Bristol: Crocodile Swimming Experience coffee and cake

If you’re craving a truly out-of-the-ordinary adventure during your trip to Gloucestershire, the Crocodile Swimming Experience offered by Crocs R us might just be your next highlight. While not your typical wildlife encounter, this tour combines the thrill of swimming with a crocodile—under supervised, expert guidance—with a relaxed visit to the Croc Cafe for some coffee and cake.

What immediately draws travelers in are the up-close interactions with relaxed crocodiles, the guidance from knowledgeable staff, and the opportunity to snap a souvenir photo with a gator. A potential downside is the $271 price tag for a group of up to two, which might seem steep for some, but for thrill-seekers and animal enthusiasts, the value can be justified by the combination of adventure and education.

This experience is best suited to those who love wildlife, enjoy a bit of adrenaline, and appreciate well-organized, genuinely caring staff. It’s not recommended for children under nine, pregnant women, or anyone with certain health issues, but for the curious and brave, it offers a memorable day out.

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Key Points

Unique experience swimming with a crocodile in a controlled environment
Guided tours of crocodiles and venomous snakes enrich the visit
Photographs and handling add a personal touch to the adventure
Relaxing meal with coffee and cake at the Croc Cafe
Well-reviewed staff make the experience friendly and educational
Limited to groups of two for a personalized experience

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Crocodile Swimming Experience?

This tour offers a 45-minute opportunity to swim with a crocodile in a specially designed pool. The staff ensures safety while allowing you to see how calm and relaxed these creatures can be when confident that they face no threat. Swimmers often comment on how the crocodiles seem to enjoy human interaction, which adds to the feeling that this is more than just a quick thrill—it’s also an insight into these fascinating animals.

The guided tour of the crocodiles and venomous snakes takes place after your swim, so you can learn about their behaviors, habitats, and conservation efforts. This educational component is especially appreciated by those who want their adventure to also be a learning experience.

Finally, the tour wraps up with a visit to the Croc Cafe, where you can enjoy a main course like a burger and wedges alongside a cold drink. This relaxed, casual ending offers a nice balance after the adrenaline of swimming and learning.

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The Experience Itself: A Closer Look

Meeting the Guides

The tour is led by friendly and knowledgeable staff, such as guides praised for their humor and expertise. One reviewer, Freya, described the staff as “friendly, funny, and knowledgeable,” which makes the entire experience approachable and reassuring. The guides’ familiarity with the animals and their engaging approach help ease any nerves.

The Crocodile Pool

The swimming pool is designed specifically for this experience, with calm, relaxed crocodiles that don’t seem bothered by human presence. Guests are provided with instructions on how to safely interact with the animals, and the staff closely supervise throughout.

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The Photographs

One of the most cherished parts of this tour is the souvenir photograph with a gator, which you can take home as a fun memento. Reviewers like Ash expressed how much they loved the experience, saying, “We love every minute,” emphasizing how engaging and memorable the adventure is.

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The Guided Tour

After your swim, you’ll explore the crocodile enclosures and the venomous snake areas, with guides sharing insights into each species. This educational component adds depth to the experience, helping guests understand the animals better and appreciate conservation efforts.

The Croc Cafe

Post-adventure, visitors gather at the Croc Cafe next to the reptile center for a meal. The menu includes options like burgers and wedges, paired with cold drinks, making for a casual and friendly atmosphere. Reviewers appreciated this downtime, noting the relaxed setting and tasty food.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Duration and Group Size

The entire experience lasts approximately two hours, with 45 minutes allocated for swimming with the crocodile. The tour is designed for small groups of up to two people, ensuring personalized attention and close interaction.

Cost and Value

At $271 per group, the price might seem high at first glance, but considering the exclusive nature of the activity, the personal guidance, and the quality of the experience, many find it worthwhile. The inclusion of a souvenir photograph and lunch adds to the overall value, especially for animal lovers seeking a unique adventure.

What to Bring

Guests should pack:

Swimwear
A change of clothes
A towel
A waterproof camera (note: flash photography is prohibited for safety)

This ensures you’re prepared for the swim and can capture the moment without worry.

Important Considerations

This experience is not suitable for children under 9, pregnant women, or individuals with heart problems. Safety is a priority, and the staff’s expertise reassures visitors that they’re in good hands.

Flexibility and Cancellation

You can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, offering some flexibility. Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance, allowing you to adjust plans if needed.

Why Choose This Experience?

If you’re after an adrenaline rush combined with education and fun, this tour fits the bill. It’s perfect for wildlife enthusiasts, curious travelers, or anyone looking to add a bit of excitement to their trip to Gloucestershire.

The focus on safety, knowledgeable guides, and a relaxed atmosphere make this a memorable experience without feeling overly commercial or rushed. Plus, the chance to interact with animals that are usually hidden away in distant jungles or zoos makes it uniquely special.

Who Would Love This?

This experience is ideal for:

Adventurous travelers seeking a hands-on wildlife encounter
Animal lovers interested in reptiles and crocodiles
Those who want a fun and memorable story to tell
Couples or small groups looking for an exclusive, personalized activity

It’s less suited for young children under nine, pregnant women, or people with health issues that prevent intense activity or exposure to certain environments. But for the curious and courageous, it offers an extraordinary day out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed the crocodiles or reptiles? No, feeding is not included in the experience, likely for safety and animal health reasons. However, you’ll get up close and personal with the animals through handling and guided viewing.

How long is the entire experience? Expect about two hours, including swimming, the guided tour, and relaxing at the Croc Cafe.

Is it suitable for children? No, this activity is recommended for guests aged 9 and above due to safety concerns.

Are the crocodiles dangerous? The crocodiles are relaxed and enjoy human interaction, and guides supervise all activities, ensuring safety.

What should I wear? Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, and a towel. A waterproof camera is also recommended, but flash photography is not allowed.

Can I cancel or reschedule? Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing some flexibility in planning.

Final Thoughts

The Bristol Crocodile Swimming Experience offers a captivating blend of adrenaline, education, and fun. For those willing to spend a bit more for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter, it delivers on excitement and personal interaction with some of nature’s most fascinating creatures. The guides’ expertise and friendly approach make it accessible and enjoyable, even for those new to reptiles.

While the price point might give pause, the inclusion of a souvenir photo, a guided tour, and a relaxed meal makes this a good value for thrill-seekers and animal enthusiasts. Just remember, it’s a small-group adventure that rewards curiosity and a sense of adventure.

If you’re in Gloucestershire and craving something different, this tour guarantees an experience you’ll be talking about long after the day ends.

Note: Always check current safety guidelines and booking policies before planning your visit to ensure the experience suits your needs and expectations.