Top Wildlife Safaris & National Parks in Tampa, United States

1. Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Experience a unique blend of adventure rides and exotic wildlife at this popular theme park.

Serengeti Plain: Spot African animals like giraffes, zebras, and rhinos in a single location.
Cheetah Hunt: Enjoy a high-speed roller coaster through an open savanna with cheetahs.
Animal Encounters: Interact with animals through various educational and up-close experiences.

A smaller yet diverse zoo offering interactive exhibits, wildlife shows, and a botanical garden.

Primate World: Observe various primate species in naturalistic habitats.
Flamingo Hornbill & Gibbon Habitats: Witness flamingos, hornbills, and gibbons in their dedicated exhibit areas.
Wildlife Show Presentations: Attend daily shows featuring sea lions, manatees, and birds of prey.

A sprawling nature preserve with hiking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and an educational center.

Birdwatching Tower: Spot various bird species from the observation tower.
Nature Trails: Explore several miles of hiking trails through diverse habitats.
Educational Center: Learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts at the center.

Protecting and preserving wetland habitats for diverse wildlife, with opportunities for boat tours.

Wetland Habitats: See a variety of birds, alligators, and other wildlife in their natural wetland environments.
Boat Tours: Join guided tours to explore the refuge's waterways and spot wildlife.
Conservation Efforts: Learn about ongoing efforts to protect and conserve this essential habitat.

A sanctuary for big cats rescued from abusive situations, offering tours and educational programs.

Big Cats Up Close: See tigers, lions, and other big cats in a safe and naturalistic setting.
Educational Programs: Learn about the plight of big cats and conservation efforts through educational programs.
Tour Experiences: Take guided tours to learn more about the rescue and its residents.

A park with hiking trails, birdwatching spots, and canoe rentals along Tampa's Hillsborough River.

Hillsborough River Canoe Trails: Explore the river by canoe to see wildlife and enjoy the natural scenery.
Birdwatching Platforms: Spot various bird species from designated platforms.
Hiking Trails: Take leisurely hikes through diverse habitats, including wetlands and forests.

A park with walking trails, birdwatching opportunities, and a butterfly garden.

Butterfly Garden: See a variety of butterflies in the beautiful butterfly garden.
Birdwatching Opportunities: Spot various bird species in the park's diverse habitats.
Walking Trails: Take leisurely walks through forested and wetland areas.

A preserve with a mangrove forest, hiking trails, and kayak tours.

Mangrove Forest: Explore the unique mangrove ecosystem on foot or by boat.
Kayak Tours: Join guided kayak tours to explore the preserve's waterways and see wildlife.
Hiking Trails: Take leisurely hikes through forested areas and mangrove islands.

A beautiful tropical garden with a variety of birds and other wildlife.

Tropical Plants & Flowers: Enjoy the vibrant colors and unique tropical plants.
Birdwatching Opportunities: Spot various bird species in the garden's diverse habitats.
Historic Architecture: Explore the historic Spanish-style gardens and historic cottage.

A small park with walking trails, a butterfly garden, and opportunities for birdwatching.

Butterfly Garden: See a variety of butterflies in the beautiful butterfly garden.
Walking Trails: Take leisurely walks through forested areas and wetlands.
Birdwatching Opportunities: Spot various bird species in the park's diverse habitats.

A center dedicated to observing and protecting manatees in the wild.

Manatee Observation: See manatees up close from the observation deck.
Educational Programs: Learn about manatee conservation efforts and biology.
Manatee Protection: Contribute to manatee protection through donations or volunteer opportunities.

A boat tour service offering wildlife viewing opportunities along Tampa Bay.

Wildlife Viewing Opportunities: Spot dolphins, manatees, and birds from the water taxi.
Historical Sites: See historical sites along Tampa Bay, such as Fort De Soto.
Flexible Tour Options: Choose from various tour options, including customized private tours.

A boat tour service offering fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Fishing Opportunities: Go fishing for a variety of species, including tarpon, snook, and redfish.
Wildlife Viewing: Spot dolphins, manatees, and birds during your fishing trip.
Customized Tours: Choose from various tour options, including customized private tours.

A marine center offering dolphin and wildlife watching cruises.

Dolphin Watching: See bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.
Wildlife Viewing: Spot various bird species, manatees, and other marine life.
Educational Programs: Learn about local wildlife and conservation efforts through educational programs.

A marine aquarium focusing on rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured marine life.

Rescue & Rehabilitation: Learn about the rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals.
Dolphin Tale Exhibits: See Winter, the famous dolphin from the movie Dolphin Tale.
Wildlife Education: Learn about various marine species and conservation efforts.