A Close Encounter with Cartagena’s Reptiles: The Private Reptile Zoo Adventure Tour

If you’re a wildlife enthusiast or simply curious about Colombia’s fascinating reptiles, this private Reptile Zoo Tour offers a memorable chance to get up close and personal with some incredible animals. For $59 per person, you’ll spend around 2 to 3 hours exploring Vivarium del Caribe, located just outside the city, with the convenience of pickup included. Led by a knowledgeable guide and accompanied by a zookeeper, this tour promises both educational insights and hands-on experiences—like feeding alligators and crocodiles—making it stand out from typical zoo visits.
What we love most is the personalized attention you receive in this private setting, ensuring safety and interaction at your pace. The guided commentary helps you understand the animals’ behaviors and habits, making the experience both fun and informative. Plus, the opportunity to capture photos of feeding moments and animals in their enclosures means you’ll leave with lasting memories—and plenty of great shots.
One possible consideration is that this tour is weather-dependent since it’s held outdoors, and poor weather could affect the experience or lead to cancellations. Also, while it’s packed with wildlife encounters, those wary of close proximity to crocodiles or alligators should note that supervision is strict, but the experience is definitely hands-on.
This tour is ideally suited for families with children, animal lovers, or anyone eager to add some excitement and education to their Cartagena trip. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with a small group, the focus on personalized, safe interaction makes it a standout choice for a day out.
Key Points
- Personalized private tour ensures exclusive access and tailored attention
- Feeding crocodiles, alligators, and turtles offers a rare, hands-on experience
- Educational guide provides in-depth animal insights, enhancing understanding and appreciation
- Convenient pickup and flexible scheduling make planning easier
- Photographing moments with animals is encouraged, creating lasting memories
- Weather considerations should be kept in mind, as outdoor experiences are weather-dependent
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Exploring the Cartagena Reptile Experience in Detail

The adventure begins at Vivarium del Caribe, a well-maintained reptile sanctuary located just outside Cartagena’s main city area. Located in the Zona norte near Km 15, the site is accessible and set up for both safety and engaging encounters. The meeting point is straightforward, and the tour operates daily from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, giving you plenty of flexibility to fit it into your itinerary.
The Itinerary Breakdown
Once you’re greeted by your guide—often a fluent English speaker like Andres—you’re led into a comprehensive tour of the entire reptile collection. The guide’s role is crucial: they translate, explain, and ensure safety, making sure everyone feels comfortable with the animals.
The first stop is usually the enclosures housing alligators and crocodiles. These formidable creatures draw immediate attention, and you’ll get the chance to feed them under supervision. The zookeeper is present to make sure everything goes smoothly and that safety protocols are followed. This feeding session is a highlight—“Highly recommend for children and anyone who wants to feed crocodiles,” one reviewer raves—because it’s not often you get to hand-feed such powerful predators.
Moving on, you’ll explore habitats housing snakes, turtles, lizards, iguanas, and chameleons. The guide provides detailed information about their eating habits, behaviors, and natural environments, making this more than just a photo op. We loved the way the guide seamlessly shared insights that made these animals come alive, turning a simple visit into an educational experience.
Throughout the tour, you’ll have multiple opportunities to capture photos—your guide is happy to help frame shots of the animals, especially during feeding. One reviewer shared how Mr. Michael and Andres coordinated a last-minute trip, making their visit smooth and memorable, with moments of holding and feeding turtles and crocodiles.
What Makes This Tour Special?
It’s the relationship with the guide that elevates this tour from a typical zoo visit. Their knowledgeable commentary and friendly demeanor create a relaxed atmosphere, encouraging questions and curiosity. The small group size—since this is a private tour—means no crowded feeding pens or noisy crowds, allowing for more personal interaction.
The feeding activities are conducted under strict supervision, which is reassuring for families or animal lovers concerned about safety. And the photo opportunities—from close-ups with reptiles to capturing the excitement during feedings—add an extra layer of value.
Possible Drawbacks
Since the experience is outdoors, bad weather could impact the tour, potentially leading to rescheduling or cancellations. The tour’s duration (2-3 hours) is manageable but might feel rushed if you’re particularly interested in taking detailed photos or learning extensively about each species.
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Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is perfect for families with kids, solo travelers, or small groups seeking a personalized wildlife encounter. It’s especially appealing if you’re eager to interact directly with reptiles and gain a better understanding of these animals beyond what a typical zoo offers.
Why This Reptile Zoo Tour Offers Real Value

When evaluating the cost of $59, it’s important to consider what’s included. The tour provides admission to the zoo, an experienced guide, feeding opportunities, and photo assistance, making it a well-rounded experience. The personalized nature of the tour means you aren’t just walking through a zoo; you’re actively participating in interactions, which amplifies the value.
Compared to larger, less interactive wildlife attractions, this tour emphasizes quality over quantity, with a focus on safety, education, and memorable moments. The ability to feed reptiles and ask questions directly to the zookeeper adds a layer of engagement that’s often missing in standard zoo visits.
The reviews reflect the popularity and satisfaction of past travelers: “Amazing! Highly recommend for children and anyone who wants to feed crocodiles” captures the enthusiasm, and others appreciated the great English-speaking guide who made the trip seamless.
In summary, this tour offers authentic animal encounters coupled with friendly, expert guidance—an excellent choice for travelers looking to combine fun with learning.
The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Reptile Zoo Adventure?
This private reptile tour in Cartagena is a fantastic option for anyone eager to see some of Colombia’s most intriguing animals firsthand. Its personalized approach makes it particularly appealing for families, animal lovers, or travelers who want a more intimate, educational experience while exploring outside the city. The feeding sessions and photo opportunities add a memorable touch, making it a highlight of many Cartagena trips.
If you’re interested in learning about reptiles, feeding crocodiles, or simply want to enjoy a safe, guided interaction with wildlife, this tour delivers on all fronts. The affordable price combined with the quality of experience makes it a worthwhile addition to your Cartagena itinerary, especially if you value authentic, hands-on encounters with animals.
However, do keep in mind the weather dependency and plan accordingly. If you’re flexible and prepared, you’ll find this tour both educational and exhilarating—a true highlight for animal lovers and curious minds alike.
FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup, making it convenient to start your reptile adventure without worrying about logistics.
How long does the tour last?
Expect around 2 to 3 hours, giving enough time to explore the zoo, feed animals, and ask questions without feeling rushed.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Absolutely. The tour is family-friendly, especially for children who enjoy animals and hands-on activities like feeding reptiles.
Can I take photos during the tour?
Yes! Your guide will help you capture memorable moments, especially during feeding activities and close-up shots.
What animals will I see?
You’ll encounter alligators, crocodiles, snakes, turtles, lizards, iguanas, and chameleons. The guide provides detailed information about each species.
Is the experience safe?
Safety is a priority. All feedings are conducted under supervision of zoo officials, and the guide ensures proper safety protocols are followed.
What if the weather is bad?
The tour is outdoor-based, so poor weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling. Check ahead and plan accordingly.
This private reptile zoo adventure offers a blend of education, excitement, and personal interaction that’s hard to find elsewhere in Cartagena. Whether you’re a curious traveler or an animal enthusiast, it promises a day filled with fascinating discoveries and unforgettable memories.
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