EcoVivarium
EcoVivarium
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Have you ever dreamed of being able to hold a giant snake, play with tortoises and lizards, or cuddle with a monitor or tegu? Then EcoVivarium is the place for you! EcoVivarium is a one-of-a-kind museum that encourages you to touch the exhibits (with help from our staff)! Our guided tours allow you to enjoy hands-on interactions with live reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods (bugs)! It's an excellent adventure for all ages. We're open Thursday through Sunday for walk-in and private tours. If you prefer a private tour, call at least 24 hours in advance to book a Platinum Tour, where you'll meet some of our unique and endangered reptile friends on the exclusive 2nd-floor. EcoVivarium is a nonprofit living museum & sanctuary. Our Animal Ambassadors are 98% rescues & 2% donated. Many animals come to us with significant medical challenges. We nurse them back to health and train them in-house. Support the animals; visit today!
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
14 reviews
Excellent
13
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
U3218TPwilliamr
San Marcos, CA3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable about every animal and insect on display. Our Grandson loves to visit - we manage to take him about once/month. We are members so after the initial fee, we go as often as we can. A great place to visit for animal lovers.
Written February 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
spsmedical
Rochester, NY48 contributions
May 2022 • Family
With a number of places for the little ones to visit, I was very intrigued by Eco Vivarium for my 15 year old grandson. We booked a private tour and we’re cheerfully met by Shelly who proceeded to give us an in-depth back ground on many of the rescued reptiles. We were were also able to hold or touch many of reptiles. There were a number of sad stories as to how the animals came to stay here. Shelly knew each one and had background stories for all. Without Eco Vivarium these animals would not exist. My grandson loved this tour! Thanks Shelly 5 Stars!
Written May 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
william bueno
1 contribution
Jul 2022
Your information and reservation system is confusing, is very confusing, defective and incomplete.
To get a "rush" information by phone, we had to wait for about 20 minutes and after trying the fourth time, a lady told me to go back the to website, because, it was the only way to make it. My Univ. Student daughter couldn't find the link to pay the desired reservation.
Your don't return voice messages and you don't return online messages. I'm resourcing to this last option, before I publish my final review.
Bill Franco
P.S. My phone number is in my online messages; as well, as the voice messages.
To get a "rush" information by phone, we had to wait for about 20 minutes and after trying the fourth time, a lady told me to go back the to website, because, it was the only way to make it. My Univ. Student daughter couldn't find the link to pay the desired reservation.
Your don't return voice messages and you don't return online messages. I'm resourcing to this last option, before I publish my final review.
Bill Franco
P.S. My phone number is in my online messages; as well, as the voice messages.
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Mr Franco,
Thank you for taking the time to provide a review, albeit not the kind we are used to receiving. I am genuinely sorry that you had a frustrating experience. I know that you telephoned us on Monday, July 18 and left a phone message (we are closed on Monday and Tuesday). I returned your call on Wednesday morning when we reopened and personally scheduled the private tour for your son's birthday. Based on our conversation last Saturday during the giant snake encounter, I understood that everyone was having a great time.
We do not want anyone to have a negative experience on the phone or via our website. So, I hope you can help me understand when and with whom you spoke and, if possible, at what phone number. Sometimes people get our museum confused with a pet store that offers tours of their breeder animals. I'm wondering if that may have been what happened. If not, and you spoke with one of my staff, I want to correct that team member's actions. Again, my apologies for your frustration.
We look forward to seeing you and your family again.
Regards,
Susan Nowicke
Executive Director
EcoVivarium
Written July 30, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lorraine A.
1 contribution
Apr 2019 • Family
I wanted to do something different for my birthday. I love reptiles, so when The Ecovivarium popped up in a search, I knew I had to go.
We had an amazing time. We got to hold snakes and learned about different reptiles.
The Ecovivarium is great for everyone of all ages. They are a great learning tool. I will be back again this year for my birthday. I wish I lived closer because I'd visit all the time!
We had an amazing time. We got to hold snakes and learned about different reptiles.
The Ecovivarium is great for everyone of all ages. They are a great learning tool. I will be back again this year for my birthday. I wish I lived closer because I'd visit all the time!
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarcusandKimmy
Glendale, AZ97 contributions
Dec 2018 • Family
Me and my daughters got to hold 10 different kinds of reptiles. The tour guide knew everything about these ambassador animals that are often used for education purposes. What an amazing place to take your young children to really learn and really touch real animals.
Written December 28, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cameron T
4 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
Great place to visit with the family. Ecovivarium is located in Escondido and offers a hands-on tour with really amazing reptiles of sizes. Fantastic place to take the kids.
Written April 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
herrerawasby
Fullerton, CA1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Family
This place is a hidden gem. Great for anyone who loves animals, especially reptiles! Our guide was so knowledgeable and great with kids!
Written January 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you!
Written January 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Boohbah
1 contribution
Sep 2021 • Couples
Place was just neat. People are nice. Very calm. I had a great time about an hour and a half. Favorite part was Steve! The teeny tiny turtle.
Written September 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for the review! Steve is just too cute! He's the only one of his kind - in the entire world! Plus, he'll always be little - he has dwarfism in addition to being a hybrid.
Written January 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hailey F
7 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
EcoVivarium is my favorite place to visit in Escondido! The ticket includes a tour around the building where you learn about the stories of the reptiles on display (with new ones on display every day, almost all of them being rescues or special needs) complete with a hands-on experience and education about how the reptiles (and various insects) shown at the facility. During my last visit I interacted with tortoises, turtles, small and large lizards, and snakes. I see this place as a perfect educational opportunity for children and adults alike.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jule14
1 contribution
Jan 2020 • Family
Fun and informative, hands-on tour of all types of reptiles. It’s original and a gem of a (living) museum.
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Claim your listingEcoVivarium - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about EcoVivarium
- EcoVivarium is open:
- Thu - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near EcoVivarium:
- (0.35 mi) Bellafonte Resort And Spa
- (0.72 mi) Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Escondido Downtown
- (8.49 mi) Ayres Hotel Vista Carlsbad
- (0.68 mi) Escondido Inn
- (1.48 mi) Comfort Inn Escondido San Diego North County
- Restaurants near EcoVivarium:
- (0.02 mi) Mexico Lindo
- (0.04 mi) Last Spot
- (0.04 mi) 7-Eleven
- (0.10 mi) EscoGelato
- (0.06 mi) Burger Bench
- Attractions near EcoVivarium:
- (0.04 mi) Distinction Gallery
- (0.08 mi) Clue Avenue Escape Rooms
- (0.09 mi) Patio Playhouse
- (0.12 mi) Urban Barn
- (0.18 mi) O'Sullivans Irish Pub Escondido