Visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

Visit the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a world-class attraction located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. With over 800,000 gallons of water and over 300 species of animals, the aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life. In this article, we will discuss what to do when visiting the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center.

Aquarium Exhibits

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is home to a variety of aquarium exhibits that showcase the diversity of marine life. Visitors can explore the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium, which features animals that are native to the bay. The aquarium also has exhibits that showcase tropical fish, seahorses, jellyfish, and more. Visitors can see sea turtles, sharks, and rays up close in the aquarium’s Ocean Pavilion.

Animal Encounters

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center offers visitors the opportunity to have a hands-on experience with some of the animals. Visitors can touch stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and other animals in the Chesapeake Bay Touch Pool. The aquarium also offers animal encounters with sea turtles, harbor seals, and other animals for an additional fee.

Nature Trail and Marsh Pavilion

The aquarium is located on Owls Creek, which provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore a coastal environment. Visitors can walk the nature trail that winds through the surrounding marshlands, which are home to a variety of plants and animals. The trail leads to the Marsh Pavilion, which is an indoor exhibit that showcases the diversity of the marsh ecosystem.

IMAX Theater

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center has an IMAX Theater that shows a variety of nature and science documentaries. Visitors can experience the thrill of the ocean, the beauty of the Amazon rainforest, and the wonders of space in the theater’s 3D movies.

Boat Tours

The aquarium offers boat tours of Owls Creek and the surrounding waters. Visitors can learn about the history of the area, the local ecology, and see some of the animals that call the water home. The aquarium also offers whale and dolphin watching tours during certain times of the year.

Outdoor Exhibits

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center has a variety of outdoor exhibits that showcase the diversity of marine life. Visitors can see harbor seals, sea turtles, and river otters up close in their outdoor habitats. The aquarium also has a bird aviary that is home to a variety of bird species.

Education Programs

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center offers education programs for visitors of all ages. The aquarium’s staff offers guided tours, presentations, and hands-on activities that teach visitors about the marine ecosystem and the importance of conservation. The aquarium also offers programs for schools and groups.

In conclusion, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a world-class attraction that offers visitors a variety of activities and exhibits. Visitors can explore the aquarium’s exhibits, have hands-on experiences with animals, walk the nature trail and visit the Marsh Pavilion, watch IMAX movies, take boat tours, see outdoor exhibits, and participate in education programs. So, if you are planning a trip to Virginia Beach, make sure to add a visit to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center to your itinerary.