Every August, the reptile community turns its attention to Daytona Beach for one of the most anticipated reptile events in the country—the National Reptile Breeders' Expo at the Ocean Center. Now celebrating more than 30 years, this annual gathering has earned a reputation as one of the largest and longest-running reptile expos in the world, attracting breeders, hobbyists, educators, collectors, and families from across the United States.
Taking place August 15-16, 2026, the Ocean Center becomes home to thousands of reptiles, amphibians, supplies, educational exhibits, and vendors, making it one of Daytona Beach's most unique annual events.
A Weekend for Every Reptile Enthusiast
Whether you're attending your very first reptile expo or you've been collecting for years, the National Reptile Breeders' Expo offers something new around every corner. With hundreds of vendors filling the Ocean Center, you'll find an incredible variety of animals, supplies, and educational resources all under one roof.
Snakes
From colorful ball pythons and corn snakes to boas, king snakes, and rare morphs, snake enthusiasts will find one of the largest selections available anywhere. Breeders are available to answer questions about genetics, feeding, habitat setup, and proper care, making it a great place for both beginners and experienced keepers.
Lizards
Bearded dragons, leopard geckos, crested geckos, chameleons, skinks, monitors, and many other lizard species are showcased throughout the expo. Visitors can compare different species, learn about their unique care requirements, and discover the latest advancements in habitat design and lighting.
Tortoises and Turtles
These fascinating reptiles are always a favorite with families. Exhibitors offer everything from small tortoise species suitable for experienced hobbyists to educational displays that teach visitors about conservation efforts, natural habitats, and responsible ownership.
Amphibians
Colorful tree frogs, dart frogs, salamanders, and other amphibians add another level of diversity to the show. Their vibrant colors and unique behaviors make them one of the most photographed sections of the expo.
Exotic Invertebrates
Visitors will also find an impressive collection of tarantulas, scorpions, stick insects, mantises, and other fascinating invertebrates. Whether you're curious about these remarkable creatures or already keep them as pets, the exhibits provide a closer look at species many people rarely have the opportunity to see.
Habitats and Supplies
The expo isn't just about the animals. Vendors offer everything needed to build or upgrade a reptile habitat, including custom enclosures, natural décor, heating systems, UVB lighting, live plants, substrates, feeding accessories, and specialty nutrition products. Many attendees come specifically to shop for equipment that may be difficult to find in traditional pet stores.
Learn from the Experts
One of the biggest advantages of attending the National Reptile Breeders' Expo is the opportunity to speak directly with experienced breeders and reptile professionals. Whether you're selecting your first reptile, researching a future pet, or looking for advanced care techniques, you'll receive valuable information from people who work with these animals every day.
Even if you aren't planning to purchase anything, the expo is an incredible educational experience. It's a chance to see hundreds of species up close, ask questions, discover the latest trends in reptile keeping, and gain a deeper appreciation for these fascinating animals.
More Than a Marketplace
What makes the National Reptile Breeders' Expo stand out isn't just the size of the event—it's the community.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can attend educational talks, meet breeders from around the country, and learn about reptile conservation, captive breeding, and proper animal husbandry. Saturday evening also features the popular Reptile Breeders' Expo Auction, with proceeds supporting organizations dedicated to reptile conservation and education.
The event has become an annual reunion for reptile enthusiasts, where longtime hobbyists reconnect, newcomers ask questions, and families introduce children to the fascinating world of reptiles in a fun, educational environment.
Why Daytona Beach?
One of the reasons this event has remained so popular for decades is its location. After spending the day exploring thousands of exhibits at the Ocean Center, visitors can step outside and enjoy everything Daytona Beach has to offer.
Relax on the World's Most Famous Beach, stroll the Daytona Beach Boardwalk, enjoy fresh seafood at local restaurants, or simply soak in the ocean views. Many attendees make the National Reptile Breeders' Expo part of a long weekend getaway, combining one of the country's premier reptile events with a beach vacation.
Stay Just Minutes from the Ocean Center
Max Beach Resort is located only 1.8 miles from the Ocean Center, making it an ideal place to stay while attending the expo. Instead of a traditional hotel room, enjoy spacious one-, two-, or three-bedroom residences with full kitchens, private balconies, and plenty of room to relax after a day at the show.
Whether you're traveling with family, friends, or fellow reptile enthusiasts, you'll be just minutes from the event while enjoying all the comforts of an oceanfront resort.
If you're planning to attend this year's National Reptile Breeders' Expo, be sure to reserve your accommodations early. With visitors traveling from across the country, it's one of Daytona Beach's most popular specialty events of the summer.
