Bristol: Crocodile Swimming Experience coffee and cake

Imagine standing poolside in Gloucestershire, watching a relaxed crocodile glide through the water just a few feet away, then slipping into the pool yourself for a swim with this prehistoric predator. At around $271 for a group of up to two people, this experience offers a rare chance to get up close and personal with crocodiles and venomous snakes in a controlled, guided setting. The whole session lasts about two hours, making it a perfect half-day adventure for those craving something a little offbeat and memorable.

Two things we love about this tour: first, the personal interaction with the crocodiles — it’s not every day you get to swim alongside a relaxed gator that actually enjoys human company. Second, the knowledgeable guides make all the difference; they make sure you understand the animals’ behavior while keeping everything safe and engaging. A charming highlight is the Croc Cafe, where you can unwind with coffee, cake, and a main course, sharing stories about your aquatic predator encounter.

That said, one possible consideration is that it’s not suitable for children under nine, pregnant women, or anyone with heart problems. The experience is physically active, and safety protocols are strictly followed. If you’re looking for a gentle, family-friendly outing, this might not be the best fit. However, if you’re eager for a thrilling, educational, yet relaxed experience with authentic animal encounters, this tour should be at the top of your list.

This experience is ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, adventure travelers, or anyone curious about reptiles who doesn’t mind getting a bit wet and wants to see animals in a naturalistic but safe environment. The reviews show that visitors often find it “the best experience ever” and leave with a sense of having truly connected with the animals and their keepers.

Key Points

• Unique opportunity to swim with a crocodile in a safe, controlled environment
• Guided tour of crocodiles and venomous snakes enhances understanding and safety
• Includes a souvenir photograph with a gator for lasting memories
• Relax with coffee and cake or a main meal at the Croc Cafe after the encounter
• Must bring swimwear, towel, and waterproof camera; flash photography is not allowed
• Suitable for travelers over age 9; not recommended for pregnant women or those with heart issues

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Crocodile Swimming Experience

Location and Setting

This tour takes place at a reptile center in Gloucestershire, where the focus is on creating an environment that is both educational and genuinely engaging. The highlight is the swimming pool, specially designed for the crocodiles’ safety and the visitors’ thrill. The setting is casual yet professional, with guides who clearly love sharing their knowledge.

The Itinerary

Your experience begins with checking in at the Croc Cafe, arriving at least five minutes before your scheduled slot. Once you’re ready, your guide — whose friendly and informative style comes highly recommended — will escort you to the pool area.

The actual swimming session lasts about 45 minutes, during which you’ll be in the water with a relaxed, human-friendly crocodile. The animals here are well cared for and accustomed to human interaction, which makes for a more natural and less intimidating experience. The guides will be present throughout, ensuring safety and answering questions.

After the swim, the tour continues with a guided walk around the reptile center, where you’ll see other crocodiles and learn about venomous snakes. The guides are described as friendly, funny, and knowledgeable, making the tour both educational and entertaining — no boring lecture here.

Photographs and Souvenirs

A highlight for many visitors is the souvenir photograph — a professional shot of you with a gator — which is included in the price. Many reviews mention how much they appreciate having a tangible memory of the experience, especially since the moment with the crocodile is so unique.

Relaxing at the Croc Cafe

Post-activity, you’ll head to the Croc Cafe, located right next to the reptile center. Here, you can enjoy a main course — like a burger and wedges — along with a cold drink, making this a well-rounded experience that combines adventure with comfort. The cafe offers a relaxed ambiance perfect for sharing stories from your encounter.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The package covers the 45-minute swim, guided tour of reptiles, souvenir photo, reptile handling, and a meal at the cafe. It does not include feeding the crocodiles or reptiles, which some might find tempting but is likely excluded for safety reasons.

Important Tips

To make the most of your experience, bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and a waterproof camera. Remember, flash photography is not allowed, to avoid startling the animals. The experience is designed to be physically active, so be prepared for a bit of movement and water.

Authenticity and the Human Side of the Experience

What truly sets this tour apart, based on reviews, is the personal touch of the guides. Visitors like Freya repeatedly praise the friendly, funny, and knowledgeable staff who go the extra mile to make sure everyone feels comfortable and informed. Freya called it “the best experience ever,” emphasizing how well the animals are cared for and how the staff enhances the visit.

Ash’s comment, “we love every minute,” highlights how captivating the encounter can be for those open to a bit of adventure. The relaxed attitude of the crocodiles — described as enjoying human interaction — makes this a genuinely authentic experience, not just a staged activity.

The value of the souvenir photograph is also noteworthy; it’s a tangible reminder of something few people get to do. Meanwhile, the guided tour after the swim offers a chance to learn about the animals’ behavior and habitats, adding depth to this adventure.

Practical Details & Tips

• Price: At $271 for up to two people, this experience is a fair investment considering the rarity of the opportunity. The inclusion of a meal and photographs adds further value.
• Duration: Allow about two hours total — plenty of time for the swim, tour, and relaxing at the cafe.
• Group Size: The experience is designed for groups of up to two, making it intimate and personalized.
• Age & Health Restrictions: Not suitable for children under nine, pregnant women, or anyone with heart issues. These restrictions are in place for safety reasons and to ensure everyone enjoys the activity.
• Cancellation & Flexibility: You can reschedule or cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind.

Who Will Love This?

This tour is perfect for those who enjoy animal encounters that go beyond the typical zoo visit. If you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or someone curious about reptiles and crocodiles, you’ll find this experience both fun and educational. It’s also suitable for travelers who want a personal, memorable story to tell — swimming with a crocodile is sure to be a highlight.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a gentle, family-friendly experience or are uncomfortable around water or animals, you might want to consider other options. But for the adventurous, this is a rare chance to see and interact with animals in a way few ever do.

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The Sum Up

The Bristol Crocodile Swimming Experience offers an authentic and memorable adventure, combining animal education, personal interaction, and relaxed hospitality. You’ll leave with a photo souvenir, new knowledge about reptiles, and stories to share for years.

It’s particularly suited for animal lovers and adventure travelers who value detailed guides and genuine animal behavior. The coffee and cake at the Croc Cafe adds a nice touch of comfort after the excitement, making the whole trip feel more complete and satisfying.

While it’s not for everyone — especially those with health restrictions or very young children — it stands out as a unique, fun, and educational experience that’s worth the price for the right traveler. If you love animals, a bit of adrenaline, and learning something new, this tour will likely be a highlight on your trip to Gloucestershire.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
It is recommended for children over age 9. Younger children might not be able to participate due to safety and activity requirements.

Can I feed the crocodiles or reptiles?
No, feeding the animals is not included in the experience, likely for safety reasons.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and a waterproof camera. Flash photography is forbidden, so plan accordingly.

How long is the entire experience?
The activity lasts about two hours, including the swim, guided tour, and time at the cafe.

Is there a group size limit?
Yes, this experience is designed for groups of up to two people per booking, offering a more personalized encounter.

Are there any health restrictions?
Yes, it’s not suitable for pregnant women, children under 9, or individuals with heart problems.

What kind of food is served at the Croc Cafe?
You can enjoy a main course such as a burger and wedges, along with a cold drink, in a relaxed setting.

What is the best time to visit?
Check the booking calendar; it’s recommended to arrive five minutes early for your scheduled slot.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If you’re after an adventure that combines adrenaline, education, and a dash of humor, this crocodile experience in Gloucestershire could be just what you need. Prepare to get wet, learn a lot, and leave with plenty of stories — and a fantastic photo to remember it all.

You can check availability for your dates here: