Seacrest Wolf Preserve
Seacrest Wolf Preserve
4.5
About
Seacrest Wolf Preserve, Inc. is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Northwest Florida that has been dedicated to wolf and wildlife conservation through science-based educational tours for over 2 decades. Seacrest Wolf Preserve works to build bridges of greater understanding and respect for wolves, and create greater awareness of this important keystone species through our profound educational programs. Seacrest Wolf Preserve currently has over a dozen Ambassador Wolves that work along side our education team to help teach the public about their species and their vital role in the environment. Through our wolves, Seacrest teaches the broader message of conservation, ecological balance, and personal responsibility for improved human stewardship of our World.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Glendawpb239 contributionsAN EXTRAORDINARY ADVENTURE !A phenomenal experience. I recently enjoyed a private VIP tour of this preserve. I was amazed. The interaction with the wolves was above and beyond what I could ever have expected. The wolves were curious, playful and extremely affectionate. It was intriguing to witness the demeanor of the different wolves. The communication (howling) among the wolves was so gratifying. Prior to your wolf encounter, enter with an open mind and enjoy the magic of the interaction. It is a valuable and rewarding experience that I would definitely do again. It is apparent that they enjoy their enclosures, are treated extremely well and love the guides. The guides provided information about the wolves and the habitat which I found very interesting. In order to truly immerse yourself in this experience, don't be afraid to get dirty. Wear clothing & sneakers that you don't mind getting soiled. A bathhouse is provided so you may refresh yourself after the tour. Embrace the opportunity to get kissed by a wolf!Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 28, 2023
- DavebauhausMiami, Florida43 contributionsAmazing Experience, up close and personable with the WolvesAmazing time with the Wolf packs & Seacrest team.... Loved the fact it was all set up to look after the wolves, not commercial at all. The volunteers were really friendly and knowledgeable, I learnt alot. Anyone who loves dogs or wolves will love thisVisited December 2023Traveled with friendsWritten December 15, 2023
- Beth ECincinnati, Ohio7 contributionsI wish I could give more stars!!This was the most incredible experience that I will never forget! Interacting with the wolves is amazing - such beautiful animals. It was fascinating to be with them, and even more so to see them interacting with each other. Lindsey and Mallory were the perfect guides for this visit - their knowledge of the wolves seems to be limitless. They made our private tour such a pleasure! It is pricey - but worth every penny. If you are in the area, you should go and experience this Sanctuary.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 10, 2024
- Christi BLake Mary, Florida2 contributionsIncredible Adventure with wolves!We had such an amazing experience! Lindsey and Annette were super kind and knowledgeable and gave us an incredible tour! We learned a lot and enjoyed a warm welcome from the wolf ambassadors! It's very clear the volunteers care about the wolves and other animals at SWP. Loved spending time here and knowing the money goes to the care of the animals. Will be a highlighted life memory for sure! Annette captured some great photos of us and the wolves during the tour with our cell phone. Definitely hope to go back again and visit sometime. If you love animals, you will love the experience!Visited July 2024Traveled with friendsWritten July 27, 2024
- Lynn R2 contributionsGreat interaction with wolvesMy cousin and I went on the VIP tour. It was a little pricey but well worth the money. The knowledge of the staff and the interactions with the wolves were amazing. We knew what to expect when entering each enclosure. Something that needs to be put on your bucket list.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 2, 2024
- Paula R2 contributionsPlaying with wolvesMy boyfriend had a lifelong goal of playing with wolves so we planned a trip to celebrate his birthday and we were not disappointed. These wolves LOVED the attention we gave them and the staff worked hard for us to visit and interact with as many wolves as possible. The howl chain was epic. Would love to plan a winter visit in the future.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 15, 2024
- Brianna V1 contributionMagical and UnforgettableThe staff and wolves made this day an unforgettable bucket list experience! It’s amazing to see just how happy the wolves are and how much the staff cares about each animal in their care. The staff was so kind and informative, and the artwork the staff makes of the animals is so cool! Freedom and Echo were the sweetest wolves and gave so many kisses! Aurora and Geronimo were the cutest puppies! I learned so much about each pack and I’m already planning my next trip back! 10/10 would recommend the VIP tour! (PS, ask about Maverick and Shiloh! They have the sweetest story)Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
271 reviews
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FrequentTraveler2Pax
Niceville, FL26 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
We are disappointed in the direction Seacrest Wolf Preserve has taken in the past few years.
We used to visit when Wayne and Cynthia ran the operation from some pens near their house. At that time, they emphasized education for the public, and would sometimes visit local schools with their wolf ambassadors to educate the students.
Even when the new, larger compounds were built, Wayne and Cynthia and their volunteers would conducted multiple tours of small groups on Saturdays with an educational emphasis. We frequently camped there to howl with the wolves at night. Our children and grandchildren were always welcomed. We were allowed to take high-quality pictures of the wolves in their natural surroundings, which we provided freely to the Preserve. We gave large yearly donations to keep up their program.
But after Wayne’s death and Cynthia’s turnover of management to a new group, the emphasis has seemingly shifted to profit-making rather than education. Tours are now limited to “VIP tours” which cost $500 minimum for two people, and $125 for each additional person. Picture-taking is strictly controlled with a prohibition even during the VIP tours against taking pictures of the wolves without people in the image.
We understand that it is expensive to operate the Preserve, but it’s definitely not the same experience, and it’s doubtful that we’ll be back.
We used to visit when Wayne and Cynthia ran the operation from some pens near their house. At that time, they emphasized education for the public, and would sometimes visit local schools with their wolf ambassadors to educate the students.
Even when the new, larger compounds were built, Wayne and Cynthia and their volunteers would conducted multiple tours of small groups on Saturdays with an educational emphasis. We frequently camped there to howl with the wolves at night. Our children and grandchildren were always welcomed. We were allowed to take high-quality pictures of the wolves in their natural surroundings, which we provided freely to the Preserve. We gave large yearly donations to keep up their program.
But after Wayne’s death and Cynthia’s turnover of management to a new group, the emphasis has seemingly shifted to profit-making rather than education. Tours are now limited to “VIP tours” which cost $500 minimum for two people, and $125 for each additional person. Picture-taking is strictly controlled with a prohibition even during the VIP tours against taking pictures of the wolves without people in the image.
We understand that it is expensive to operate the Preserve, but it’s definitely not the same experience, and it’s doubtful that we’ll be back.
Written February 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Roseann
20 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
Our trip to Seacrest Wolf Preserve was amazing far beyond our expectations!!
We were able to interact with 10 different wolves in four different enclosures. Each wolf was equally attentive and loving and fun to play with! I loved their intimate interaction. iasha in particular really seemed to like my hair, and at one point scent marked my head! I felt so honored. We got lots and lots of kisses, and the wolves were receptive to us kissing them.
They were much more affectionate and playful than I anticipated. And of course to be in their presence during their howling sessions was even more phenomenal and special!!
Lindsey and her mother were very informative and great guides. Lindsey took the photos for us during our VIP tour. She captured the most memorable photos and video we could have ever hoped for!!
I would like to also mention that Lindsey and the staff were very helpful in even the pre-planning of our trip; picking out the best date for the VIP tour, assistance with the hotel and airport selection. I really appreciated and valued their time and attention to the details. I flew in from the Washington DC area ,and my friend flew all the way from San Francisco, California. The sole purpose of our trip was to visit Seacrest Wolf Preserve in Florida ,and then return home. Just our 2 hour VIP experience with the wolves at Seacrest was worth all our travel time, efforts and expenses , without a doubt!! We will certainly cherish our memories for a lifetime!! That's not to say returning in the near future isn't a possibility!!
We were able to interact with 10 different wolves in four different enclosures. Each wolf was equally attentive and loving and fun to play with! I loved their intimate interaction. iasha in particular really seemed to like my hair, and at one point scent marked my head! I felt so honored. We got lots and lots of kisses, and the wolves were receptive to us kissing them.
They were much more affectionate and playful than I anticipated. And of course to be in their presence during their howling sessions was even more phenomenal and special!!
Lindsey and her mother were very informative and great guides. Lindsey took the photos for us during our VIP tour. She captured the most memorable photos and video we could have ever hoped for!!
I would like to also mention that Lindsey and the staff were very helpful in even the pre-planning of our trip; picking out the best date for the VIP tour, assistance with the hotel and airport selection. I really appreciated and valued their time and attention to the details. I flew in from the Washington DC area ,and my friend flew all the way from San Francisco, California. The sole purpose of our trip was to visit Seacrest Wolf Preserve in Florida ,and then return home. Just our 2 hour VIP experience with the wolves at Seacrest was worth all our travel time, efforts and expenses , without a doubt!! We will certainly cherish our memories for a lifetime!! That's not to say returning in the near future isn't a possibility!!
Written April 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dennis Q
Atlanta, GA165 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
If you’re in the Panama City or Destin beach areas make your way to visit the Wolf preserve. It was an amazing time seeing these majestic animals 🐺. So cool to hear all of them howling! They’re very friendly and they love being petted. Just make sure you don’t wear anything nice as the love to rub and paw you lol
Written November 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tourist36808908070
Cocoa, FL1 contribution
Oct 2024 • Family
Way to few group tours. Very hard to get anyone on the phone. My family wasn't able to even book a tour because their obviously focused on their over priced VIP tours. They give you the hard sale on the VIP tours when you can actually get someone on the phone. What I hoped would be a unique and enjoyable family experience was very frustrating and disappointing. What was supposed to be the high point of our family vacation was a major let down.
Erik Williams
Erik Williams
Written October 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimberly M
Niceville, FL15 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
I went with my extended family to Chipley with little idea of what to expect. It turned out to be a remarkable day. We participated in the Saturday group tour and enjoyed every minute , although the wind made it a little too cold and the wolves were antsy from their recent trauma from hurricane Michael. They still freely interacted (when they wanted) with the group and were thrilling to watch even from a distance. I would happily do this again (with an extra layer of clothes).
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Brianna V
1 contribution
Sep 2024 • Family
The staff and wolves made this day an unforgettable bucket list experience! It’s amazing to see just how happy the wolves are and how much the staff cares about each animal in their care.
The staff was so kind and informative, and the artwork the staff makes of the animals is so cool!
Freedom and Echo were the sweetest wolves and gave so many kisses! Aurora and Geronimo were the cutest puppies!
I learned so much about each pack and I’m already planning my next trip back!
10/10 would recommend the VIP tour! (PS, ask about Maverick and Shiloh! They have the sweetest story)
The staff was so kind and informative, and the artwork the staff makes of the animals is so cool!
Freedom and Echo were the sweetest wolves and gave so many kisses! Aurora and Geronimo were the cutest puppies!
I learned so much about each pack and I’m already planning my next trip back!
10/10 would recommend the VIP tour! (PS, ask about Maverick and Shiloh! They have the sweetest story)
Written September 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura S
2 contributions
Aug 2022
The folks running Seacrest Wolf Preserve worked so passionately to make sure we had a great experience. Being a family of 7, we were looking for something different in the Panama City Beach area and found this hidden gem. Our youngest teenager is interested in becoming a vet, so we were especially looking forward to this outing.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but we were sure excited. There is a dress code to follow and they have rules to keep everyone safe. Things were always explained beforehand. Being around the wolves and petting them was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One even imprinted on our youngest daughter.
The wolves are captivating to watch and look at. One staff member had our phone and took lots of pictures for us.
By the end of the tour we had learned all about wolves. The lady who runs the preserve, Lindsey, encouraged questions. I don't think we could have asked a question that would have stumped her. We had an amazing time with this being one of the highlights of our vacation. I can't recommend this tour enough.
I wasn't sure what to expect, but we were sure excited. There is a dress code to follow and they have rules to keep everyone safe. Things were always explained beforehand. Being around the wolves and petting them was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. One even imprinted on our youngest daughter.
The wolves are captivating to watch and look at. One staff member had our phone and took lots of pictures for us.
By the end of the tour we had learned all about wolves. The lady who runs the preserve, Lindsey, encouraged questions. I don't think we could have asked a question that would have stumped her. We had an amazing time with this being one of the highlights of our vacation. I can't recommend this tour enough.
Written September 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kat F
Winter Park, FL144 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
The staff was very well informed and friendly. The wolves were amazing. Even though it rained, the staff was supportive and worked with us in our interactions with the wolves. The location was perfect and made me feel like I was part of the wolf family.
I would definitely go again and recommend this to anyone who is interested in a unique experience.
I would definitely go again and recommend this to anyone who is interested in a unique experience.
Written November 20, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MaryKat1323
Elk Grove Village, IL6 contributions
Feb 2022
Three years ago I visited the Seacrest Wolf Preserve on my Birthday and it was the best gift I ever gave myself!! So much so, that I did it again on my Birthday this year!!! My boyfriend and I did the 2 hour VIP package. It is an experience of a lifetime to get to spend time with these amazing animals. You literally become part of the pack. They are so friendly, playful and loving. The staff is also amazing. Thank you Lindsey and Annette for all of the amazing pictures you took and all of the information about the wolves. You haven't lived until you've looked a wolf in the eyes!! :) Thank you Seacrest!!
Written February 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lydia C
2 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
We had a private tour at the Seacrest Wolf Preserve in Chipley, FL. We were a bit nervous going into the gate but the wolves approached us and brushed against us to get petted. The wolves greeted each member in our group and howled with us. The staff was excellent Lindsey, Maddie and Mr Ott. They answered all of our questions and gave us an indepth account of a wolf's life in the wild. We have a new respect and understanding for these wonderful creatures. We heartily recommend this once in a lifetime adventure.
Written November 21, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TrailBlazer199627
Yulee, Florida
A good contact number for reservations as number on website just goes to voicemail
Written September 16, 2019
richardsummerford
Pensacola, Florida
My family and I have been trying to get ahold wolf preserve to make a reservation but no answer and no call back I'm in town on Saturday 6/16/18 can we make a reservation on site or are we just out of luck
Written June 16, 2018
You cannot make reservations on site.
Written June 16, 2018
Hi will be open in Aug 1st week and how much is the tickets and VIP tickets can we order in advance and what is the best time to go. Thank you for your time
Written April 28, 2018
There website has all the info you'll need. Be persistant when calling to make reservation, because they really busy and have volunteers answering calls. Leave a message and they'll call you back. May take several times but you will get through! It's worth it!
VIP: for 2ppl $500
Sat tours: $35 per person (well worth it!!)
Aug its hot but Fall months are better. My family and I went in March, was cooler and great camping weather!
Written May 1, 2018
We have tried calling and emailing the preserve but no joy and you only get a generic email back. can you do the tour of you are pregnant?
Written March 19, 2018
It is mostly volunteer based so their return calls are not immediate. It took almost 5 days for them to return my many voice messages.
I do not know about the pregnant part.
Written April 29, 2018
How long is the tour? Can we pack a lunch? What about water bottles?
Written February 24, 2018
It was about 4 hour tour with a hour break they have a snack shack serving burgers and hot dogs nachos ect.... But you can also bring lunch all food and drinks like bottle waters must be consumed on the outside of the wolves housing but they have picnic tables and seating available. Hope this helped
Written March 1, 2018
Hi,
We would love to visit the wold reserve,
could you please advise me of to best way to get there as im from Australia and will be coming to Orlando in January, is there an airport nearby? or do we have to drive?
thanks
Bec
Written September 12, 2017
SeacrestWolf
Chipley, Florida
Hi Bec!! So sorry for the late response.. we've been so busy and overwhelmed with the extreme sudden growth of Seacrest Wolf Preserve. I would definitely recommend flying into Panama City Beach Florida airport. It is the closest airport to the wolf preserve and is only about 35 miles away. If you have any other questions that we can help you with, please feel free to call us at 8507732897.
Written February 9, 2018
the website says no cell phones in the enclosures. can i have my cell phone on campgrounds at all, or do i need to leave it elsewhere?
Written June 11, 2017
Howdy. I agree with the above post - cell phones out of the enclosures, but disposables are allowed. Disposables can be purchased at the store onsite. We've found over the years that the professional photos available for purchase after the tour yield much better quality and are worth the money. These are purchased after review in the gift shop and are on a thumb drive. Realize, no one is making huge profits, the funds go toward the wolves and preserve. Keep your cellphone handy though as it is perfectly acceptable for the wolf pup encounters and the small animal enclosure - you will want to take photos at these two locations. Hope that helps.
Written June 12, 2017
We are wanting to take our niece when come come to visit in June, but we are bringing our travel trailer. We are going to Panama City beach, and hoping to stop by on our way home, but didn't know if parking would accommodate our 21 ft trailer.
Written April 4, 2017
Yes, they have plenty of room and will allow you to camp overnight in their grassy lot. There is also a restroom but I don't think it has showers. Hope this helps.
Written April 6, 2017
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