11-04-2025
'Prime viewing': Naples landmark made USA Today's 10Best for unique attraction
A Naples landmark has received a top honor for one its most popular and unique attractions.
The Naples Zoo has been named in USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards for 2025. The national news publication rated the Naples Zoo's Primate Expedition Cruise eighth among the 10 best zoo exhibits across the country for 2025.
"The best zoo exhibits not only educate but also engage visitors by transporting them to another place, whether it be the foothills of the Himalayas, a Florida swamp, or to an island in Madagascar," USA Today said in announcing the winners.
"But which zoo exhibits are the most impressive, immersive, and informative in the country?"
USA Today asked a panel of experts to nominate their top picks, then readers voted to determine the winners. The Naples Daily News is part of Gannett, which publishes USA TODAY and more than 200 local news sites nationwide. The Naples Zoo exhibit was one of two in Florida that were recognized.
"The Primate Expedition Cruise is a unique opportunity only found at Naples Zoo where visitors climb aboard a catamaran for a 15- to 20-minute cruise around islands where monkeys, gibbons, and lemurs cavort in their own tropical paradise," USA Today's 10Best said.
"This unique lake habitat contains multiple primate-friendly islets complete with climbing structures, hammocks, and fruit trees. The cruise's design maintains primates' privacy and visibility simultaneously — they can retreat into foliage or venture closer to passing boats. These naturalist-guided tours share insights about each species' adaptations and social structures, while the boat's design ensures every seat is prime viewing real estate."
In the past year, Naples Zoo officials said, it welcomed more than 425,000 visitors, with more than 285,000 embarking on a Primate Expedition Cruise.
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Officially known as Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, it opened in 1969 and sits on 43 acres and in 2019 celebrated 100 years as a botanical garden and 50 years as a zoo.
The primate cruise opened in 1992, and through the years, has remained perhaps the most popular attraction because it offers a respite from the heat while people can observe fascinating animals.
Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. Contact him at dosborn@ and follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples Zoo primate cruise in USA Today's 10Best zoo exhibits
