Diving into the heart of one of the most enthralling aquatic environments in the United States, Adventure Aquarium, just across the Delaware River from Philadelphia in Camden, New Jersey, offers a deep dive into a world of underwater wonders. With exhibits that range from the adrenaline-pumping Shark Bridge to the serene beauty of the Ocean Realm, this destination promises to be an unforgettable journey for visitors of all ages, any time of the year. This guide highlights the must-see Adventure Aquarium exhibits, ensuring you soak in every splash of excitement and discovery.
What Makes Adventure Aquarium a Unique Experience
Adventure Aquarium first opened to the public in 1992, following an extensive five-year development phase. In the decades since its completion, it has expanded from its inaugural exhibit to a sprawling aquatic world encompassing 2 million gallons of water and hosting an impressive array of over 7,000 marine species.
Adventure Aquarium distinguishes itself with its unparalleled blend of interactive exhibits and rare aquatic species, offering an immersive experience unlike any other. It's a place where education, conservation, and entertainment converge, inviting guests on an extraordinary underwater adventure.
The Shark Bridge
Step onto the Shark Bridge, a record-holder for its length as the world's longest V-shaped suspension bridge, stretching 81 feet across. This unique bridge hovers just inches over a vast tank, allowing visitors an unparalleled view of the Shark Realm below. With 550,000 gallons of water and a depth of 21 feet, this exhibit is home to sandbar sharks, sand tiger sharks, and nurse sharks. The Shark Bridge offers a thrilling perspective on these magnificent creatures, making it a must-experience adventure. For the safety and enjoyment of everyone, guests looking to cross the Shark Bridge should be able to comfortably navigate steps, ladders, and inclined surfaces at both the entrance and exit.
The Penguin Park
Penguin Park offers a delightful encounter with Adventure Aquarium's engaging African penguins, set within an environment that encourages up-close observations both above and below the water. The exhibit, featuring Penguin Island, is specifically designed to highlight the natural behaviors and habitat of these warm-weather penguins. Beyond penguin watching, the area extends its appeal with a soft play zone for children and a serene monarch butterfly garden, enriching the visit with moments of play and natural beauty.
The Shark Tunnel
Within the heart of Adventure Aquarium, the Shark Tunnel offers an underwater experience. Spanning 40 feet, it stands as the longest shark tunnel in New Jersey, surrounding visitors with a fascinating array of aquatic life. As you venture through the Shark Realm, prepare to be mesmerized by the sight of dozens of sharks gliding gracefully above, beside, and all around you, alongside more than 200 other marine species. This exhibit showcases the largest collection of sharks in the Northeast, making it a highlight of any visit to the aquarium.
The Stingray Beach Club
At The Stingray Beach Club, visitors can experience the gentle touch of the ocean's graceful stingrays. This interactive exhibit allows you to put your hands into the stingray touch pool, where you can feel the unique texture of cownose and southern stingrays and even have the opportunity to hand-feed them. To ensure a comfortable experience for both guests and marine residents, stroller access is restricted in this area, but convenient stroller parking is available just outside the exhibit. This hands-on encounter brings you closer to these fascinating creatures and offers a memorable moment of connection with marine life.
Touch A Shark
"Touch A Shark" offers a rare opportunity to interact directly with the ocean's gentler species, including epaulet sharks and bamboo sharks. This engaging exhibit allows visitors to feel the distinctive texture of these sharks and highlights the diversity and adaptability of marine life. Engaging with these sharks up close, guests gain a new perspective on the importance of conservation and the role these fascinating animals play in their ecosystems. This hands-on experience demystifies these often misunderstood animals.
Hippo Haven
Explore the extraordinary world of Nile hippos at Hippo Haven, where Adventure Aquarium guests can meet Button and Genny. These remarkable inhabitants are the only Nile hippos showcased in an aquarium anywhere, offering an opportunity to get up close and personal with these massive yet astonishingly nimble swimmers. The exhibit's design allows for both above and underwater observations, revealing the hippos' elegant underwater ballet. Beyond the visual spectacle, Hippo Haven delves into the lives of these powerful animals, their ecosystem, and the intricate web of life along the African rivers they call home.
Ocean Realm
Visitors to the Aquatic Aquarium can step into the expansive world of Ocean Realm, where an impressive 760,000 gallons of water create a dynamic environment for over 400 marine inhabitants. This exhibit stands out for its variety, featuring creatures such as the graceful Southern stingrays, the swift Silky sharks, and both loggerhead and green sea turtles. It's also one of the few places to observe the critically endangered great hammerhead shark. Ocean Realm's design boasts two enormous viewing windows, providing visitors with unmatched views into this vibrant underwater community, making it a highlight of any visit to the aquarium.
Splash Out at the Adventure Aquarium With CityPASS® Tickets
Maximize your visit to Philadelphia with CityPASS® tickets, which grant you an all-access pass to some of the best aquatic experiences available. Philadelphia CityPASS® tickets transform your exploration into an affordable adventure, bundling top attractions into one convenient package. From the mesmerizing glide of sharks in the Shark Tunnel to the playful antics of African penguins at Penguin Park, you won't miss a beat. Dive deep into the wonders beneath the waves and surface with memories that last a lifetime, all while enjoying significant savings and skip-the-line privileges at some exhibits. Make your trip to Adventure Aquarium a splash hit for the whole family.
Philadelphia Lodging
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Booking.comHeader Image Courtesy of Adventure Aquarium