Croc Encounters

Croc Encounters was established in January of 2005 as a non-profit sanctuary dedicated to rescuing unwanted reptiles. While crocodilians have always been our main focus we have extended our haven to unwanted reptiles, birds, and mammals. In addition to being a sanctuary we are an educational facility open to the public for guided tours, self- guided tours, and events.

In the summer of 2008 Croc Encounters opened its gates for guided tours after three years of hard work and dedication. Tours were offered to members, schools and other groups on a scheduled basis. After several years of offering strictly guided tours the demand for self-guided, walk-through admission grew stronger and Croc Encounters closed the grounds to the public for renovations.

We began reconstructing parts of the facility to allow the public to safely tour the grounds on their own. The facility is being renovated gradually in managed phases. As each part is complete it will be opened to the public.

In April of 2013 Croc Encounters re-opened the grounds for self-guided tours on Saturdays. "Sneak Peek Saturdays" offers a special up close and personal look at areas of the park.

Croc Encounters still continues to offer personal guided tours, tours for schools and groups as well as special events every day of the week.

Exciting experiences also extend beyond the facility grounds. Our education teams consisting of experienced volunteers and handlers reach the community at events such as birthday parties, summer camps, school programs, library programs and more! Croc Encounters has offered educational programs, traveling exhibits and displays throughout the Greater Tampa Bay region as well as Nationwide since 2005.