by Russell Waldron

Created on: June 15, 2009   Last Updated: August 13, 2009

The Virginia Aquamarine & Marine Science Center located at 717 General Booth Boolevarde, Virginia Beach, VA is deemed a life experience and it surely is. This is definitely the best aquarium and live animal habit in the entire country. With 700,000 gallons of aquarium exploration to enjoy one ceratinly won't be bored. Having travelled to various locations around the world, I can assure you that nothing beats this!

The scenic nature trail is photographer's haven and the outdoor aviary is just as delightful. The marshlands are a great backdrop for the nature lover photographer while the 3 D IMAX Theatre thrilled one and all. Considering this is six stories high and eight stories in width, it truly is impressive. The nature trail is a ten minute walk which weaves its way through salt marshes and a picturesque woodland preserve. This is located between the aquarium buildings.

If you climb the 30-foot observation tower you will enjoy a lovely view of Owls Creek from tree-top level. This is well worth the climb. During summer there are activity carts along the trail which will provide you with a plethora of plant and nature information. These are manned by educators who are more than happy to answer all your queries. My wife and I found them extremely friendly.

Marsh Pavilion:

Watch in delight while the cheeky river otters entertain you with their antics, the kids will be absolutely enchanted. View sea horses, snakes and a host of marsh residents. While at the Marsh Pavilion why not take a close look at life in the Macro-Marsh. Here the animals and plants are magnified to ten times their usual size. Outside you will be standing on an elevated deck which sits within a half acre bird aviary. Bird watchers will be totally mesmerized while viewing 55 species of native birds.

Bay & Ocean Pavilion:

Enjoy the journey of water through Virginia, which travels from the rivers to the lovely Chesapeake Bay and then into the depths of the Atlantic Ocean. Delight at the sight of the abundance of native plants and animals. Gasp in amazement as you view the largest collection of Chesapeake Bay Fishes. Kids will be giggling with pleasure when they get to see a horseshoe crab at the Chesapeake Bay touch pool, what a great experience this shall be for the little ones.

Want to see some Green, Loggerhead and Kemp's Ridley turtles in the Chesapeake Light Tower Aquarium? Or would you rather watch the sharks and stingrays as well as a great number of other intriguing ocean

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