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Edisto Island Serpentarium

4.8
·788 reviews·Edisto Island, United States

Discover a world of reptiles at Edisto Island Serpentarium, featuring impressive habitats, live feedings, and expert-led shows.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daily, during feeding times

See live feedings!

CrowdMedium
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Edisto Island Serpentarium - Image 1

Edisto Island Serpentarium

Best Time

Daily, during feeding times

See live feedings!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Discover a world of reptiles at Edisto Island Serpentarium, featuring impressive habitats, live feedings, and expert-led shows.

4.8
(788 reviews)

"The husbandry here is insane! The habitats they created were outstanding."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Check Feeding Schedules

Alligator & snake feedings are twice daily. Don't miss these exciting shows!

💰 Bring Quarters for Turtles

You can buy turtle food to feed them! Bring quarters for this fun interactive activity.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Alligator Feeding Frenzy

Alligator Feeding Frenzy

Alligator Enclosure

Witness the thrilling twice-daily alligator feeding and talk. A must-see for an up-close encounter with these magnificent reptiles.

Venomous & Non-Venomous Snake Islands

Venomous & Non-Venomous Snake Islands

Outdoor Gardens

Explore the outdoor habitats showcasing a variety of snakes. Observe their natural behaviors in well-designed, spacious enclosures.

Reptile Shows & Talks

Reptile Shows & Talks

Indoor Presentation Area

Engaging daily shows and talks by knowledgeable staff. Learn fascinating facts about snakes, turtles, and other fascinating reptiles.

Turtle Feeding Fun

Turtle Feeding Fun

Turtle Pond

Purchase turtle food (quarters needed!) and enjoy feeding the turtles. A delightful interactive experience for all ages.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Around Feeding Times

Don't miss the exciting live feedings! Alligator and snake feeding sessions happen twice daily, offering a unique glimpse into reptile behavior. Check the schedule upon arrival.

Embrace the Drive

Located on Edisto Island, the Serpentarium is a scenic drive from Charleston. Allow ample travel time to fully enjoy the journey and the attraction.

Best Times

When
Daily, during feeding times
Why
See live feedings!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🐍 Homeschool Field Trip Spotlight: Edisto Island Serpentarium 🌿🦎 Get up close (but not too close!) to some of South Carolina’s most fascinating reptiles! From snakes and gators to turtles and lizards, the Edisto Island Serpentarium is a one-of-a-kind learning experience that brings life science to life. 🐢✨ We watched live snake demonstrations, an alligator feeding, and even a venom extraction—in...
runplayexplore
8 likes • 449 views

🎯 Check Feeding Schedules

Alligator & snake feedings are twice daily. Don't miss these exciting shows! Reddit

💰 Bring Quarters for Turtles

You can buy turtle food to feed them! Bring quarters for this fun interactive activity. Reddit

FEEDING TIME at Edisto Serpentarium 🐍🍽️ #travel #reels #fyp #snake #edistoislandserpentarium
the_moonlight_adventures
7 likes • 261 views
Edisto Island Serpentarium non venomous snake Island #edistoisland #edistoislandserpentarium #blackracer #blackracersnake #cornsnake #cornsnakesofinstagram #redsnake #red #serpent
moshballs
4.3K likes • 800.3K views

🚗 Scenic Edisto Island Drive

The drive to Edisto Island is beautiful. Allow extra time to enjoy the scenery. Reddit

📸 Great for Kids & Adults

Kids aged 3 and 10 loved it! Educational and entertaining for all ages. Reddit

|| EDISTO ISLAND SERPENTARIUM 🐍🐊🐢 || If you like reptiles, this is the place for you. If you don’t, you may want to keep scrolling. 😅 Despite that large ball of tangled black snakes in the tree (literal nightmare material) we had a good time and learned lots. Two shows were held during our visit: venom extraction and native SC snakes. Both were really interesting and informative! The kids are m...
rock.and.roo
33 likes • 303 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Check Feeding Schedules

Alligator & snake feedings are twice daily. Don't miss these exciting shows! Reddit

💰 Bring Quarters for Turtles

You can buy turtle food to feed them! Bring quarters for this fun interactive activity. Reddit

🚗 Scenic Edisto Island Drive

The drive to Edisto Island is beautiful. Allow extra time to enjoy the scenery. Reddit

📸 Great for Kids & Adults

Kids aged 3 and 10 loved it! Educational and entertaining for all ages. Reddit

⚠️ Live Feedings Caution

Live feedings may not be suitable for very young children. Consider this for little ones. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(788 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are overwhelmingly impressed by the Edisto Island Serpentarium, particularly praising the exceptional animal husbandry and the incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff. The live feeding demonstrations and well-designed habitats are consistently highlighted as major draws, making it a highly recommended educational and entertaining experience for all ages. Some minor concerns include the intensity of live feedings for very young children and the limited dining options onsite.

"I had an absolutely serpent-sational time at the Edisto Serpentarium! Seriously, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of my visit. The staff? Super friendly and incredibly knowledgeable, making the experience even better. And let me tell you, those shows at each hour are a definite must-attend – you won't want to miss them!

A quick heads-up for parents: While it's an amazing place, they do have live feedings, which might not be suitable for very young children. Just something to keep in mind for the little ones!"

jonfit04

"Wanted to come here for a while. Staff was very friendly. We were able to catch all the shows. The snake talk, the alligator feed and very lucky we were there on the snake feeding day. They do feed live mice. The 1st time I have ever seen that. Its nice for the snakes to be snakes and move and catch their food instead of eating a thawed pre frozen non moving dinner. They have 2 snake islands outside a venomous and non venomous. We enjoyed looking for the snakes out there. Cute little snack area. We didnt get to look in the gift shop as we ran out of time but looks big. All the animals look really healthy and their enclosures were really nice. We will be back. Also there is an area where you can buy turtle food and fee the turtles so bring some quarters."

Heather Foote

"Boy do I have something to say about this place.

I have never - EVER - seen such insane levels of husbandry for reptiles like I did here.

I have two girls (a ball python and a carpet python) so seeing the love and care each little (and sometimes not so little) reptile got warmed my heart.

This place was freaking gorgeous. The habitats they created were how ALL habitats for any animal should be made. They were outstanding.

All of the staff were crazy knowledgeable and wonderfully entertaining.

Now, be proud of me as I did not steal Lawrence. Please clap. I thought about stealing Lawrence, he was precious, but since I’m rather ill equipped to care for a full grown adult American Alligator, I decided against it. Because he would eventually grow up.

Tell Lawrence I miss him."

Emily Milton

What People Like

Exceptional animal husbandry
Knowledgeable and friendly staff
Exciting live feeding shows

What People Dislike

Live feedings intensity for young kids
Limited onsite dining

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Edisto Island Serpentarium is located on Edisto Island, a scenic drive from Charleston. While specific public transport options are limited, driving is the most common method. The journey typically takes about an hour to an hour and a half, offering beautiful coastal views along the way. Reddit

Yes, there is free parking available at the Edisto Island Serpentarium, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

From Charleston, take US-17 South towards Savannah. Turn right onto SC-165 South towards Edisto Island. Continue on SC-165 S, which will eventually become SC-174 West. Follow signs for the Serpentarium. Reddit

Public transport options to Edisto Island are very limited. It is highly recommended to have your own vehicle or arrange for transportation to reach the Serpentarium. Reddit

The drive from Charleston to Edisto Island Serpentarium typically takes between 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic and your starting point. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Serpentarium is typically open Tuesday through Saturday during its open season, which usually runs through August. Specific hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or call ahead. Reddit

Admission prices can vary, but the Serpentarium offers a great experience for its cost. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current pricing information. Reddit

While advance ticket purchase might be available, it's generally easy to purchase tickets upon arrival. Checking their website for any online booking options is recommended. Reddit

Information on discounts for groups, seniors, or children is usually available on their website. It's worth checking for any special offers before your visit. Reddit

To get the most out of your visit, plan to arrive in time for the daily feeding and talk schedules. These are highlights of the experience. Reddit

🎫 🐍 Onsite Experience

The Serpentarium offers a packed schedule! Expect snake programs and feedings around 11 AM and 2 PM, alligator feedings and talks at 12 PM and 3 PM. Special demonstrations like venom extraction, turtle feeding, or crocodile talks occur at 1 PM on specific days. Reddit

While educational, the live feedings, especially the snake feedings with live mice, might be intense for very young or sensitive children. Parents should use their discretion. Reddit

You can see a wide variety of reptiles, including venomous and non-venomous snakes, alligators, crocodiles, and turtles. The exhibits are designed to showcase their natural habitats. Reddit

Yes, the Serpentarium is noted to be wheelchair and stroller friendly, making it accessible for visitors with mobility needs or families with young children. Reddit

You can feed the turtles by purchasing special food (quarters required). While direct interaction with larger reptiles is limited to supervised shows, the exhibits allow for close observation. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cute little snack area at the Serpentarium offering concessions for visitors. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check their policy on outside food and beverages. The onsite snack area is convenient for quick bites. Reddit

The snack area offers a selection of treats. It's a good spot to grab a quick bite or a refreshment during your visit. Reddit

Edisto Island has several local restaurants offering seafood and other Southern cuisine. You can find dining options before or after your visit to the Serpentarium. Reddit

It's a good idea to have a meal before or after your visit, as the onsite options are primarily snacks. However, the snack bar is sufficient for a quick bite. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed at the Edisto Island Serpentarium, allowing you to capture memories of the reptiles and exhibits. However, always be mindful of any posted signs or staff instructions. Reddit

The outdoor snake islands offer great opportunities to photograph snakes in their naturalistic habitats. The alligator feeding demonstrations also provide dynamic photo moments. Reddit

It's best to avoid using flash photography, especially with reptiles, as it can startle or stress them. Check for any specific rules regarding flash usage. Reddit

During live shows and feedings, it's important to be respectful of the presenters and other visitors. Avoid obstructing views or using excessive equipment that might disrupt the program. Reddit

A camera with good low-light capabilities is beneficial for indoor exhibits. A zoom lens can be helpful for capturing details of the animals without getting too close. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Edisto Island Serpentarium is a hit with families! Kids, even as young as 3, find it incredibly engaging. The interactive turtle feeding is a must-do, and the twice-daily alligator and snake feedings are thrilling spectacles. The facility is wheelchair and stroller friendly, making it easy to navigate with little ones. Reddit

While the live feedings are exciting, parents should be mindful that they can be intense for very young children. However, the educational talks and the chance to see a wide variety of reptiles in well-maintained habitats make it a valuable and memorable outing for the whole family. Reddit

🐍 Reptile Enthusiasts

For true reptile lovers, the Edisto Island Serpentarium is a paradise. Reviewers consistently praise the exceptional husbandry and habitat design, noting the incredible care given to each animal. Seeing snakes and alligators in enclosures that mimic their natural environments is a rare treat. Reddit

The knowledgeable staff are a huge asset, eager to share insights and answer questions. The opportunity to witness live feedings, including the unique sight of snakes eating live mice, offers an unparalleled glimpse into reptile behavior. This dedication to conservation and education makes it a deeply rewarding visit for enthusiasts. Reddit

🚗 Day-Trippers from Charleston

If you're looking for a unique day trip from Charleston, the Edisto Island Serpentarium is a fantastic choice. The scenic drive to Edisto Island is part of the experience, offering beautiful coastal views. Plan your visit around the feeding schedules to catch the most exciting demonstrations. Reddit

Allow a few hours to explore the indoor exhibits and outdoor snake islands. The Serpentarium is a great way to break up a beach vacation or add an educational element to your South Carolina exploration. Remember to bring quarters for the turtle feeding! Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Reptile Husbandry Excellence

Visitors consistently rave about the exceptional husbandry standards at the Edisto Island Serpentarium. Reviewers highlight the love and care evident in how each reptile is maintained, noting that the habitats are created to mimic natural environments as closely as possible. This dedication to animal welfare is a standout feature, making the experience particularly heartwarming for reptile enthusiasts. Reddit

The enclosures are described as outstanding, providing ample space and enrichment for the animals. This commitment to creating realistic and stimulating environments not only benefits the reptiles but also offers visitors a more authentic and educational viewing experience. It's clear that the Serpentarium prioritizes the well-being and natural behaviors of its inhabitants. Reddit

Engaging Shows and Knowledgeable Staff

The daily shows and talks are a major draw at the Edisto Island Serpentarium, with visitors strongly recommending attendance. These engaging sessions feature knowledgeable and entertaining staff who share fascinating facts about snakes, alligators, and other reptiles. The highlight for many is the live feeding demonstrations, which offer a unique and thrilling perspective on predator-prey dynamics. Reddit

From snake programs discussing both venomous and non-venomous species to the exciting alligator feeding and talks, there's always something happening. Special demonstrations like venom extraction or crocodile feeding add further variety to the schedule. The staff's passion and expertise significantly enhance the educational value and overall enjoyment of the visit. Reddit

A Family-Friendly Educational Outing

The Edisto Island Serpentarium is a fantastic destination for families, offering an educational and exciting experience for children of various ages. The interactive turtle feeding is a particular hit, allowing kids to get hands-on with the animals (quarters are needed for food). The accessible pathways make it easy for strollers and wheelchairs, ensuring a comfortable visit for everyone. Reddit

While the live feedings are thrilling, parents are advised to consider the intensity for very young or sensitive children. However, the overall atmosphere is one of wonder and learning, with exhibits designed to captivate young minds. It's a great way to introduce children to the fascinating world of reptiles and local wildlife in a safe and engaging environment. Reddit

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