Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Virginia
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, located in Virginia Beach near Rudee Inlet, is a leading marine science museum and aquarium that opened in 1986. Spanning two main buildings connected by a scenic nature trail, it houses more than 12,000 animals representing over 700 species in over 800,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater exhibits. The Main Building guides visitors through the journey of water from Virginia's rivers to the Chesapeake Bay and out to the ocean, featuring notable exhibits like the Chesapeake Bay Aquarium, Norfolk Canyon Aquarium, and Chesapeake Light Tower Aquarium. The 2009 Restless Planet expansion introduces immersive habitats such as Malaysian Peat Swamp and Indonesia's Flores Island, showcasing exotic species including Komodo dragons and spotted eagle rays. The South Building offers interactive experiences including a Vet Center and a play area for children, alongside exhibits of North American river otters and moon jellies. The aquarium also operates a Stranding Response Program for marine wildlife rescue and rehabilitation. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts can enjoy the adjacent Adventure Park with extensive rope courses and ziplines. The Virginia Aquarium combines education, conservation, and hands-on experiences to inspire visitors about marine and freshwater ecosystems.
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Créez un itinéraire détaillé en quelques minutes. L'IA suggère les meilleurs endroits, restaurants et un itinéraire optimisé.
Astuce: Visit during weekdays or early mornings for a quieter experience. Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid lines and check for sensory-friendly morning sessions offered monthly. Explore the outdoor Adventure Park for added fun, and consider joining seasonal events like creek cleanups for a hands-on conservation experience.
Faits intéressants
- •The aquarium holds over 800,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater combined in its exhibits.
- •The Restless Planet expansion features habitats like the Malaysian Peat Swamp and Indonesia's Flores Island.
- •The Chesapeake Light Tower Aquarium replicates underwater environments up to 15 miles offshore and houses large sea turtles and a goliath grouper.
- •The Adventure Park includes over 30 ziplines, with the longest stretching over 300 feet across a creek.
- •The aquarium's Stranding Response Program actively rescues and rehabilitates sick or injured marine mammals and sea turtles from local shores.
Histoire
The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center originally opened on June 14, 1986, as the Virginia Marine Science Museum, focusing on local aquatic life.
In 1995, it expanded significantly, tripling its size.
A major $25 million renovation completed in 2009 introduced the Restless Planet exhibit, doubling the species count and adding diverse global habitats.
The aquarium has evolved to include advanced research and conservation programs, including a Stranding Response Program to aid local marine wildlife.
The adjacent Adventure Park was developed to complement the aquarium with outdoor recreational activities.
Guide du lieu
Chesapeake Bay Aquarium
This exhibit features a touch pool with horseshoe crabs and sea stars, and showcases species from the shallow waters near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel such as hermit crabs and spider crabs.
Norfolk Canyon Aquarium
A large tank replicating the Norfolk Canyon underwater environment, home to sandbar, nurse, and sand tiger sharks, along with various fish species.
Chesapeake Light Tower Aquarium
A 70,000-gallon tank simulating waters up to 15 miles offshore, housing loggerhead and green sea turtles, Kemp's ridley sea turtles, and large fish like the Atlantic goliath grouper.
Restless Planet Exhibit2009
A 12,000 square feet expansion featuring immersive habitats such as Malaysian Peat Swamp, Coastal Sahara Desert, Red Sea, and Indonesia's Flores Island, showcasing diverse species including Komodo dragons and spotted eagle rays.
South Building Exhibits and Facilities
Hosts North American river otters, red octopus, moon jellies, and behind-the-scenes access to the Vet Center and Stranding Response Program. Includes an outdoor play area for children.
Adventure Park
Virginia Beach's largest outdoor rope climbing course featuring over 250 elements and 30+ ziplines, including a 300-foot zipline over a creek.
Contact
Téléphone: (757) 385-3474
