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, and Seals Behind The Scenes, a dry experience, are only available during the summer. They both teach how the staff cares for the seals and what can be done to help conserve them.
The Sea Turtles Behind The Scenes is available year round. In this tour patrons are able to see the sea turtles feeding above the aquarium instead of in front of it.
Restless Planet
Opening Summer of 2009, Restless Planet is 12,000 square feet of new exhibit space. It provides habitat for 367 new species, 6,000 new animals, including a Komodo dragon, exotic cobras and hedgehogs. The four new habitats from around the world show animals that once reportedly existed in Virginia millions of years ago.
The numerous live animal exhibits offer 36 new hands-on activities, some of which show the process that formed Virginia's present landscape. Visitors are able to journey through the mire and humidity of a Malaysian peat swamp. Along with other creatures, they are able to view the world's most endangered crocodile, the tamistomas.
In the sands of the North African habitat, one is able to watch scorpions and cobras. A 40-foot tunnel leads through the Red Sea habitat. From within the tunnel there is a magnificent view of eagle rays with their six foot wing spans and hundreds of colorful reef fish as they swim overhead. Finally one is able to travel across an Indonesian volcanic island where they can see the worlds largest lizard, the Komodo dragon.
Journey of Water
Also new to open, Journey of Water follows the waning path of Virginia's watershed. A giant holographic globe shows how Virginia and the continent have changed over millions of years. it also includes plants, animals and fish of today.
Contact Information
Address: Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center
717 General Booth Boulevard
Virginia Beach, Virginia 23451
Phone: (757) 385-FISH (3474)
Email: fish@VirginiaAquarium.com
Website: www.VirginiaAquarium.com
The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center is an exciting and educational way to spend a day at Virginia Beach. With a wonderful combination of live animal exhibits and hands-on activities there is something for all ages. A way to learn of Virginia's past, present, and future.