New Orleans: Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium Ticket

New Orleans’ Audubon Aquarium packs a lot into one riverfront building: 3,600 animals from more than 250 species, including penguins, white alligators, piranhas, anacondas, sharks, and stingrays. The hands-on pool and 30-foot Great Maya Reef tunnel give you more than a glass-and-label experience.

I like the aquarium’s easy location beside the French Quarter and the freedom to explore at your own pace. I also like the five-day validity on combo tickets, which lets you split the aquarium, Insectarium, and zoo across your schedule. The main drawback is that $63 is a serious price for one attraction, and some families may finish the aquarium sooner than expected.

Key points to know before you go

• Touch sharks and stingrays at the 60-foot Shark Discovery Touch Pool, with stingray touch sessions taking place at regular intervals.
• Walk through a 30-foot clear tunnel in the Great Maya Reef, one of the aquarium’s most memorable viewing areas.
• See the 450,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico habitat, the largest exhibit in the aquarium.
• Add the Insectarium or Audubon Zoo if you want more value from the ticket.
• Use the five-day window on combo tickets to visit the other attractions on separate days.
• Plan for a French Quarter stop, since the aquarium sits beside the riverfront and works well with a day downtown.

A riverfront aquarium with a surprisingly wide range

The Audubon Aquarium is not limited to tropical fish. Its galleries move through several parts of the Americas, from the Caribbean and Amazon Rainforest to the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico. That gives the visit a useful sense of place, especially in New Orleans, a city shaped by water.

You begin at the riverfront side of the Audubon Aquarium building. Show your barcoded ticket at the entry rather than waiting to purchase one on site. From there, you go upstairs and choose the aquarium or Insectarium first if you have the combo ticket.

The aquarium is AZA-accredited, a useful marker for visitors who care about animal care, conservation, and educational standards. It has also received national attention in a USA Today 10 Best reader poll, though the practical question is simpler: does it give you enough to do for the price? For most families, a careful visit can fill several hours. For adults who move quickly through exhibits, the single-attraction price may feel high.

The Great Maya Reef and the 30-foot tunnel

The Great Maya Reef is one of the aquarium’s strongest visual stops. A clear, 30-foot-long tunnel lets you look up and around as fish move through the habitat. The design gives you a better sense of being inside the exhibit rather than simply standing in front of a tank.

This is a good place to slow down. Children can watch for movement overhead, while adults can take in the different shapes and sizes of the marine life. The tunnel also provides a break from reading signs because the scene itself does most of the work.

The aquarium uses large themed habitats to create variety. You might move from reef fish to river species, then into a warmer forest setting. The result feels more like a trip through several ecosystems than one long row of tanks.

Getting hands-on at the Shark Discovery Touch Pool

The Shark Discovery Touch Pool is the aquarium’s most interactive feature. You can touch sharks and stingrays in a 60-foot pool, an experience that gives children a direct connection to animals they usually see only behind glass.

Stingray touch sessions take place about every hour or so, according to the operating information provided for the attraction. Ask about the next session when you arrive, then arrange your route around it. This is especially useful if the touch pool is a main reason for booking.

The pool can be a highlight for adults as well as children. One visitor described petting several stingrays as the moment that made the day, and that reaction makes sense. The contact is brief and supervised, but it changes the tone of the visit from observation to participation.

The touch pool may also be one of the busier areas. If you have young children, stay aware of the timing and expect to spend a little less time at quieter exhibits nearby.

The Gulf of Mexico habitat and New Orleans’ connection to water

The largest exhibit holds 450,000 gallons and focuses on the Gulf of Mexico. This is more than a big tank for impressive fish. It connects the aquarium to the water beyond the building, the same Gulf system that supports New Orleans’ food, trade, weather, and daily life.

I find this kind of context valuable because it gives the visit a local purpose. You are not just looking at distant sea life. You are also seeing part of the natural system tied to Louisiana.

The Gulf habitat is a good stop for anyone who enjoys large-scale viewing. Smaller exhibits reward close attention, but this one works through size and movement. Give yourself time to watch the animals circle through the water instead of taking one quick look and moving on.

The Amazon Rainforest gallery

The Amazon Rainforest gallery changes the mood. Here, the focus shifts from open water to dense plant life, free-flying birds, and freshwater species. Piranhas and pacus are among the aquatic animals you can see, and an anaconda adds a more dramatic moment.

The gallery gives you several kinds of animal encounters in one area. Look up for birds, scan the water for fish, and keep an eye out for the snake. It is a useful section for children because the displays offer movement at different heights rather than keeping everything at eye level.

Certified service animals are allowed in the aquarium, except in the Amazon Encounters and Amazon Rainforest areas. If that applies to your visit, check with staff about how to handle this part of the route.

Penguins, white alligators, and other crowd favorites

The penguin exhibit is one of the easiest stops to recommend. Penguins have strong appeal across age groups, and the exhibit adds a lighter, more playful section to a visit that otherwise includes many unfamiliar species.

The rare white alligators offer a very different kind of sight. They are unusual enough to make the stop memorable, especially if you have already seen the more familiar animals in the Gulf and river displays.

The aquarium includes endangered species as well as animals from several major habitats. That mix gives you a broader visit than a collection focused only on colorful tropical fish. You can move from familiar favorites to animals that may be new to you.

Do not expect every section to have the same amount of action. Some exhibits depend on patience. If you rush through, you may see less than the aquarium has to offer.

Adding the Insectarium and Butterfly Garden

The Audubon Insectarium and Butterfly Garden occupies the same building as the aquarium. A combo ticket lets you visit both without making a second downtown trip, which makes this the easiest upgrade for many visitors.

The Insectarium is not just a small extra room. It has themed areas and a high level of visual detail, according to the experience provided by the attraction. The butterfly section gives the visit a softer, more colorful finish after the larger aquarium habitats.

I would add the Insectarium if you enjoy close-up displays, unusual animals, or hands-on learning. It also helps justify the price when you have a full day in the French Quarter. Children can switch between sea life, insects, and butterflies without needing transportation between sites.

The building’s gift shops are notably polished and well arranged. That may not affect your decision to book, but it is worth knowing if you want a souvenir stop at the end.

Using the Audubon Zoo combo

The Audubon Zoo is in uptown New Orleans at 6500 Magazine Street, so it is not a walk across the street from the aquarium. You need to plan transportation and time for the separate location.

The zoo upgrade can save money compared with buying each attraction separately. The three-attraction option includes the aquarium, Insectarium and Butterfly Garden, and zoo. The aquarium and Insectarium are in the same building, while the zoo requires a separate visit.

The five-day validity is the useful part. You do not need to force all three attractions into one exhausting day. You can visit the aquarium and Insectarium downtown, then use another day for the zoo.

Combo tickets do not cover special events such as Cool Zoo, Boo at the Zoo, Zoo to Do, Zoo to Do for Kids, or Zoo Lights. They also do not include additional attractions such as VR experiences or the Wild Encounters program.

How much time should you allow?

The ticket is valid for five days, but the aquarium itself has opening hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. A morning arrival gives you the best chance to take your time, catch a touch-pool session, and add the Insectarium without rushing.

I would plan several hours for the aquarium and more time if you include the Insectarium. The exact length depends on how closely you read displays, how long you spend at the touch pool, and the pace of your group.

A family with young children may spend longer because of the hands-on features. A teenager may enjoy a self-paced route, especially the stingrays, penguins, and interactive areas. One parent and teenager found the aquarium easy to enjoy at their own speed, which is a useful sign for families who do not want a tightly controlled tour.

There is no guide leading you from exhibit to exhibit. Educational programs are included, but the visit is mainly self-guided. That makes it flexible, though you need to watch the clock yourself.

Price, ticket value, and practical limits

At $63 per person, this is not a low-cost filler activity. The price makes more sense if you plan to see the aquarium and Insectarium, or if you choose the three-attraction package and use the full five-day period.

The aquarium alone can still be worthwhile if you care about marine life, have a rainy or very hot day downtown, or want a family activity beside the French Quarter. But if you are comparing it with several smaller New Orleans attractions, ask yourself how long your group normally spends in museums and zoos.

The skip-the-ticket-line feature is helpful because you can proceed with your barcoded ticket rather than waiting to buy admission. Still, an older report described a scanning problem that required waiting in line. That appears to be a possible technical issue rather than the intended process, so keep your ticket ready and allow a little spare time.

Food and drinks are not included, and food and drinks are not allowed inside. Plan your meal before or after the visit in the French Quarter or nearby riverfront area.

Parking can be difficult around the downtown aquarium. One visitor found a discount helpful, but parking details can change, so public transportation, a rideshare, or a nearby parking plan may be easier than arriving without preparation.

Access, strollers, and family planning

The aquarium is wheelchair accessible, and a limited number of wheelchairs are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis. If you need to rent one, arrive with that in mind because availability is limited.

Strollers cannot exceed 29 inches in width and 52 inches in length. Wagons, wagon strollers, push cars, and ride-ons are not permitted. This keeps the paths easier to use for people of different abilities, but it also means you should check your stroller size before arriving.

Children under two enter free. That can make the attraction more practical for families with toddlers, though the no-food-and-drink rule may require some planning around nap and snack times.

The aquarium does not allow smoking. Certified service animals are permitted in most of the aquarium, with restrictions in the Amazon Encounters and Amazon Rainforest areas.

Who will get the most from this visit?

I would recommend this aquarium most strongly to families with children, couples who enjoy natural science, and anyone looking for an indoor attraction close to the French Quarter. The touch pool gives younger children something to do with their hands, while the reef tunnel, Gulf habitat, and Amazon gallery offer enough visual variety for older visitors.

Teenagers can enjoy the visit if they like animals and prefer exploring without a guide. The self-paced layout lets you linger at a favorite exhibit rather than follow a fixed group.

Adults who want a serious aquarium with many hours of content should consider adding the Insectarium. The single aquarium ticket may feel less worthwhile if you move quickly and do not plan to read much or attend an educational program.

My advice for booking

Book the Audubon Aquarium if you want a polished, family-friendly attraction with strong hands-on features and an easy French Quarter location. The stingray pool, Great Maya Reef tunnel, Gulf exhibit, penguins, and white alligators give you a solid range of experiences in one building.

Choose a combo if you can spare another day. The five-day validity is the best value feature, especially for the aquarium plus Insectarium or all three Audubon attractions.

Skip the upgrade if you have little time, dislike zoos and animal exhibits, or mainly want a quick stop between other New Orleans plans. At $63, the ticket deserves a deliberate choice. For families and animal lovers, it is a strong use of a few hours. For everyone else, the Insectarium or zoo combo may be what turns a costly ticket into good value.

FAQ

How much does the Audubon Aquarium ticket cost?

The listed price is $63 per person. Combo upgrades are available for the Audubon Zoo and for the Audubon Insectarium and Butterfly Garden.

How long is the ticket valid?

The aquarium ticket is valid for the scheduled visit. If you buy the Aquarium and Insectarium Combo Ticket or the three-attraction combo, you have five days from the scheduled ticket date to visit the other attraction or attractions.

Where is the Audubon Aquarium located?

The aquarium is beside the French Quarter on the riverfront side of the Audubon Aquarium building in New Orleans.

What are the aquarium’s opening hours?

Audubon attractions are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The last entry is 30 minutes before closing.

Can I touch animals at the aquarium?

Yes. The Shark Discovery Touch Pool lets you touch sharks and stingrays. Stingray touch sessions take place at regular intervals, roughly every hour or so.

Is the Audubon Zoo included?

The zoo is included only if you select a combo ticket. It is located at 6500 Magazine Street in uptown New Orleans.

Is the ticket wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The aquarium is wheelchair accessible, and a limited number of wheelchairs are available to rent on a first-come, first-served basis.

Are children under two charged admission?

No. Children under two enter free.

Can I bring food, drinks, or a large stroller?

Food and drinks are not allowed inside. Strollers must be no more than 29 inches wide and 52 inches long. Wagons, wagon strollers, push cars, and ride-ons are not permitted.