Reptile Discovery Center
Witness thrilling venom extractions and get hands-on with snakes at this educational Florida center.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Educational and thrilling!
Reptile Discovery Center
Best Time
Educational and thrilling!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Witness thrilling venom extractions and get hands-on with snakes at this educational Florida center.
"Absolutely incredible experience from start to finish. Well worth the price of admission!"
🎯 Arrive for Venom Demos
Check the schedule for venom extraction demonstrations – they're a must-see!
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
The staff are experts and happy to answer questions. Don't hesitate to ask!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Venom Extraction Demo
Watch skilled handlers safely extract venom from dangerous snakes. Educational and thrilling!
Hold a Snake Experience
Get up close and personal by holding a friendly, non-venomous snake. A memorable photo op!
Komodo Dragon Birthday
Meet Murphy, the Komodo dragon, and learn about his special celebrations. A unique resident!
Outdoor Nature Trail
Explore a small trail featuring tortoises, alligators, and other fascinating reptiles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Venom Extraction Spectacle
Intimate & Educational
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive for Venom Demos
Check the schedule for venom extraction demonstrations – they're a must-see!
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
The staff are experts and happy to answer questions. Don't hesitate to ask!
🐍 Hold a Snake!
Many visitors rave about the opportunity to hold a snake. It's a highlight for many!
🚶♀️ Explore the Trail
Don't miss the outdoor nature trail with tortoises and alligators.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive for Venom Demos
Check the schedule for venom extraction demonstrations – they're a must-see!
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
The staff are experts and happy to answer questions. Don't hesitate to ask!
🐍 Hold a Snake!
Many visitors rave about the opportunity to hold a snake. It's a highlight for many!
🚶♀️ Explore the Trail
Don't miss the outdoor nature trail with tortoises and alligators.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great chances for photos, especially during snake handling and demonstrations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Reptile Discovery Center for its unique and educational experiences, particularly the live venom extraction demonstrations and the opportunity to hold snakes. The knowledgeable and friendly staff are frequently highlighted as a major asset, making the visit engaging for all ages. While some note it's a smaller venue, this intimacy is often seen as a positive, allowing for closer encounters and a more focused learning experience.
"Just for reference, I did a lot of research before we went and knew exactly what to expect. I knew it was a smaller place. We drove 5 hours round trip solely to come here. Best decision ever. My son is snake obsessed but experiencing medical issues and I wanted to take him to a snake exhibit where he could hold snakes indoors and had seating. In Fl, that isn’t easy to find! The added bonus was that they also had the venom extracting demonstration. I haven’t seen my son that happy in a long time. The people that work there are also amazing! Highly recommend!"
Jessica Diefenderfer
"This place is awesome all the way around. Carl is very knowledgeable about the venomous snakes and staff is very polite. I highly recommend this place to anyone that loves snakes and animals. They also have geckos tortoises and alligators and is very affordable. You will not be disappointed"
Donavin Wiggins
"Absolutely incredible experience from start to finish. Being able to be a "fly on the wall" watching Carl and his team work is such a unique gift, well well well worth the price of admission. Overall the serpentarium's collection is quite impressive, and the habitat design/husbandry appear to be incredibly well done both inside the serpentarium as well as outdoors on the walk/outdoor enclosures. Animals appear happy healthy and lively, many perfectly posing for your photographic enjoyment. I've been meaning to come check this out for some years now, and I'm happy to say I finally made the trek over from Tampa to do it!"
Austin Sims
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Reptile Discovery Center is located in DeLand, Florida. It's easily accessible by car, and parking is generally available on-site. Many visitors drive from nearby cities like Orlando or Tampa.
Absolutely! It's a perfect destination for a day trip, especially if you're in the Central Florida area. You can easily spend a few hours here enjoying the exhibits and demonstrations.
The closest major airports are Daytona Beach International Airport (DAB) and Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB). Orlando International Airport (MCO) is also a viable option, though further away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable, making it a great value for the experience. Check their official website for the most current pricing, but reviews consistently mention it's well worth the cost.
While advance booking might not always be strictly necessary, it's a good idea to check their website, especially if you plan to visit during peak times or for specific demonstrations.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to consult the Reptile Discovery Center's official website or social media pages for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times.
Information on discounts for groups, seniors, or children is usually available on their website. It's always worth checking for any special offers before your visit.
🎫 🐍 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of snakes, including venomous species like monocle cobras and Eastern diamondbacks, as well as tortoises, alligators, geckos, and lizards.
Yes, the venom extraction demonstrations are conducted by highly trained professionals in a safe and controlled environment. It's an educational display focused on antivenom production.
Many visitors report having the opportunity to hold snakes, which is often a highlight of their visit. The staff will guide you through this experience.
Yes, there is a small nature trail where you can see tortoises, alligators, and other reptiles in more naturalistic habitats.
It's an excellent place for kids, especially those interested in reptiles. The educational focus and hands-on opportunities make it very engaging for younger visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, and many visitors capture amazing shots of the reptiles. Be mindful of flash photography, especially around sensitive animals.
Weekday mornings often offer softer lighting and fewer crowds, which can be ideal for photography. Also, animals can be more active during cooler parts of the day.
While generally permitted, always be respectful of the animals and staff. Avoid using flash directly at animals if it seems to disturb them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The educational focus ensures that children learn while they're having fun, making it a memorable outing. The outdoor trail with tortoises and alligators also adds to the appeal for younger visitors. Parents often note how engaged their children become, with many leaving inspired to learn more about reptiles. The staff's friendly and knowledgeable approach makes the experience accessible and enjoyable for all ages. It's a great way to introduce children to the importance of wildlife conservation in a safe and exciting environment.
🐍 Snake Enthusiasts & Herpetology Buffs
The center's commitment to education and conservation resonates deeply with those passionate about herpetology. You'll appreciate the well-maintained habitats and the visible health and liveliness of the animals. The knowledgeable staff are a treasure trove of information, happy to discuss the nuances of reptile behavior, biology, and conservation efforts. It's a place where you can deepen your understanding and appreciation for these incredible creatures.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Venom Extraction
+2Visitors are often amazed by the precision and calm demeanor of the staff during these procedures. It's a unique opportunity to witness a process that directly contributes to public health. The educational aspect is paramount, with handlers explaining the importance of each snake species and the science behind antivenom.
Safety is the top priority, with strict protocols in place to ensure the well-being of both the handlers and the animals. The center emphasizes that these demonstrations are conducted responsibly and ethically, highlighting the respect they have for these powerful creatures.
Interactive Reptile Encounters
+1The staff are key to these interactions, ensuring that visitors feel comfortable and safe while handling the gentle, non-venomous snakes. They provide guidance and share interesting facts, making the experience both fun and educational. This personal touch is frequently praised in reviews, contributing to the center's reputation for excellent customer service.
In addition to snake handling, the center features a variety of other reptiles. The outdoor nature trail is a popular spot to observe tortoises and alligators in more naturalistic settings, offering a different perspective on Florida's native wildlife.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit