Where to Find Wild Monkeys in Florida: 5 Prime Places to See Primates!

Florida is home to some of the most amazing wildlife in the United States. From alligators to sea turtles, there are cool creatures in just about every nook and cranny of the Sunshine State, and today, we’re going to show you where to find wild monkeys in Florida!

It might come as a shock, but there really are free-roaming monkeys here! Although, as you may have surmised, these guys aren’t natives. Each species was imported and eventually made itself at home, thanks to the tropical climate. While potentially invasive, research shows that when carefully managed, the monkey populations seem to have a minimal negative impact on the local ecosystems. Of course, continual research and monitoring are key to preventing undue harm.

That being said, for casual visitors, the monkeys are simply a sight to behold and enjoy. Monkey business is endlessly entertaining, after all, and getting to see them outside of a zoo is a rare treat. Follow me, and I’ll show you five places where primates are the prime attraction!

Where to Find Wild Monkeys in Florida

According to a 2022 conservation report, there are five species of wild monkeys in Florida, and three of them have established breeding populations. Residing in state parks and along beautiful stretches of winding rivers, you’ll feel truly transported to the tropics when you see one of these simians swinging from the branches!

While their antics are adorable, keep in mind these are wild monkeys. Not only is it illegal to feed them, but it’s also a dangerous practice. When people hand over scraps and morsels to the monkeys, it teaches them that humans are a food source and can lead to future food aggression. Additionally, the rhesus macaque monkeys in Florida are known to carry the herpes B virus, which can be fatal to humans. (Though, thankfully, there aren’t any documented cases of transmission from these wild monkeys to date.)

As with any wildlife, the best practice is to keep your distance, be respectful, and stay aware of your surroundings. Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!

1. Silver Springs State Park

One of Florida’s most beautiful parks, Silver Springs State Park is known for glass-bottom boat tours and its Hollywood history. However, it’s also home to a population of rhesus macaque monkeys.

There’s a popular story about the macaques being brought in to liven up the set of the Tarzan movies, but in reality, the monkeys were imported by a man named Colonel Tooey. Hoping to start a jungle cruise attraction, he built an island in Silver River where the monkeys could live and be viewed by cruising visitors. Unfortunately for Tooey, rhesus macaques are avid swimmers and promptly left the island.

Today, the rhesus macaques have a steady population in the park, and much like Tooey originally intended, are enjoyed by visitors to the area.

2. Ocklawaha River

There’s another population of rhesus macaque monkeys along the Ocklawaha River, and it’s believed this group originated from those in Silver Springs.

Although Silver Springs State Park is the most popular place to view these monkeys, a kayaking or paddling trip down the Ocklawaha River is a truly gorgeous experience, regardless of the primates! One of the few rivers that flow south to north, Ocklawaha River borders Ocala National Forest and eventually meets up with Silver River.

A popular destination for paddlers, primate enthusiasts will also enjoy the opportunity to catch a glimpse of a wild macaque!

3. Monkey Island, Homosassa

Super cute spider monkeys can be seen on Monkey Island at the Homosassa Riverside Resort. While technically semi-captive, as they are fed and cared for by the resort owners, these monkeys roam freely across their island. As of writing, there are five spider monkeys living here.

Monkey Island came about in the 1960s thanks to developer G. A. Furgason, who turned a rocky outcropping (which kept damaging boats) into a wildlife attraction. He expanded the rocks into a full-fledged island, and the original monkeys were provided by naturalist Dr. John N. Hamlet, who had gotten fed up with their mischief while trying to study them. The island was a perfect place for a permanent “time out” corner where the primates could also be safe and happy.

You can rent or launch your own kayak into the river to get a good view of the island and its fun-loving inhabitants. While the island is also visible from the resort grounds, including the resort’s open dining areas, paddling next to the island is best for up-close observation and photos. (Do keep in mind that docking is strictly prohibited, and the property is under camera surveillance.)

4. Dania Beach

For more wild monkeys in Florida, head to Dania Beach, where vervet monkeys frolic and play.

In the 1940s, Florida’s first vervet monkeys (an African species) escaped from the Dania Chimpanzee Farm. However, Dania Beach is a nice place, so the monkeys decided to stay in the area. Today, there is a population of about 40 wild monkeys that roam around Dania Beach, doing their own thing – aka soaking up undying adoration from visitors and locals alike!

Unfortunately, because wild monkeys in Florida are non-native, these free-ranging friends have faced some serious problems in recent years. As their population is currently in decline, extinction is a real possibility for the vervets, but due to their alien status, these monkeys cannot be treated and re-released. If captured, they must be euthanized or placed in a permitted facility.

Thankfully, these vervet monkeys are loved by their community, and the Dania Beach Vervet Project is now underway and working to create a sanctuary where these friends can continue to live their best lives in a safe and natural environment!

5. Monkey Jungle

Located in Miami, Monkey Jungle isn’t exactly home to wild monkeys in Florida… but it is an incredibly natural environment “where humans are caged, and monkeys run wild.”

An eco-show park, Monkey Jungle confines its visitors to a wire-covered pathway while the monkeys roam the lush hammock that surrounds the trail. This provides unique opportunities to observe primates behaving as candidly as possible while still technically being captive animals.

There are several different species here, including java monkeys and adorably small squirrel monkeys!

BONUS: Skunk Ape Headquarters

When it comes to wild monkeys in Florida, there’s one species that really stands out: the skunk ape.

All right, technically skunk ape is a cryptid, but you can enjoy touring the Everglades on a quest to see the creature when you visit Skunk Ape Headquarters in Ochopee, Florida. With a quality campground and a fun animal exhibit to boot, this is a great outdoor adventure! (Even if seeing a wild skunk ape is not guaranteed.)

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Now that you know where to find wild monkeys in Florida, we hope you have some super simian adventures! Tell us about your favorite encounters in the comments below!

See you on the next adventure!

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Featured photo: jkraft5 via Canva