If you are looking for a plan to explore nature together with your family, Jungle Island is the ideal place. In its 7.5 hectares live exotic animals surrounded by lush tropical trees. And beyond its natural attractions, its location also makes it a spot frequented by locals and tourists.
Jungle Island is located on beautiful Watson Island, between Downtown Miami and South Beach. The island is also home to the Miami Children’s Museum and the Miami Yacht Club. However, this park did not always have this privileged location.
When it was founded in 1939 by Franz Scherr, an immigrant from Austria, it was located in Pinecrest Gardens, on a property 30 minutes south of the city. Previously it was called Parrot Jungle, because its main attraction was the birds that lived there.
Once it moved to its new premises in 2002, it took its current name. Now, in addition to more than 200 birds, it is home to other animals such as reptiles, orangutans, tigers, lemurs, kangaroos, among others. Below, we present more details about this wild adventure and other activities that can be done on Jungle Island.
Things to do in Jungle Island
The jungle
If you are an animal lover, this place promises an unforgettable experience. You can take tours of the park, have interactions with wild animals and attend different shows. This is a list of the most popular activities in Jungle Island:
- VIP Safari Tour. Tours are done in groups of 10 people. In this way, an intimate approach to the animal kingdom is guaranteed.
- Lemur Encounter. These meetings aim to teach the character of these creatures from Madagascar. It is also allowed to play with lemurs and feed them.
- Tale of the Tiger. Here cats of different colors are presented, which teach about the wonders of this species.
- Kangaroo Konnection. Jungle Island is home to red kangaroos, the largest marsupials on the planet. And this program offers close encounters with these animals.
- Lorikeet Feedings. In this open-air aviary, people can feed the birds. Animals often perch on people’s shoulders or arms.
Interactions with animals are intended to communicate the biological importance of the species found here, for their conservation.
Joia Beach
This space, opened in the spring of 2020, is a beach club open to the public. It is the ideal place to relax after intense wild encounters and away from busy Miami Beach. Likewise, on selected days, there is live music and the presentation of different DJs.
From the beach you can appreciate the view of the bay and the city center and enjoy the full service of the restaurant. This one has a European-inspired menu, with a gastronomic selection made by chef Erhan Ozkaya. The cocktails are not far behind and show the tropical and rustic spirit of the club. For those staying in Downtown Miami or arriving at the Port of Miami, it is ideal for its proximity.
Social events
In addition to being a family attraction, Jungle Island has become an event hub. Its recently renovated ballroom, Lakeside Terrace, Lover’s Perch Waterfalls and outdoor spaces offer environments for any type of social or business gathering.
Whether it’s a picnic, large group excursions or a private cocktail, this park is the right choice. Today it is also a popular destination for weddings, Bar Mitzvahs and 15-year parties (or sweet sixteens). In any case, the event coordinators are responsible for customizing every detail and making all the locations available. Jungle Island is one of the best alternatives to plan a family day, a romantic dinner on the beach or a corporate event in Miami. Its proximity to other important points of the city, such as the Brickell City Centre, makes it easy for tourists or locals to include it in their itineraries.
References
Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. (n.d.). Jungle Island. Retrieved from https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/thing-to-do/attractions/jungle-island/2133
Jungle Island. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.jungleisland.com/#home-top
Pinecrest Gardens. (n.d.). History. Retrieved from https://www.pinecrestgardens.org/venue/history
Visit Florida. (n.d.). Unleash Your Wild Side. Retrieved from https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/things-to-do/attractions/florida-zoos.html
