Penguin Swim Near
The Villages, FL
There is nowhere else near The Villages where you can get in the water with a colony of Critically Endangered African penguins. Chase Sanctuary's Penguin Swim puts you directly in the habitat pool -- about 4 feet of 65-70°F salt water -- alongside the sanctuary's flock, with a guided introduction and keeper presentation included.
Genuinely Wild
Webster, FL is approximately 25 miles south of The Villages -- about a 25-minute drive via US-301 South.
This is a limited-engagement experience; spots go quickly.
Book Your Experience →"Chase Sanctuary's Penguin Swim puts you directly in the habitat pool -- about 4 feet of 65-70°F salt water -- alongside the sanctuary's flock, with a guided introduction and keeper presentation included."— Location Details
Address: 6127 SE 122nd Blvd, Webster, FL 33597
Signature Experiences
Discover the encounters that make Chase Sanctuary unforgettable.
$150/person | Tue, Fri & Sun at 2PM
Enter the habitat pool and swim alongside Chase Sanctuary's Critically Endangered African penguin colony -- approximately 4 feet of 65-70°F salt water. Ages 8+.
Book Penguin Swim$95/person | Saturdays at 9AM
Walk the open-air enclosures with a guide at first light, meeting lemurs, tortoises, muntjac deer, and wallabies.
Book Sunrise at the SanctuaryAdd-On Encounters
Sloth / Anteater Add-On
Up-close time with gentle sloths or anteaters -- always on the animal's own terms.
Fennec Fox Add-On
Meet the sanctuary's big-eared, endlessly charming fennec fox. Tiny, curious, and unforgettable.
About Chase Sanctuary
Chase Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit wildlife sanctuary in Webster, FL dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of endangered primates and exotic animals.
The sanctuary operates on WAZA welfare standards. Animal interactions are never forced.
Every dollar from your booking goes directly to animal care and conservation. No animals from Chase Sanctuary have ever been sold as pets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How far is Chase Sanctuary from The Villages for the Penguin Swim?
A: Webster, FL is approximately 25 miles south of The Villages -- about a 25-minute drive via US-301 South. It's a manageable day trip for The Villages visitors and residents.
Q2: What is the Penguin Swim experience like?
A: You'll enter the penguin habitat pool -- approximately 4 feet of 65-70°F salt water -- and swim alongside Chase Sanctuary's African penguin colony, with a guided introduction and keeper presentation included.
Q3: Is the Penguin Swim safe for all swimmers?
A: Guests must be ages 8 and older and able to safely navigate steps into and out of the pool. Water shoes are strongly recommended for the rocky and sandy habitat surfaces.
Q4: What should I bring for the Penguin Swim?
A: Come dressed and ready to enter the water, with water shoes, a towel, and a change of clothes.
Q5: Can I pair the Penguin Swim with other experiences on a trip from The Villages?
A: Yes. Many guests combine it with the Penguin Encounter or add on a Sloth/Anteater or Fennec Fox encounter.