A dream spot for animal lovers and marine-biologist wannabe’s.
It’s one of the top aquariums in the country and the world, a top attraction in this busy family vacation city, offers a look at local marine environment, has over 700,000 gallons of aquarium tanks, has a 45-acre wildlife habitat, and oversees marine and wildlife rescue throughout its coastal region.
It’s the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center!
Sharks, otters, and snakes, oh my! Explore over 700,000 gallons of aquatic space
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is one of the best aquariums in the country with over 700,000 gallons of aquarium space throughout. Accredited for Execellence in Marine Mammal Care, Conservation and Education – the Virginia Aquarium is not only a responsible facility for marine life, but a great place for visitors, children, and families on vacation in or around Virginia Beach.
Sharks and giant turtles at the Bay & Ocean Pavilion. Inside the Aquarium, you can check out the Bay & Ocean Pavilion that takes you through marine life that can be found in Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the local waters of Virginia. You can even meet a horseshoe crab in one of the aquarium’s Touch Pools – a great hands-on experience for kids and adults, alike. Here, you can also view giant green turtles; or watch sharks and stingrays swim around to our heart’s content.
Otters and snakes at the Marsh Pavilion of the Virginia Aquarium takes a look at the unique wildlife that can be found in the Virginia marshlands. At the Marsh Pavilion building, you can see river otters, seahorses, snakes, and other marsh dwellers. If you’re a bird lover, you’ll love the half-acre bird aviary where you can see 55 different species of native birds from Virginia.
Take a walk on the Nature Trail that runs from the Bay & Ocean Pavilion to the Marsh Pavilion along Owls Creek. This is a great spot to take a breather from being inside and to observe the salt marsh and woodlands of Virginia. If you (and the kids) have the energy, you can come them 30-foot observation tower to get a bird’s eye view of Owls Creek. During the summer, aquarium educators hang out on the nature trail ready to teach about Owls Creek.
See a whale up-close and personal in IMAX. The aquarium holds is own 3D IMAX Theater, where you can view the latest documentary and shows of marine life. Learn about dolphins and whales, sharks, and what’s under the sea at the latest movies being shown.
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Virginia Aquarium’s Stranding Team. It’s not an easy job being part of the Stranding Team at Virginia Aquarium. Working alongside national park rangers at First Landing State Park, False Cape State Park, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge and other conservancy groups; the Virginia Aquarium comes to the aid of dolphins, sea turtles, seals, and other marine creatures found in trouble on the shores of Virginia Beach.
Supporting Green Cuisine! Maintaining that fish aren’t just food, but also friends, the Virginia Aquarium runs Virginia Beach’s Sensible Seafood program. Cuisine in Virginia Beach is as fresh as it gets, with lots of local seafood and fresh ingredients to be enjoyed. The Sensible Seafood program helps to promote sustainable seafood consumption through the region. Restaurants like Waterman’s Grill and Croc’s 19th Street Bistro are just two of dozens of locales promoting eco-friendly eating in Virginia Beach. For more information or to visit, go to: www.virginiaaquarium.com.
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The Stranding Team at the Virginia Aquarium works tirelessly to preserve our native wildlife. Join them on a dolphin rescue off Virginia Beach’s coast. |
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