Welcome to Jungle Island, a historic eco-adventure park situated on Watson Island between downtown Miami and South Beach. Originally established in 1936 as Parrot Jungle, this Miami attraction has hosted famous figures like Sir Winston Churchill, Steven Spielberg, and Jimmy Carter. Today, you will discover a relaunched destination filled with diverse wildlife, animal encounters, and active eco-adventures following major renovations.
As you explore the park, you can catch live presentations under the landmark sails of the Jungle Theater—home to big cats like Hercules, a 900-pound liger—or head to the Parrot Bowl for the Winged Wonders show featuring an Andean condor and the world's only trained cassowary. Don't miss the Serpentarium to spot African penguins, lemurs, and boa constrictors, or stroll through the Everglades Habitat to experience Florida's native ecosystem. Younger guests and animal lovers can enjoy the petting zoo to interact with domestic animals and red kangaroos, while daily keeper talks and animal feedings offer deeper insights.
For thrill-seekers, the park features modern additions like zip lines, escape rooms, an outdoor wind tunnel flight experience, a Nerf battle stadium, and pop-up waterslides, giving you plenty of engaging ways to experience Miami's iconic tropical sanctuary.
What to see at Jungle Island
- Winged Wonders show featuring the world's only trained cassowary
- Jungle Theater and Hercules, a 900-pound liger
- Petting zoo with red kangaroo interactions and daily keeper talks
- Serpentarium showcasing African penguins, lemurs, and boa constrictors
- Eco-adventures including zip lines, escape rooms, and a flight wind tunnel
Visiting tips
Look out for the Summer Savings Ticket during summer months if you plan to visit both the main park and the water park.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Summer months
How to get there & what’s nearby
Jungle Island is easy to reach on Miami’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Vizcaya Museum and Gardens and Miami Seaquarium. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Miami travel guide.
See the full Miami travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.