Panhandle Exotics in Pensacola, Florida is primarily an exotic animal store and mini zoo rather than a dedicated fish shop, but it has carved out a niche as a one-stop destination for pet enthusiasts across the Gulf Coast. The sprawling store features a tiki-themed interior with elaborate reptile enclosures that draw repeat visitors, alongside a paid zoo section housing lemurs, mongooses, sloths, and other unusual creatures. The main retail floor stocks everything from chinchillas and sugar gliders to skunks, coatimundis, Patagonian cavies, and an array of reptiles including iguanas, turtles, and snakes.
On the aquatic side, the store carries feeder fish and supplies, along with a notable selection of rocks and dry goods for various pet setups. Customers regularly stop in for meal worms, feeders, and enclosure supplies for their reptiles and other pets. While exotic mammals and reptiles are clearly the main attraction, the store serves as a useful resource for Pensacola-area freshwater hobbyists picking up basics alongside their other pet needs.
The staff earns frequent praise for being approachable and willing to spend time answering questions — multiple reviewers mention learning something new on every visit. The store encourages hand-washing before handling animals, and long-time customers dating back to 2006 note the animals are generally kept clean and well-socialized. The tiki-themed reptile displays in particular show genuine care in presentation.
That said, the store has drawn criticism from some visitors who feel certain animal enclosures are too small, and a few reviews raise welfare concerns about the zoo section. The paid zoo area ($6 per adult, children under 12 free according to signage, though some visitors report different pricing) houses about ten animals and gets mixed reactions on value. For Pensacola residents seeking exotic pets, reptile supplies, or simply a unique afternoon outing with kids, Panhandle Exotics delivers an experience unlike any typical pet store in the Florida Panhandle.
LDB 776
2 reviews
This pet store is phenomenal! They had everything we needed for our new pet! Staff was super nice, respectful and knowledgeable! They have a wide variety of exotic pets and supplies. Definitely the best pet store I have ever been to.
Tabatha W
29 reviews
Such a fun place! Nice people too!
Jeremiah Brown
3 reviews
DO NOT PURCHASE from this business they are WIDELY disrespectful and VERY UNPROFESSIONAL, they will claim they are well knowledgeable about everything they sell but when they fall short , look to blame you for their flaws. I Purchased a ADVERTISED FEMALE Coatimundi from them and given a MALE and then was told AFTER purchasing that they don’t have any females and I would NOT get a refund because it was up to me to make sure it was a Female , when 1. I brought her on THEIR Website and the Coatimundi was listed as a female 2. I asked multiple times it was a female over the phone before arrival and at the shop when it was time for pick up . 3. They had the store Manager Dakota even check and she was the one that gave me the wrong one. After I brought this to their attention I was laughed at over the phone and told it was my fault and being shady towards me saying it shows I don’t care about my animals, just cause I was misguided to believe I had PURCHASED A FEMALE COATIMUNDi. DO NOT PURCHASE ANY ANIMAL from these people with YOUR HARD EARNED MONEY. There are much more respectful, responsible and professional people to purchase your loved ones from , these guys just want quick turn over and will sell you anything they can , in any condition. Derrick is a horrible owner and person , do not get on his “bad side” which is making them confess for their wrong and make up for it. He told me to drive 10 hours back to Pensacola to give him back and have nothing in return until next year even though they were in the wrong. Absolutely nothing to help the customer who spent 2500$ in their store. Sad place and will now be traveling to Texas for all my exotics or Xtreme exotics which they are much more knowledgeable and friendly to customers that come into their store instead of RUSHING people to make decisions and buy things in their store like PanHandle Exotics does. They also make up false accusations to cover up the wrong they do, just don’t waste your time with these guys they will sell you anything , in any condition , with no true knowledge
Caymen Elizabeth
I went here the other day with my best friend because I have been looking to get two pet rats! I haven't been able to adopt any yet since I am still setting up, but I went to the store just to look and the rats were super sweet and fun to play with. I think I spent a whole hour just playing with them after washing my hands, lol. The employees were super awesome and helpful too! Needless to say, I absolutely will be coming back to adopt a couple of rats to care for.
Sara Holmes
9 reviews
Love the pet store, we go look at the animals all the time. The other day it was cold outside so we decided to try their little zoo they have online said it was $6 for adults, 12 and under free. Went to pay for it $20 for two adults and a two year old. Plus my boyfriend got a discount because he’s a lineman. So probably would’ve been a lot more. We decided to go ahead and just check it out. There are literally maybe 10 animals and 3 of them weren’t in their enclosure. Really not worth the money for the zoo. I do not recommend paying the money, personally think the zoo is a rip off.
Delorise Thomas Greaterthingz
11 reviews
Good place to take the kids. If your kids like animals they will enjoy it! I enjoyed looking around with my 17 yr old and she did as well!
Jarad Chumbley
26 reviews
Great place for exotic encounters!
S R
8 reviews
Interesting
Aubrie McDuffie
9 reviews
awesome little place to kill some time in pensacola. so fun to see the additional zoo with mongoose, lemurs, sloth and other cool exotics!!! super friendly staff, will totally encourage others to stop in ◡̈
Eddie Slay
13 reviews
Everyone was very nice. They had the turtle we were looking for.
Note: Store information and services may change. Always call (850) 542-4410 to confirm current availability, hours, and services before visiting Panhandle Exotics.
Take control of your listing to update info and respond to reviews.
Claim This ListingFind on Map
37 N Navy Blvd, Pensacola, FL 32507
February 7, 2026
Verified Data
Information verified through Google Places API and community contributions.
Other aquarium shops nearby worth checking out