While Orlando is globally famous for its magical theme parks, the real Florida—the one with untouched nature, wild alligators, and high-speed airboats—is just a short, scenic drive away. We are Realtor Diana Sacoto and Realtor Scott Garrison with Remax Town & Country Realty, and we don’t just know the real estate market; we know the genuine Central Florida lifestyle, and one of our favorite local gems is Wild Florida Airboats, Gator Park & Drive-Thru Safari.
For residents and prospective homeowners looking for authentic Florida adventure and a break from the crowds, Wild Florida offers a perfect blend of thrill, education, and natural beauty.
📍 Where to Find the Adventure: Location Details
Wild Florida is perfectly situated to feel remote while still being highly accessible.
Official Location: 3301 Lake Cypress Rd, Kenansville, FL 34739.
Proximity to Orlando: It is located approximately 45 minutes to an hour south of the main Orlando and Disney/Kissimmee area attractions, making it an ideal day trip.
Setting: The park sits right at the Headwaters of the Florida Everglades, encompassing protected swamps, marshes, and rivers. This ensures a truly wild and unspoiled natural environment, free from the signs of human development you see closer to the city.
🚤 Ride, Walk, or Drive: The Three Main Attractions
Wild Florida offers three distinct ways to experience the Florida wilderness and its diverse animal population, allowing you to choose your own adventure!
1. The Airboat Tour: Everglades Thrills
Wild Florida began with its airboat tours, and they remain one of the most exciting ways to explore the famous wetlands.
The Experience: Glide across Lake Cypress and the surrounding swamps and marshes aboard a U.S. Coast Guard-approved airboat. The experienced captains navigate the 100,000 acres of protected land, pointing out wildlife like alligators, bald eagles, turtles, and native birds in their natural habitat.
Options: You can choose from 30-minute, 1-hour, or even private Night Airboat Tours, which offer a unique chance to see the Everglades nightlife when gators are often more active. Life jackets and ear protection are provided for all guests.
2. The Drive-Thru Safari Park: An African-Style Adventure
This unique self-guided experience is a massive hit for families and is included with the purchase of airboat or gator park admission.
The Journey: Drive your own vehicle along a four-mile “unbeaten path” through 170 acres of open terrain. The safari is home to over 150 exotic and native animals that roam freely.
The Animals: Keep your eyes peeled for giraffes, zebras, American bison, water buffalo, wildebeest, and other creatures you’d typically only see on TV.
The Grand Finale: At the end of the safari loop, you have the incredible opportunity to stand on an elevated platform to hand-feed the resident giraffes—a truly unforgettable, up-close encounter.
3. The Gator Park: The Walkable Zoo Experience
The Gator Park serves as a walkable, zoo-like area offering close-up encounters and educational shows.
The Animals: Despite the name, this park houses over 200 native and exotic animals, including sloths, lemurs, ring-tailed lemurs, capybaras, tropical birds, and, of course, a massive population of alligators, including rare albino alligators like Snowflake and Blizzard.
Educational Opportunities: Visitors can explore the Hawk Swamp Boardwalk, an immersive trail through a pristine cypress swamp. The park also hosts popular live shows like the Crusher Show (featuring the park’s largest alligator, Crusher) and the Gator Feeding Show, where you can watch gators leap for their food.
Interactive Encounters: For the bold, you can participate in animal encounters for an additional fee, getting face-to-face with animals like sloths, porcupines, or even holding a small alligator!
🍽️ Dining and Amenities
The adventure can build up an appetite! Wild Florida offers on-site dining options at the Chomp House Grill, serving up American fare, awesome barbecue, burgers, and local favorites like fried alligator bites. Don’t forget to try the famous Swamp Slushy—a delicious frozen blend of mango, orange, and passion fruit.
The park also features a petting zoo, covered playground for the kids, and plenty of shaded areas, making it comfortable for a full day of family fun.
🔑 The Florida Lifestyle We Sell
We don’t just sell homes; we sell the Florida lifestyle. Finding the perfect property near gems like Wild Florida means you’re not just buying a house—you’re investing in adventure, nature, and the unique, untamed spirit of Central Florida. This is what sets our area apart from the rest!
Thinking of buying or selling your home to embrace the best of Orlando living, on and off the market? Call the expert Realtors you know and trust, Scott Garrison and Diana Sacoto!
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