Rainbow Boas are great first snakes, but don't limit yourself to Brazilians. Columbians can be really stunning, too. I give them a 9 out of 10
Royal Pythons are hard to go wrong with as a first snake also - so full of personality and curiosity. I give them a 9 out of 10.
I'd have to say that out of all the snakes I've kept over the years, the most fun I've had with something different that would make an excellent first snake is my Spotted Python. They start-off small, so you have to be prepared for that, but man-o-man, what personality! They've got all the characteristics of a much larger snake (particularly a Scrub Python) without any of the hassle of keeping a giant. Fascinating to watch, very-very social, extremely curious, totally casual and they make me laugh every time they look at me head-on 'cause they look cross-eyed with those big googlie orange eyes. I give them a 10 out of 10.
Royal Python
Adult Paraguayan Rainbow Boa w/juvenile Columbian Rainbow Boa
Spotted Python
Threaded Mode