Step into Reptile Cove at Gatorama for a thrilling 20-minute encounter with Kira the Croc and her reptile friends. Capture unforgettable photo moments and witness Florida’s renowned reptiles up close in this engaging, hands-on experience.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
20 minutes
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion required; suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Wildlife
History
Gatorama has operated since 1957, evolving from a small roadside attraction to a respected center for education and reptile conservation.
Conservation
The facility promotes sustainable wildlife education and participates in breeding programs for endangered reptiles native to Florida’s wetlands.
Gatorama
Step into Reptile Cove at Gatorama for a thrilling 20-minute encounter with Kira the Croc and her reptile friends. Capture unforgettable photo moments and witness Florida’s renowned reptiles up close in this engaging, hands-on experience.
Gatorama is a wildlife attraction located in Palmdale, Florida that specializes in hands-on reptile and alligator experiences. The park provides guided, supervised encounters designed to educate visitors about reptiles, conservation, and invasive species. Gatorama's onsite experiences include the Hatching Festival, where guests join guided groups, don safety gloves, and witness baby alligators hatching while learning about conservation efforts.
Other offerings include the Python Encounter, a 20-minute session with Bleu the Ball Python in Reptile Cove that focuses on habitat, diet, and safe handling; the Featured Creature encounter that highlights Kira the Croc and provides photo opportunities; and the Tortoise Encounter with Dozer, a 20-minute visit that includes feeding and learning about tortoise lifespans.
Uncle Wader's 'Catch a Gator Pond' is a 20-minute hands-on activity teaching guests to safely wrangle baby alligators under expert guidance. The Face to Face Challenge pairs visitors with Big Daddy, an alligator feeding and training demonstration led by a keeper and accompanied by a commemorative photo opportunity.
All experiences are led by trained keepers who instruct participants on safety procedures and animal cues. Gatorama emphasizes supervised interaction, safety equipment where appropriate, and structured, educational programming. Located in Palmdale, Florida, Gatorama offers family-friendly, species-focused encounters and on-site attractions that deliver close-up learning and memorable photography moments.
Location
Palmdale, FL
On-site park location
Tours Offered
6 Experiences
Guided, hands-on options
Family Friendly
All Ages Welcome
Suitable for families
Safety & Staff
Trained Keepers
Lead keeper supervised
Reserve limited spots for Hatching Festival, Face to Face Challenge, and hands-on pond sessions — plan a family-friendly wildlife experience.
Plan for sun protection
Though the encounter takes place mostly in shaded areas, Florida sun can be intense—wear sunscreen and a hat.
Bring a camera with zoom
A zoom lens allows close-up shots of Kira and her friends without disturbing the animals.
Arrive early during busy weekends
Limited group sizes mean early arrival secures the best viewing spots and avoids crowds.
Wear comfortable footwear
You’ll be standing during the 20-minute session on natural ground—choose sturdy, closed-toe shoes.
Sunscreen
Protect your skin during the sunny, outdoor interaction.
summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture crisp, detailed photos of Kira and other reptiles.
Comfortable walking shoes
Stand comfortably on natural terrain during the encounter.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated in Florida’s humid climate.
summer