Reptile Discovery Center
1 / 10

Reptile Discovery Center

4.9
·212 reviews·DeLand, United States

Witness thrilling venom extractions and get hands-on with snakes at this educational Florida center.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

During venom extraction demos

Educational and thrilling!

CrowdMedium
Loading map...
Reptile Discovery Center

Reptile Discovery Center

Best Time

During venom extraction demos

Educational and thrilling!

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Witness thrilling venom extractions and get hands-on with snakes at this educational Florida center.

4.9
(212 reviews)

"Absolutely incredible experience from start to finish. Well worth the price of admission!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Rating

4.9 · 212 reviews

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Venom Extraction Demo

Venom Extraction Demo

Watch skilled handlers safely extract venom from dangerous snakes. Educational and thrilling!

Hold a Snake Experience

Hold a Snake Experience

Get up close and personal by holding a friendly, non-venomous snake. A memorable photo op!

Komodo Dragon Birthday

Komodo Dragon Birthday

Meet Murphy, the Komodo dragon, and learn about his special celebrations. A unique resident!

Outdoor Nature Trail

Outdoor Nature Trail

Explore a small trail featuring tortoises, alligators, and other fascinating reptiles.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Venom Extraction Spectacle

Witness live venom extraction demonstrations, a unique educational experience. Arrive early for the best viewing spots, as these shows are popular and draw crowds. It's a fascinating, albeit intense, look at how antivenom is produced. TikTokInstagram

Intimate & Educational

This center is smaller than some larger zoos, focusing on education and close encounters. It's perfect for reptile enthusiasts and families looking for an interactive experience. Don't expect sprawling exhibits; think focused learning and hands-on opportunities. InstagramReddit

Best Times

When
During venom extraction demos
Why
Educational and thrilling!
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Monocle Cobra (Naja kaouthia) extraction At Reptile Discovery Center @reptilediscoverycenter10 in DeLand Florida #monocledcobra #cobra #venomextraction #venomoussnakes #najakaouthia #venomlife #venom #naja #Reptile #snakeroom #snakes
moshballs
5.6K likes • 202K views

🎯 Arrive for Venom Demos

Check the schedule for venom extraction demonstrations – they're a must-see! TikTokInstagram+1

🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff

The staff are experts and happy to answer questions. Don't hesitate to ask! InstagramReddit

Eastern Diamond Back Venom Extraction At Reptile Discovery Center @reptilediscoverycenter10 #dimondsareagirlsbestfriend #diamondbackrattlesnake #reptilelife #venomextraction #venomoussnakes #reptilediscoverycenter #Extraction #fangs #venom #snakes #florida #floridawildlife #Orlando #orlandoflorida
moshballs
73.4K likes • 1.6M views
Got to watch #carlbarden extract venom from this huge #easterndiamondback and was blown away! This was at the @reptilediscoverycenter10 #reptilediscoverycenter in Deland, Fl.
wastedexposure
0 likes • 437 views

🐍 Hold a Snake!

Many visitors rave about the opportunity to hold a snake. It's a highlight for many! Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Trail

Don't miss the outdoor nature trail with tortoises and alligators. InstagramReddit

In november last year we went to the Reptile Discovery Center in De Land (Florida). In this video we gonna watch the venom extraction of a eastern coral snake (Micrurus fulvius). A small but deadly snake native to Florida. Special thanks to the crew of the Reptile Discovery Centre for making this video possible. Also small tip for recognizing the the coral snake "red touch yellow, kill a fello...
gilles.delhaye_photography
6 likes • 260 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive for Venom Demos

Check the schedule for venom extraction demonstrations – they're a must-see! TikTokInstagram+1

🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff

The staff are experts and happy to answer questions. Don't hesitate to ask! InstagramReddit

🐍 Hold a Snake!

Many visitors rave about the opportunity to hold a snake. It's a highlight for many! Instagram+1

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Trail

Don't miss the outdoor nature trail with tortoises and alligators. InstagramReddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

Great chances for photos, especially during snake handling and demonstrations. Instagram+1

What Travellers Say

4.9
(212 reviews)

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

Venom extraction demonstrations
Snake handling opportunities
Knowledgeable and friendly staff

What People Dislike

Smaller venue size (for some)

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. TikTokInstagram

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

🎫 🎫 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. InstagramReddit

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

🎫 🐍 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. TikTokInstagramReddit

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. TikTokInstagram+1

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. Instagram+1

Yes, there is a small nature trail where you can see tortoises, alligators, and other reptiles in more naturalistic habitats. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed, and many visitors capture amazing shots of the reptiles. Be mindful of flash photography, especially around sensitive animals. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

While generally permitted, always be respectful of the animals and staff. Avoid using flash directly at animals if it seems to disturb them. Instagram

You may also like

1 of 2
Reptile Discovery Center (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide