Visit the Naples Zoo During Your Next Vacation

Are you out of things to do in Naples, FL? Have you tried everything on your last vacation? Well, how about the zoo? If it’s your first time in the Naples area or even your millionth, you can still learn and discover something new at the zoo.

A fun family adventure and excitement are waiting for you, so check out a few things about this great place below.

About the Zoo – Naples, Florida Zoo

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is filled with exciting animals that will rouse kids and adults of any age. Here, you can also rent a wheelchair right at their main gift shop hub counter if it’s more convenient for any member of your party.  

Get a wagon, as well, for any child in your group who may not be old enough to walk the massive amount of grounds the zoo has to offer. Remember that these wheelchairs and wagons are served as “first come, first serve,” so make sure you get in early to claim your spot and rent one out. It’s $12 per wheelchair and $12 per kids’ wagon.

If you need to withdraw some cash or convert funds, there’s an ATM right when you walk in. The main entrance has a nice, shiny one you can’t miss. You can also buy your photos (taken of you as you go throughout the park). See any good ones you like? Please pick them up either digitally or as print copies. The zoo also has plenty of restrooms spread out if you or your family ever need to make a quick pit stop. 

In addition, right at the main admissions counter, you’ll also see signs for the lost & found and the gift shop. These 2 little spots are a terrific point of reference should you ever get lost, have a quick question, wish to buy a souvenir, or anything else. The staff in these sections are trained to handle any inquiry, complaint, or other concern. If nothing else, stop in and say hello; they’re friendly and love to chat! 

The Exhibits 

It’s now time to talk about the Seated Safari, one of the top things to do with kids or adults in Naples. The Seated Safari typically takes place right on the dot at 10:30 am, so don’t be more than a couple of minutes late coming in (or they might not let you see that showing, and you’d have to wait to catch the next one). It’s a daily show that happens right at the one and only Safari Canyon Theater. It’s sponsored by Hertz, a top global car rental brand loved by many. Every year, they put on a terrific show that encompasses live animals and nature “screens” of them taken in their habitats.  

You also get to see how the zoo experts care for every one of these species featured, one by one, and even what their daily routines look like, both in their original habitat and here at the zoo. The staff members seek to emulate their wild natural environments the best they can in this setting to make these animals live their best lives, all while feeling right at home with nature. This show usually runs for almost a half-hour. Come in a little early, and they let you in a few minutes before the show’s actual start time. You can play some trivia and learn even further facts about these creatures, their extinction or preservation rates, and even more facts surrounding their countries of origin (which display on the screens, too).

The incredible Florida Everglades sponsors the Primate Expedition Cruise. It’s about 20 minutes long and takes you through multiple islands; you board and dismount right on Lake Victoria. You can see lemurs, apes, and even some endangered species. It’s fun, fun, fun for the whole family! 

What about their alligator feeding policy, you might ask? This is a top inquiry people have, and the answer is this: it’s prohibited to feed any animals here as staff aims to keep them within their specialized, formulated diets. However, you can still watch zoo experts feed the alligators at the daily 3 pm Alligator Bay Feeding presentation. 

Tickets & Hours 

Naples Zoo tickets cost just $22.95 for anyone 13 and older. For kids 3-12, it’s just $14.95, almost half the price. Those 2 and under and any official Naples Zoo Members get in free any day. Military adults pay a slightly reduced rate, at just $17.95 a person. They must be able to show proof of their military status.  

If you want to save a bit more off these stated rates, then don’t pass up on the Sunset Discount, which gives you an extra 10% off, if you come after 3pm for a short day. All payment forms are accepted. It’s a perfect option for something to do at the tail end of a day, maybe after a round of golf or visiting the local beaches and shops in the earlier part of the day.

If you’re an AZA Member at the zoo, you can also qualify for their Reciprocal Discount, which will land you an additional $2 off each child or adult ticket. They don’t charge tax on admission, which is convenient, so you just pay the prices shown above. All parking is free, so park where you find a spot (try to get a lovely shade by one of the trees, if you can, especially if it’s hot out). This park opens daily at 9 and closes right at 4:30; they don’t allow entry after 3:30, though, so keep that in mind. 

Christmas Day and Thanksgiving are the only two days they’re closed. They close early on New Year’s Eve/Christmas Eve (3 pm, with no entry after 2 pm). In rare cases of extreme inclement weather, these hours can change. All hours and prices shown are naturally subject to change at the zoo’s discretion.  

Where to Stay

Our pet-friendly rentals in Naples, FL allows you to bring the family pet in comfort and style; worry no more about whether or not you’ll be able to bring him/her and any liabilities ensuing. We’ve already planned for your pet and are well-prepared for anything that should arise. Whether you need a pet-friendly rental in Naples, FL, or just a regular one, Let our team at William Raveis Rentals help you. We know the ins and outs here. We’ve got you covered, in terms of a great Naples vacation rental, so call us right now!