A new Vivarium del Caribe opened just outside Cartagena last month. I didn’t even know what a Vivarium was, but in the spirit of trying, we headed outside of town to check it out. What we found was a friendly staff waiting to share their love of reptiles and made fans of all of us.
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What is a Vivarium?
The Vivarium del Caribe is a small conservation and education center dedicated to protecting and showcasing the native reptiles of the Caribbean region. A vivarium is a controlled environment designed to safely house animals—often reptiles and amphibians—while closely replicating their natural habitats. What makes the Vivarium del Caribe special is its strong focus on conservation, rescue, and public education, offering visitors the chance to see species like iguanas, snakes, and turtles up close while learning about their ecological importance. The intimate setting and educational approach make it a meaningful and memorable visit, especially for families interested in wildlife and environmental preservation.
Visiting the Vivarium del Caribe
We drove out to the country, and met with a very nice guide who happily took us on a private tour of the facility. 60 mil pesos (around $20 USD) for the whole family and we were in. They just opened to the public although they have been in existence for some time.
As you walk through the various buildings where different animals are housed, the guide happily shared educational details and pointed out which animals were which.
Piranhas, Mata-Mata turtles, rattle snakes…. while this is not necessarily my element, my kids loved it. Many of these animals reside in either Colombia or the surrounding Amazonian areas. Next, we were able to hold and feed the turtles, this is a little more my speed. Their favorite treat are these purple flowers.
The Gators
If you know my son, you know how alligators and crocodiles have been a favorite for a long time. This part of the tour made the top of his list. We saw all the way from the eggs to the nursery and on up to the large crocodiles. Highlight was watching the staff feed them.
I tend to be cautious when visiting facilities like this, as there is often a fine line between meaningful education and animal exploitation. While public exposure can raise awareness, it does not always justify placing animals in captivity—especially when standards of care fall short. That said, I strongly believe that understanding wildlife is essential to protecting both the animals themselves and the habitats they depend on to survive.
The staff at Vivarium del Caribe were very knowledgeable, openly discussing the animals in their care and the challenges they face in the current community. We are grateful to the team at Vivarium del Caribe for providing a truly educational and thoughtful experience.
If you would like to visit the Vivarium, here is a map and visitor information.
For an up close experience with reptilian wildlife, this was the place to go. Knowledgeable staff with interactive exhibits made for an enjoyable and educational afternoon. If you are looking for more wildlife experiences in Cartagena, here is what I would recommend:
- National Aviary of Colombia – Book Tickets Here!
You need to be very careful about the wildlife encounters or centers that you visit, many of the captive animals are exploited for money to tourists looking to have unique experiences. Please support the businesses and individuals who work hard to educate without exploitation.
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