Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
A 300,000-gallon tank with sharks, rays, and other aquatic species, is the main attraction at this popular aquarium, along with a walk through tunnel featuring sharks, rays, and more. Featuring thousands of animals representing hundreds of species.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view










Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
298 within 5 kms
Attractions
53 within 10 kms
See what other travellers are saying
- thinktankjpWashington DC, District of Columbia118 contributionsNice indoor option, good animal exhibitsWe went during Covid and the aquarium did a good job with reduced capacity, timed entry tickets to keep the crowd low and spaced out. We had a 9am entry and it almost felt like we had the place to ourselves. Most of the interactive elements, including touch tanks, were off limits for now, but our visit spanned over 90 minutes which was a pretty good timeframe. One building is closed for renovation, opening in 2021, which was a little disappointing, but the parts that are open are well-crafted exhibits with a great variety of animals and fish. I would imagine with the reopening of the second building a visit would be 2+ hours. The facility itself is older, but kept in good shape. Lots of keepers and volunteers were on hand to answer questions. Even at the touch tank with sting rays where we could not currently touch the animals, there were volunteers to tell us about them and learn how to tell them apart. Note there are no food options available at the facility right now, so bring snacks if needed (did not even see a soda machine). Also, due to COVID there is a one-way path through the facility so don’t rush it; there is no reentry once you finish.Visited December 2020Travelled with familyWritten 31 December 2020
- jln1992Pennsylvania40 contributionsNice place to visitThe aquarium was very nice, however a little crowded and pricey like all other aquariums. Before you visit either get your tickets online in advance or you can get them when you get there, but there are time slots that you have to wait to get in. When you first walk up the the aquarium you see seals in an outside enclosure which is pretty cool. Once inside there is quite an array of animals to see and some areas of learning and touch activities to do. We would have liked to do the DolponWe appreciate your thoughts and feedback, JLN. Thank you for taking the time to connect with us. We will pass this along to our leadership team. Wishing you all the best and hope for the opportunity to see you again soon.Written 28 September 2021This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2021Written 9 September 2021
- boxturtle17 contributionsGreat visit!We have always enjoyed this aquarium! The seals swimming in the front are always a crowd-pleaser. This year was a little different with the pandemic because you had to order tickets ahead of time. We waited until the day before and times were limited so I recommend looking at least 2 days ahead. I actually enjoyed the smaller crowd and felt pandemic rules were followed. They keep their tanks and facilities immaculate. A must see for anyone who loves aquariums!Visited July 2020Travelled with familyWritten 15 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,608 reviews
Excellent
1,884
Very good
1,095
Average
468
Poor
112
Terrible
49
jamaicalover
Cleveland1,389 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Visited for the first time . It is a very well maintained aquarium . The shark tank was not working but the rest of the aquatic life was great to see . You have to get your tickets ahead of time . A solo ticket for me was twenty-nine dollars . They also have a gift shop , a chance to have your picture taken by a photographer and a Nature Walk there .
Written 22 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wayne B
11 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Saw many dolphins on the Atlantic Explorer Dolphin Watch, including dolphin families (mother and babies)! Aquariums' Harbor Seal exhibit is fun to watch and inside exhibits well laid out. Well worth a visit and accessible on the trolley.
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LAC
76 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Its a nice, but small aquarium. Mostly basic fish types, but they are building a new area that is not open yet that is supposed to house some cooler exhibits. Nothing amazing, and at $20, not that cheap, but it was a nice distraction for a few hours.
Written 28 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tina S
9 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
I want to say for outdoor pathway for the oyster reef was very pleasant. We did learn a few things but the way it was set up was so confusing. You had to keep backtracking around the new people coming in. It was small for the price. Several exhibits were closed. It was just okay.
Written 20 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate H
24 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Staff was very nice. Little ones enjoyed all the marine animals. I thought maybe they would have some show or feeding time to watch.
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Millie R
6 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We took the Atlantic Scout dolphin tour and we were not disappointed! The Captain and the wildlife expert knew exactly where the were and told us all about them when we saw them. Highly recommend!
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hamguinster
Johnson City, NY86 contributions
Aug 2023
I did the Dolphin Scout Boat tour for my birthday, to treat myself... The staff there (did not know it was my birthday until near the end of the tour) was very friendly and professional. While I waited to board the boat, I decided to go into the Aquarium and get a ticket for after my tour on the boat. The Staff was very knowledgable and was able to answer questions, and I got to see MANY dolphins, and was NOT disappointed with this tour. We were close to the end of the tour, and I mentioned to Delores (who was telling us about the dolphins) that I did the tour for my birthday, she was very nice, wished me happy birthday, and in the process of docking the boat she announced Happy Birthday to me which really brought a smile to my face.
I HIGHLY recommend you check out one of the dolphin tours! Scout tour is faster, and closer to the water.
I HIGHLY recommend you check out one of the dolphin tours! Scout tour is faster, and closer to the water.
Written 13 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elcole21
Monticello, KY115 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Great place. My kids loved it. Very educational but fun also. Everyone was very friendly and helpful. They were very helpful in getting my dad a wheelchair to use while we were there. Would recommend
Written 11 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hootie2257
The Plains, VA4 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
I like the prepurchase of tickets as it allows for families to funnel through without waiting in line, too long. We wanted to see the shark exhibit first, but had to walk through a multitude of other rooms before finding the large tank with the few sharks in it. Still a great place to visit as a family, and the vivarium as a whole exhibited multiple flora and fauna for the animals housed in them.
Written 26 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kcollins108
Birmingham, AL134 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
Lots of marine life to see. I did like the flow of the aquarium so you don’t have to double back in case you missed something. Staff were friendly, facilities were clean.
Written 26 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
marylandsweetheart04
Frostburg, MD3 contributions
I purchased tickets for 9am for the aquarium and tickets for the 10:30am boat ride. Will we be able to go back into the aquarium after the boat ride?
Wie weit ist das Aquarium vom Kreuzfahrthafen entfernt wie komme ich kostengünstig dorthin,und was kostet es an Eintritt
Matt K
Virginia Beach, VA2 contributions
German:Das Aquarium ist ca. 33 km vom Kreuzfahrtterminal entfernt. Wenn Ihre Kreuzfahrtgesellschaft dies anbietet, können Sie möglicherweise einen Besuch des Aquariums als Ausflug arrangieren, der die Busfahrt zum und vom Aquarium sowie den Eintritt ins Aquarium einschließt. Dies wird speziell über TUI Cruises an Bord der Mein Schiff-Linien angeboten. Wenn Sie diese Option nicht haben, können Sie eine Uber- oder Lyft-Fahrt machen. Der Eintritt für das Aquarium beträgt 24,95 USD für Erwachsene im Alter von 12 bis 61 Jahren, 19,95 USD für Kinder im Alter von 3 bis 11 Jahren und 22,95 USD für Senioren ab 62 Jahren.
English: The Aquarium is about 21 miles (33 km) from the cruise terminal. If your cruise line offers it, you may be able to arrange a visit to the Aquarium as an excursion, which would include the bus ride to and from the Aquarium, and admission to the Aquarium. This is specifically offered via TUI Cruises, aboard the Mein Schiff lines. If you do not have that option, you can take an Uber or Lyft ride. Aquarium admission is $24.95 for adults age 12-61, $19.95 for children age 3-11, and $22.95 for seniors age 62+.
How much is the Aquarius tickets for Virginia
RJRobinson
96 contributions
Sorry, I was part of a tour & the price was a discount. If U R a senior, AARP, AAA, or Vet. ask if a special rate is available
JesLucas
Annapolis, MD363 contributions
What is the admissions fee and also are there wheelchairs available ? My daughter is on crutches and would need a wheelchair.
Selina H
Honolulu, HI181 contributions
The fee was around $25 and they offered a military discount to us. I’m not sure about wheelchair rentals but there were people in wheelchairs there.
Buenas cuanto es el precio de la entrada?
Caro DW
18 contributions
Para adultos 25 us y menores de 12 años 20 us sin impuesto, este es el precio básico porque ofrecen también una pelÃcula y otros atractivos q se cancelan a parte
Are child wagons permitted my son refuses to ride in a stroller
WonderWoman94
Punta Santiago, Puerto Rico17 contributions
If your child has a special need to ride in a wagon you might be able to advocate for him with management under Special Need Law. I didn't see anyone in a wagon, but the facility is wheelchair accessible.
Daniel O
Massachusetts390 contributions
how do I get there from the scope arena area in Norfok? I don't see it on the HRT site, unless I missed something. Also, I will not use Uber nor the like.
Debbie L
Augusta, United States22 contributions
You can take Hampton Roads Transit from Virginia Beach to Virginia Aquarium.
You take the VB Wave Bayfront Shuttle. This will take you to Virginia Aquarium. You can also just call Hampton Roads Transit to get the bus number and stop area. I tried to put a link in for you but Trip Advisor doesn't allow a link.
Hope this helps!
Lindsay J
Fallston, MD75 contributions
Are strollers permitted?
engineerpat5290
Suffolk, VA177 contributions
yes
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingVirginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (Virginia Beach) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Frequently Asked Questions about Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center:
- (2.59 km) Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast
- (3.20 km) Coastal Hotel & Suites Virginia Beach - Oceanfront
- (2.46 km) Four Points by Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront
- (4.83 km) Hyatt Place Virginia Beach / Oceanfront
- (3.51 km) Comfort Suites Beachfront
- Restaurants near Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center:
- (1.28 km) Rockafeller's Restaurant
- (1.83 km) Waterman's Surfside Grille
- (1.50 km) Big Sam's Grill and Raw Bar
- (1.82 km) Sunnyside Cafe & Restaurant
- (1.25 km) Rudee’s Restaurant & Cabana Bar
- Attractions near Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center:
- (0.30 km) GoKayak! Paddle with a Porpoise!
- (0.62 km) The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium
- (1.28 km) Rudee Inlet Stand Up Paddle
- (1.28 km) AquaMan Sportfishing Charters
- (1.27 km) Pirate Parasail