by JRR

Created on: June 23, 2009   Last Updated: August 13, 2009

Virginia has numerous attractions throughout the state. Virginia Beach is no exception. When looking for something unique and fun for all ages, Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is a wonderful option.

Located at 717 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is the states largest aquarium. The two original buildings contain 700,000 gallons of aquarium and live animal habitats, three touch tanks, more than 300 hands-on exhibits, and the Virginia Aquarium 3D IMAX theater with a screen six stories tall and eight stories wide. Outdoors provides an aviary, ten acres of marsh habitat and a third of a mile of nature trail.

Open daily from nine to five, the Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums. More importantly it offers something for all ages. It is very easy to spend between two and five hours in this family oriented atmosphere.

Bay and Ocean Pavilion

The Bay and Ocean Pavilion houses the 300,000 gallon Norfolk Canyon Aquarium home to sand-tiger, nurse and brown sharks, stingrays and many other sea creatures. In the 700,000 gallon Chesapeake Light Tower Aquarium one can watch Loggerhead, Kemp's ridley and Green turtles as they would be in the wild.

In addition to introducing visitors to many native aquatic plants and animals, this building has the largest collection of Chesapeake Bay fish. People of all ages enjoy the numerous hands-on exhibits, which give insight into the science of oceanography, and the Chesapeake Bay touch pool. Another big attention grabber is the life-sized model of a humpback whale.

March Pavilion

The March Pavilion gives guests a chance to see snakes, sea otters and other animals in their native habitat. It leads to the half acre aviary, where one is introduced to 55 species of native birds.

Nature Trail

The nature trail provides an approximate ten minute stroll through salt marshes and part of the woodland preserve.

Boat Tours

Whale and dolphin watching tours are sponsored by the Aquarium for an additional fee. These guided tours allow visitors the opportunity to watch whales and bottle nosed dolphins in the wild. It also provides an excellent occasion to learn about the Aquariums research and work with the local dolphin population.

Behind The Scene Tours

Three behind the scene tours are also available. The Harbor Seal Splash, participation in the water,

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