Impress for Less with the Capybara Encounter at Gatorland

Gatorland is a classic. A little campy, a little country, and totally Florida. Gatorland is a popular wildlife park and attraction located in Orlando, Florida. Although known for alligators you can get up close to various other reptiles and wildlife species – including the adorable capybara!

Did you know that for just a $10 upcharge you can get up-close with THREE capybara with the Capybara Encounter? After a recent visit to check out this experience, we can honestly say that this is the best $10 you can spend at an attraction right now!

By the way, we've got expert tips for you to have an adventurous date at Gatorland – you can hop over there too!

What Exactly Is a Capybara

Capybara, native to South America, are a current internet obsession with over 116 million views on TikTok and Instagram, and Capybara appreciation sites rapidly growing in popularity. The giant rodents are known for their friendly and social nature. Capybaras are the largest living rodents in the world!

Native to South America, they tend to live in dense forests close to lakes, rivers, swamps, or other bodies of water. They are excellent swimmers and can hold their breath underwater for up to 5 minutes!

What To Expect at the Capybara Encounter

The Capybara Encounter takes visitors to see Mochi, Boba, Chai, and Latte, the resident Capybara at Gatorland! This unique encounter at Flamingo Island is where they swim, lay on the beach, and enjoy the company of waterfowl, turtles, and flamingos.

After signing up for your Capybara Encounter, you will be given a time later in the day to head to Flamingo Island for your experience. Encounters start at 2:15pm and run every 10-15 minutes. You will have plenty of time to enjoy the other animals, shows, and activities and even grab some lunch before your encounter.

Once you check in at Flamingo Island, you will be led onto the island to meet the capys where they live and play! In addition to someone to answer any questions you might have, there is also a photographer taking lots of pictures for you.

You are allowed to take your own photos, but the photographer will get some great candid shots as well as group photos with the capys.

During our visit, we were able to interact with Boba and Latte. Mochi was there too, but not feeling super social with how hot out it was. We were each given a veggie snack to share with the capys. Capybara love their veggies and were more than happy to come over and grab a bite to eat.

Capybara are SUPER friendly and you will have a chance to get up-close with these adorable rodents. We loved being able to pet them and give them some love.

They are about the size of a small dog and even act like them in some ways. Boba even rolled over onto his back for some belly pets while we were there.

The encounter isn't very long, but with the small group of people, you get your money's worth from this experience. I mean, when was the last time YOU were able to pet a capybara?

If it hadn't been for the extreme heat, I would have GLADLY handed over another $10 for 10 more minutes with these amazing creatures.

Maybe put this on your list for some outdoor fun when the weather cools off a tad.

Prepare for Your Adventure

Guests looking to participate should check in upon arrival in the morning at the Petting Zoo . Although the park opens at 10am, the Petting Zoo does not open until 11am so you will not be able to sign up until then.

We didn't know this before our visit and were a little disappointed when we arrived at opening and were not able to sign up for another hour.

Reservations are not available online , so definitely go early to sign up as the capybara are very popular!

• The cost is $10 per person regardless of age.
• The encounter takes place daily at 2:15 PM – Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays.
• There are no capybara encounters on Wednesdays!

Plan Your Visit

Gatorland
14501 S. Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida 32837
HOURS : Open Daily 10am-6pm rain or shine, including holidays
ADMISSION : Single-day tickets are $34.99 per adult

Get coupons, Florida Resident discounts and Annual passes at their website and $3 off single day admission if you purchase online.