Bluewater Zoo Exotic Aquariums & Reptiles

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.