Dive Into The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center!

If you're a fan of sea life, you're going to love visiting the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center, in Virginia Beach, VA. The stunning facility is home to thousands of fascinating and beautiful animals and one of the best aquariums in the country.

The Aquarium opened in 1986 as the Virginia Marine Science Museum. A 1996 expansion tripled the aquarium's space, while another in 2009 added a further 12,000 square feet. This last addition added a variety of new environments, doubling the number of species the aquarium could host.

The Virginia Aquarium is one of the most popular family attractions in Virginia Beach. There is just so much to see and do here. In fact, with over 800,000 gallons of fresh and saltwater displays, hands-on exhibits, a six-story theater, nature path, marshlands, special events, and even a zip-line adventure park, it would be almost impossible to explore it all in one day.

Visiting the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

The Virginia Aquarium is located at 717 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, VA, just south of Rudee Inlet.

A visit to the Aquarium will take you from the ocean's surface to the dark depths of the Atlantic. You'll experience coastal habitats from around the world, like the Red Sea, and Indonesia's Flores Island.

The Aquarium is home to a wide range of fantastic and amazing creatures. Komodo dragons, tomistoma crocodiles, rays, sea turtles, sharks, seals, and so much more.

The Marine Science Center offers a variety of educational exhibits and activities for all ages. This includes a six-story theater screening 3-D nature films.

The aquarium offers outdoor recreation options, too, including a six-acre Zip Line Adventure Park and a 1/3 mile nature trail along Owls Creek. The Nature Trail also provides an opportunity to view the aquarium's Oyster Reef.

Hungry? No problem. The Aquarium also has a variety of dining opti​ons to choose from. Now that's convenient!

Virginia Aquarium Boat Trips

The Aquarium also offers a variety of boat trips through out the year.

The Whale Watching Boat Trip is a 2-2.5 hour excursion that endeavors to bring you as close as possible to aquatic life. Humpback whales, dolphins, seals, seabirds, and a variety of migratory species are often spotted.

The 90 minute Dolphin Watching Boat Trips take you out on the Atlantic Explorer in search of bottlenose dolphins. You'll likely see other animals too, though. Sea turtle, sea birds, and even the occasional bald eagle.

Other, special trips and events, like the Star Ship: Astronomy Boat Tour, are also offered through out the year.  Learn more at the aquarium website. You can also visit the Aquarium on Facebook.

Escape To Virginia

From the heart of Appalachia to Chesapeake Bay and everything in between, there's no end to the fun you'll have in Virginia. One way to make sure your Virginia vacation is as good as it should be is to stay at a Virginia bed and breakfast. Lodging at a Virginia inn will help to take your getaway to the next level with top tier perks and amenities you'll never find at a hotel or motel. Find your perfect Virginia accommodations today and get set for the vacation of a lifetime!