Where can you see Gaboon vipers, black mambas, spitting cobras, giant Fer-de-lance snakes and the deadly Bushmaster in full action? At Cape Fear Serpentarium downtown Wilmington, NC! For $8 admission you can admire up close the largest collection of the most venomous snakes in the world.

Snake exhibits highlights

• Gaboon viper has the longest fangs of all snakes (up to 2 inch long) and the deadliest bite. Within 30 minutes the victim is bleeding from nostrils, ears, eyes and skin pores.

• King Cobra, the most intelligent snake, is unique for producing a menacing growl. Along with the bushmaster and the black mamba is one of the few snakes known to intentionally chase people!

• Black-headed Bushmaster, although is the longest venomous pit viper it has the smallest swallow threshold among them. It’s the only snake documented to engage in courtship rituals before mating!

Tips to know before you go

1. Bring cash, they don’t take credit cards. There are several merchants downtown that provide ATM that usually charge $3 fee.

2. Go Saturday or Sunday after 2PM. Take your time watching the exhibits and read all the fascinating in scripts. Then get ready for wild ride show during the live snake feeding starting at 3PM.

3. If you plan on taking videos of the snake feedings be patient. Some of the most intriguing moments occurred after the staff removed the “security” panels. Best to take it all in for the first minute or so then get ready for the most amazing images you’ll ever see!

4. Cheap parking may be a challenge in the weekends. There are several metered spots along Orange Street. Parking is FREE on Sunday and daily after 6PM. There is also a flat $5 a day parking lot across the serpentarium.

5. Beware! It may be too scary for young children to watch the slithering creatures devour their prey. Further, on the 2nd floor there are several disturbing pictures of victims of snake bites, depicting the extensive damages incurred…it’s graphic yet mind blowing!

Admission, Hours and Live Feedings
Cape Fear Serpentarium is open from 11AM to 5PM during the week, 11AM to 6PM Saturdays and Sundays. Live snake feedings occur on the weekend at 3PM. They last about an hour and different snakes are fed each time.

All tickets are $8. Free admission for children 2 years and under. $6 discounted rate for groups of 15 and more. The serpentarium is located at 20 Orange Street between River and Front Streets.

“Trust in me!”

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