Acuario de Virginia y Centro de Ciencias Marinas

Experiencia fantástica: Place is awesome! There are buildings, a dolphin cruise highly recommend! Bring sun lotion Though if you do the dolphin cruise. Has a picnic area and hands on learning for the kids.

Experiencia fantástica: I’m a big fan of aquariums and this by far is one of the best ones. We arrived around noon, there was no line to go in. I love how they have everything in separate sections, place was clean, staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. We went with 3 little ones and they enjoy every minute of it, being able to touch and play with stingrays was the highlight for sure. Great place for families. I’d definitely recommend. We enjoyed it so much.

Experiencia positiva: Meh. Cute little Aquarium. It looks like they try hard. It's just not nearly as good as other ones.

Experiencia negativa: The Aquarium is very expensive for what is there. The Ripleys Aquarium is much bigger and has way more to see. And there are no changing tables in the restrooms which is a very poor design. We were very disappointed in this Aquarium.

Experiencia negativa: Spent less than hour and half between the 2 buildings. The nature walk is dreadfully hot during the summer with no help to cool down in-between buildings. All purchase water is in metal cans. Dolphins are not at the facility you have to pay extra for a separate boat ride to possibly see them. Almost got knocked out by a tube that isn't lit up. Half the exhibits where shut down. Not a great experience. Won't be back.

Experiencia fantástica: We love taking the kiddos here, especially when it's been rainy and they are getting air crazy stuck in the house. The aquarium is clean and well organized, and the staff are so kind and patient and knowledgeable. The walk between the north and south buildings is great on nice days and they have a cool zipline park for the older kids and adults. We started taking our oldest to aquariums at 3 months old, and now both our boys are obsessed years later. Highly recommend!

Experiencia fantástica: We went through and seen all the aquarium and stopped by all informational areas and found out so much about our environment, the animals and sea creatures environment and learned some of thier names and stories. It was so much fun and even enjoyed the walk and the trail.

Experiencia positiva: The place was great, general ticket allow you to see almost everything. Parking was $5, the outside trail, scenic view take you to the other side using the same ticket. The is a zip line activity which is extra. A little bite a drink is welcome one site just no eating inside. Nice day field trip for everyone.

Experiencia positiva: The aquarium was cute but quite small compared to the price we paid and how much your money will go at other aquariums. We spent about and hour and a half here. Make sure to take the forest path to get to the south building for the otters and jellyfish. Parking is $5 for the day.

Experiencia positiva: We took two of our granddaughters and 4 nephews/niece while on the Virginia Beach vacation. The 6 kids, and the 11 adults really enjoyed the exhibits, especially the ones with the sharks.

Experiencia fantástica: Took the kids and had a nice time. It was very clean and organized. Would definitely recommend.

Experiencia negativa: Sorry, too small for high price I paid. However I don't regret paying for the tickets to help with cause. A number of educational activities did not function so they need to be on top in maintaining attraction in perfect order for orice. Nevertheless for the money Myrtle Beach has a more impressive aquarium as well as Tennessee.

Experiencia fantástica: This aquarium is one of the best. I've been too very well organized and interactive. Perfect for littles. Every so often, they have different exhibits of fun for the whole family with different themes this last one that just past had inside out and the emotions very awesome!! 10 out of 10 would recommend.

Experiencia positiva: The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center delivers an exceptional blend of immersive exhibits and meaningful conservation work, making it a standout destination for all ages. My sister and I had an absolutely wonderful visit here! From the stunning aquarium tunnel and playful river otters to the awe-inspiring Komodo dragon habitat, every exhibit felt thoughtfully designed and immersive. We loved how the center blends education, conservation, and fun so seamlessly — plus plenty of activities for children to enjoy. Though we didn’t get to experience the aquarium’s boat ride this visit (highly recommended for coastal wildlife tours!), it just gives us another reason to return. We’re already planning our next trip! Perfect for families, animal lovers, or anyone craving a mix of adventure and learning. We left feeling inspired — and can’t wait to come back!

Experiencia fantástica: The Virginia Aquarium is really set up beautifully. I love the walk through aquarium with the Sharks and beautiful coral. Also the Komodo Dragon exhibit is awesome. The volunteers were very kind about the rules in the touch ponds and very informative too. My children loved it and I loved it too!!!

Experiencia fantástica: The exhibits are all nicely laid out. It is a very good activity for rainy or hot days. Definitely great for all ages!

Experiencia fantástica: Awesome place to go on a rainy day. They had more exhibits than I anticipated. The crocodile exhibit is unique and not at Boston aquarium or mystic seaport in Connecticut. Unfortunately the Egyptian snake was not in it's tank when I visited. They also have a large shark and stingray tank you can walk into and look at fish all around you. The tunnel with different fish and animal pics is a good photo spot. I'd visit here again for sure the next time I'm in Virginia beach. There's lots of loggerhead turtles as well as a shell you can touch. They had a good deal of interactive exhibits for kids as well. Make sure you ask a employee for directions to the 2nd location just up the road that has a few more animals like otters. You don't have to pay more money it's included in your ticket cost.

Experiencia fantástica: Had a very nice time. Touched a sting ray ;) the jellies are my favorite with the turtle

Experiencia fantástica: I used to come here when I was just a kid. And coming back for the first time in almost 20 years reminded me why I loved it so much. It's full of wonder and beauty and I hope they never change from having staff that are as enthusiastic about aquatic life as I am

Experiencia fantástica: I had fun time while visiting this aquarium! Everything was interesting and I was so glad to see river otter

Experiencia positiva: It’s nice but I have seen better. They also should lower senior age to 60.

Experiencia fantástica: Spent a wonderful afternoon at the Aquarium and left feeling so peaceful and inspired. The aquariums are stunning, and it's so relaxing to watch all the incredible creatures. It's a truly beautiful place to escape and appreciate the wonders of the ocean. Highly recommend for a calming and captivating outing.

Experiencia fantástica: Learn so much and very helpful and friendly staffs. Touching pools are so much fun! Gotta high five with ray fish!!!!! Just knew ray can act like dogs! There are also 2 buildings that you can use nature trail to walk to or just drive. Recommend to buy tickets beforehand so you can just go right in.

Experiencia positiva: Gave four stars because I felt it was a little over priced for the experience and definitely super crowded. With that being said, the family had a great time. Would consider going back when the octopus exhibit is open and the otter is more active.

Experiencia fantástica: Good clean place to go, lots to see.

Experiencia positiva: The aquarium has been fun for our family for years. The method for paying for parking could be better. While standing in the warm sun, one kiosk was down and the other declined myself and another in line. I had trouble paying the $5 fee through their other ways to pay as well.

Experiencia positiva: It's always so much fun watching all of the fish swimming around--with no idea that they're being watched.

Experiencia fantástica: I had a great time. Some of the exhibits were closed but it was still full of things to see and experience! There were lots of hands on and interactive displays for children... and adults, lol. I would definitely recommend the Aquarium for a fun time and I will definitely go back again!

Experiencia negativa: Worst aquarium we have ever Been to when it takes you approximately 35 minutes and that’s to get through everything something is majorly wrong but yet the prices are expensive. Most of it is actually a science center or a lab for their animals and most of the science center exhibit doesn’t even work . There was so many signs that the animals wasn’t available in those tanks Stating that they were off exhibit so many tanks with dirty water, And they do not carry multiple species. We didn’t see no seahorses, no octopus, No penguins, No seals, No whales, No dolphins And the list goes on. Plus the restaurant’s None of them was open, which that part does make sense because why would you need a place to eat or drink when they don’t even have anything in there to see or do this was the worst place that I could’ve ever spent my money No words to describe how horrible it is. I am not the one to ever do reviews, but I want to keep other parents from wasting money like I just done for a family of nine of us that went

Experiencia positiva: Had a good time with my husband and son. I just wish there was more to the experience for the price. Seemed just like any other aquarium.

Experiencia positiva: It's been a long time since I've been here. But I do like the homework south building with the otters. My kids l Iiked the outdoor play area that is there now. And my teenager liked the new jellyfish exhibit

Experiencia fantástica: We've visited aquariums all over the country and by far this one has the friendliest staff and cleanest facility. The exhibit was linear and easy to navigate without accidentally missing an area. Most impressive were how clean and well maintained the tanks were. The water was crystal clear in every single exhibit which is not the norm at other venues. Features we visited included the Ray touch tank and Science shack exhibits. A few of the interactive pieces weren't working but 99% were. Prices were a good value as well. Definitely visit on vacation!

Experiencia negativa: Went here yesterday with my wife and 3 of our little ones. Overpriced and underwhelming. Not to mention the dangerous hazard in the poorly lit shark exhibit that my 4 year old smashed his face off of Told the employee that was standing there when it happened and an older gentleman employee by the stingray tank. Neither asked if my son was OK or seemed concerned at all. Witnessed another small child at the shark tank exhibit almost smack their face off of the railing too before we left that area.

Experiencia fantástica: Love all the fish and turtles. Staff is friendly and informative. Lots of stuff for your little ones!

Experiencia fantástica: I recently visited the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach, and it was truly a fantastic experience! From the moment we walked in, the staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about marine life and conservation. The exhibits were beautifully designed and well-maintained, showcasing a diverse range of sea creatures, from the sea lions and majestic sting rays to mesmerizing jellyfish and colorful tropical fish. The touch pools were a big hit, especially for the kids, offering a fun and educational hands-on experience. One of the highlights of our visit was the walk through the underwater tunnel, where we got an up-close look at sharks, rays, and other fascinating marine life. The outdoor nature trail and aviary added an extra layer to the experience, blending marine science with the beauty of coastal Virginia’s natural environment. Overall, the Virginia Aquarium is a perfect blend of education and entertainment for visitors of all ages. Whether you're a local or just visiting the area, it's absolutely worth a stop. Highly recommended!

Experiencia fantástica: My husband and I visited last month. We were pleasantly surprised by how big it was. Don't forget to go to both locations (south and north building). We spent about 3 hours but if you have small kids you could easily spend half a day here.

Experiencia positiva: This aquarium may be on the smaller side, but it’s packed with charm and fascinating exhibits! It’s a great place for a casual walk-through — you can see everything at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The staff were super friendly and clearly passionate about the animals. They were happy to answer questions and made the experience even more enjoyable. The animal exhibits were well-maintained and featured a nice variety of sea life, from colorful fish to stingrays and even a few unexpected creatures. It’s not a full-day destination, but it’s perfect for a couple of hours of exploration. Great for families or anyone who enjoys marine life. Definitely worth a visit!

Experiencia positiva: I had a solid experience at this aquarium! It’s a fun and engaging place with a great variety of marine life — from colorful tropical fish to majestic sea turtles and even some unexpected creatures I’d never seen up close before. The exhibits were well-maintained, and the tanks were clean and thoughtfully designed, making it easy to get lost (in a good way) in the underwater world. That said, the layout could use a bit of improvement. The hallways were a bit narrow, and with the large crowds, it sometimes felt a little cramped and tough to move around. Navigating from one section to another wasn’t always intuitive either. Still, the aquarium was a great time overall. It’s hard not to enjoy seeing such incredible animals, and the experience is definitely worth the visit. With just a few small improvements to traffic flow and space, it could easily be a five-star spot!

Experiencia positiva: Good aquarium - a bit tight in certain spots so avoid bringing your stroller if possible. Has a north and south building with a nature trail between so you can walk or drive. Nice play area for kids. 4 stars because of tightness of the space and a lot of animals off exhibit

Experiencia fantástica: Something I didn't realize until they almost closed for the day - there are 2 buildings. The ray touch pool is in one, and the jellyfish touch pool is in the other. I'm so glad I made it to both, I was having as much fun as a kid. In total, I think I only got to spend about 2-2.5 hours there, but I do like to stop and read a lot of things so I felt like I was running through - that might have been enough time for someone else though.

Experiencia fantástica: Parking lot is very large and 5$ for the day. The machine outside didn’t work so we had to use the app/mobile pay. The aquarium fee was 30$ but well worth it. We stayed around 2.5 hours so the fee was worth it entirely. Animals were very well taken care of and the exhibits are very beautiful.

Experiencia fantástica: Amazing !! Definitely going back .. best to do the inside on a rainy day

Experiencia fantástica: My 2 and 4 year old loved it, esp the stingray exhibit where they could touch them. I enjoyed the aquarium myself, it was raining so didn't get to explore outside. Spent about 1.5 hr at aquarium. There were a few large theater type viewings which was neat to see a large fish/shark display. I saw a little nursing/pumping room. A few bathrooms throughout facility. Did not try cafe. Would recommend aquarium!

Experiencia fantástica: I would recommend getting tickets online. And I would recommend taking a picture of your car license plate when getting a parking ticket. ️. No Cell Service. And there was a school field trip the students were kind of loud that was only down fall but over all it was a great experience.

Experiencia positiva: We took our grandkids for Spring Break and headed to VA Beach which they love going to, it was one of the highlights taking them to the Aquarium. They were fascinated and spent time asking questions and chatting with other kids about what they were seeing. The sense of being underwater was a first for them and we promised to take them to the bigger aquarium in ATL. THE SHARK HEAD WAS A BIG HIT as was seeing those there and learning about their habits. As was being able to have hands on chances to feel and learn about the Chesapeake Bay and its inhabitants and about conservative efforts being used. Even our pre-teen was intrigued and forgot about not sitting in a room glued to an iPad I gave this a 4 rating because it was hard to find someone to ask some periodic questions and where to find a restroom when we were there past the entry. Staff was at the entrance, the exit and in the gift shop bur we did have to walk around to find someone to direct us to the restroom. Have a little patience if you're taking pictures, some folks take a breather with little kids and strollers so you may find yourself waiting long or circling back to see some animals as kids are allowed to monopolize a spot as parents get a second wind before moving on... However, it was a pleasant surprise to hear the grandkids ask to make a donation of their own in the box as we left the venue and they loved their photos.

Experiencia fantástica: Rudee Tours gave us an amazing experience!

Experiencia fantástica: When we were stationed there, I volunteered there. It was called the marine science museum. I loved it. We had loads of school groups coming in and the little kids were so much fun. Full of questions and wonderment.

Experiencia fantástica: Love this place. Took an awesome pic of the turtle face to face with the person dressed as turtle at one of the tanks . I just love the pic so much !!!! Had to share !! This was years ago ….by the way .

Experiencia fantástica: We visited on Mother’s Day ,and we had a great time. I was hoping to see some jellyfish, and some octopuses but that’s okay. The grandchildren enjoyed it very much, especially the interactive tanks.

Experiencia fantástica: My babies had a blast.. so many things to see. Only thing is sometimes people camp in front of the exhibition and no staff around to tell them to move along for others. Parking now is $5. Staffs were helpful when around.. lots of interactive activities.

Experiencia fantástica: Very enjoyable aquarium! Very kid oriented. Lots of activities for the family.

Experiencia fantástica: Nice smaller aquarium. Several exhibits were empty, but had signage that said they would be open soon.

Experiencia positiva: Very nice aquarium. Visited on a weekday and was fairly quiet. Nice selection of exhibits and animals to view. The cafe is also reasonably priced with a wide range of menu options. The two main buildings are spaced out so be prepared to walk a lot.

Experiencia fantástica: The 2nd Best aquarium i have been too. Will keep in my plans to come back and do the ropes course next time I'm in VA. Very fun aquarium overall. Highly recommend.

Experiencia fantástica: It was a really great experience. I went with a friend of mine. It’s really cool for both adults and children if you are into that type of thing. There’s an abundance of parking, and the gift shop is really nice too. The staff is very helpful.

Experiencia fantástica: Great time, kind of pricey considering the amount of closed exhibits, but you can see the potential. The South building only had an otter and jellyfish to see, so kind of disappointed, but the otter was worth the walk.

Experiencia fantástica: Took my 7 month old here today and he was hypnotized by all of the beautiful sea life. It's a bit warm in there so dress light if you go and bring a reusable water bottle. We loved all of it and will definitely visit again.

Experiencia fantástica: Great place! So many awesome exhibits!

Experiencia fantástica: Pretty great place for an afternoon! Not huge like Baltimore, but NO CROWD AND YOU CAN SEE AND READ THE EXHIBITS! The volunteers and staff were friendly and helpful. Some great exhibits about how a meteor probably formed the Chesapeake Bay and how different Eras may have looked in Virginia. Enough species and exhibits to spend 3-4 hours learning easily, and did I mention not crowded.....

Experiencia positiva: I came here on my birthday and the best time to go would be if you know there is not any field trips planned otherwise you will have to deal with little kids. It was quite annoying trying to take pictures or read something then little kids just rudely get in the way or cover the things you're trying to read. There are some parents that don't even watch their kids which is disrespectful. Luckily, we were able to go through the aquarium again once the kids were gone.

Experiencia fantástica: Amazing and such kind care to animals from staff!!!Would recommend 100%

Experiencia fantástica: Excellent! We did an overnight adventure for Girl Scouts and its was great to see the animals outside their "working" hours, the staff was wonderful, the volunteers amazing. There is currently an "Inside Out" exhibit and this was definitely a core memory!

Experiencia positiva: Enjoyable museum spread out over a wide area. I hope the governor has not lessened support for this nice place. Two criticisms were the food in the cafe was sub par and the otter needs a companion rather than be by him/herself. Lots of fish and other aquatic and related animals. Good science based information.

Experiencia negativa: Came here with my friend and our kids the aquarium was good but I noticed we were kinda rushed through. Not sure if it was because it was busy and they wanted things to move along but we honestly ended up finishing viewing everything within an hour. Which was too quick. We spent 60 pp and felt like we didn’t see much. The parking is $5 which isn’t bad but doesn’t take cash and I felt like it was overpriced I’ve payed less and seen more at other locations.

Experiencia fantástica: Took my family here for a family outing and they loved it! Nice and knowledgeable staff and very active and healthy animals! Would definitely recommend buying tickets in advance so you can just walk in,because the lines will be long if not. Beautiful nature trail and plenty for the kids to see and do!

Experiencia positiva: A little small, but the stay is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Highly recommend the dolphin watching tour. Good mix of education and entertainment.

Experiencia fantástica: Good aquarium. Best display was the seals outside, rays, sharks, and turtles. Nature walk was ok, but our family (teens) did not think the south building was worth the walk. Crowds were intense. Wish they would NOT allow gigantic wagons inside their already cramped spaces.

Experiencia fantástica: Beautiful aquarium! We loved the nature walk and would have loved to complete the adventure course but heights are not my thing...lol!!

Experiencia fantástica: A superb experience chock full of entertaining and edifying exhibits.

Experiencia fantástica: Great place, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Always adding new exhibits.

Experiencia fantástica: The caretakers are super knowledgeable and sweet. Definitely recommend if you want to go on a weekday to book for the earliest time slot to avoid the field trip crowds. The south building is out the parking lot to the right keep driving down and you'll see the signs. When you pay for parking it works at both buildings and so do your tickets. The only thing I wish they would change is the parking standard of 8 hours. We only had about 2 hours before we had to head out of town so it would've been nice to pay for only the 2 hours instead of 8 full hours. All I can hope for is that money is going to research and conservation funds. Check out the vet lab in the south building! Super cool!

Experiencia fantástica: Fantastic place! Very clean and well kept. The family had just a wonderful day getting to see everything. Take the family, take your time and enjoy! Shark area and the big aquarium with the turtles…. Could sit and watch for hours.

Experiencia fantástica: If you plan to come more than once a year, buy a membership. No hassle parking and plenty to see. Do not come on a rainy summer day, it is chaos. Also the dolphin trips are great

Experiencia positiva: The aquarium its self was well designed the staff was very knowledgeable. The parking ended up being free which was unexpected and nice! We didn’t have the energy to do the obstacle course or walk through trail. The only bad part was we went on a Friday offseason the crowds were crazy because of field trips which made the experience rushed. We were hoping during off season to have less of a crowd. Having designated school trip days might be a good option and probably not on a Friday.

Experiencia fantástica: This is an amazing place to see some animals, but be prepared to be dodging little kids and squeezing in between baby strollers, other than that I have nothing to complain about. The gift shop is Awsome and has lots of unique items. There is a lot to do and see!

Experiencia fantástica: Had an amazing time at the aquarium! The exhibits were beautiful, and interacting with the stingrays was definitely a highlight. The staff was knowledgeable, and I learned a lot about marine life and conservation. A fun, educational experience for all ages. Highly recommend!

Experiencia positiva: I recently visited the aquarium and it was such a fantastic experience! The exhibits were beautifully designed. They also have children indoor playground/fun activities. The educational displays were informative, and there were plenty of interactive elements for kids and adults alike. I especially loved the touch pools, where I could gently interact with stingray and fishes. I recommend it to anyone looking to spend a fun day learning about marine life. I’ll definitely be back soon!

Experiencia positiva: I enjoyed the aquarium. Tip - buy your tickets online so you can avoid the long line. It was a great way 2 spend a Saturday afternoon.

Experiencia fantástica: My family has been here a few times and we always have a good time. The amount of exhibits is extensive and there are a lot of opportunities for interactive experiences for young children. The restaurant on-site is good and the prices are fair. The only downside on our last visit was every table was dirty and wasn't cleaned between guests.

Experiencia fantástica: Had a great time as always. The topography sand station, 300,000 gallon tank with sharks next to sub station, and friendly rays that let you touch their silky backs. Great time with the kids and their friends.

Experiencia positiva: Whale watching excursion would have been awesome if we had seen more than birds, but they must not pay the marine animals enough to show up every day! The water was pretty rough and a couple people got sick. They didn't abide by the request to go out on the back deck. I think if you go earlier in the season when odds of sightings are better you'll enjoy the trip. We still enjoyed it.

Experiencia positiva: So this is my third time going and JUST found out about there being a second building off site, just a super short drive (or a 10-15 min walking distance through trails to get to the other building)...other building was just some jellyfish tanks, a little play pretend veterinarian office, but not much toys truly in it, my 3yr old was not interested. Unfortunately we came on a day it was pouring, because the outside area by that building has a super cute and fun looking play area with watershed, bubbles, etc. It definitely is pretty pricey to get in, esp the more people you have. Four and under is free! I highly recommend if you plan on going, go sometime when it's during the day, during the week, it was very quiet and peaceful with so few people. The animals could definitely sense the quietness and just seemed so much happier and lively compared to the two other times I've been where it was super crowded and noisy, the animals were way less active then.

Experiencia fantástica: Took my 4 year old son and he had a blast. There was a nice crowd there but it never felt tight because there was just so much to do. We didn't get to see the octopus because they were remodeling his tank, but other than that we really enjoyed ourselves

Experiencia fantástica: My son and I love this aquarium! We can easily spend all day here between the 2 buildings, lots for them to see, touch, and play with!

Experiencia fantástica: Is an educational wonderful place, for the sea life to come alive right before you. The food for the guests is actually really good. The French fries were awesome. It's an awesome atmosphere to sit and eat. Some people's kids need to be on a leash, but other than, it is neat.

Experiencia fantástica: Great day spoiling granddaughter seeing all the marine life. They offer a military discount. Food at cafe a bit pricey but to be expected.

Experiencia fantástica: We had such an amazing time during our visit! All of the employees were super friendly and very knowledgeable! I enjoyed seeing all of the fish and ocean life. Highly recommend stopping here!

Experiencia positiva: The aquarium is pretty good. The second building is a farther walk than I expected and it wasn’t worth going to because there were only a few jellyfish tanks to see and a lot of signs saying things were coming.. when asking at the ticket booth if they actually see whales in Virginia Beach on the tour they sell the guy said “I don’t know I just sell tickets” Overall they don’t really have anything that sets them apart but it’s a decent aquarium to visit.

Experiencia fantástica: This aquarium center offers a wonderful experience with friendly and helpful staff, a clean environment, and diverse exhibits. It's an ideal peaceful escape where you can appreciate nature's beauty, especially the breathtaking jellyfish exhibit. Overall, I highly recommend it as a relaxing destination to connect with marine life.

Experiencia positiva: It was fun, but super busy! If we had known we had to wait in line that long, we would have bought tickets in advance. But the biggest reason why it only gets 3 stars is their cafe: how are they open until 3 PM but stop serving sandwiches at 2:30? We had planned for it to be a later lunch, early dinner with our toddler, however we were only able to get chicken tenders and fries which we know she doesn’t eat and were counting on the grilled cheese! I get that people want to start cleaning early, but if you advertise 3 PM, you should serve food until 3 PM!!!

Experiencia fantástica: Always a fun and entertaining experience and they're constantly updating and adding new exhibits and experiences.

Experiencia fantástica: My wife and I try to visit aquariums everywhere that we travel. We've seen all types, big and small. The Virginia Aquarium is one of the best ones that we have experienced. It is very well done and informative. It's a fairly large aquarium as well so it takes some time to experience it all. I was very pleased with this one.

Experiencia fantástica: I was so excited to visit the Aquarium! I have to tell you I was like a little person when I was walking thru the exhibits. I caught myself saying "wow" a couple of times. I visited on Saturday, 2/8/25, and it really was not that crowded. I had 1.5 hours in the aquarium before I needed to head over for the whale watching tour at 2pm. I definitely could have spent more time sitting by the glass at some of the exhibits. Great variety of animals! I loved that there are several interactive areas where you could learn about creatures of our waters. I actually loved that there were lots of kids too. I got to see a little girl gasp as a shark swam over her head, just adorable. I really enjoyed the area where we were able to pet the sting rays. I definitely could have stayed at that exhibit a lot longer. Gosh, I really want to go back already! I missed out on the troll exhibit! It is a treat to be able to go as ticket prices are a bit up there. But, I tell you, for me it was worth it. You do save the parking fee if you you go in the winter, I believe Oct-April, check the info on the website to confirm. Just a note of thanks to the staff. Everyone I interacted with was super nice. I completely missed the South building! Will definitely need to go back!

Experiencia positiva: Disappointing. It was not that great for the price (the huge one in Atlanta, Georgia offers so much more and only costs a little more). Equipment is outdated, like magnifying glasses that are scratched, looking domes so dull that you can't see properly from it, hands-on experiences out of order.

Experiencia positiva: My visit was okay. The place itself is nice, but it seems to be more geared towards children than adults. Since it was winter, the crowd wasn’t heavy in the morning, but as the afternoon rolled around and kids were out for snow days, it definitely got busier with families. I’d recommend it for a one-time visit, especially if you’re interested in the obstacle course and ziplining, which are fun activities to try!

Experiencia positiva: We took our youth group to the aquarium. It was fun and engaging. All in all, have I been to a better aquarium? A few, but not many. This is a very good one, and for me, one of the must sees at Virginia Beach

Experiencia fantástica: Our visit was planned to see the Dambo trolls, and a plus was getting to check out the aquarium for my first time. Friendly staff and well-kept enclosures, hope to visit again in the future.

Experiencia fantástica: Super fun place to look at marine creatures. I really had a wonderful time looking at all the animals. They also have a zipline and forest path where you can look at birds and a huge creek along the path.

Experiencia fantástica: Went to see the trolls exhibit. Parking was $3 and then you kind of walked into the aquarium and right out the back to the property behind it and the trolls are located in different areas. If you want to visit the aquarium also then a ticket is required The troll exhibit is about to change on January 20th

Experiencia fantástica: Took 2 grandkids, aged 5 and 3, this past Saturday to the Virginia Aquarium. They had a ball! Enjoyed learning about all the sea creatures and loved petting the stingrays. We went to the main building, but didn't have time to go to the second building. Hopefully we can, next time!