Backwater Reptiles Reviews 

557
TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

3.7

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Review summary

Created with AI, based on recent reviews

Evaluating 71 reviews, most reviewers were somewhat happy with their experience overall. Many customers received their animals in excellent, healthy condition, often noting their activity and good health upon arrival, supported by careful packaging and timely delivery. Consumers also frequently praised the responsiveness and helpfulness of customer service, contributing to a positive overall experience. However, some customers noted significant issues with animal health upon arrival, with reports of sick, dehydrated, or deceased creatures. A few people also felt that product descriptions were inaccurate, receiving incorrect species or animals different in size than advertised. Conversely, a small portion of people experienced poor customer service, citing dismissive responses or lack of support. Additionally, concerns were raised about shipping practices, including inadequate packaging for extreme weather or insufficient oxygen.

What people talk about most

Product

Customers had positive experiences with product, with many reviewers expressing satisfaction with the health... See more

Quality

Reviewers highlight ambiguous aspects of quality, with many customers expressing satisfaction with the health... See more

Order

People report ambiguous experiences with order fulfillment, with some customers expressing significant... See more

Customer service

Reviewers mention ambiguous feedback about customer service, with many praising the outstanding and... See more

Delivery service

Clients share ambiguous opinions on delivery service, with some reviewers praising fast shipping and careful... See more

Reviews shaping this summary

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I received my Cherry Head red foot tortoise 3 weeks ago and it hasn’t missed a beat. Ate as soon as it arrived and is very healthy and alert. Highly recommended Backwater Reptiles, arrived ahead of sc... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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... See more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

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... See more


Company details

  1. Pet Store
  2. Aquarium Shop
  3. Reptile Store

Information provided by various external sources

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.


Contact info

3.7

Average

TrustScore 3.5 out of 5

557 reviews

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1-star

No history of asking for reviews

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3.7

All reviews

(557)

63 reviews in the last 12 months

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Companies on Trustpilot aren't allowed to offer incentives or pay to hide reviews. Reviews are the opinions of individual users and not of Trustpilot. Read more

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I just made my second purchase from…

I just made my second purchase from back water reptiles! This time I ordered 2 baby whites tree frogs. I’m from Maine and the day my frogs were supposed to ship we were getting a massive snow storm! Back water reptiles reached out to me by email and we rescheduled my delivery for a day later. My frogs came in and were eating within 10 hours! I am so happy with this company and would highly recommend them to anyone! :)

5 March 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Undersized underweight

I Purchased what I thought was a 6" adult Herman's Tortoise from Black Water Reptiles. I received a Tortoise that was very underweight and only 4". I was told that I don't know how to measure a turtle and that 4" is within the adult size for a Herman's. I am a Vet Tech of 49 years and have owned and breed reptiles for 60 years I know when I see a sick/underweight animal. They shouldn't advertise a 6" animal when it is only 4" and a sub adult not an adult.

1 March 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I am more than happy with my purchase

I am more than happy with my purchase. I ordered a Therophosa sp, that turned out to be very healthy. That was Dec 9th my day i received it. Today is February 5th and She is very healthy went through a molt, She was larger than expected, . So if there is something that stand out about the experience with Backwater Reptiles is this, I was surprised on the size of my sling for the affordable price they offered. I sincerely am over joyed, and would like to apologize for taking so long to leave a review. And the species it a T.Stirmy.

8 December 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Thumbs up!

bought a tarantula and she was alive and healthy, the shipping was fast, will buy more soon and i recommend these guys

4 February 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Great to order from

I've puchased from other companies that sell "feeder" lizards and Backwater is the only one that has consistantly shipped quality lizards. The packaging materials were clean and neatly done. They have been very responcive to questions and requests in a very prompt and professional manner which goes a long way with me, so they are my go to for what I need without exception.
CP

8 January 2026
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Best customer service!

First off, the customer service is outstanding! So with that said, we ordered two Sulcata tortoise hatchlings. These healthy babys arrived over night from Florida as reside in Virginia, we didn't think about the cold in December while being shipped, but this company did for us! They went above and beyond for the well being of our tortoises. Wish I could share the smile on my wife's face! Best Christmas EVER! Highly recommend Back Water Reptiles!

10 December 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

I had to put one star to be able to…

I had to put one star to be able to write a review. 1st they said they said their fraud protection flagged my account because the billing address was wrong. It didn't stop them from taking the money out if my account. Now, I cant get my money or the tortoise. SCAM!!!

15 December 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We are so happy and excited about our…

We are so happy and excited about our new family members. They arrived on time handled with such care. We got 2 Asian black forest scorpions and 1 emperor scorpion all juveniles as well as a cd hachling Sulcata tortoise. Their so healthy and docile and so beautiful. We absolutely love them. All 3 of my boys are so happy. You guys have made all 3 of my boys Christmas the best they could ever dream of. Thank you so much 💗

16 December 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I love Backwater Reptiles

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.

24 November 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Backwater Reptiles experience

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!!!

10 December 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

They were amazing

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.

8 December 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

We received our 2 axolotls today and…

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

4 December 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Trust These Guys! They Are Experts!

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!

3 December 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 1 out of 5 stars

Do not trust this company.They tried…

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

29 November 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Outstanding Experience with Backwater Reptiles

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!

18 November 2025
Unprompted review
Rated 5 out of 5 stars

I ordered 2 nile monitors about 2 weeks…

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.

5 October 2025
Unprompted review

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