We have 600+ species of live reptiles for sale online, including lizards, snakes, frogs, turtles, tortoises, and more. Live arrival is guaranteed! A+ BBB rating.
Is Backwater Reptiles legit?
Backwater Reptiles (www.backwaterreptiles.com) has a 3.8 out of 5 rating on OK.one, based on 100 user reviews collected here. It is listed under Animals & Pets and its reputation is mixed. Opinions are polarized: 69% rate it 4 stars or higher while 30% give 1 star; The business has not yet replied to negative reviews; Reviews mostly discuss Product, Quality, Customer service. Last updated 2026-08-29.
What reviewers say
AI generated
Reviewers had a great experience with this company. Customers frequently mention that their wonderful new reptiles and amphibians arrive quickly, in great condition, and are very active and ready to eat right away. People also deeply appreciate the exceptionally secure, well-insulated packaging that carefully keeps fragile animals safe and comfortable throughout transit.
Some reviewers were not happy with customer support, mentioning dismissive replies and unhelpful advice when raising serious health concerns about their new pets. A few customers also noted receiving sick, severely dehydrated, or extremely underweight creatures that unfortunately struggled to recover.
Auto-generated from all reviews of this business. For reference only.
I love Backwater Reptiles! I usually order tarantulas who are always quite healthy, including no spots from kicking urticating hairs so I decided to branch out into reptiles. SO happy that I did, I received my bearded dragon in excellent condition and I could not be happier.
Although they didn’t have what I originally asked for they told me and gave me options. Then when I picked the price was more then what I originally paid for yet they didn’t add any additional charged. At the end they arrived not even a full 24 hours after I ordered them and most importantly alive and well. Incredibly good customer service with many fast replies and THEY GAVE ME A WHOLE FREE FROG!!!
They were amazing. We had weather go through and they contacted me to make sure holding delivery was ok and they remained in contact throughout everything and even after delivery. They are now saved as my spot for anything to do with our axolotl.
I ordered and received a Tarantula from them. It came when it was supposed to healthy and good to go! They walked me entirely through the process of what to expect and everything! They even checked up with me about the condition of my new pet! Trust these folks they know what they're doing!
We received our 2 axolotls today and they are perfect. Blackwater Reptiles were great at getting them out in time. It did take a bit longer for them to arrive because of the snowstorm we had. They are perfect and we will order again
Do not trust this company.They tried telling me that an animal was illegal in my area.When it isn't and plenty of other places in my area, sell them, then told me to order something different instead of offering me a refund, total scam.Don't order from them
Outstanding Experience with Backwater Reptiles!
I couldn’t be happier with my recent order from Backwater Reptiles. They sent us the most delightful and incredibly healthy Desert Hairy Scorpion and Mexican Red Knee tarantula. Both arrived alert, active, and absolutely beautiful.
The packaging was perfect—secure, well-insulated, and gently heated with a small air-activated hand warmer that kept everyone comfortable during transit. You can tell they really care about the animals they ship.
My seven-year-old and I only keep a small collection, so choosing a trustworthy supplier is a big deal for us. After this experience, if we ever order again, it will definitely be from Backwater Reptiles. Highly recommend!
I ordered 2 nile monitors about 2 weeks ago and they arrived in awesome condition. They started eating crickets about an hour after putting them in there enclosure. Already starting to calm down when handling. I will definitely buy from backwater again.
Got my pastel ball python from backwater reptiles. I am so happy with my cute little guy. He is healthy and happy. I wanted to estimate his age and reached out for information, and got very sweet and timely responses. I am so attached to this little dude, thanks.
Our cute little tree frogs arrive safely and healthy! I would recommend ordering from them. Make sure to do your research on any animal you purchase and have everything you need prior to your pets arrival. It’s now September and they are doing so good!
These guys made sure i had the proper Snake i was looking for. No issues with shipping and excellent customer service communications. Will definitely order from them again!
Customer service was great. My cherry head red foot arrived in healthy condition. The order shipped a day later than expected going based off their chart but it was worth the wait. The tortoise was well packed. Very good company to work with.
Received the chameleon late in afternoon when let out of package it was skinny and thirsty. It ate 1 day but refused to eat thereafter. He died within 7 day guarantee. I contacted Backwater Reptiles but each email said Do not understand my question just wanted a replacement as their guarantee stated. So frustrating sending back and forth copies of driver license and credit card to get verified address. But when having issues with sold chameleon that died No response from seller.
I was a little reluctant to purchase over the internet, I took a chance and it definitely paid off. My new babies all came well packed, healthy and all made it through shipping. I purchased 2 iguanas, 2 spiders and 1 Pac-Man frog, who is so cute!!
Great communication with the team. I will definitely buy again!
This company sends animals that are barely alive. I have never received animals this emaciated from anyone except this company! Worst experience ever! This place should be shut down for cruelty to animals!
They provide what they promise! Ordered some House Geckos and the all arrived alive. Might not seem like a magical feat, but I live in Louisiana? The day of delivery it was in the upper 90’s and they had to survive several hours in an un-air conditioned UPS truck. Geckos were packed with plenty of moisture and a cold pack and are now happily policing my porch/deck munching on insects!
I ordered four hermit crabs and they arrived perfectly. They were active and happy right of the box. Always completely satisfied doing business with this company. Customer service very responsive and knowledgeable.
So I bought a sulcata tortoise from them and it was overnighted which made me very happy cuz I didn't want the little one sitting in a box for too long. She got here and is absolutely beautiful and she's been running all over the place in her tank. She's eating. I haven't seen any waste yet but I'm sure that that will come soon cuz she just ate but I am very happy with my purchase
Shop Elsewhere
I ordered a lizard on a Wednesday and paid $50 for overnight shipping, expecting it by Friday. Only after checkout did I see it wouldn’t arrive until the following Tuesday. Since we were going on vacation, I emailed immediately and was told “no worries” that it would would ship out the following Tuesday and arrive Wednesday instead.
Friday, I got a shipping confirmation saying it would arrive Tuesday—just like I asked it not to - and received an email confirmation from a live human, not an automated response. When I contacted customer service, they were extremely rude, blamed me, and showed no accountability. Their tone was passive-aggressive bordering on aggressive and extremely unprofessional.
To make matters worse, the lizard was left on my porch in the heat with no signature required—FedEx confirmed none was requested. Thankfully, the lizard survived, but I doubt I’ll get any help if something goes wrong.
Avoid this company. The customer service is awful and not worth the risk.