Welcome to Aquatic Adventures
Get up close to the fish and other aquatic life and visit some of the world`s best aquatic destinations! Wether you like diving, snorkelling, public aquariums, dining with the fish or even staying in an underwater hotel we have handpicked some of the best places to visit to have a truly aquatic time!
Ripley`s Aquarium – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Delve into an underwater adventure with the incredible aquatic displays of Ripley’s Aquarium. Check out snappy piranhas, giant Pacific octopuses, fearsome sharks, and colorful tropical fish in their tranquil, undersea habitats, plus enjoy a hands-on encounter with prehistoric horseshoe crabs and gentle stingrays.
Home to all kinds of exciting marine creatures, Ripley’s Aquarium is a state-of-the-art facility that lets visitors of all ages come face-to-face with underwater creatures from around the globe. Watch for the ferocious leopard and bonnethead sharks, giant stingrays, and gentle green sea turtles in the Dangerous Reef as you wind through a 340-foot (103.6-m) long underwater tunnel.
In the Rio Amazon display, watch for piranhas, poison-dart frogs, and other creatures that thrive in the lush and humid rainforest. In the Living Gallery, admire the strange and stunning creatures that call the reef home, from camouflaged weedy sea dragons to a long-tentacled giant Pacific octopus. At Rainbow Rock, spot flitting orange clownfish, spiky pufferfish, and bright angelfish among the delicate corals.
Little visitors can channel their inner marine biologist as they roll up their sleeves and gently hold onto a horseshoe crab in the Discovery Center, an interactive playground with puzzles and games.
Buy Tickets (Myrtle Beach)
Buy Tickets (All locations including Canada and the Smokies)
Georgia Aquarium – Atlanta, Georgia
This is the largest aquarium in the world, the Georgia Aquarium is over 550,000 square feet and holds more than 8 million gallons of water and many of thousands of fish. Its extraordinary marine life includes whale sharks, a mantaray, and even beluga whales and bottlenose dolphins. Hours of operation vary significantly, though it is open 365 days a year. Tickets are roughly $40/adult and $30/child (including tax) – though many discounts are available online through their website.
Monterey Bay Aquarium – Monterey, California
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is famous all over the world for its efforts in marine life education and conservation. This Northern California aquarium sets the global standard for engaging the public in fun, informative, and engaging exhibits. Honored by many as one of the best in the country – including USA Today, Parents magazine, and coastalliving.com – thisaquarium is home to more than 500 different species of marine life. Parents and kids both love the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Splash Zone. Loaded with 45 interactive exhibits, this fun section is perfect for kids under nine. Adding to its intrigue, the aquarium is perched right on the Monterey Bay itself, which acts as a field laboratory for staff scientists and conservationists. Hours are generally 10am-5pm, with tickets ranging from $25 to $40 for children and adults, respectively. Also, if you’re visiting Monterey, you can go whale watching!
Aquarium of the Pacific – Long Beach, California
The Aquarium of the Pacific – the largest aquarium in Southern California – displays over 500 species from the largest body of water on the planet, the Pacific Ocean. More than 150 sharks populate Shark Lagoon, including toothy sand tiger sharks and whitetip reef sharks, and guests can even feel the slippery skin of bamboo and epaulette sharks. The largest exhibit, the Tropical Reef Habitat, houses more than 1,000 fish, colorful coral, sea turtles and sharks. The NOAA Science on a Sphere exhibit offers imagery and real-time ocean and weather data.
London Aquarium – London, England
The London Aquarium offers one of Europe’s largest collections of global marine life, and offers an immersive experience that can be enjoyed as part of your visit to London and Olympia.
The London Aquarium offers the chance to see thousands of sea creatures in over 2 million litres of water, and more than 40 sharks from 12 different species. You can also see live feedings over 14 themed zones spread over three floors.
The Florida Aquarium – Tampa, Florida
This aquarium has more than 20,000 aquatic plants and animals in its various exhibits. Unlike other aquariums that might feature dolphins or other large mammals, the aquarium focuses on telling the story of water in Florida. The exhibits follow a “drop” of water from its underground source to the open sea, beginning the journey in the wetlands, with mangroves and native fish species.
From there, you are taken on a journey to the bays and beaches, to the coral reef and finally to the ocean. Along the way you’ll see everything from eels, rays and sharks to frogs and ducks. Be sure to visit with the always entertaining otters. You’ll also see a giant grouper (a highlight!), smaller alligators and several bird species that make their home around water.
You’ll also see the usual collection of exotic sea denizens, like sea horses and clown fish.
Everglades National Park – Florida
The second largest national park in the contiguous US, the Everglades covers more than 1.5 million acres. It’s a fantastic place to view different species in their natural habitats: tropical fish, colorful birds, giant tree snails, and an array of reptiles and amphibians. In fact, this preserve is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles share a habitat.
Diving – Maldives
Maldives is a very popular dive site and has become one of the world’s best scuba diving destinations, because of the white sand beaches, coral reefs, clear warm waters, scuba diving sites and rich marine life. Since it is isolated from large landmasses, it has seasonal sea currents that pass through new channels to form different atolls which are teeming with rich marine ecosystems. You will encounter fascinating fish species such as wahoo, tuna jacks, dogtooth tuna, butterfly fish, trevally’s and other rare species like the giant Napoleon Wrasse. There are also whale sharks, anemones, manta rays, eagle rays, reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, moray eels, turtles as well as many smaller fish and coral species.
Most holiday resorts in the Maldives have a scuba diving facility and there are a number of boat operators offering to take guests to many dive sites all over the Maldives. Many of the fishermen of the Maldives have become the boat operators that ferry their overseas guests around the islands.
Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park – Citrus County, Florida
Wildlife enthusiasts flock to Ellie Schiller Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park to spot the endangered West Indian manatees – the mammals are visible from the park’s underwater observatory just about every day of the year. Manatees aren’t the only residents; it’s also possible to see American alligators, American crocodiles and river otters, as well as a few terrestrial mammals, like black bears, bobcats and white-tailed deer.
Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, Massachusetts Bay
Situated at the mouth of Massachusetts Bay, Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is one of the planet’s best whale watching destinations. Each summer, humpback whales visit these protected waters to feed on sand lance. Experienced scuba divers come to observe life below the surface – schooling fish, sponges, moon snails, clams, wolf eel, sharks and ocean sunfish, among others.
Puget Sound – Washington
The waters of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands boast a staggering array of animal life. Visitors to the second largest estuary in the United States can often spot orcas, sea lions, harbor seals, sea otters, gray whales and humpback whales, as well as hundreds of bird species.
Jellyfish Lake – Koror, Palau
If you’ve ever wanted to see jellyfish up close, you can do just that at Jellyfish Lake in Palau –and no, you won’t get hurt. As one of the best places in the world to see jellyfish and swim with them, this lake in Palau provides thrill-seekers with a rare glimpse into the underwater world that these creatures inhabit. There are thousands of rare creatures that can be seen and this once in a lifetime experience is very reasonably priced. A local tour company is the only business that has access to the lake and all excursions need to be booked through them. If you like jellyfish and are looking for a first-rate snorkel experience there are not many places that have more to offer than Jellyfish Lake in Palau.
Green Sea Turtles – Maui, Hawaii
Possessing some of the highest amounts of sea turtles across the planet, Turtle Town on the Island of Maui in Hawaii is the single best place in the Western Hemisphere to see Green Sea Turtles go about their daily lives. Whether you want to go diving in the reefs of the coast or stay snorkeling close to shore there are plenty of opportunities to see the Green Sea Turtles swimming about. Even late at night they will be laying eggs and making their way from the beach into the ocean by the hundreds. Many of these turtles have had a rough life and are on the endangered species list so remember to respect them and leave them alone and you will have a great time.
Dolphins – Bimini, Bahamas
Bimini in the Bahamas is home to a large population of dolphins. These incredible sea creatures frequent the area because they enjoy the warmer water and can take advantage of all the food that’s easily available in the coral reefs. Dolphins love to interact with humans and whether you’re snorkeling or diving not only will you see them but have a good chance of actually physically interacting with them.Local outfitters take guests out by boat and provide snorkel gear. Snorkelers drop into the water, and dolphins often choose to come near for some playful interaction. It’s not unusual for them to swim alongside snorkelers, or flip and jump from the water.This is an experience that not many people ever get to enjoy.
Diving – Palau
Palau is considered one of the best dive spots in the world for many reasons. If you are like most, you like to dive in warm and clear water. With a water temperature that averages 82-84 degrees Fahrenheit, the water is warm enough to wear no wetsuit at all, or, a thin 1mm-3mm wetsuit. With no major land mass anywhere close, the visibility is consistently fantastic!! 100’ of visibility is very common here
Palau is famous for its sharks and if you go diving here you WILL see sharks. Grey reef, white-tip, and black-tip sharks are the most common sharks you will see.Palau’s most famous dive site is “Blue Corner” where divers “hook-in” to the reef and watch as sharks glide through the current.
Scuba diving Palau can be done on a live aboard vessel or from a land -based operation. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Divers who choose the less expensive land-based option usually will book a dive package that includes diving and resort accommodations.
The best resort on the island is Palau Pacific Resort. It has the best beach on the island, with snorkeling available right out in front. All land-based operators can pick you up at this beautiful resort.
The Lost Chambers – Atlantis, The Palm (Dubai)
Designed around the theme of the Lost City of Atlantis, the underwater tunnels serve as an immersive experience into this lost civilization of shipwrecks and ruins, where you’ll encounter the most amazing collection of underwater life in 10 beautiful chambers. This aquarium is home to over 65,000 marine animals.
Al Mahara restaurant in Dubai’s Burj Al-Arab
Relax over a delicious 3-course dinner at the Al Mahara restaurant in Dubai’s Burj Al-Arab on this 4-hour experience. Be whisked to and from the luxurious hotel by private vehicle, and take your seat in the regal, undersea-themed restaurant where an aquarium takes center stage. Choose from the à la carte selections of seafood, fish and other creations, and enjoy the softly lit setting and views of exotic fish as you dine. It’s an ideal way to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or other special date
Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (Home of Tanked), Las Vegas
Home to the hit reality TV show Tanked, Acrylic Tank Manufacturing (ATM) is the largest custom fish tank business in the country, specializing in outrageously large and extravagant aquariums for casinos and other VIP clients around Las Vegas. Owners Wayde King and Brett Raymer are the stars of Tanked, and they are sometimes around to meet visitors who come through on a Behind-the-Scenes Tour of “Tanked” the TV Show or a Las Vegas Reality Show VIP Tour. But even if they’re out meeting a client, tours offer the chance to see the operation in real life, including Brett’s messy desk, and see the real business behind the TV show.
The Behind-the-Scenes Tour of “Tanked” the TV Show takes about 90 minutes and includes hotel pickup and transportation. Visitors can see recent aquarium builds, learn how they’re made, and maybe even meet members of the cast.
Atlantis Submarine Adventure – Waikiki, Oahu
The Oahu submarine tour dive site is home to many Hawaiian fish, coral and turtles. On this truly eye-opening experience, you’ll visit sunken ships, airplanes and other artificial reefs. The submarine has a spacious air-conditioned interior, large view ports and comfortable seating. Plus you’ll receive an Atlantis Souvenir Dive Log.
If you haven’t taken a trip to the bottom of the ocean before, the Atlantis Submarine Oahu Adventure is a “must do” for the whole family during your visit to Hawaii.
Submarine Scooter Adventure – Waikiki, Oahu
Enjoy an exciting underwater adventure on Oahu! On this submarine scooter tour, cruise along Maunalua Bay past Diamond Head Crater and then dive under the surface while riding your own self-propelled, electric underwater scooter. Swim with colorful fish, green sea turtles and other marine life in a totally unique and fun way! Your guide will lead the way, and no experience is necessary.
Atlantis Submarine Expedition – George Town, Grand Cayman
Discover the underwater world of Grand Cayman! Experience the thrill of journeying beneath the sea in a real submarine. A technological marvel, the Atlantis XI Submarine was specifically designed for underwater sightseeing excursions. This family-friendly adventure gets you up close and personal with sea creatures like coral and sponges, colorful snapper and grouper, and maybe even a turtle!
5-Day Great White Shark Dive Adventure – Guadalupe Island, Mexico (Departing from San Diego, California)
Dive with great white sharks at Guadalupe Island, Mexico. Depart from San Diego, California on an 85 foot vessel and spend 5 days on the water with great whites sharks, orcas, whales, dolphin, seals, and turtles swimming underneath your feet. Isla Guadalupe Great Whites are primarily transitional sub adults, 12 – 16 feet in length are sleek, fast, and beautiful. You will also encounter makos on very rare and very special occasions. Later in the season it`s possible to encounter much larger sharks upwards to 18 feet. This is often referred to as “The Time of the Titans.” Late season sharks also come with a better chance of poor weather on site so you need to take that into consideration when making your shark diving choice. No dive certification is required. Accommodations, meals, beer and wine, dive equipment, and memorable DVD included.
Shark Diving Xtreme Sydney – Sydney, Austrailia
Come face-to-face with giant sharks, stingrays, turtles and much more on your dive with the sharks at Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary! Immerse yourself and enjoy the thrilling excitement of diving with some of the most feared and often misunderstood creatures of the deep blue sea.
Suitable for those who have never dived before and/or certified divers. This is a unique first time diver experience. Begin the day with a breifing, Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary expert instructors will teach you all the skills needed to complete your first Shark dive! Next, take the plunge!
All Dives Include:
Guaranteed perfect conditions every time. Great visibility within the 4 million liter Oceanarium.
Guaranteed to get up close and personal with 4 different species of sharks, 7 adult Grey Nurse sharks, 4 different species of stingrays, giant turtles and a vast array of marine life.
Cage Diving with Great White Sharks – Cape Town, South Africa
You may think you’re a fear-defying thrill lover, but can you handle the ultimate heart-pounding experience? Find out in Cape Town by cage diving with great white sharks. This full-day shark-diving experience takes you out into the open ocean off the shore of Gansbaai and puts you within touching distance of one of the world’s most feared predators. Before jumping in, you’ll learn about the sharks from the onboard marine biologist and expert guides.
Seabreacher Adventure – Cancun, Mexico
See the Caribbean from a shark’s-eye perspective during this 15-minute experience in a Seabreacher. Step inside the shark-like vessel with a 260-horsepower engine, and travel at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour (80km/h) both under and above the water. Your experienced captain will pilot the boat under the ocean, then leap into the air for an adrenaline-filled ride.
S.E.A. Aquarium – Sentosa Island, Singapore
This aquarium contains over 800 species of marine animals, swimming in almost 12 million gallons of water. Nearly 100,000 animals are spread across its 10 different zones and 49 habitats. It also houses the world’s largest single viewing panel — approximately 118 feet wide by 27 feet tall.
Plan a family day out in Singapore with a Super Saver ticket that combines admission to three of the city’s top attractions on Sentosa Island. You can visit Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium and the Maritime Experiential Museum, all located within steps of each other.
Buy tickets (Aquarium only) Buy tickets (Super Saver)
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Discover the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, one of the most iconic attractions in Dubai. Choose between the Explorer Experience, which offers a virtual underwater ride and a glass-bottom boat tour, or the Researcher Experience, taking you behind the scenes with a guide to see the Sea Jelly Lab and more. Both experiences offer access to the underwater zoo, aquarium tunnel, and Discovery Channel Shark Week Exhibit.
The 10-million liter Dubai Aquarium houses over 33,000 aquatic animals, comprising over 140 species. Over 300 sharks and rays live in this tank, including the largest collection of Sand Tiger Sharks in the world.
Located just above the aquarium, Underwater Zoo brings its visitors up close with penguins, piranhas, crabs, water rats, sea horses, jellyfish, and more.