Edisto Island Serpentarium

Keith Perkins

2024-04

Amazing experience. Well worth the drive from Summerville. The animal enclosures were well-made, decorated, and cleaned. The staff was friendly. The gentleman who conducted the snake exhibit did an excellent job handling and giving relevant information about the snake species in South Carolina and how to identify them. The reptiles were well-fed and healthy. I have never seen open snake enclosures before and they were incredible, seeing the snakes behave like they do in the wild. Up in trees, sunning themselves on logs and hydrating in the water. It was a great day overall. I highly recommend this place.

Dean Constantine

2024-04

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Mike Suchoski

2024-01

I didn’t even know this place existed till I was looking for something to do with our god-daughter. She’s into herpetology and I found the Serpentarium. Was worth the drive to Edisto to visit. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Plenty of exhibits. Gift shop has some great artifacts and local artistry.

Sofia Edwards

2023-08

A MUST SEE! You'll see different venomous and non-venomous species. They have different established feeding times for gators, snakes and turtles (anytime you can buy some turtle food from their dispenser). Check their website. There is a short indoor exhibit and a decent outdoor exhibit where you'll see so many snakes that you'll freak out. Handicapped friendly, we didn't visit the bathrooms.Staff is super friendly. And there are great souvenirs that won't break the bank!

Beth McK

2024-03

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Sunny Rad

2023-10

Very nice! We had a great afternoon watching the gators eat,snake venom extraction and snake show. The educators definitely knew their stuff and with 3 nature loving adults we still all learned some new facts! The enclosures and outdoor snake and turtle areas were nicely done and all the animals seemed to be thriving. I didn’t expect to spend more than an hour here but we stayed for 3. I also loved holding skittles and will definitely be back.

Beth Smith

2023-12

Much better than I thought it would be. Fascinating, appropriately horrifying, and very educational. Knowledgeable, friendly staff. Even my hubby, who is phobic about snakes, had a good time. We enjoyed our visit on a chilly, rainy November day.P.S. Don’t miss the bright blue snake. She is beautiful!!

T Oelze

2023-10

Great place. It was very interesting to be able to snakes in their natural habit. Snakes in Trees! Very well maintained venue. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Highly recommend going on Saturdays as this is snake feeding day and it definitely is interesting but if you think of mice and rats as just pets, then pick any day but Saturday. The alligator feeding with educatoan was very informative. Finally, the snake show definitely was informative and enjoyable. And last, but definitely not least, the staff is AMAZING! You can tell that they enjoy their jobs and love their work. It was well worth our 2.5 hour drive just to go here!

Ruben Hurtado

2023-06

When we had the idea to visit this place, it's solely was based on the entertainment for our 4-year-old daughter. I had never been to Edisto Island, my wife had been here when she was in high school. So in a way it was everyone's first time. This is located about 10 minutes from the Town center, a very relaxing drive as well.I was pretty surprised to notice from the street how well maintained and inviting it was. From the time we bought tickets, by the way they give a military discount, I was definitely more interested than I expected to be.The staff that we met were extremely nice, approachable and engaging. That sentiment only intensified throughout the park. It's hard to describe why this is so awesome because it's so different. You definitely need to come on a Saturday and it needs to be before noon. See, the feedings happen at noon and in hourly increments from that time two different sections of the park. It's hard to describe the carnal experience you witness with each feeding, with each section of the park. The zookeepers that are doing the feeding, manage to stay engaged and take questions from all of us on lookers. I'm not a fan of snakes but today I look at them in a different light and understanding. The sole reason is because of the experience today. The alligators were simply amazing and that feeding experience is something we are glad we got on video. But in the end the most important and gratifying portion was to see how much are 4-year-old daughter learned and loved every part of this experience. We live in Charleston and it only took us about an hour to get here. We definitely are bringing friends and family that visit from out of town. Highly highly recommend this place.

Lydeana Martin

2023-05

I am not a huge serpent fan, but this place was interesting. I especially enjoyed the person who taught us about American Alligators while she was feeding them. It was disconcerting, though, after that to continue along the tour and see that the gate to the other (giant) alligator pool has been left open! Staff closed it promptly when notified.

Michael H

2023-09

The Edisto Island Serpentarium ended up being one of my family's favorite parts of our Edisto Island vacation! The staff here is extremely passionate about reptile conservation and everyone is very knowledgeable about the local species. Definitely don't miss the snake shows! The snake handler had an incredible amount of information on local snake species and he was also very friendly. Hank is the best snake!

Seth Murray

2023-09

Snake Farm, turtle farm and gator farm in one! Kids love it, so do adults! Definitely recommend the demonstration/ show, wish I got the person who presented's name, she was fantastic for both children and adults!Got there before it opened, was getting crowded around when we left.There is a book on one of glass cases as you walk into main room about the first serpentarium in Miami and the owner who had been bitten hundreds of times to get venom (for medicine and antivenom) was very fascinating for a reader and learner, there is a lot of very unique history in that main room, but if you bring kids you probably won't get much time to look at it

Luna Lifewithaboxer

2023-09

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Matt Bizer

2023-10

We thoroughly enjoyed the serpentarium on our vacation to Edisto!The venue was very clean and the animals were very active.Our favorite part by far was the snake show put on by Blake. He was knowledgeable and the show was very entertaining. We are torn between Butters and Hank for best snake!Additionally, the venue was very accessible for wheelchairs and strollers which was very nice.

Chris R

2024-04

This is a must-do part of your visit to Edisto Beach. I recognize that connecting snakes with the beach are not parallel ideas, but this is MUST. The snake presentation was wonderful, both for my snaking-loving family members, along with those that do even like snakes (we now have pictures of these members holding Butters!).The staff was amazing, and the park (although a bit limited in offerings) was great. These folks care about the animals and want to educate in order to reduce misperceptions. The staff wanted to answer every question.Our party had a service animal, and the folks had no problems in accommodating our needs.We have family that has been there on a Saturday as well as on a Thursday - the recommendation is to go on Thursday. On Saturday, you have the potential of seeing them feed the snakes, but on Thursday: Gator feeding (Noon for the big uns and 3pm for the smaller gators) and venomous snake milking. You can bring some quarters and feed the turtles any day.You can see some fossils, venomous snakes native to SC and from other parts of the world, gators and a few crocs, a Gila Monster as well.The gift shop has nice offerings for your momentos, ornaments, and shirts.This review is long enough, but this stop is worth every $ for a 2-4 hr visit !!! I can not say enough good things about this educational place!

Jeff Stepp

2023-06

Great place if you like reptiles! Lots of snakes, venomous and non, local and exotic. Huge gators, varioys crocs, huge turtles of various species including alligator snapper weighing nearly 200 pounds. Up close and personal snakes show with venomous and non venomous snakes, gator feeding show, etc. Fun place for whole family, unique gift shop.

E X R

2024-04

Worth the price of admission and then some. I fed some turtles, held a snake and an alligator, rubbed the alligator's (larry) belly...and learned an amazing amount about venom's use in medication, amongst other things. We all had a fantastic time and I hope to be back some day with the kid who couldn't attend. Go immediately and watch all the presentations for sure 10/10

Steven Archibald

2023-05

Wonderful exhibit displaying various reptilian creatures. Be sure to check out the feeding schedule to plan your visit time accordingly. Yes the mice are alive when they are feeding the snakes if you or your children don't like the idea of watching you may want to find a different tarium.

Crystal C

2023-07

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A English

2023-08

Pricey but for a good cause so hard to complain. The exhibits are fun to peruse and you can get your fill in 1.5 hours.

Nathan Barger

2024-04

Don’t know how this place makes money. Only open 2 days a week, 4 hours a day. Waited all week to go because I was excited to see the animals. Got there 20 minutes after they open and it was closed. I tried calling and looking it up and no answers. Made sure it’s the right season as well. How can you not do the work you need to get done on the other 5 days of the week you have.

Colleen Paxton

2023-05

A small serpentarium located on Edisto Island right off a main road about a 3 hour drive from Columbia SC. Worth the drive for sure.Purchasing a pass gives you access to all the exhibits and shows. I suggest taking a couple hours to enjoy the facility and the area.My sister and I arrived around Mid Morning from Columbia. We purchased our tickets at the store and went directly to a animal-handler show in the small, covered, outdoor theater with tiered benches. After that we wandered around the majority of the outdoors exhibits and took in the Alligator feeding show. By this time we were hungry and instead of getting random junk food at the canteen we left the facility in search of food before the next show we wanted to watch. We found a place 7 minutes down the road, had lunch and came back. We made our way straight to the outdoor Non venomous snake enclosure to watch the feeding. I do not recommend this to small children who will be uncomfortable with mice being killed. As an adult it was fascinating to watch the snakes so activity and a rare chance to watch then stalk prey and utilize their various skills and techniques. There is no seating and every spot is a good spot for viewing as they basically set mice free through the exhibit and you can watch non venomous snakes eating in the water, on the ground and in the trees. After that we moved to the venomous snake live feeding which was much less action-filled as they use toxins to kill their prey and are much less active. These shows were only available on certain days. After that it was quite hot in the sun so we went indoors and wandered around the small indoor section of exhibits, where they were also feeding the animals. We also wandered the gift shop before heading out and back to Columbia.I would not make this a whole day trip again but if I was in the area I might go back and have a wander. One time with the live feedings was enough for both my sister and I.I recommend McConkey's Jungle Shack for lunch. They had wonderful seafood and were very close to the serpentarium. It can get quite busy mid-day in July so be prepared to wait a little, if you want to sit down on the porch. They do take-away, which is what we did and ate in the blissful air-conditioning of the car listening to music.Serpentarium Amenities:Souvenir ShopParking LotCanteen to buy foodRest RoomsShows: (Not all shows available every day)Animal FeedingNon Venomous Snake FeedingVenomous Snake FeedingAlligator FeedingAnimal HandlingGood For:FamiliesCouplesAdultsChildren (viewer discretion advised for live feedings.)

Mark arrowood

2022-05

Wasn’t expecting this small place by the side of the road to be all that good but I WAS WRONG. When you first walk in it’s a gift shop “that’s to be expected” but you walk a bit to the left there are lot of snakes “now that’s cool”. Then we where there before 3pm and there is a crocodile feeding at 3 “amazing”. There was staff out talking about the animals and our visiting family learned some interesting facts. I would recommend this place while visiting.

Christopher & Jill Dougan

2022-05

We had a great time. My son really enjoyed seeing all of the alligators, turtles and snakes. Both the live alligator feeding and snake show / talk were fun and informative.

J C

2023-10

Fantastic.We got to see the snake presentation and the alligator feeding. Both were really interesting and educational. The lady that fed the alligators stayed extra and answered questions we had.The habitats were all very clean and well maintained. All of the animals looked very healthy and well cared for.The staff we interacted with were all very friendly.Excellent experience. Highly recommend.

B “Mr. Wiz” Floyd

2023-05

Great experience! Learned a lot about turtles, snakes, alligators and crocodiles.Very educational. Spent 3 hours here. Time well spent.

Tamara Olsen

2021-05

This place is a hidden gem on Edisto Island! They incorporate exhibits into the beautiful natural landscape. Everything is so open and you get a great view of all the reptiles. My kids especially love the large indoor boa exhibit and feeding the turtles! It's not huge, but we still spent over three hours there! Plus, there slushies are so good, especially on a hot day.

Jaxon Hale

2023-07

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Jeanette B

2022-05

We really enjoyed learning about the different species of snakes they have on display here (many are inside the building). We watched the adult alligators get fed and learned alot about their behavior. They have specific feed times and since we arrived at 2:30 we made it for the feeding at 3 pm. They feed the alligators raw chicken, not any live animals as I had read in one review. Perhaps they changed that for live audiences. It was pretty hot outside so we didn't stay long. They had their concession stand closed so no available cold drinks or snacks. They do have a pretty large store.

John Acree

2023-05

Cool experience and a fun time with the family. The guy that did the snake show at 11 was great... Everyone should see him and Hank! They are classic!