Hippo Encounter

Join the keepers and meet a hippo behind the scenes.

Join our keepers for an unforgettable experience with one of the largest semi-aquatic species in Africa – the hippopotamus!

• Join our expert Animal Care Specialists on a 45-minute experience

• See up close the daily care and training for the hippos that call Busch Gardens Tampa Bay home

• Opportunities to feed & touch a hippo*

*Animal interactions and program components may vary due to animal behavior. All tour components and pricing are subject to change.

Hippo Insider at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

Hippo Encounter

Join the keepers and meet a hippo behind the scenes.

Prices Starting at

$ 69.99

Select date

Hippo Encounter

Prices Starting at

$ 69.99 /ea.

Select Date

Join our keepers for an unforgettable experience with one of the largest semi-aquatic species in Africa – the hippopotamus!

Join our expert Animal Care Specialists on a 30-45 minutes experience.
See up close the daily care and training for the hippos that call Busch Gardens Tampa Bay home.
Opportunities to feed & touch a hippo*.

*Animal interactions and program components may vary due to animal behavior. All tour components and pricing are subject to change.

Things to know before you go:

Children must be 10 and up to participate. Anyone under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Due to the behind-the-scenes nature of this experience, wheelchairs cannot be accommodated at this time.
Admission to Busch Gardens is not included and is required for participation.

Please check in for your tour directly at the Animal Interactions & Tours building at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. The Hippo Encounter Tour is subject to availability. Limited quantities are available each day and a reservation is required. Prices listed are per person and do not include tax. Tours must be cancelled a minimum of 24 hours in advance or total payment is forfeited. Tours are non-refundable if guests miss their tour time. If you have any questions or need to adjust your reservation, call (813)884-4FUN(4386). All tours are subject to availability.

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Hippo Encounter

Guest (ages 10 & up)

$ 69.99 /ea.

Join our keepers for an unforgettable experience with one of the largest semi-aquatic species in Africa – the hippopotamus!

Join our expert Animal Care Specialists on a 30-45 minutes experience.
See up close the daily care and training for the hippos that call Busch Gardens Tampa Bay home.
Opportunities to feed & touch a hippo*.

*Animal interactions and program components may vary due to animal behavior. All tour components and pricing are subject to change.

Things to know before you go:

Children must be 10 and up to participate. Anyone under 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult.
Due to the behind-the-scenes nature of this experience, wheelchairs cannot be accommodated at this time.
Admission to Busch Gardens is not included and is required for participation.

An unexpected error occurred.

Please try again.

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