AQUARIUMS · USA

The 15 Best Aquariums in the USA

53 tickets  ·  from $19 at the gate

The country keeps the biggest ocean tanks on earth and the loudest marine parks, and prices them a world apart. These 15 sort the timed-entry city aquariums from the whole-day parks, with what each costs and how early the good slots go.

Atlanta: Georgia Aquarium Skip-the-Box-Office Entry Ticket - Eight galleries, eight different moods
Aquarium Entry Tickets, Aquariums, Tickets, Tour Reviews, USA Aquariums

Atlanta: Georgia Aquarium Skip-the-Box-Office Entry Ticket

1.Atlanta: Georgia Aquarium Skip-the-Box-Office Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,476 reviews · 1 day · from $64Our pick

Use your voucher at Georgia Aquarium’s Baker Street entrance, pass the ticket-purchase line, and head to security. Spend up to a full day exploring eight galleries, touch pools, whale sharks, belugas, sea lions, and reef habitats. Dolphin and sea lion presentations require advance seat reservations.

“I went early when it was less crowded and got to take my time. Definitely recommend for a solo traveler.”

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SeaWorld Orlando: Park Admission Ticket - Start with Mako, Manta, and Pipeline
Aquarium Entry Tickets, Marine Parks & Sea Worlds, Orlando Aquariums, Tickets, Tour Reviews, USA Aquariums

SeaWorld Orlando: Park Admission Ticket

2.SeaWorld Orlando: Park Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 1,706 reviews · 365 hours · from $87

Spend a full day at SeaWorld Orlando riding Mako, Manta, Pipeline, and Penguin Trek, then visit dolphins, sharks, rays, turtles, and penguins. Add Aquatica, Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, All-Day Dining, or shuttle service if those options suit your plans. The park is wheelchair accessible and cashless.

“I think that SeaWorld and BuschGardens are the best value for money in the region even though the theming is not comparable to Universal/DisneyWorld. We took the all Day Dining Option which was a good deal!”

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The Florida Aquarium Ticket - Start with Florida wildlife under the glass dome
Aquariums, Tickets, Tour Reviews, USA Aquariums

The Florida Aquarium Ticket

3.The Florida Aquarium Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 979 reviews · 1 day · from $36

Spend a full day at The Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa, moving from mangrove forests to coral reefs and tree-level habitats. Your ticket covers all exhibits, three touch pools, and scheduled educational presentations. Add SeaTREK or the Wild Dolphin Cruise separately if you want time on or under the water.

“This was by far the best aquarium I have visited to date. Highly recommend”

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Las Vegas: Shark Reef Aquarium Entry Ticket - Finding it inside Mandalay Bay
Aquarium Entry Tickets, Aquariums, Shark Encounters, Tickets, Tour Reviews, USA Aquariums

Las Vegas: Shark Reef Aquarium Entry Ticket

4.Las Vegas: Shark Reef Aquarium Entry Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 892 reviews · 1 day · from $29

At Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef Aquarium, you’ll walk through 14 exhibits filled with sharks, rays, jellyfish, reptiles, and tropical fish. The underwater tunnel and 1.3-million-gallon shipwreck are the main draws. Your ticket also includes the Undersea Explorer VR Experience, a brief motion-seat ride with sharks and whales.

“The atmosphere was rustic/aquatic in appearance. very fitting for an aquarium. the glass 'tunnel' with water all around was so cool. plus the shipwreck appearance made the display so authentic. would certainly visit again.”

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Big Fun Dolphin Cruise & Sealife Experiece ORANGE BEACH ALABAMA - Dolphin watching depends on the animals and the wind
Aquariums, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Sea Life Centres, Tour Reviews, USA Aquariums

Big Fun Dolphin Cruise & Sealife Experiece ORANGE BEACH ALABAMA

5.Big Fun Dolphin Cruise & Sealife Experiece ORANGE BEACH ALABAMA

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 815 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) Top rated

Spend about two hours on The Fun Boats with Captain Rusty and crew, watching dolphins, learning about local sea life, and handling creatures such as crabs and shrimp. Sit inside or outside, then join the optional water battle between boats. The cruise returns to 3900 Bayou Road.

“Didn't disappoint. Nice relaxing ride, friendly folks and DOLPHINS! Loved watching the dolphins playing alongside the boat!”

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The Florida Aquarium in Tampa General Admission - Finish with the Coral Reef Gallery
Aquarium Entry Tickets, Aquariums, Tour Reviews, USA Aquariums

The Florida Aquarium in Tampa General Admission

6.The Florida Aquarium in Tampa General Admission

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 757 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.) · from $42

Explore nine habitats at The Florida Aquarium in downtown Tampa, from alligators and otters to sharks, rays, jellies, and a Pacific octopus. General admission includes daily programs and interactive displays. Plan on two to three hours, with parking nearby and infants ages 0 to 2 admitted free.

“Very nicely done. You will need about 2 plus hours to walk around to see everything. Lots of variety.”

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LA: Aquarium of the Pacific Skip-the-Line Entry - Getting inside with the skip-the-line ticket
Aquariums, Skip the Line, Tour Reviews, USA Aquariums

LA: Aquarium of the Pacific Skip-the-Line Entry

7.LA: Aquarium of the Pacific Skip-the-Line Entry

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 747 reviews · 1 day · from $44

Spend a full day exploring the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Skip the ticket booth line, see 12,000 animals across Pacific regions, hand-feed lorikeets, visit penguins and sharks, and watch the included Pacific Visions theater film.

“took my 1 year old, I would reccomend baby wearing instead of a stroller, the crowds make a little hard to see, baby wearing you can get up real close for your little one, also you can get everything done in about 2 to 3 hours. ny son loved it for his 1st birthday”

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Boston: New England Aquarium Entry + Optional Simons Theatre - Start with the penguins on Level 1
Aquariums, Tour Reviews, USA Aquariums

Boston: New England Aquarium Entry + Optional Simons Theatre

8.Boston: New England Aquarium Entry + Optional Simons Theatre

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 746 reviews · 1 day · from $39

Spend a full day with more than 800 marine animals at Boston’s New England Aquarium. See African penguins, harbor seals, sea lions, reef fish, turtles, and anacondas, then add a 45-minute Simons Theatre film if you want a larger ocean story.

“Great! had a great day looking at all the tanks! amazing staff but very busy even for a Thursday!”

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San Diego: SeaWorld Skip-the-Line Park Admission Ticket - Beluga whales, dolphins, and other marine animals
Aquarium Entry Tickets, Marine Parks & Sea Worlds, Skip the Line, Tickets, Tour Reviews, USA Aquariums

San Diego: SeaWorld Skip-the-Line Park Admission Ticket

9.San Diego: SeaWorld Skip-the-Line Park Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 592 reviews · 365 hours · from $85

Visit SeaWorld San Diego for marine animal exhibits, educational presentations, major roller coasters, Sesame Street fun, and touch pools. Your ticket skips the entry ticket line, but not ride queues. Add all-day dining for an entree, side or dessert, and drink every 60 minutes at participating restaurants.

“Es war mehr als die Hälfte geschlossen, entweder aus Renovierung arbeiten oder Umbauten. Preis-Leistung gleich 0*, sehr frustrierend gewesen.”

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SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium Admission Ticket at ICON Park - From Lake Apopka to the Gulf of Mexico
Aquarium Entry Tickets, Aquariums, Orlando Aquariums, Sea Life Centres, Tickets, Tour Reviews, USA Aquariums

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium Admission Ticket at ICON Park

10.SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium Admission Ticket at ICON Park

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 504 reviews · 30 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $31

Explore SEA LIFE Orlando at your own pace, from Florida wetlands and the Keys to sharks, rays, jellyfish, turtles, and a Pacific octopus. Allow about an hour, or up to 2.5 hours with add-ons. Upgrade to Madame Tussauds and The Orlando Eye at ICON Park.

“Double check to make sure you have your ticket before going up to the line. I had t o call them to resend my ticket. But once I got them I was very easy to go thru.”

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Skip the Ticketing Line: Aquarium of the Pacific General Admission Ticket - Entering With the Mobile Ticket
Aquarium Entry Tickets, Aquariums, Tickets, Tour Reviews, USA Aquariums

Skip the Ticketing Line: Aquarium of the Pacific General Admission Ticket

11.Skip the Ticketing Line: Aquarium of the Pacific General Admission Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 485 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $44

Use a mobile ticket to enter the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and explore 19 habitats from Alaska to Micronesia. See sharks, sea lions, otters, penguins, jellies, frogs, and tropical fish. Allow about three hours, with optional animal feedings and encounters available for an extra fee.

“Great experience. Tickets came right away. The aquarium was way more than I expected it to be. It was a great place to spend a day, there was something for everyone's interest. When we were done there was a nice walk way around the bay. There were many places to choose from to eat. The gift shop had some great items to purchase.”

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Orlando: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium - A gentle, hands-on stop at the coastal rock pool
Aquariums, Orlando Aquariums, Sea Life Centres, Tour Reviews, USA Aquariums

Orlando: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

12.Orlando: SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 454 reviews · 1 - 365 days · from $30

SEA LIFE Orlando is a self-guided aquarium at ICON Park, with a 360-degree ocean tunnel, touch pools, rescued turtles Ted and Chely, a Pacific octopus, and thousands of fish. Add a 10-minute shark VR experience or 35-minute behind-the-scenes tour if available.

“The aquarium was an excellent excursion to enjoy at ICON. The exhibits were tastefully made and very catching to the eye. The variety of fish and other animals was also lovely. We really did have a great time learning more about the creatures of the deep and their underwater world. Great for the entire family!”

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New England Aquarium Admission Ticket in Boston - Start outside with seals and Boston Harbor views
Aquarium Entry Tickets, Aquariums, Tickets, Tour Reviews, USA Aquariums

New England Aquarium Admission Ticket in Boston

13.New England Aquarium Admission Ticket in Boston

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 446 reviews · 2 hours (approx.)

Use a mobile ticket for timed admission to Boston’s New England Aquarium. Plan about two hours for the Giant Ocean Tank, penguins, seals, sea lions, turtles, rays, touch tanks, and more. Written guides are available in several languages. Special movies at Simons Theatre cost extra.

“I loved the aquarium but I did find it a bit smaller than I had expected it to be. The gift shop is quite expensive as well. But purchasing through Viator was a great experience and I will always check with Viator for future excursions when I'm cruising.”

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Orlando: Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Aquarium Combo Ticket - Starting with SEA LIFE Aquarium’s underwater tunnel
Aquarium Combo Tickets, Aquariums, Orlando Aquariums, Sea Life Centres, Tickets, Tour Reviews, USA Aquariums, Wax Museum & Aquarium Combos

Orlando: Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Aquarium Combo Ticket

14.Orlando: Madame Tussauds and SEA LIFE Aquarium Combo Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 386 reviews · 1 day · from $41

Spend one day at Madame Tussauds Orlando and SEA LIFE Aquarium. Pose with Dwayne Johnson, Ariana Grande, Bad Bunny, and Justice League heroes, then see Ted the rescued loggerhead turtle, touch sea stars, and walk through Florida’s only 360-degree ocean tunnel.

“We loved Madam Tussauds Wax Museum the figures looked so life like. The Sea Life Aquarium was a delight so many different species of sea life and being able to touch some was amazing.”

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Chicago: 1-5 Day Attraction Pass with Shedd Aquarium - Shedd Aquarium, museums, and the Museum Campus
5-Day Experiences, Aquariums, Tour Reviews, USA Aquariums

Chicago: 1-5 Day Attraction Pass with Shedd Aquarium

15.Chicago: 1-5 Day Attraction Pass with Shedd Aquarium

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 372 reviews · 1 - 5 days · from $139

Use one digital pass for 1, 2, 3, or 5 consecutive days of Chicago sightseeing. Visit Shedd Aquarium, Skydeck, 360 Chicago, Field Museum, Navy Pier, river cruises, museums, and guided tours, with reservations required for several popular stops.

“We were able to see 360 Chicago, Skydeck, and the Museum of Science and Industry in the same day, even in the middle of winter. I highly recommend plotting your trip ahead of time, to ensure the best route. The wait for Skydeck is extreme, and honestly, we thought 360 Chicago was the more appealing of the two.”

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New in USA

★ 4.8California: LEGOLAND Theme Park and SEA LIFE 2-Day AccessFrom $7417 reviews
★ 4.9Springfield: Wonders of Wildlife National Museum & AquariumFrom $4519 reviews
★ 4.4Houston Tour and Aquarium TicketFrom $6418 reviews
★ 4.0SEA LIFE Aquarium San Antonio Admission TicketFrom $2028 reviews
★ 3.5SEA LIFE New Jersey Admission Tickets at American DreamFrom $3329 reviews
★ 5.0Full-Day Tour of Florida Keys Including Aquarium Encounters from Key WestFrom $16930 reviews
★ 4.4Grapevine: SEA LIFE Grapevine Aquarium General AdmissionFrom $2038 reviews
★ 3.6San Diego: Sesame Place Ticket With Optional SeaWorld TicketFrom $6525 reviews
★ 4.3Murrells Inlet: Sunset Sealife CruiseFrom $3628 reviews
★ 4.0Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium TicketFrom $4262 reviews
★ 4.5Houston City Tour and Downtown Aquarium All Rides PassFrom $6453 reviews
★ 4.6Tampa: ZooQuarium- ZooTampa & Florida Aquarium Combo TicketFrom $9063 reviews
★ 4.2SEA LIFE Michigan Aquarium General AdmissionFrom $2566 reviews
★ 4.3Kansas City: SEA LIFE Kansas City Aquarium General AdmissionFrom $2060 reviews
★ 3.6SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium General AdmissionFrom $2740 reviews

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UAE Aquariums23Spain Aquariums31UK Aquariums23Australia Aquariums22Japan Aquariums12Germany Aquariums17Turkey Aquariums15Italy Aquariums12
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Pick a tank

By kind of visit, by what it costs, or by who is on the other side of the glass.

Tickets

Entry TicketsCombo TicketsSkip the LinePark DaysWax Museum Combos

Kinds of place

Sea Life CentresUnderwater ZoosMarine ParksZoo & Aquarium DaysMuseum Pairings

Encounters

Penguin EncountersTurtle EncountersShark EncountersSwim with DolphinsDolphin Watching

Getting there

With Hotel TransfersPrivate Car DaysCity ToursGuided VisitsFull-Day Trips