Alligators in Orlando: Are You Safe to Go in the Water?

Millions of alligators live in Florida, although they are commonly found in the southern portion of the state. However, did you know that alligators also live in Orlando? This Central Florida city is best known for its exciting theme parks and many fun activities to do! However, the city also offers some fantastic parks and lakes, but are they crawling with alligators? Can you swim in these waters? Follow along to learn about alligators in Orlando, including if you’re safe to go in the water.

Are there Alligators in Orlando?

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates that there are about 1.3 million American alligators across the state. This means, that alligators can be found in Orlando. Alligators live in some lakes and ponds in Orlando. However, there’s no way of knowing if there’s a gator in the water, so always assume there is. Many walking trails in Orlando were created next to marshes and waterways. Popular trails in Orlando where you may spot alligators are Shingle Creek Trails. Alligators though are more common in the outskirts of Orlando where there isn’t as much construction.

Is it Safe to Swim in Orlando Lakes?

While alligators could care less about humans, attacks are still possible. Any body of water in Orlando, Florida has the potential to contain alligators. These large reptiles are the least of your worries though. Orlando lakes are also home to non-venomous and venomous water snakes. Although they also typically stay clear of humans, an accidental bite can still occur.

Coming in contact with Naegleria fowleri, a brain-eating amoeba, is rare, but has happened in Orlando. This bacteria thrives in soil and warm still freshwater, like lakes and ponds. Apart from bacteria and large animals, you can also encounter leeches. These blood-sucking parasites can leave you with painful red marks. They are most common in shallow parts of the water.

If you are thinking about swimming in a lake in Orlando, be careful and read the signs carefully!

Where to See Alligators in Orlando

You can find alligators throughout Orlando, but you need to know where to look. Alligators are great at hiding, especially in marshes. They use the green in the water to hide and are sometimes completely underwater. Many American alligators sunbathe and rest along the water’s edge. Search along the water’s edge and through the weeds. Alligators also hiss when they feel threatened, this is more common in young hatchlings. If you hear a hissing sound though, this likely means you are too close!

If you want to safely see and learn about American alligators in Orlando, you can visit one of the city’s many alligator-themed attractions. For example, Gatorland is a 110-acre theme park and wildlife preserve founded in 1949. Here you can see hundreds of alligators in different exhibits and live shows with the large reptiles. Gatorland is best known for its massive alligator head entrance. It’s easy to spot. While in the park, you can also zip line over a pool of alligators.

If you want a more natural and wild experience, you can take a trip to Orlando Wetlands Park. Don’t let the name fool you though, the Orlando Wetlands Park is located in Christmas, Florida, which is about 20 miles away from the city. While in the park, you can walk the many dirt-path trails along marshes and lakes. You can also walk over the water on a newly constructed wooden boardwalk. Alligators are common in the water, along with Florida sandhill cranes.

Alligator Attacks in Orlando

Alligator attacks aren’t very common, but they aren’t rare either. Florida has the most recorded alligator attacks and alligator-related deaths in the United States. Usually, alligators attack humans when confused, or they feel threatened. Instead, they mainly attack dogs and cats near the shallow end of the water.

Still, humans have been attacked in Orlando by these large reptiles. One of the most recent attacks in 2023 had to do with a dog. A Florida resident shot and killed an alligator that latched onto his dog in his backyard. The dog was left with minor injuries and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission got rid of the alligator.

One of the most well-known alligator attacks happened on Disney property in 2016. A 7-foot alligator attacked and dragged A 2-year-old child into the water while playing at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. Experts believe that the alligator may have thought the small toddler was a raccoon. Since then, Disney has removed at least 200 alligators from their parks and resorts.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Joe Pearl Photography