Reviews of Okefenokee Swamp Park (Travel Agency)

Matthew Brill

It was 97 degrees the day I visited and the sweat was worth it. Superb staff and get up to the top of the observation tower. If you can't get to the Everglades, this place is just as good.

Terry Will

Loved it, wonderful way to spend a day. Everyone was knowledgeable and encouraged questions. Saw alot of wildlife, very educational. Wear comfortable shoes and plan on having a really good time!!

Sonya Berry

Loved being able to see the gators up close. However, when we were purchasing tickets they did not have the courtesy to let us know that the boardwalk was completely flooded. It felt very dishonest (which I am assuming is why they have the no rain checks/refunds policy on their brochure) That was the specific reason we had driven 2 hours and the rest of our experience (getting eaten alive by deer flies on a long train ride to the water that you can see from the parking lot) certainly did not make up for this.

Katie Hutson

4 stars only because of the people who actually do the boat tour and reptile show. While purchasing my tickets and other things the girls at the counter were loudly discussing their drinking habits and cursing. Really annoying when you’re there with your children. It was raining and only 12 people were in the park so the boat guide asked if we wanted to wait a few minutes for the rain to pass over. He was watching the radar. One of the girls came out and said he needed to go ahead. There were several boats with 3 other guides, our guide was just being polite and making sure we had a great experience, there was no rush because there was no one else in the freaking park! Our guide was awesome and we learned a lot. Seen many alligators. Make sure you use insect repellent. The one they sell in the gift shop worked great. After I put it on the yellow flies stopped biting us. The guy that did the reptile show was so thorough and made it a very pleasant experience. You get to touch them which is awesome. Train ride was okay. It’s all overpriced though. You can get a 90 minute boat tour at another part of the swamp that would be cheaper and better. I wouldn’t come back here.

Damian Giraldo

It was worth the drive from Brunswick. Bring bug repellant and water.

suzanne tranfaglia

Pack a lunch and head out to the swamp. There are picnic tables and a snack bar(got a decent hot dog) check out the bear observation area and visit the two resident bears. Interesting exhibits(see explanation of Land of the trembling earth) take the board walk thru the swamp to the tower....theres a guided swamp boat ride(extra fee...worth it) we saw gators Snakes and birds. The kids will love the train w/a stop at a old fashion homestead.

Christina Nicole

We parked and walked around but we did see 6 different gators. I've lived here in Waycross for 3 years now and it was my first time seeing a gator up close. It was a surreal experience. Can't wait to go back and actually experience the whole place. It's very peaceful and beautiful. The gift shop is adorable and has a bunch of nifty little trinkets to buy at reasonable prices.

David Ufferman

Loved it great area great tour guides

Dan M

Beautiful park. Far away from decent grocery outlets so planning is required. No Verizon. AT&T is spotty but works decently with a booster (surecall). Gators everywhere, boars, turtles, snakes etc. Dark skies with ample it stars. Campground had grassy spots but does get muddy during rain.

Darshna Patel

The tour guide was very friendly, informative and encouraged questions. He even let us stop to go up to a tower for a 360 view. It was gorgeous.

Howard Huff

Prices were reasonable in the gift shop. Take quarters for vending machines. Make sure you have plenty of bug spray. Tour guides were knowledgeable but sometime repeated themselves. PA system on train ride needs to be upgraded. You can hear the tour guide but you can't understand him. There are Tip Jars at the boat ride, train ride and nature center. Don't know if the folks working there were hourly or volunteers.

MidnightAngel1018

It was amazing! I hope we can go see it again soon. The nature show was very interesting, and then we went on the train ride, which was lovely and peaceful as well as informative, but the boat ride was fun and educational and we got to see alligators! All in all it was very impressive for just $27 per person.

Connie Cee

Wow loved seeing the alligators! Prices not too high. Educational park.

Areyah Sapp

I have always loved this place been visiting the swamp since I was a kid

Tracie Ulmer

We had a wonderful time with our family and friends from Oaklahoma!

Joe Weed

Very hot and BIG yellow flies

Justin Whalen

Out of the way, but beautiful scenery and great people. The kids always want to go when we're home in GA.

cswincher

Everything is great learn tons of stuff about a lots of animals but that train made my ears bleed (not really it's a joke) but ether than that it's great.

Joyce Humphries Vest

We had a great time visiting with our grandchildren!

Daniel Williamson

Great. Loved every minute of it. The boat and train tours were fantastic. And the animal show was amazing.

Denise E.

Beautifully serine, knowledgeable staff, plenty to see & fill a few hours, loved the live animal show & so did the kids! They need to consider installing a glass window in the floor of the gift shop (& low lighting maybe)!

gerda

Too high of a price point for a train ride through the woods where you can’t hear any of the information. The walk to the fire tower is terrifying. Highly recommend if you get a thrill from a narrow plank of wood being the only thing between you and gator teeth.

Jennifer Poulin

What a wonderful place for adventure! Take the whole tour, the boat ride, climb the tower (92' high), see the gators being fed & take the train trip! You will have an amazing day!

Daniel Grundtner

I had such high expectation on the Park before arriving on Sunday. I happen to love 'swamps.' Unfortunately, I bought the admission with the boat, train and the amphitheater, and was sorely disappointed. I have been to many parks and have experienced the conservation and environment talks. Both the boat ride and the train ride seemed like they were trying to recreate an entertainment ride rather than an education experience. There was no talk about the swamp, how it came about, what it means to the world, or how it can be protected. These talks usually include what we can do to protect the swamp, the environment, and reduce our carbon foot print. They were each sorely under trained. At least the reptile show presenter stayed on topic, but did not have the three conservation pitches. When it was time for me to go, I went through the gift shop and entrance and found the doors all open and the Air conditioning blowing on HIGH. It became too much for me to ignore. I said something to the four young adults gathered at the back door and was greeted with major condescension. The lack of customer service was incredible. Maybe I put them on the defensive, but I was trying to point out the role models they represented. My rebuffs were wasted. Austin make himself the self appointed spokesman and was the most dismissive of the four. Made me sorry I had gone so far out of the way to support this park. The five staff I encountered seem to be in their teens, two said so, and may have never been out side of Waycross, Georgia, and skipped all the ecology classes in High School. Save you time and money and go some where else. Maybe the state park?

Shane Recke

Enjoyed this very much the park is starting to show signs of age, but the animals are well taken care of. Didn't bring bug spray and they were not that bad.

Butch Puckett

It's a big swamp with a bunch of alligators, snakes and insects. It's worth seeing

Gregg Doll

At $27 a head it's a bit pricey, but there is a boat tour and train ride around part of the park. You can also take a walking tour on your own.

Gail Smith

The boat ride was nice. Park employees seem very knowledgeable about the swamp. Several things around the park need a good bit of TLC. Went on a school field trip and the kids enjoyed themselves.

Mike DiGesu

This place is awesome. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys learning something new and seeing nature up close and personal. Great idea for the family. They have an interesting show and tell lecture about the box turtles, the gators and the rat snakes, and you can "pet" all of them, if you want. :) The guide we had for the boat tour was fantastic. He and his family have lived there for generations and he was funny and very informative. The boat tour, the show and tell lecture and the train tour for a family of four was just over $100.00, but well worth it!

James Esker

Fun for kids of all agers

Ashley Patterson

Great place to visit if your in Georgia! It was a pretty dry when we went but there were still plenty of amazing things to see. The train ride was pretty cool too. Will definitely go back next time were in Georgia!

Hannah

Horrible, waste of money. Totally run down & nothing to see. Bought whole package and left after the train ride. Couldn’t leave fast enough.

Amanda D.

Didn’t get to see many alligators due to low water levels (world suggest boat tour to see more) but the train ride and nature show was great for kids. Really enjoyed the park and staff was great.

Steven Henderson

The only thing more dangerous than the alligators are the horseflys! Dip yourself in insect repellent before walking away from your car and be prepared for heat, humidity, and lack of a breeze. After all, it is a swamp!

Rex Abbott

Very nice. Have been visiting the swamp during Christmas to see the lights since they started and always enjoy the experience. The improvement and additional lights since the first year is mind boggling. The staff that work in making the show an enjoyment are to be commended. Thanks for an enjoyable experience..MERRY CHRISTMAS to all.

Christopher Miller

Beautiful nature park. The wildlife there is very abundant! If you get a chance, I definitely suggest you go there.

Christina Eberhardt

Our tour guide on the boat was good and the info he gave us was so informative.

Cassie Carmichael

Awesome adventure, make sure to have bug spray for white flies

****Godisgood*** **Momof4**

This was my first time as an adult with my family to the Okefenokee Swamp and we all enjoyed it. It's a must see! The staff were excellent!

Matthew Phillips

Me and the family had an amazing time

Iva F

I take my special needs Littles to Swamp Park every year. The staff is consistently receptive and seem to really enjoy working with my students.

Kaydence Hughes

The guide on the boat tour stopped in the sun for 10 minutes, I thought for sure one of the kids were going to pass out. Other than that, it was relaxing and you could see quite a few animals.

Rachel Stancil

Fun and relaxing. Sweet and informative staff. Nice day in nature.

Robert O'Brien

Enjoyed our day trip too the park And would suggest it to all enclosing Families w/ young children. Great educational experience. Gets your kids away from those electronic baby sitters.

Aimee Lim

If youre adventurous then this is the place for you. We did the boat ride and saw a lot of gators, turtles and birds. The tour guide was very interesting and informative. We watch also the feeding of the gators. Was amazing. Some are massive. We went to walk towards the tower and seen a bunch of gators along the way. It was scary lol . Their gift shop sells souveniers. Friendly staff. Do not bring your furry friend here. Also looking forward to kayak the swamp and camp in the park here.

Kristine Shannon

I'm sure it's a good park but I'm severely disappointed.. just drove an hour and a half after checking the website to be turned away.. of course the wildfire isn't their fault, but they should probably make mention on their site that it's closed from a fire that started yesterday so people like me can avoid waisting gas money and time.. I guess if you want to go always call before leaving to double check

Victoria Beverley

Came on a feild trip it was fun...the train ride would have been better....we saw a snake...and trees...

Brian Warnecke

Best vacation EVER!!! We had an awesome experience. All of the staff was friendly and knowledgeable. To be IN the habbitat of these alligators, snakes and other creatures without a fence or glass window was incredible. Our boat driver was Terry.. he was amazing ( the man behind me in the photo). I would love to tell you about what happened next but you wouldn't believe me... Stop down at Okefenokee and ask Terry about what he and Sally the alligator did that day.. Thanks everyone down at the swamp.. we hope to see you soon. Brian W.

Mike Mathies

The staff were friendly. You get pretty much exactly what it says. Kids get to interact with real reptiles and learn. Cool place but fairly expensive and big spray is a must.

Dave Barrett

Loved the visit here. Didn't know what to expect when we stopped in but very pleasantly surprised. Very nice staff that explained the park and inside staff that shared stories and knowledge.

Gilbert Ellis Jr

Love going to the park and enjoy the peace of nature it has to offer.

Randy Carmichael

Hot and yellow flies. Water was low but still enjoyed the park visit.

Rebecca Rideout

amazing trails and lookout areas.

Prasanna Narayanan

Quaint little area They have ferry rides, train rides, critter shows and talks and for Christmas they have lights and decorations we really enjoyed our stay and spent about a day on the park. This is run by a family and they are very friendly.

Cameron Tapley

Loved the train ride with the light show. Very reasonable cost too. Nice place to go to year round not just durring the holidays.

Robert Sigman

Lots of gators to see. Family loved it. I've been many, many times.

Jeff Freshour

We had a great trip to the Okefenokee. My wife and I went for a photography class that was about teaching us how to shoot night time sky shots. Had the weather and cloud cover cooperated it would have been wonderful because there is no ambient light to distract from the stars. During the day we rented a Jon Boat, which is a must do, and explored the swamp on our own. We did some fishing and got some great pictures of alligators, birds, lizards, spiders, and lots of gorgeous scenery. One night our group took a tour on the swamp with one of the rangers. I have never seen so many little red beady eyes popping out of the water. Good thing no one fell in. It would not have been good. You must go and see this and enjoy part of God’s creative handy work.

Playa Squirrel

Had a great visit here today. The guides are very knowledgeable and the tours were fun. If you want to see the Okefenokee but don't want to take a canoe or kayak, then this is the place to go. Great place to take kids.

honey nelly

Pretty nice place, tons of history. Could get boring kinda fast though.

Christopher Fiebig

The swamp ain't changed much but the buildings are all updated and kept very nice. Get there early to avoid the summer heat and to beat the crowds. Seems like there's always school buses in the parking lot and for a good reason. Maybe not a destination type stop but definitely worth a small detour if you're in the area. Plan on being there around 4 hours to take the tour and while you're at it gave a picnic amongst alligators.

Becca Durr

Absolutely loved it!! Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. If you want to see a gator in it's natural habitat this is the place for you. They do roam free in the park so no pets are allowed for safety reasons. The staff go above and beyond to make sure you have a safe visit but do your part and follow the rules.

Marissa Lee

Very good experience

Prashan Shakya

Be there early, long sleeve shirt, pants and insect repellant. It's a fun place.

Raymond Aldridge

Awesome boat and train tours. Can't wait to go back when the gators are out!!

Khun Sateeb

Was a great day for any ages. Gators on view and the people that work there are all filled with great info. Many have lived in the swamp for 40 or more years.

Just Eat With Santanna

Went during Christmas holiday and enjoyed the lights on the train ride with my family.

Donna Anderson

Love this place! Take my granddaughter every year!!

Thomas Starling

Been a long time since I've been there was good brought my nefew and his wife

CJ Russo

Absolutely stunning park. A bit pricey but the money goes towards conservation so I don’t mind. Wear long sleeves and lightweight pants to keep the bugs off. These bugs don’t care about bug spray.

Clara Landry

All I can say is " if you haven't been here at Christmas to see the Okefenokee Swamp lights and taken the train ride with your family, then you don't know what you are missing! This is so beautiful and will definitely become a family ritual every holiday. Great memories and it will definitely put you in the holiday spirit! This year I believe it was $10 for adults and I'm not sure of the price for children. It is well worth the money! They have volunteers who set this up and it couldn't have been easy. lol We are talking about the swamp. So please do yourself a favor and plan to go in 2019. You won't be sorry. No I do not work or volunteer here. I just loved it!

Jeff Harper

Its a park, in a swamp. Whats not to love? Seriously its very well kept but bugs are horrendous, much like you'd find in a swamp!

Raymond Clunie

Good place to visit while in Waycross. Bring the kids and bug repellant.

Sarah Pittman

I went years ago and it all was great but this time the train ride wasn't very informative. Very boring and the reptile show brought out 3 turtles, 1 snake, 1 alligator. Before there were way more then that. The boat ride was great though

Matt Smith

It was ok. Good way to see alligators. Kind of expensive. No discounts for military or senior.

Caroline Lutey

I never thought I would care about crocodiles so much since they scare me but Oscar changed my heart. It was so interesting to breat about well everything. We went all out and got everything possible, like the train and boat rides. Do it. Definitely worth the extra money. Will go back if I'm ever in the area

kym fenn

Awesome day trip. Boat tour was chock full of amazing information and tons of gators from a few months old to 90 years old. Awesome trails, observation tower...def. a great day trip destination!!!!!

Jennifer Nguyen

We had so much fun. Family is from Mobile, Al. Melvin on the boat ride was awesome and so informative! Chuck on the train ride was awesome and informative also. We had the best time ever. Thank y'all so much.

Larry Crofoot

Really nice place, friendly staff, train and boat tours. Almost everyone survived the boat tour (Just Kidding on boat tour).

dylan murphy

This place was amazing, so peaceful! Very scenic. Saw plenty of gators, but no pitcher plants sadly. The observation tower is definitely worth checking out.

Heather Kight

We went on a field trip with school. It was very organized and a nice time!

Anthony Williams Jr.

There is a place where you can walk around for free and you may see a gator and other wildlife but admission to the park is at least $17 and includes a train ride as well as live nature displays such as turtles, snakes, alligators, history, etc. I took the boat tour and learned and saw a lot. It was $27 plus I tipped as it was well worth it. Went at the last 4:00 slot and was the only one! Thanks to the guide, Melvin. One day maybe I'll take the train and stay longer.

Amanda Fox Buckner

Love how packed full of history it is.

Juan P

Great place with lots of wildlife. Reminds of the Everglades back home..

Anne Schachl

Stopped at the swamp on our way to Tallahassee. It was a rather disappointing and expensive experience. Entrance fee of 17 dollars per person is far too much for what they offer: short boardwalk through swamp, a few alligators which are kept in fenced areas, rather disappointing wildlife show (people were allowed to pet/touch turtles and snakes - poor animals!) It definitely didn‘t live up to our expectations. For nature lovers who want to observe animals in their natural habitat, there are much better places to visit.

Kenneth Tillman

A great place to go with family and friends to see the ways if the swamp!!! Lots of information about the people that used the swamp as a lifeline for living!!!

Trey Lee

Step into the wilderness and experience the essence of the largest freshwater, or "blackwater", swamp in the United States. The Okefenokee Swamp Park is a hometown landmark that offers a wonderful learning opportunity about our local history and natural history of the swamp, as well as and abundance of local legend and history which is complimented by the up close and personal experience of the natural beauty of that wild that South Georgia is so in love with. Step back into the history of Waycross and it's roots and how the swamp is not just a tourist attraction, but a necessary piece of our life here in Ware County. The OSP allows visitors to be immersed in local history and legend and gives way for you to step fully into nature and not just visit a zoo or wildlife exhibit, but allows you to come face to face with the full beauty of the Swamp and all it's inhabitants. As a native to the area, the Okefenokee Swamp is home. It's blackwater runs through the veins of local families and when we come back to the Swamp, we find our roots over and over again. Come and join us in finding yourself. There is a saying that, "There's no WiFi in the forest, but I promise you'll find a better connection." Come on into the Swamp and find that "better connection", find yourself grounded in nature and walk out better (and maybe a bit itchy from the yellow flies

Jonathan Schnurr

This place is great! There are gators everywhere! They have a several trails too. This is a must visit if you're in the area and especially if you love flowers and wildlife.

Cindy McCurtis

The bear looked sick...walking funny and patchy fur... one of the gaters had a serious tear on the bottom of his foot. We couldn't do much but walk around because the park closed at 5:30 but it was only 4?

Angela Jutras

Super fun and educational. Boat ride, train ride and reptile show. Learn about the swamp and the history of the area!

Mary Lynne SMITH

The boat tour and train were nice. I learned a lot of history about the area. I did not see much wildlife, only a few gators, as both tours only took you at the edge of the swamp. I wanted to see wildlife.

Sara Barrett

Excellent place to see nature!!! Alligators as close to you as they are comfortable getting and as close as you are comfortable letting them get to you, using common sense. :) Turtles, train rides, interactive reptile show. Snack center with concessions but I would highly recommend bringing a picnic!!!! Super nice staff, also. Bathrooms are spotless.

Erin Keller

Loved this place. Staff were great! All the activities were really fun and realistically priced! Great for kids and adults alike!

Damnit JunKy

Bug spray is a must but this is a great place to take family. Friendly staff

Carol Thomas

My husband and I visited today and was pleased. Learned lots of new things about snakes and turtles.lots of frogs around the swamp

Stevius Maximus

Live Alligators and various snakes, birds, deer, fish... The tours were excellent and fun! Tour guides were friendly and very knowledgeable. Inexpensive too

Callie Sandoval

Very friendly staff. The kids loved being here and were very excited for the train ride

Gordon Harris

Very cool place to visit. But, too costly for tours.

Jean Coffey

I love this place. I take my kids a couple of times a month just to walk around and see the alligators. It's a little expensive to go in the actual park if you have a bunch of kids. My kids loved it but I prefer the jacksonville zoo for the price.

Matt Rice

This park was one of the best travel experiences I've had in America. I've been to many national parks and this National Wild Life Refuge is up to par with some of the best national parks. There are beautiful hikes, canoes for rent, and an epic swamp adventure boat ride. Come here for a good southen swamp time

Ace Lane

Worth the drive Beautiful park even though we didn't take the train ride .

Leticia Hill

Kids' school had a blast on the boat tour and train ride!!! The animal show was unique because the creatures were passed around so each child and adult could have a memorable experience!!! Thanks to the employees at Okefenokee Swamp for a wonderful adventure!!!

michael hinds

Go here all the time AMAZING!

Dave Conger

Lots of wildlife, staff was knowledgeable. Loved the boat ride into the swamp. You could probably skip the train ride, though.

Ashlynn Whittle

Okefenokee Swamp Park is a past time and childhood favorite, so coming back after many years of being away, it definitely did not disappoint. I love the park and everything that it has to offer.

Sarah Fox

Knowledgeable guides. Very nice people.

Frothy Dog Coffee Company

Well worth the visit.

Matthew Larson

Second visit. First with our kid. We are originally from the north so we love seeing the gators and learning about the swamp!

JUDY ROWE

Lot of fun but take big spray. Yellow flies were bad