mechanicville; Fridays at Old Tavern Farm, 45 Brown Road in Stillwater; and, new this year, six Saturdays and two Sundays at Sugar Plum Farm, 96 Gilbert Road in Saratoga Springs.

The all-inclusive experience begins with a buffet-style breakfast at Saratoga Race Course from 7 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. against the backdrop of world-class thoroughbreds during morning training. At 9:45 a.m., fans board a CDTA trolley at the Clubhouse entrance for a short ride to the day’s breeding farm. Upon arrival, fans will enjoy a 60-minute guided tour with the farm’s owners and expert staff before returning to the track for an afternoon of live racing.

“Thanks to our friends at NYRA and CDTA, the Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours have quickly become an important part of the complete Saratoga experience for racing fans and newcomers to the sport alike,” Najja Thompson, Executive Director of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc. remarked.

“These tours showcase the importance of the New York State breeding industry and also demonstrate the care, dedication, and passion that breeders bring to their craft. Each of these three farms embodies the spirit of New York’s thoroughbred breeding community,” Thompson explained.

“We are thrilled with the opportunity to be involved with NYRA’s breeding farm tours. They give us a chance to meet new people and introduce them to another facet of the thoroughbred world,” Robin Malatino, Sugar Plum Farm Owner and Breeder said.

“Everyone loves to see where a racing career begins and following a tour, people leave with a greater appreciation and a more holistic understanding of the thoroughbred industry,” Malatino added.

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