Open Daily 9am to 5pm

TICKETS ARE VALID FOR ENTRY BEGINNING AT 9AM.

PLEASE ALLOW A MINIMUM OF 2.5 HOURS TO TOUR THE EXHIBITS IN BOTH BUILDINGS

It is where you can see the worlds largest collection of Chesapeake Bay fishes... come face to face with seaturtles...encounter sharks with nothing to fear...touch horseshoe crabs and stingrays...look for wild life in the salt marsh...Explore it all at theVirginia Aquarium.

PLEASE ALLOW A MINIMUM OF 2.5 HOURS TO TOUR THE EXHIBITS IN BOTH BUILDINGS.

Sea turtles are some of Earth’s most ancient and majesticcreatures. These remarkable reptiles travel open ocean for as many as 50 yearsand return to the very beach where they were born to lay eggs that are thefoundation of the next generation. The crew followed the turtles to capture thewonder of their habitat – from enormous breaching whales to playful sea lions,tiny sea horses and vibrant clown fish.  Sea turtles remind us just howinterconnected we all are in this amazing world.

In the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, there is a paradise unlike any other: theGalapagos Archipelago. Amongst these fascinating and remote volcanic islands,life has played out over millions of years in relative isolation. The result isa wonderland of nature, with a remarkable collection of plants and charismaticanimals that have all adapted to this unique environment. Meet giant half-tontortoises and marine iguanas that spit sea-salt from their noses. Dance withtropical albatrosses and hunt fishes with the colorful blue-footed boobies.Dive into the ocean with flightless cormorants and swim with tiny penguinsthousands of miles from their natural habitats. Galapagos 3D: Nature'sWonderland is a story of discovery, of survival against the odds, and ofnature's ingenuity, all brought to life in stunning 3D.

Backyard Wilderness will surprise and entertain viewers withthe unexpected wonders of nature that are right under our noses - in  ourown backyards. Spanning a seasonal year around a suburban home, the filmdisplays a stunning array of unique wildlife images and behavior – all capturedby cameras mounted inside dens and nests, and moving along the forest floor andpond bottom, to reveal its inhabitants in rare and breathtaking intimacy.

Accompany an educator through the inner workings of the Virginia Aquarium and peer into selected aquariums. Find out what it takes to keep the animals healthy and their habitat clean. Learn about the careers that make an aquarium work, from animal care to engineering. Children must be at least 8 years old and 48 inches tall. Appropriate footwear required. Guests must be able to climb stairs.

Join us on an unforgettable 90-minute excursion offering unparalleled close-up observations of bottlenose dolphins! Staff & volunteers trained by Aquarium experts share a program based on our three decades of experience and provide discussions on incredible dolphin behaviors and what is being done to conserve the species. We adhere to all responsible wildlife viewing guidelines.

Guests should check-in 30 minutes prior to the boat departure time at the dock adjacent to the Bay & Ocean Pavilion parking lot at 717 General Booth Blvd. Day-of tickets are available onsite if space allows. Trips are subject to boating conditions, but will not be canceled due to precipitation. To confirm trip status, please call the Virginia Aquarium at (757) 385-FISH.

Tips and What to Wear: Please dress appropriately for the elements. Non-skid shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended. Allow ample time for parking. Children under 3 must be included in your reservation.

A unique view from the top of the sea turtle aquarium where you observe a feeding and interaction with five large sea turtles. Learn about the history and behavior of sea turtles and conservation efforts world wide and discover what it takes to keep these gentle creatures healthy. Children must be at least 8 years old and 48 inches tall. Appropriate footwear required. Guests must be able to climb stairs.

Exclusive night time fun with a local's only feel. Meet animals, see mermaids, and enjoy an orange crush. Featuring entertainment from the Delorians. Adults 21 years and older only. Ticket price includes two drink tickets. A cash bar is available on-site. Tickets are non-refundable.

Discover what is beneath the surface of the water in an engaging 75-minute exploration where Aquarium staff trawls the ocean floor for a sample of sea life to bring on board. This is our most interactive trip, as it offers participants the opportunity assist with the collection and identification of fish, invertebrates, and plankton.

 

Guests should check-in 30 minutes prior to the boat departure time at the dock adjacent to the Bay & Ocean Pavilion parking lot at 717 General Booth Blvd. Day-of tickets are available onsite if space allows.Trips are subject to boating conditions, but will not be canceled due to precipitation. To confirm trip status, please call the Virginia Aquarium at(757) 385-FISH.

 

Tips and What to Wear: Please dress appropriately for the elements. Non-skid shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended. Allow ample time for parking.  Children under 3 must be included in your reservation.

Remember the Gh'oul Times as we learn about local legends of the past at the Francis Land House! Join us for a campfire, s'mores, and crafts, and see who roams the Francis Land House- after dark! $8 per participant; 2 and under, free. All guests need a ticket for entry. This program is recommended for ages 8-12.

We are proud to welcome families with children or adults with special needs for a chance to see all of our animals and exhibits in a calm, comfortable environment.

What was necessary to charge a woman as a witch in the 18th century? Hear from Lieutenant Colonel Adam Thorrowgood, General Attorney Stephens Thomson, and Grace Sherwood herself about the process. Learn about this trial and the men who prepared it, the women who went through it and vote on what you think the outcome was. A Woman Accused will take place on Friday, October 19 at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. Not recommended for young children. Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your showtime to allow time to check in and partake in our trail walk. This is an outdoor event. Please dress appropriately for the weather.

Join us at the Thoroughgood House for our Girl Scout Spooktacular. Paint a beastie, eat a s'more, sing a campfire song, learn about women from the past, and explore a real witch bottle from long ago. Program runs from 6:30pm-8pm. $8 per participant, 2 and under, free. All guests need a ticket for entry.

Bring a trick or treat bag and come dressed in your Halloween best for an evening of games, prizes, and spooky entertainment.

Join us for an unforgettable ~2.5 hour adventure in search of whales, dolphins, seals,and seabirds. Staff & volunteers trained by Aquarium experts share a program built upon our own research and conservation efforts and three decades of experience. We adhere to all responsible wildlife viewing guidelines.

Guests should check-in 30 minutes prior to the boat departure time at the dock adjacent to the Bay & Ocean Pavilion parking lot at 717 General Booth Blvd. Day-of tickets are available onsite if space allows.

Trips are subject to boating conditions,but will not be canceled due to precipitation. Cancelations are made as far in advance as possible, and you will be contacted with the opportunity to reschedule your reservation.

Tips & What to Wear Please dress in layers, non-skid shoes, and appropriately for the elements. All children under 3 must be included in your reservation, per U.S. Coast Guard regulations.