About
Bluewater Zoo Exotic Aquariums & Reptiles has earned its reputation as Fort Walton Beach's premier destination for aquatic and reptile enthusiasts, and it's not hard to see why. Walking into this spacious store, you're greeted by rows of clean, well-maintained tanks stocked with a genuinely impressive range of freshwater and saltwater livestock. Cherry shrimp, yellow and electric blue neocaridina morphs, clownfish, bettas, goldfish, axolotls, and even Brazilian Rainbow Boas fill the aisles — alongside a coral selection that keeps local reef hobbyists coming back regularly.
The live plant section stands out as a major draw. Reviewers describe flourishing aquatic plants alongside natural driftwood and rocks — the kind of curated selection that makes planted tank enthusiasts drive 40 minutes each way for a visit. The dry goods inventory is substantial too, covering tanks, terrariums, decorations, and feeding supplies, making it a genuine one-stop shop for both aquarium and reptile keepers.
What really sets Bluewater Zoo apart is the staff's depth of knowledge across disciplines. One customer credits an employee named Kurt with helping them set up a thriving 20-gallon betta tank. Another describes walking in defeated after multiple Petco failures with goldfish, only to leave with a solid plan and renewed confidence for building a natural ecosystem tank.
Reef keepers report getting actionable advice on ailing corals, while reptile owners appreciate the store's responsible husbandry — particularly with jumping spiders, where one arachnid enthusiast was nearly moved to tears by how well the animals were cared for. The shrimp selection deserves special mention: multiple color morphs of dwarf freshwater shrimp are consistently available, a rarity for brick-and-mortar stores in the Florida Panhandle. Pricing is competitive enough that even vacationing customers have walked out with sulcata tortoises at half the price they'd pay elsewhere.
Bluewater Zoo isn't without friction — their no-refund policy on saltwater fish has frustrated some buyers, and one long-time customer left over a merchandise dispute. 7 stars, the overwhelming consensus is clear: this Fort Walton Beach store delivers healthy animals, honest advice, and a selection that outclasses the big-box chains for miles around.
What they offer
Livestock, services, water
- Livestock & products
- Services
- Water TestingConsultation
- Specializes in
Highlights
What makes them special
- Extensive colored shrimp selection including cherry, yellow, and blue morphs
- Thriving live plant section with natural driftwood and rocks for planted tanks
- Full reef-keeping supplies with corals and knowledgeable coral care advice
- Axolotls available with staff who specialize in their care
- Spacious store with exceptionally clean and well-maintained tanks
From keepers
Customer reviews
“I go here pretty often for all my reef keeping needs, and they are always helpful. I had a question about an ailing coral today and got some good suggestions on next steps. Beautiful fish, coral, and lots of dry goods.”
— Robert Velte5.02 weeks ago“This place is awesome. If you have any questions they are very knowledgeable and very friendly.”
— Joe p5.0Edited 4 weeks ago“This place is wonderful. I always blow the budget when I go here. Its easy to do with the selection and quality they offer. Love this place!”
— Jason5.0a month ago“Me and my family (both reptiles and fish) have been consistent customers of Bluewater Zoo for years. We have always gone out of our way to support local businesses even when it costs a slight premium over chain and online shopping. I went to buy some new UV light bars and some food. There are standard heat UV bulbs located in front of the UV light bar (as in removing a light bar will collide with the bulbs, it directly impedes the extraction process) and in getting the light bar a bulb was knocked down and it broke. It was an ~20 dollar bulb. Despite actively buying ~150 dollars worth of goods (of which I put 90$ of goods back out of frustration) and spending well over a thousand dollars there throughout the past 5 years we were forced to pay for the 20 dollar bulb. I am disappointed by this and would not expect this treatment in a big box store or local store or any store really. Especially when we were repeat customers. It’s a weird level of corporate penny pinching that am I no longer willing to pay that slight premium for. Consequently, I will shift to online shopping for the bulk of my supply shopping. Very disappointed in Bluewater Zoo, I used to very much look forward to shopping there.”
— Nate M1.0a month ago“Nice variety, friendly staff, clean and well kept enclosures, animals look healthy and vibrant! Wish we lived closer so we could be regular patrons!”
— Nichole Kennedy5.0a month ago“Best, pet store fort Walton reptiles and fish”
— Shawn Cypret5.0a month ago“Great prices ! Nice healthy tanks !”
— Heather Smith5.0a month ago“Excellence in performance”
— Christian Becker5.0a month ago“Great selection of quality fish.”
— Emily Smith5.02 months ago“Awesome fish and supplies. My go to pet store. They are knowledgeable and have a good selection.”
— Tim Morrison5.0Edited 2 months ago
Reference
Frequently asked questions
Note — Store information and services may change. Always call (850) 226-6693 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Bluewater Zoo Exotic Aquariums & Reptiles.