Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center | Virginia Beach

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia, is one of the premier marine science facilities on the East Coast. It is more than just an aquarium-it is a comprehensive destination that combines engaging exhibits, live animal habitats, outdoor adventure, scientific research, and conservation efforts. Spanning over 800,000 gallons of aquaria, the center offers a multifaceted experience that appeals to families, students, tourists, and marine enthusiasts alike.

1. Main Campus Layout

The Virginia Aquarium is spread across two primary buildings-the North Building and the South Building-connected by a 1/3-mile elevated nature trail that winds through coastal forest and salt marsh.

🔹 North Building (Main Entrance)

This is the larger and older of the two buildings and houses the aquarium’s largest exhibits, including:

Chesapeake Bay Aquarium – An impressive tank replicating the dynamic ecosystem of the local bay, with native fish, blue crabs, and underwater grasses.

Norfolk Canyon Exhibit – Features a deep-sea environment with large sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles swimming in an open-ocean tank.

Light Tower Aquarium – Simulates a reef community found near offshore structures along the Atlantic coast.

Restless Planet Gallery – A highly immersive section featuring exotic environments and creatures such as:

Komodo dragons

Tomistomas (a rare crocodilian species)

Egyptian cobras

Goliath tarantulas

Monitor lizards

3D National Geographic Theater – Offers rotating educational and family-friendly films with large-format visual effects.

Touch Pools – Visitors can interact with horseshoe crabs, sea stars, and stingrays under staff supervision.

🔹 South Building (Newer and Recently Renovated)

This section is more hands-on and geared toward children and educational exploration. Features include:

Moon Jellies Exhibit

River Otter Habitat – A crowd favorite for its playful, active otters.

Interactive Vet Lab – Kids can role-play as marine veterinarians, learning how scientists care for sick or injured animals.

Cuttlefish and Invertebrates Displays

Kids’ Discovery Zone – A multi-sensory play area for toddlers and young children with climbing structures, microscopes, and puzzles.

Water Quality and Conservation Science Exhibits

2. Outdoor Adventure Features

🌿 Nature Trail

A wooden boardwalk trail winds through a natural salt marsh, offering the chance to observe native birds, crabs, and turtles in the wild.

The trail includes an observation tower for panoramic views of the marsh and Owls Creek.

Intermittent interpretive signs educate visitors on local ecology and environmental science.

🌳 The Adventure Park

An aerial ropes course and zipline park located just behind the aquarium.

Includes over 250 challenge elements suspended in the trees, suitable for participants aged 5 and up.

Options range from beginner-level trails to advanced high-wire routes.

This activity is ticketed separately from general admission.

3. Boat Tours

Depending on the season, the aquarium also offers on-the-water experiences:

Dolphin Watching Tours (Spring–Fall) – These 90-minute tours venture into the Atlantic to spot bottlenose dolphins in their natural habitat.

Whale Watching Tours (Winter) – Available December to March, offering sightings of humpback and fin whales.

Salt Marsh Cruises – Smaller flat-bottom boats provide a calm, guided exploration of the marshes around Owls Creek.

All tours are led by trained naturalists and marine biologists who provide narration and real-time interpretation.

4. Education & Outreach

The Virginia Aquarium is not only a tourist attraction but a major center for marine science education and conservation:

🧪 Educational Programs

School Group Visits – Includes grade-specific curricula and live demonstrations.

Summer Camps and Mini Camps – Themed activities for children and teens centered on marine biology, conservation, and animal care.

Toddler and Pre-K Programs – Engaging early-learning experiences focused on sensory exploration.

Scout and Homeschool Programs – Customized programs for badges and independent learners.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours – Offer access to animal kitchens, veterinary areas, and staff-only zones.

🌊 Conservation & Research

Stranding Response Program – A major regional initiative that rescues and rehabilitates stranded marine animals such as dolphins, whales, and sea turtles. The facility has a dedicated hospital and necropsy lab.

Sustainable Seafood Campaigns – Educates the public and local restaurants on responsible seafood consumption.

Volunteer and Citizen Science Programs – Locals can assist with beach monitoring, animal rescue, and water quality sampling.

5. Visitor Experience & Amenities

🕒 Hours & Admission

Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas).

Timed-entry tickets are recommended to avoid crowding.

Pricing:

Adults: ~$29.95

Seniors & Youth (5–17): ~$24.95

Children under 4: Free

Discounts available for locals and members.

🍴 Food & Retail

Café Aquaria and additional snack bars are located in both buildings.

Two gift shops offer marine-themed books, toys, decor, and souvenirs.

🚗 Parking & Accessibility

On-site parking is $5 per vehicle (April–October) and free the rest of the year.

The aquarium is fully ADA-accessible with elevators, ramps, and wheelchair availability on a first-come-first-served basis.

6. Tips for Visitors

Allocate 2–4 hours for a full experience, especially if you’re including the trail or a boat tour.

The South Building is ideal for families with young children, while the North Building offers more expansive marine displays.

Memberships pay off quickly for locals or repeat visitors, offering free entry, parking, and discounts on tours and events.

Wear comfortable shoes and consider bringing water, especially if walking the nature trail or engaging in zipline activities.

In conclusion, the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is a highly immersive, multifaceted destination that offers a blend of recreation, education, and conservation. Whether you’re coming for a family outing, an educational field trip, or simply to enjoy the marine wildlife, it provides an experience that is both enriching and entertaining.