Naples Zoo and Caribbean Gardens: A Tropical Adventure in Southwest Florida

SWFL Attractions & Activities: A Visit To Naples Zoo

Located in the heart of Naples, Florida, the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is more than just a zoo—it’s a lush, immersive wildlife experience set in a historic tropical botanical garden. Whether you’re an animal lover, a plant enthusiast, or a family looking for an exciting day out, this unique attraction has something for everyone. With its combination of fascinating wildlife, vibrant landscapes, and engaging exhibits, the Naples Zoo is one of the best places to experience nature up close in Southwest Florida.

History of Caribbean Gardens and Naples Zoo

Long before the first exotic animals arrived, the site that is now home to the Naples Zoo was known as Caribbean Gardens. Established in 1919 by botanist Dr. Henry Nehrling, this tropical paradise originally showcased a stunning collection of plants from around the world. For decades, it remained a quiet botanical retreat, home to lush foliage, rare palms, and vibrant flowers.

In 1969, the gardens took on a new life when it was transformed into a full-fledged zoo by Lawrence and Nancy Jane Tetzlaff, also known as Jungle Larry and Safari Jane. Their vision turned the historic gardens into a wildlife sanctuary, combining the natural beauty of the landscape with thrilling animal encounters. Today, the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens continues to captivate visitors with its seamless blend of nature and conservation-focused exhibits.

What to Expect at Naples Zoo

A visit to Naples Zoo isn’t just about seeing animals behind glass—it’s an interactive and engaging experience where you can immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the wild. Some highlights include:

Amazing Animals and Wildlife Encounters

• Malayan Tigers – These rare and majestic big cats are a must-see, with their striking orange and black stripes.
• African Lions – Witness the king of the jungle up close in a habitat designed to replicate their natural environment.
• Leopard and Panther Exhibits – Learn about the incredible stealth and agility of these magnificent felines.
• Primates in the Trees – Take a Primate Expedition Cruise, a boat ride through an island habitat where monkeys, lemurs, and apes roam free.
• Giraffe Feeding – Get up close and personal with these gentle giants as they reach down for a snack right from your hand.
• Reptile Encounters – Discover alligators, pythons, and other fascinating cold-blooded creatures.
• Fossa – Native to Madagascar, this carnivorous mammal looks like a mix between a cat and a mongoose.

Sensational Lush Landscaping and Botanical Beauty

Naples Zoo retains its original botanical charm, with towering banyan trees, vibrant orchids, colorful bromeliads, and exotic palms. Meandering pathways guide visitors through a tropical paradise, where shade-covered benches provide the perfect spot to relax and soak in the surroundings. The lush vegetation isn’t just beautiful—it also provides naturalistic habitats for the zoo’s inhabitants.

Educational Presentations and Interactive Exhibits

• Wildlife Shows – Daily presentations featuring live animals and expert handlers give visitors insight into conservation efforts and animal behavior.
• Meet the Zookeepers – Scheduled talks allow visitors to learn more about the zoo’s residents from the people who care for them.
• Reptile House – Get an up-close look at fascinating reptiles and amphibians from around the world.

Best Times to Visit Naples Zoo

Timing your visit can make a big difference in your experience. Here are some tips for the best times to explore:

• Mornings (8 AM – 11 AM) – Animals are most active during the cooler morning hours, making this the perfect time for an early adventure.
• Weekdays – Avoid weekend crowds by visiting on a weekday, when you’ll have more space and shorter lines.
• Cooler Months (November – March) – Florida’s mild winter months offer the most comfortable weather for walking through the outdoor exhibits.

Where to Stay When Visiting Naples Zoo

Naples offers a variety of accommodations for all types of travelers, whether you prefer luxury resorts or budget-friendly hotels. Here are a few great Naples FL lodging options:

• The Ritz-Carlton, Naples – A luxurious beachfront resort with top-tier amenities.
• Naples Grande Beach Resort – A family-friendly resort with stunning views and easy access to nature.
• Edgewater Beach Hotel – Perfect for visitors who want a mix of beach relaxation and easy access to attractions.
• LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort – Offers a tropical getaway with golf, dining, and beachfront accommodations.
• Holiday Inn Express Naples Downtown – A more budget-conscious option that still offers a comfortable stay.

Getting There: Directions and Parking

Naples Zoo is centrally located and easy to find:

• Address: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road, Naples, FL 34102
• Driving Directions:
  • From I-75, take Exit 105 (Golden Gate Parkway) west, then turn left on Goodlette-Frank Road.
  • The zoo is about 2 miles south on the right-hand side.
• Parking: Free parking is available on-site, with additional overflow parking during busy seasons.

What to Bring for the Best Experience

A little preparation goes a long way! Here are some essentials to bring:

• Comfortable Walking Shoes – You’ll be doing plenty of walking on paved and natural trails.
• Sunscreen & Hat – Florida sun can be intense, so protect yourself while exploring.
• Reusable Water Bottle – Stay hydrated while you enjoy the exhibits.
• Bug Spray – While the zoo is well-maintained, a little bug spray never hurts in Florida.
• Camera or Smartphone – You’ll want to capture the incredible animals and scenery.
• Binoculars – Great for spotting birds and primates in the treetops.

Final Thoughts: Why Naples Zoo is a Must-Visit Florida Attraction

The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a one-of-a-kind attraction that blends history, nature, and wildlife into a seamless experience. Whether you’re feeding giraffes, cruising past monkey islands, or simply admiring the exotic plants, every visit promises something new and exciting. This destination is perfect for families, couples, photographers, nature lovers, and solo adventurers looking for an unforgettable day surrounded by nature and incredible animals.

For more details, photos, and the latest updates on visiting Naples Zoo, bookmark Paradise Coast Living.

Where to Stay when Visiting Naples, FL?

Browse current Naples, Florida VRBO Vacation Rentals, Hotel Specials, and Resort Lodging Availabilities below.

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SW FL Hotels and VRBO Vacation Rentals Special Rates 

Sunseeker Resort, 5500 Sunseeker Way, Charlotte Harbor, FL | 833-914-7300
Enjoy a waterfront stay at Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, a newly opened destination with 785 guestrooms, 20 dining concepts, a spa, a golf club and more. Explore the stunning views, activities and events of Florida's most laid-back coast.
Sunseeker Resorts Charlotte Harbor Rates and Specials

The Boat House Waterfront Motel - 1180 Edington Place Marco Island, Florida 34145 | 239-642-2400
Welcome to the Boathouse Motel, Gazebo House and Oceanview Condo - Marco Island's best kept secret and your hideaway in southwest Florida. The Boathouse is committed to preserving the charm of "Olde Marco". Enjoy island fun and feel right at home watching the dolphin, casting a line or just relaxing and enjoying the oceanview. Stay a day, a week or a month. Some pet friendly rooms are available. Book Direct for the best rates and specials.
Book Direct at The Boat House Motel - Marco Island, FL

Inn On Fifth, 699 5th Ave S, Naples, FL, 34102
A Top-Rated Naples Florida Eco-certified hotel with a full-service spa and a 24-hour fitness center. Pet Friendly. Outdoor Pool. Luxury Rooms and Suites. Located on Fifth Avenue South, next to Ocean Prime Restaurant. Check special rates and room availabilities below.
Inn On Fifth, Naples, FL

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, 400 South Collier Boulevard, Marco Island, FL 34145
A top-rated beachfront resort with 12 on premises restaurants. Situated along three miles of pristine private beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, our hotel on the beach in Marco Island, Florida.
Check current rates and specials

Hilton Grand Vacations ~ Club Regency Marco Island RCI Gold Crown Resort Suites, 500 S. Collier Boulevard, Marco Island, FL 34145
Spectacular Gulf Sunsets, Beachfront Resort with a spacious two-bedroom villas. Ideal for one week or longer stays. Club Regency is staffed by a team of trained on-site personnel. The resort is professionally managed by Hilton Grand Vacations Company.
Check Current Rates and Specials

Naples Ritz Carlton Tiburon Golf Resort, 2600 Tiburon Drive, Naples, FL 34109
A beautiful pet-friendly resort with sensational golfing and amenities. 4-star, 5-diamond resort features 2 championship golf courses, 3 award-winning restaurants. With bicycle tours and organized nature walks, this Naples, Florida, golf resort offers visitors a peaceful escape to luxury.
Check Current Rates and Specials

Marriott Crystal Shores Vacation Rentals, 600 S. Collier Boulevard, Marco Island, FL 34145
Comfortable, beautiful, condo resort, two restaurants, three outdoor pools, on Marco Island beach.
Marriott Crystal Shores Rates and Specials

Luminary Hotel, 2200 Edwards Drive, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection hotel features free bikes, fitness center, a restaurant and bar. This 4-star hotel offers freeWiFi, a 24-hour front desk. The property is non-smoking throughout and is located 24 miles from Fishermen's Village. Highly Recommended.
Luminary Hotel Rates and Specials

Bellasera Hotel, 221 9th Street South, Naples, FL 34102
Bellasera Resort in Naples is located at the gateway to 5th Avenue South, famous for its galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.Guests of Bellasera Resort can enjoy on-site poolside cabanas, a heated outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Concierge services are provided. Suites come with fully equipped kitchens, dining and living areas, and include a refrigerator, kitchenware, and coffee-making facilities. Highly Recommended. Find special rates below.
Bellasera Hotel, Naples, FL

Margaritaville Beach Resort, 251 Crescent St, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Margaritaville Fort Myers beach is now open and features an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, a terrace and 4 restaurants. Among the facilities at this property are a 24-hour front desk and a business center, along with free WiFi throughout the property. Fins Up! and party on, a wonderful new Fort Myers Beach resort hotel. Check current >room rates and availabilities.
Margaritaville Ft Myers Rates and Specials

Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers-Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33901
This Fort Myers hotel is only minutes from I-75 as well as many popular area attractions and famous beaches. Only a short distance from the Hampton Inn and Suites Fort Myers-Colonial Boulevard, guests can discover a number of shopping centers, restaurants and entertainment options. The Harborside Convention Center, top-rated golf courses and the historic downtown Fort Myers area are also easily accessible. Highly Recommended.
Hampton Inn Suites Hotel Rates and Specials

Spring Hill Suites by Marriott, 101 Harborside Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL, 33950
A waterfront hotel, Free Breakfast. 24 hour fitness center. A Pet Friendly Hotel. Free WiFi, 24 Hour Front Desk. Highly Recommended.
Spring Hill Suites Hotel Rates and Specials

Diamond Head Beach Resort, 2000 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
Recently updated Gulf view suites located on the north and south sides of the building have a beautiful angled view of the Gulf of Mexico. Each 700 sq.ft. suite features new furniture throughout, a living room with a queen-sized sleeper sofa, a separate bedroom with a king-sized bed, and a private bathroom with walk-in shower�plus granite surfaces and tile floors throughout. Managed by Sunstream Hotels and Resorts. Highly Recommended.
DiamondHead Beach Resort Rates and Specials

Bellasera Hotel, 221 9th Street South, Naples, FL 34102
Bellasera Resort in Naples is located at the gateway to 5th Avenue South, famous for its galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.Guests of Bellasera Resort can enjoy on-site poolside cabanas, a heated outdoor pool, and a fitness center. Concierge services are provided. Suites come with fully equipped kitchens, dining and living areas, and include a refrigerator, kitchenware, and coffee-making facilities. Highly Recommended.
Bellasera Hotel Naples Rates and Specials

Staybridge Suites, 9401 Triangle Blvd., Naples, FL 34113
Staybridge Suites - Naples - Marco Island, is an IHG Hotel. This comfortable hotel is ideal for longer term stays. Staybridge Suites has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, a shared lounge and bar in Naples. This 3-star hotel features free WiFi and barbecue facilities. The property is non-smoking throughout and is located 8.1 miles from Tin City. Pet Friendly. Check current rates and specials below
Staybridge Suites, Naples, FL

Naples Grande Beach Resort, 475 Seagate Drive, Pelican Bay, Naples, FL 34103
Gulf of Mexico views, 3 outdoor swimming pools, a fitness center, and free WiFi access. Naples Grande Beach Resort is located on 23 waterfront acres of Florida's Paradise Coast in Naples, Florida. Every accommodation features its own private balcony as well as a flat-screen TV, small refrigerator, and tea and coffee-making facilities. An excellent choice for couples. Check Availabilities below.
Naples Beach Resort, Naples, FL

Shangri-La Springs Resort, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135, USA
Built in 1921, Shangri-La Springs is a historic boutique hotel in Bonita Springs, Florida. Set on over eight acres, it offers a unique experience with an organic restaurant, full-service spa, organic gardens, and event spaces, blending timeless charm with wellness and sustainability.
Shangri-La Springs Resort, Bonita Springs, FL

The Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa offers a fantastic beachfront experience with a clean, easily accessible shore and exceptional spa services. The resort�s pool area is a highlight, providing a family-friendly and well-maintained space that receives high marks for its quality. Hilton Dining options are well-regarded, with on-site oceanview restaurant dining offering a diverse selection of food and drinks. Check current specials and availabilities.
Visit Hilton Marco Island, FL

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