Jungle Island

Jungle Island occupies a prime slice of Watson Island, the small island on the MacArthur Causeway between downtown Miami and Miami Beach. It's been a Miami institution in various forms since the 1930s, and in its current state as a combination wildlife park and eco-adventure attraction, it offers something genuinely different from standard zoo experiences.

The setting itself is a draw — tropical landscaping, Biscayne Bay breezes, and the kind of lush vegetation that makes South Florida special. Exotic birds including macaws, parrots, and flamingos are the signature visuals, but the animal roster extends to primates, lemurs, sloths, reptiles, and more.

What distinguishes Jungle Island from a pure zoo visit is the interactive component. Animal encounters let families get genuinely close — holding a sloth, feeding birds from your hand, observing primates up close. These moments are what kids remember years later, and they're what distinguishes Jungle Island from behind-glass zoo experiences.

The 4.1-star rating from 6,318 reviews reflects a broad range of visitors with varying expectations. Families who come expecting a full-scale zoo may feel the park is smaller than they anticipated; families who come for a beautiful outdoor animal experience in a unique Miami setting consistently rate it well.

Arrive when the gates open at 9:30AM — Miami summer heat is intense by 11AM and the park is outdoor throughout. Give yourself at least 2-3 hours for a proper visit. Plan water, sunscreen, and close-toed shoes.