Alligator Alley is a fun learning adventure for students and teachers alike! After a guided tour along the boardwalk, your students will get to witness the alligator feedings. Want to feed them yourself? Grab some alligator chow and we’ll let you be the master! But don’t worry, we won’t just throw you to the alligators – we’ll be there to give instruction and supervise, of course.

After you’ve finished your guided adventure and walking tour along the elevated boardwalk, come hang out in our air-conditioned alligator station, where you can hold a baby alligator – and maybe even take a selfie with them. Our expert staff members are always happy to chat with you and answer anything you ever wanted to know about alligators!

Once your students have enjoyed visiting with the alligators and other natural wildlife inhabitants, stop by our shaded picnic area for a brown bag lunch. This is the perfect opportunity to ask your students what their favorite part of the day was and continue education.

Information you need to know before you come:

• Self-guided tour along the elevated boardwalk to safely view the alligators
• Daily feedings at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.
• Can accommodate up to 150 people
• Kid friendly and safe
• Handicap accessible
• Shaded picnic area for lunch
• Photography welcome
• Over 450 alligators from hatchlings to mature adults
• Other natural wildlife inhabitants include turtles, ospreys, owls, bull frogs and more!

If you’re ready to book your field trip to Alligator Alley, give us a call at 251-946-2483,or email info@gatoralleyfarm.com. For pricing, visit our website. We can’t wait to have you and your class here at the farm!

For the lucky few that stay here at the swamp for the holidays, we spend extra special quality time with them. When we’re not watching “How the alligator stole Christmas,” we’re singing our very own Christmas carols, loud and proud for all to hear. A favorite of ours is “I saw Colonel kissing Santa Claus” and “Pickles, the Green-Nailed Alligator.”

Although the alligators typically don’t eat during the winter, they sometimes can’t help themselves when it comes to sugar cookies and eggnog (Captain Crunch gets especially rowdy!). We use the couple days we have as a small group as a chance to really connect with each other on a deeper level and appreciate one another’s company.

Everyone’s favorite part of the holiday is when Pickles shows up in his Santa Claus costume and gives all his pals a little gift to make them feel loved. Last year, he got everyone a snack (a piece of a huge hog!). This year we’re looking forward to spending time together and spreading holiday cheer!

While we aren’t open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, we do invite guests to join us on December 21-23 and December 27-31 (closing at noon on December 31). For more information on winter at Alligator Alley or to view our hours, visit gatoralleyfarm.com and follow us on Instagram and Facebook.

Pickles is a 6-year-old alligator weighing in at about 80 pounds and measuring 5 feet long. But don’t think for a second that he’s not one to fight – this alligator talks the talk and walks the walk. For now, he remains the most popular of the alligators because of his vibrant style choices and friendly attitude (most of the time).

Now, it’s time for you to really get to know the real Pickles.

Q: Pickles, what’s the deal with the green nail polish? Where does your distinctive style come from?

A: Growing up around all these alligators, I had to find a way to stand out in the crowd! Also, green is a lucky color and complements my skin tone.

Q: What’s your favorite outfit you’ve strutted around been over the past years?

A: Hmm…I’d have to say my Santa Claus costume or maybe my sweet tux!

Q: What’s your favorite part of Alligator Alley?

A: I like to swim around and make friends! We even play games of Marco Polo in the swamp.

Q: How did you earn the name “Pickles”?

A: Because I LOVE to eat Pickles! When I was just a baby, I stole a cheeseburger and ate the pickles off of it. Ever since, I’ve been hooked! Pickles and chow together make for the most delicious combo.

Pickles had to leave our interview for an important photo opportunity in his Halloween costume, but he will answer any fan mail you might have. Just send him or any of the other alligators your questions at info@gatoralleyfarm.com and we’ll add you to our newsletter to receive updates on what’s happening around the farm! By the way, Pickles has his own Facebook page– check him out!

We are currently open every day except Wednesdays, but our hours are changing for the holidays. Be sure to stop by and spot Pickles munching on his favorite snack!

What happens when the weather gets bad?

You will get wet! Our facility is nearly all outdoors. However, the fun doesn’t have to end because of the rain. We only close for extreme weather like thunder and lightning. You can bring your own rain gear, or we sell ponchos in our gift shop if you’re caught off guard. We also offer rain checks if things get too rough outside to stay open.

Are you open year-round?

Typically, we close during most of the winter because of lack of alligator activity. It also gives our crew a chance to take a break, as well as keep the park in tip-top shape. Our website and Facebook page are the best places to find up-to-date info. about park hours and closings. Different times of the year can offer a different view into to the life of an alligator. During the colder months, the alligators are highly visible but less active, while during the warm months they are very active but spend most of the time in the water to escape the excessive heat.

What do alligators do in the winter?

Everything an alligator does, as with most reptiles, is temperature contingent. Meaning, if they are cold then they don’t do much. This includes eating and activity in general. They enter a state of torpor or brumation, which is when they become very sluggish due to the cold weather and their body functions slow down. Their heart rate slows, and digestion stops entirely if the temperature is low enough. This does provide a very good chance to view the over 600 alligators on the property as they will be on the bank trying to take in as much heat as they can.

Where is Captain Crunch?

Captain Crunch mostly resides in the back of the swamp (he likes to keep to himself). Alligators in general are very territorial and the bigger they are, the more territory they can control! In the wild, an adult male will even patrol miles of territory.

What is in the alligator chow?

Contrary to what it may look like, our alligator chow is specifically made for our animals. Its ingredients include a lot of different things, but about half of it consists of meat. Beyond that, it has bone and fish meal, corn, dried animal blood cells and a few bad kids thrown in there for flavor (just kidding!). It provides a healthy snack for our alligators and they love it! Who wouldn’t want to feed an alligator up close and personal?

Do you have more questions for us or our alligators? Stop by Alligator Alley and ask the alligators yourself or submit your questions on our Facebook page! To speak to one of our experts, contact us here or visit our website.

Every year during harvesting season, typically alligator eggs begin to hatch and use their egg tooth to crack open their shell and escape into the world. Once they have emerged from their shells, they immediately begin their search for food and dodge predators along the way.

On alligator farms, the staff often assist the mother in the process, which is called “harvesting.” Basically, the farmers will retrieve the eggs from the nest and place them in an incubator. After they hatch, the hatchlings become new additions to the farm!

These baby alligators are watched over by their protective mama alligator until she believes they are ready to “take on the real world” by themselves. This generally takes about a year and then the baby alligators join a pod for up to three years postpartum. Staying in pods help protect the young from predators like raccoons, large fish, birds of prey and even other alligators!

As eggs usually hatch in June or July, they begin to leave the juvenile stage and transition into adulthood while still protected in their pods. Once the young alligators have reached four feet in length, they are then considered virtually invulnerable in the wild (and at the swamp), except to other, bigger alligators.

Now that you know all about harvesting and what follows,come visit ournew babies at Alligator Alley! While you’re there, be sure to hold them and maybe if you’re lucky we’ll let you name one!

Alligator Alley is a unique learning adventure for all ages. We have special opportunities for the kiddos and teachers to witness alligator feedings, hold baby alligators and enjoy a tour along our boardwalk. Witness more than 600 alligators – from hatchlings to mature adults – in their natural habitat, all while viewing turtles, ospreys, owls and frogs just a few feet away. It’s the perfect place to relish in the outdoors and get out of the classroom for a hands-on learning experience you will never forget!

During your field trip, you can stop by the air-conditioned alligator station to get your hands on a baby alligator. Our expert staff members are always nearby to chat and answer questions about each animal. If you want to get your heart pumping, be sure to hang around for the live feedings that happen every day during peak season at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. After all the excitement, you can enjoy your lunch at the shaded picnic tables right across from the viewing area.

Field trip prices are set at special rates and teachers and bus drivers have free admission! Visitors also have the option to buy alligator chow to feed the alligators while walking the boardwalk and taking in the wildlife.

If you’re a teacher looking for a fun, out-of-the-box field trip for your class – you’ve found it! Start your school year off the right way, with a field trip to Alligator Alley! To book a day at the farm, call 251-946-2483 or drop us a line. Don’t forget to hang out with us on Facebook and Instagram and share your fun adventures. #AlligatorAlleyAdventure

Here’s a quick update before we dive into his Q&A: Captain is in his late 30s, he’s 13’2” and 800+ pounds – now that’s what we call a big fella!

Q: We hear you have a world record for bite strength – what’s your favorite food to munch on?

A: Anything I can get close to! Top favorite – feral pig leg (but not from my friends on the farm!).

Q: Where’s your favorite sunbathing spot?

A: I prefer to be alone in the swamp covered in mud and scouting out my next meal. I don’t typically bask in the sun… unless there’s snacks.

Q: How did you earn the name “Captain Crunch”?

A: I own this place, so the name Captain is quite fitting. The ‘Crunch’ doesn’t need an explanation, right?

Q: What’s the biggest adventure you’ve been on at Alligator Alley?

A: I’d tell you, but then I’d have to… Just kidding. I’d say the wildest adventure I’ve tackled during my time in the swamp would be stealing all the food at the live feedings from all the other alligators! They know to back off when Captain’s hungry. Speaking of hungry…

Captain Crunch heard the dinner bell and quickly scurried away to beat the crowd. Do you have any questions for Captain or one of the other alligators? Shoot us an email at info@gatoralleyfarm.com and we’ll add you to our newsletter, where you can receive updates on all things Alligator Alley! For now, check out our profiles on a few swamp favorites here. Remember, we’re open seven days a week, 10-5 and have live feedings every day at 11, 1 and 4. Tune in on Facebook soon to spot Captain crunching on some lunch!

While adult alligators tend to be unsocial creatures, they do engage in complex mating rituals. Their search begins by announcing their presence with a low bellowing sound to attract their mate. Males typically slap the water with their jaws and lift their tails high, causing vibrations throughout the swamp. We like to call this their “water dance.” Like most animals, alligators use scents as well, releasing an odor from their musk glands.

When an alligator finds their potential mate, they initiate direct courtship by rubbing and pressing each other’s snouts and backs. This behavior is particularly important, as it shows a sort of contest of strength while proving they’re better than other potential suitors. This “contest” is used to win over the female alligator and stimulate further courtship. While the typical courtship routine may last hours, copulation is very short (usually less than 30 seconds).

Once the females have mated several times for the season, they begin to build a nest from mud, plants and sticks to lay their eggs. The typical alligator lays between 20 to 50 eggs. After the hard-shelled eggs are laid, the mother alligator will cover them with more mud, sticks and plants and wait for their arrival during their 65-day incubation period.

If you’re interested in reading more about the harvesting of eggs, we’ve got it all here! Or, if you’re ready to visit these creatures in their element, stop by Alligator Alley. And remember, our live feedings happen everyday at 11, 1 and 4. We’ll see you soon!

Speaking of talents, you don’t want to miss our live performances – everyday at 11, 1 and 4! Also known as our live feedings, this special attraction really gets the alligators going and reels in a great crowd. With suspense, excitement and hungry alligators, we never know what to expect. If you’re a family full of thrill-seekers or just enjoy a good show, you should definitely make your way to Summerdale, Alabama for a visit.

Here’s a sneak peek of what to expect at our live feedings:

Give these alligators a round of applause for that impeccable performance! We give it five out of five stars!

After the feeding, take a stroll down the boardwalk in the swamp to enjoy the shade and check out all 450+ of our scaly friends in their natural habitat. You might even stumble upon a few nests filled with alligator eggs if you make it out before the end of summer!

So, why not treat yourself and your family to an experience to never be forgotten? Check out our hashtag to see our guests’ adventures and then start planning your trip to make your own memories. #AlligatorAlleyAdventure.

Give us a visit, and we’ll be sure to provide you an adventure!

ALLIGATOR PROFILE:

Captain Crunch

Age: late 30s

Length: 13’ 2”

Weight: 800+ pounds

Fun Fact: Captain Crunch isn’t sweet like the cereal – he’ll bite back. Keep your distance from this guy, especially during feeding time.

Best known for: His world record for bite strength of 2,982 pounds. Ouch!

Big Moe

Age: late 30s

Weight: 750 pounds

Fun Fact: Not only is Moe big, but he’s blind in one eye. He doesn’t let that stop him from jumping really high out of the water. Watch out for Big Moe and his scare tactics.

Best known for: His bubbly personality.

Pickles

Age: 6 years old

Weight: 60 pounds

Fun Fact: Pickles is the most well-known among the young alligators. You can spot him sporting green toenails on the weekend.

Best known for: Having his very own Facebook page. Give him a follow!

Prince Eric

Age: late 30s

Weight: 700 pounds

Fun Fact: Prince Eric won’t just eat anything that’s thrown his way. His elevated palate is how he earned his name. #diva

Best known for: His royalty. All hail Prince Eric.

The Colonel

Age: mid 40s

Weight: 900-1000 pounds (Our scale tops out at 899.)

Fun Fact: The Colonel is the largest alligator on the farm, and also the laziest.

Best known for: Knocking heads and taking names. Look out.

Now that you know a little bit more about these fellas, do you think you can spot them on your next visit to the swamp? Put yourself to the test and tag us on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #AlligatorProfile and include your guess along with a photo of one of our guys! Remember, we’re open seven days a week, 10-5 and have live feedings everyday at 11, 1 and 4. Tune in on Facebook soon!