SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium | Orlando

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, located at ICON Park on International Drive in Orlando, is an exciting, family-friendly attraction that offers an up-close and personal look at marine life. It’s known for its immersive exhibits, interactive features, and educational opportunities for all ages. Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect when visiting SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium.

Overview

The aquarium is home to over 5,000 sea creatures from a variety of habitats, including the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. SEA LIFE Orlando features 10+ themed exhibits, providing a comprehensive and educational journey through the underwater world. It also incorporates interactive elements and offers a chance to get hands-on with marine life, making it a perfect stop for families and ocean enthusiasts.

Exhibits & Experiences

360° Ocean Tunnel

What to Expect: This is one of the most popular features of SEA LIFE Orlando. The 360° Ocean Tunnel allows visitors to walk through a clear glass tunnel with sea creatures swimming all around them, including sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles. It offers an unforgettable and immersive experience where you can truly feel like you’re walking under the ocean.

Touchpool Experience

What to Expect: SEA LIFE Orlando offers the opportunity to touch and interact with marine animals in their touch pools. Here, you can gently touch sea stars, sea anemones, and other fascinating sea creatures. It's an excellent hands-on learning experience for kids and adults alike.

Indian Ocean

What to Expect: This exhibit focuses on marine life from the Indian Ocean and features unique species like Ted, a rescued loggerhead sea turtle. You’ll also see a variety of tropical fish and other marine creatures native to this region.

Coral Lagoon

What to Expect: This vibrant exhibit features colorful coral reefs and a variety of reef-dwelling creatures. It highlights the beauty and importance of coral ecosystems, as well as the challenges they face due to climate change and other environmental factors.

Sharks and Rays

What to Expect: SEA LIFE Orlando offers several exhibits featuring sharks and rays, two of the most captivating sea creatures. Visitors can get an up-close view of these predators as they swim through tanks and gliding overhead. It’s a thrilling experience, especially in the 360° Ocean Tunnel.

Virtual Reality Experience

What to Expect: For a more adventurous experience, SEA LIFE Orlando offers a virtual reality (VR) simulation. In this experience, you can dive into the ocean and virtually swim with manta rays, giving you the sensation of being in the deep sea, surrounded by marine life.

Behind-the-Scenes Tour

What to Expect: If you're interested in learning more about how the aquarium operates and how they care for the animals, consider taking a behind-the-scenes tour. This exclusive tour offers an inside look at the aquarium’s animal care facilities and its conservation efforts. It’s a great opportunity to gain insight into how the aquarium works to protect marine life.

Ticketing and Pricing

General Admission: Tickets typically start at $29.99 for adults when booked online in advance. Children’s tickets are generally cheaper. Prices can vary depending on when you book and if there are any special promotions or discounts.

Florida Resident Discount: Florida residents can enjoy discounted tickets starting at $24.99 per adult with proof of residency.

Combo Tickets: SEA LIFE Orlando offers combo tickets with other ICON Park attractions like Madame Tussauds Orlando and The Wheel at ICON Park. The price for a combo ticket starts at $39.99 per adult. These combo tickets allow you to save on admission while enjoying multiple attractions.

Premium Experiences: For a more exclusive experience, you can upgrade your ticket to include special features like the Virtual Reality Manta Ray experience or a behind-the-scenes tour. These premium experiences are usually available for an additional fee ranging from $34.99 to $44.99 per adult.

Opening Hours

Sunday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last admission at 6:00 PM)

Monday to Saturday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last admission at 6:00 PM)

SEA LIFE Orlando is open every day of the year, so it’s a great year-round attraction for tourists and locals alike.

Location and Accessibility

Address: 8449 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819, located at ICON Park.

Parking: Visitors can park for free in the ICON Park garage, which is conveniently located near the entrance to the aquarium and other nearby attractions.

Public Transportation: SEA LIFE Orlando is easily accessible via the I-Ride Trolley, which has a stop at ICON Park (Red/Green Line, Stop G9). It is also reachable by LYNX bus routes 8, 38, 42, and 58.

Visitor Tips

Duration of Visit: Most visitors spend around 1 to 1.5 hours exploring the aquarium. The time may vary depending on how much time you spend at each exhibit or engaging in interactive activities.

Strollers: Strollers are permitted inside the aquarium. However, it may be easier to leave them in the car for a more relaxed experience, as the aquarium is relatively compact.

Photography: Visitors are encouraged to take photos; however, flash photography is not allowed, as it can disturb the animals.

Food and Drink: Outside food and drink are not permitted inside the aquarium. However, there are plenty of dining options nearby at ICON Park, where you can grab a bite after your visit.

Educational Opportunities and Conservation Efforts

SEA LIFE Orlando is dedicated to marine conservation and aims to educate visitors about ocean preservation, the threats facing marine ecosystems, and the importance of protecting aquatic life. They have various educational exhibits and offer opportunities to learn about the care and rehabilitation of sea creatures. For example, Ted, the loggerhead sea turtle, was rescued and rehabilitated before being brought to the aquarium to live.

The aquarium is also involved in various conservation projects and supports initiatives to protect ocean habitats, including coral reefs and endangered species.

Final Thoughts

SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is an ideal destination for families, couples, and anyone with an interest in marine life. The exhibits are designed to be both educational and entertaining, offering an experience that blends fun with learning. Whether you’re looking to interact with sea creatures, witness stunning underwater environments, or simply enjoy a peaceful moment in the 360° Ocean Tunnel, SEA LIFE Orlando provides a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.