Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
The most popular aquarium in Virginia, showing the ecosystems of Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic. Highlights include sea turtles, seals, sharks and a wetland trail.
The Virginia Aquarium has two main buildings. The Bay and Ocean Gallery shows life from Chesapeake Bay to the deep sea, with a large shark tank, sea turtles and harbour seals. The Owl Creek wetland building houses river otters, Komodo dragons and aviaries. About 800 meters of wetland trail connect the two buildings. There is also a 3D theatre and a high-ropes course at the Adventure Park. In winter the aquarium runs whale-watching trips, and in summer it runs dolphin-watching cruises from a nearby pier. The aquarium is about 3 km south of the boardwalk, and parking is free. Allow half a day. Tickets start at about USD 35.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Rudee Inlet Dolphin Watching
- Virginia Beach Fishing Pier
- Virginia Beach Boardwalk & Oceanfront
- King Neptune Statue
- Sandbridge Beach
- First Landing State Park
- Cape Henry Lighthouse
- Mount Trashmore Park