Meet Florida's Friendliest Capybaras
One of the most memorable private animal experiences you'll have during your Florida vacation. Meet real capybaras and exotic animal ambassadors in small-group encounters built around animal welfare and education.
Our Animal Ambassadors
Capybaras, exotic companions, and animal ambassadors from Noah's Ark Sanctuary. Full animal profiles and photos coming soon. Visit the Meet the Animals page for the latest.
Reserve NowSee What a Visit Looks Like
Real guests. Real reactions. Guest photos from our St. Petersburg location coming soon. In the meantime, follow @capycafefl on Instagram for the latest.
Follow on InstagramWhat Guests Say About Our Capybara Café Experiences
Reviews are from guests across our Capybara Café locations, including St. Petersburg.
It was a dream come true to feed and pet capybaras. Our guide was knowledgeable and the experience was well run. My daughter still talks about it.
Such a fantastic time. The staff was great and very knowledgeable about the capybaras. We would absolutely come back. Our oldest loves her some capybaras and this was a surprise for her.
No forced interaction. The animals choose whether to come to work each day. That alone sets this apart from any petting zoo. It's easy to see how well cared for they are.
Perfect For Everyone
From family day trips to date nights and school field trips, one of the most distinctive things to do in St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and the Tampa Bay area.
Add This to Your Florida Bucket List
Most people never get this close to a capybara in their lifetime. This is that experience.
What Happens During Your Experience
Here is what to expect.
Arrive
Check in at the front desk. Meet our staff and get settled.
Meet Your Guide
Your guide introduces you to the animals and what to expect.
Meet the Animals
Spend real time with capybaras and our other animal ambassadors.
Photos
Take all the photos you want. No time pressure.
Learn
Your guide shares conservation stories and animal backgrounds.
Leave Smiling
Most guests leave with a new favorite photo.
Choose Your Experience
Every session is small-group and guided. Browse live availability and pricing straight from our booking system below.
Advance reservations are recommended — weekends fill up fast at our open locations.
Book Your VisitChoose What Is Right for You
Every session is small-group and guided. Here is a quick overview. Full availability and pricing load in the booking calendar below.
| Experience | Best For | Duration | Age | What to Expect | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capybara Lounge | First-time visitors, all ages | 30 min | All ages | Most popular. Guided, hands-on time with our capybaras and other small animals in our cafe-style Lounge. From $59. | Book → |
| Lemurs and Friends | Animal lovers, curious guests | 25 min | Ages 5+ | Get up close with our playful lemurs and friends in a lively, guided session. From $45. | Book → |
| Private Capybara Encounter | Birthdays, date nights, small groups | 25 min | All ages | A private, curated capybara encounter in our bougie room. Minimum 4 people. From $196. | Book → |
| Mini Safari | Families, enthusiasts | 25 min | All ages | Meet animal ambassadors from across the globe: wallaby, coatimundi, armadillo, skunk, and more. From $45. | Book → |
| Baby Capybara Encounter | All ages, capybara lovers | 25 min | All ages | Meet our youngest capybara ambassadors in a guided, gentle session built around their comfort. From $55. | Book → |
| Private Event Buyout | Birthdays, corporate, celebrations | Varies | All ages | Get the full Capybara Cafe and all of its themed rooms. Duration and pricing vary by group size. Plan ahead. | Book → |
| Yoga in the Wild | Adults, special occasions | 45 min | Adults only | A guided yoga session alongside our capybaras and other small animals. A calm, one-of-a-kind way to unwind. | Book → |
Full pricing and real-time availability appear in the booking calendar below.
Reserve Your Experience
Select your location and date. Every booking directly funds rescue and care operations at Noah's Ark Sanctuary. St. Petersburg location: 4703 Park St N.
St. Petersburg: Reserve Your Spot
Weekends and school breaks book up quickly — advance reservations recommended.
Reserve St. PetersburgGift cards available. All proceeds go directly to Noah's Ark Sanctuary rescue operations.
Buy a Gift CardNot a Zoo. Not a Petting Farm.
A small-group encounter experience built around the animals first. Guests notice the difference.
The Animals Choose
No animal is forced to participate. Our animals come willingly. What you get is not staged.
Small Groups Only
Sessions are capped. We limit numbers to protect the animals from stress and to give each guest real, unhurried time with them.
Every Visit Funds Rescue
Noah's Ark Sanctuary owns and operates The Capybara Cafe. Every ticket goes directly into rescue operations, animal care, and wildlife education. There is no middleman.
Expert Guides
Our guides know each animal personally. They share the history, behavior, and personality behind every one. No rehearsed script.
Every Visit Helps Animals
When you visit The Capybara Cafe, your ticket goes to work. Every dollar helps support Noah's Ark Sanctuary's mission of animal rescue, conservation education, and direct care for our animal ambassadors.
Events and Special Experiences
Check back regularly. Special events, seasonal experiences, and themed encounters are added throughout the year.
Private birthday encounters for groups of up to 12. Contact us to discuss options, pricing, and availability for your celebration.
Inquire NowConservation education built into every group session. Contact us for group rates, curriculum alignment, and scheduling for school visits.
Book a School VisitCorporate outings, family reunions, team events. Reserve the space for your group and get an experience no conference room can match.
Contact for Group RatesPlan Your Special Event
Select the type of experience you are planning and we will reach out to discuss availability, pricing, and everything you need.
We Have Something for Every Occasion
Every experience can be tailored. Contact us directly to plan something specific for your group or occasion.
Birthday Parties
Private encounter sessions for birthday groups. The capybaras don't care how old you're turning, they're happy to celebrate with you.
Plan a Birthday Party See the Birthday Venue →School and Field Trips
Curriculum-aligned conservation education with live animals. Groups from pre-K through university welcome. Contact us for group rates.
Book a Field Trip More on Field Trips →Corporate Events
Private group experiences for teams, clients, or company outings. Something your team will actually talk about the following week.
Inquire About Corporate EventsPhotography Sessions
Dedicated time with the animals for content creators, photographers, and social media. Contact us to discuss availability.
Book a Photography SessionPeople Travel Hours for This Experience
Guests come from throughout Florida, across the country, and around the world to meet our animal ambassadors. This is not a convenience stop. It is a destination.
"We drove down from Orlando just for this. No regrets, our kids still talk about it two months later."
"We added it to our Florida vacation after seeing a TikTok. Best decision of the whole trip."
"We flew in from Atlanta and came straight here before even checking into our hotel."
Giving Back
Every Visit Creates a Ripple Effect
Noah's Ark Sanctuary does not just care for the animals inside The Capybara Cafe. The revenue generated by your visits supports conservation programs, rescue operations, and educational partnerships with nonprofit organizations across Florida and beyond.
We believe that connecting people with animals is only the beginning. The real mission is inspiring a generation of people who actively protect wildlife, support conservation, and advocate for animals who cannot speak for themselves.
Our conservation and education partners will be listed here. Full partner details coming soon.
From the Capybara Cafe
Animal updates, conservation stories, and guest spotlights. Blog posts coming soon. Follow @capycafefl to stay connected in the meantime.
Visit the News PageYour First Visit, Answered
The most common questions first-time guests have before they book.
More to Discover
Dig deeper into what a visit looks like, who you'll meet, and how we give back.
Experiences
See every encounter type we offer, from standard sessions to private bookings.
View Experiences →Learning & Conservation
Our education-first approach and how every visit supports Noah's Ark Sanctuary.
Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions
Contact Us
Questions about your reservation, group bookings, or anything else, reach out directly.
4703 Park St N · St. Petersburg, FL 33709 · Get Directions
Join our waitlist or ask about group bookings, birthday parties, school visits, and corporate events for when we open.
Visit Information
Contact
Email UsGood to Know
Walk-ins welcome when space allows. Booking ahead guarantees your spot. Closed-toe shoes required. Gift cards available year-round.
Reserve Your SpotStay Updated
Updates on new experiences, events, and animals at The Capybara Cafe.
As Seen on Social Media
Watch behind-the-scenes moments, meet our ambassador animals, and see guest reactions from across all of our locations. Add your own with #CapybaraCafe.