Gulf Shores Aquarium and Dauphin Island Sea Lab

Gulf shores Aquarium offers a hands-on experience with a variety of marine life. From sharks to sandbar sharks, the aquarium offers the opportunity to view and touch the most fascinating creatures. Its 200,000-gallon saltwater reef tank replicates the environment of the coastal reef. In addition, guests can get up close and personal with sharks and tarpon during feeding encounters. The aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for major holidays. Moreover, the aquarium offers a Lagoon Snorkeling Encounter and Keys Snorkeling Encounter, which require advanced reservations.

Kids of all ages can take part in the Dolphin Discovery program, which is designed to educate them about the dolphins. The interaction includes activities such as pectoral fin rides and hand-targeting. The program has been contributing to the study and conservation of marine mammals for over two decades. Families can also enjoy a hands-on dolphin experience at the facility.

The Gulfarium is open daily 9 am to 4:30 pm and offers special programming for children and adults. Children can purchase admission tickets for $6, which includes the aquarium’s educational programs. The aquarium also houses the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, an educational facility in the barrier island of Dauphin. It conducts research and education on the effects of climate change and development on the gulf’s ecosystem. It is open to the public and offers educational programs for students from kindergarten through graduate level.

Visitors can also explore the outdoor exhibits at the Mississippi Aquarium. The three-story Aquatic Wonders exhibit offers a unique hands-on experience and features a 360-degree suspended walking tunnel. There are also habitats for river otters and an aviary. For additional information about each of the animals in the exhibits, the staff provides animal guides.

Mississippi Aquarium is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization that supports animal conservation and research. The museum has more than 80,000 square feet of exhibit space on five acres of land. Landscaped walkways connect the exhibits, which cover different physiographic regions of Mississippi. It is open daily, except for Tuesday. Admission prices are $11 for adults and $6 for children and students with a valid ID.

Aquariums are an excellent choice for families with children. Children can spend a whole day exploring the colorful creatures. The aquarium offers a number of special activities for the kids. The experience can be a long one and involves lots of walking. Although Alabama doesn’t have many zoos, it has one aquarium.

One of the aquarium’s main attractions is the Penguin Experience, which lets guests get up close and personal with these unique creatures. The African penguins are especially fun to see. Most of them have been born at the aquarium, making their appearances at the aquarium all the more exciting. Visitors can join the feedings twice a day or take a Backstage Penguin Pass, which gives them the opportunity to become the penguins’ keeper for 90 minutes.