If you’re looking for somewhere to see penguins in Florida then you’re in the right place.
There’s plenty of places to see penguins all over Florida, from Orlando to Miami.
This post will tell you all of the best places to see penguins in Florida and includes all the information you’ll need for a fun day out.
Best Places To See Penguins In Florida
Whilst there are no wild penguins in Florida, there are lots of penguins present in zoos and aquariums across the state.
If you’re wanting to see a penguin in Florida, head to one of the places listed below.
Many places across Florida also offer penguin encounter experiences where you can meet penguins one-on-one. I’ve also included details of these programs below.
1. SeaWorld Orlando
The best place to see penguins in Orlando is at SeaWorld Orlando.
SeaWorld is an exciting theme park and marine zoo. As well as roller coasters and rides, they have lots of marine animals at the park including around 250 penguins!
You’ll find the penguins in the ‘Antarctica: Empire of the Penguin’ exhibit. Here they have 5 different species of penguins and you’ll be able to observe them waddling around in the snow or swimming in their pool.
If you want to get up close and personal with the penguins then you can book onto the ‘Penguins Up-Close Tour’ where you get the opportunity to meet the penguins one-on-one and learn about them from their keepers.
They also offer a ‘Penguin Encounter’ experience where you can meet and touch a penguin.
Address: 7007 Sea World Dr, Orlando, FL 32821
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, park opening and closing times vary – check the schedule here.
Check out the video below of a guest meeting a penguin during the Penguin Up-Close Tour at SeaWorld Orlando:
2. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
One of the best places to see penguins in Tampa is at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is an African-themed animal theme park located in Tampa. It covers 335-acres of land.
As well as thrilling roller coasters and rides, Busch Gardens is also home to a wide range of animals including penguins. The penguins here are African penguins.
The zoo at Busch Gardens is the largest zoo in Tampa with more than 200 species of animals.
You’ll find the African penguin colony at Penguin Point in the Nairobi area. You’ll be able to see them waddling around the shore or swimming in the water here.
For an extra special experience, you can join the Penguin Insider Tour where you’ll get the chance to get up close to the penguins and meet them behind the scenes at Penguin Point!
Address: 10165 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, opens at 10am. Closing time varies – check the schedule here.
Check out some of the penguins at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in the video below:
3. The Florida Aquarium
Another great place in Tampa to see penguins is at The Florida Aquarium.
The Florida Aquarium has over 8,000 animals to see and is consistently ranked as one of the best aquariums in North America. They are also involved in lots of conservation efforts.
This fun aquarium has a wide range of aquatic animals including sharks, turtles, otters and, of course, penguins.
They currently have a colony of 10 African penguins that you’ll find in the Aquarium Pathway in the Mosaic Center.
Address: 701 Channelside Dr, Tampa, FL 33602
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30am to 5pm
You can meet the penguins of The Florida Aquarium in the video below:
4. Gulf World Marine Park
Another great place in Florida where you can see penguins is at Gulf World Marine Park.
Gulf World Marine Park, located in Panama City Beach, is a tropical garden that features a wide range of aquatic animals and daily shows.
Their daily shows feature lots of different animals including dolphins, sea lions and reptiles!
If you want to get up close and personal with some penguins then you can book onto their ‘Penguin Encounter’ experience which gives you the chance to meet and greet a penguin one-on-one!
You’ll be able to swim with the penguins during this experience too.
The penguins at Gulf World Marine Park are African Black-Footed Penguins.
Address: 15412 Front Beach Rd, Panama City Beach, FL 32413
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30am to 5pm
You can see some of the penguins of Gulf World Marine Park in the video below:
5. Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park
Another great place where you can see penguins in Florida is Zoo Tampa at Lowry Park.
This 63-acre zoo is located in Tampa and is home to more than 1,300 animals including a colony of African penguins.
The penguins are located in the Carousel Circle. They currently have 13 penguins here.
The zoo rescues, rehabilitates and cares for animals that need it. It is a nonprofit zoo and is run by the Lowry Park Zoological Society which is a charity.
Address: 1101 W Sligh Ave, Tampa, FL 33604
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9:30am to 5pm
You can see some of the penguins of Zoo Tampa in the video below:
If you enjoy seeing penguins, you may also be interested in knowing where to see flamingos in Florida.
6. Miami Seaquarium
The best place to see penguins in Miami is at the Miami Seaquarium.
The Miami Seaquarium is a 38-acre oceanarium located in Biscayne Bay on the island of Virginia Key.
They have a wide range of animals in the aquarium including penguins, dolphins, seals and more.
The penguins here are African penguins and you’ll find them in Penguin Isle.
If you want to get up close and personal with a penguin then you can book their ‘Penguin Encounter’ experience where you can meet and interact with a penguin one-on-one.
Address: 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway, Miami, FL 33149
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm
Check out the penguins of Miami Seaquarium in the video below:
7. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens
The best place in Jacksonville to see penguins is at the Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens.
This zoo occupies over 122-acres and features over 2,000 animals. They have Magellanic Penguins here which are native to South America.
You can see the penguins in the Play Park area of the zoo. You’ll be able to see them swimming overhead.
Address: 370 Zoo Pkwy, Jacksonville, FL 32218
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 9am to 5pm
Check out the penguins of Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens in the video below:
Did you know you can also see elephants in Florida? Find out where to see elephants in Florida here.
Thanks for reading this post on where to see penguins in Florida.
Wherever you are in Florida, there’s plenty of options here to see penguins in Orlando, Miami, Tampa and more.
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