“The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.” –Jacques Cousteau
Oceanographer and filmmaker Jacques Cousteau said it best. The ocean is truly a wonderland, and the St. Augustine Aquarium is the perfect place to experience it firsthand. This post will cover everything you need to know about visiting the St. Augustine Aquarium, as well its conservation efforts and educational programs.
Brief Overview of the St. Augustine Aquarium
Having only opened in 2016, the St. Augustine Aquarium is relatively new to the scene. However, it has quickly become a popular attraction for tourists and locals alike.
Located in the beautiful and historic city of St. Augustine off of State Road 16, the aquarium offers a chance to get up close and personal with over 250 animals. The aquarium itself offers an impressive 80,000 gallon open-air tank. This open-air experience is the core of what sets the St. Augustine Aquarium apart from others.
What Animals & Florida Reef Fish Can You See?
At the St. Augustine Aquarium, guests are treated to a diverse range of sea life and Florida reef fish. Each of these special animals showcases the richness and variety of their underwater ecosystems. Here are some of the most interesting species you’ll encounter during your visit:
Atlantic Rays
Bonnethead Sharks
Clownfish
Colorful Reef Fish
Eels
Goliath Grouper
Guitarfish
Horseshoe crabs
Nurse Sharks
Puffers
Seahorses
Southern Rays
Highlights of the Aquarium
Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, the St. Augustine Aquarium is a must-do when visiting the nation’s oldest city. With its wide variety of underwater life and interactive exhibits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this family-friendly destination.
Shark & Ray Cove
Have you ever wanted to try your hand at feeding a stingray or shark? Well, now’s your chance! The Shark & Ray Cove is an interactive exhibit where visitors can hand-feed and even touch the friendly stingrays and small sharks.
Shark Painting
Did you know sharks can paint? Neither did we! Choose two colors and a T-shirt or canvas to have a real-life shark paint.
Yes, you read that right! Through a series of enrichment activities, one of the aquarium’s famous nurse sharks (named Bruce and Helen) will use a stick and ball to create an original piece of art just for you.
Snorkel Adventure
Snorkel through an 80,000-gallon Florida Reef Habitat. On this snorkel adventure, visitors will get up close and personal with over 200 animals and explore a variety of reef structures.
During this one-hour experience, snorkelers will be accompanied by an extremely knowledgeable tour guide. Guided tours are the only way to experience the Snorkel Adventure. If the idea of snorkeling makes you a little nervous, there are clear-vision rafts available.
Mermaid Meet & Greet
At the St. Augustine Aquarium, visitors have the chance to interact and take photos with real-life mermaids! These mythical creatures can be found swimming in the 80,000-gallon Florida Reef Habitat on select dates.
Nature Trail
For those who haven’t gotten their sea legs yet, there is a short yet beautiful nature trail. Children will have fun getting lost in the Educational Maze.
Gift & Snack Shops
After exploring all the sea creatures and sea life, be sure to stop by the gift shop to commemorate your visit to the St. Augustine Aquarium. The shop offers sea-themed souvenirs, including plush animals, educational toys, and aquarium-themed apparel. There are also unique handcrafted jewelry pieces and artwork inspired by marine life.
No day at the aquarium is complete without indulging in some delicious snacks to recharge your battery. The aquarium’s snack shops offer a variety of treats and beverages to satisfy cravings. Options range from freshly made sandwiches and salads to sweet delights like ice cream and cookies. There’s hot coffee and refreshing soft drinks for those looking for a quick pick-me-up.
Conservation Efforts
The St. Augustine Aquarium is not just a place for entertainment. It simultaneously strives to educate visitors on the importance of marine biology and conservation.
Through interactive exhibits and educational programs, guests can learn about the various threats facing our oceans and what they can do to help protect them. The aquarium also participates in conservation efforts by working with local organizations and conducting research on endangered species.
FAQ
Does St. Augustine have an aquarium?
Yes, the city boasts the 80,000-gallon St. Augustine Aquarium. It’s home to over 250 species of animals and offers special exhibits and events like the Shark & Ray Cove and Mermaid Meet & Greet.
How long does it take to go through the St. Augustine Aquarium?
Typically it takes guests about an hour to go through the St. Augustine Aquarium. However, plan for more if you’re participating in a Snorkel Adventure or shark painting.
Can you swim with the dolphins in St. Augustine, FL?
You can swim for Dolphins in St. Augustine at the Marineland Dolphin Adventure. However, you can’t swim with dolphins at the St. Augustine Aquarium. Instead, opt for a guided tour of the open-air aquarium via snorkeling or clear-vision rafts.
What types of animals can you see at the St. Augustine Aquarium?
Guests can expect to see nurse sharks, seahorses, horseshoe crabs, Florida reef fish, stingrays, and more at the St. Augustine Aquarium.
Key Takeaways
From the thrill of close encounters with sharks and fish to the educational opportunities available, the St. Augustine Aquarium perfectly combines entertainment with learning. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the aquarium promises an enriching adventure, perfect for families, friends, or even solo explorers.
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