Jungle Island

The Basics

Visit Jungle Island to see colorful exotic birds and spend some time admiring waddling penguins, a 20-foot long saltwater crocodile called Crocosaurus, and a rare albino alligator. Jungle Island also hosts a number of shows featuring roller-skating cockatoos, stunt-performing parrots, and card-playing macaws. To get closer to some of the animals, book a lemur, sloth, or flamingo encounter.

After seeing the animals, get your adrenaline going on the zipline course, solve a puzzle in an escape room, or experience the feeling of flight at the Superflight a wind tunnel. Jungle Island is included on some Miami city tours; purchase a Go Miami Card to see Jungle Island and other attractions, like the Miami Seaquarium, for one discounted price.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Jungle Island is popular with families and animal lovers.

• Pre-book attractions like animal encounters and Superflight.

• Remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and plenty of water.

• The park offers a cafe, a gift shop, and limited on-site parking.

How to Get There

Jungle Island is located on the north side of the MacArthur Causeway, the stretch of road that connects downtown Miami to the barrier island of South Beach. To reach Jungle Island, take I-95 to I-395 east (MacArthur Causeway) and turn right on Parrot Jungle Trail, the first exit.

When to Get There

Jungle Island is open year round a is a popular attraction in all seasons. The park is slowest during the summer months, when temperatures and humidity levels climb. Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.

Zoo-Miami

For more family fun, head to Zoo-Miami (also known as the Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Garden), home to over 3,000 animals. Feed the giraffes and admire animals from around the world—including elephants, rhinoceros, chimpanzees, and lions—then learn about local species like the Florida panther, black bears, gopher tortoises, and Florida box turtles.

Ways to explore

Jungle Island is a popular attraction—especially with families—so it’s best to book tickets in advance for your preferred date. Along with gaining access to see the animals, you can watch the Guardians of the Jungle Show, visit the playground and other activity zones, and book upgraded experiences such as treetop treks (with ziplines) and animal encounters; there’s even an Ultimate Explorer Encounter, with a chance to meet baby capybaras, sloths, lemurs, wallabies, emus, flamingos, and tortoises.

Accessibility

The park is wheelchair accessible and offers wheelchair rental services, but not all animal encounters are wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Refillable water bottle, camera, contactless payment method

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, lightweight layers, sun protection

Not allowed

Outside food or drinks, littering, scooters, bikes

Amenities

Restrooms, gift shop, eateries, ATM

Address

Jungle Island is located on Watson Island in Miami, on the north side of the MacArthur Causeway. Visitors can arrive by car, rideshare, or bus, or book a tour that includes park entry.

Driving

From the I-95, take the I-395 East (MacArthur Causeway) until you get to exit #2D. After that, cross the bridge, and take the first right after the bridge onto Parrot Jungle Trail. There’s a parking garage on-site.

Public transportation

Driving or a rideshare is usually easiest, but if you’re using public transit, the Miami-Dade bus routes C, M, S, and #120 all stop at Jungle Island.

Best times to visit

It’s a good idea to arrive early—ideally close to opening time—so you can explore the park before the peak afternoon crowds arrive.

Best days to visit

The park is open daily, but weekends can get busy. Aim for Monday through Thursday for a quieter experience.

Best months to visit

Jungle Island is open year-round, but it can be humid in the summer months. December through April offer better weather conditions.

Special events

There are special events throughout the year, including a special Holiday Village in December, so it’s a good idea to check the calendar before visiting.