ZooArizona, US

OdySea Aquarium

OdySea Aquarium invites you on an unparalleled underwater adventure in the heart of the Arizona desert.

About

OdySea Aquarium invites you on an unparalleled underwater adventure in the heart of the Arizona desert. This expansive attraction offers an extraordinary exploration of marine life, blending educational discovery with thrilling, interactive experiences. Step into a vibrant world where over 6,000 creatures, from playful African penguins to formidable sharks, inhabit meticulously designed habitats across 65 exhibits. Marvel at the innovative architecture, including massive globe-shaped aquariums suspended overhead in the Aqua Lobby and the famous "Shark Bathroom" where you can wash your hands while gazing directly into a shark tank. The visitor experience is both engaging and educational, perfect for families, couples, and wildlife enthusiasts. Wander through diverse environments like the Rivers of the World, featuring creatures such as paddlefish and piranhas, or explore the Bizarre & Beautiful gallery, home to unique species like the Giant Pacific Octopus and flashlight fish. The OdySea Voyager, a one-of-a-kind rotating aquarium theater, offers a comfortable, stadium-style journey through magnificent displays of open ocean, sea turtle reefs, sea lion sounds, and shark waters, providing an immersive encounter with some of the aquarium's most impressive inhabitants. Don't miss the chance to touch stingrays and horseshoe crabs at the interactive touch pools, fostering a deeper connection with these amazing creatures. OdySea Aquarium is not just an attraction; it's a commitment to marine conservation and education, accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The facility offers numerous opportunities for deeper engagement, including animal presentations, behind-the-scenes tours, and specialized encounters with penguins and sloths. Its dedication to inclusivity is evident through extensive accessibility features and its designation as a Certified Autism Center, ensuring a welcoming environment for all guests. Explore the grounds like a pro—download the Snappit app to instantly identify animals and plants.

OdySea Aquarium opened its doors in September 2016, rapidly establishing itself as a premier marine attraction in the Southwest. It was developed as a significant part of the Arizona Boardwalk, a larger entertainment complex in Scottsdale's Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. The $104 million, 200,000-square-foot facility was designed with a mission to combine theme-park-level entertainment with marine education, featuring innovative technologies and unique exhibits that distinguish it from traditional aquariums.

What to do here

Enjoy daily animal presentations, Q&A sessions with aquarists, and scheduled feedings. Consider booking additional experiences like the Penguin Encounter, Sloth Encounter, or SeaTREK Helmet Diving for an extra fee.

Seasonal info

The aquarium hosts seasonal events, such as the "Penguin Party" during Fall Break, featuring special activities and appearances by penguins. An annual pass can be beneficial for locals to attend these events and make multiple visits, particularly to escape the Arizona summer heat.

Accessibility

OdySea Aquarium is highly accessible, featuring step-free entrances, spacious pathways, and elevators located next to escalators. Accessible restrooms are available, and audio guides can be utilized. The aquarium is also a Certified Autism Center, striving to provide a welcoming environment for guests with sensory processing needs. Wheelchairs can often be borrowed on a first-come, first-served basis from Guest Services.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Plan for 3 to 4 hours to fully explore all exhibits and enjoy the experiences. A quicker visit can be done in 1.5 to 2 hours if focusing on highlights.
Best time to visit: To avoid crowds and maximize your experience, it is recommended to arrive as soon as the aquarium opens. For lighter crowds and a reduced ticket price, consider visiting after 4:30 PM with "Twilight Tickets." Booking tickets online in advance is advised, especially during peak seasons and holidays, as timed-entry slots can sell out.
Location: Arizona, US
Species in this guide: 13

Best for

Families With Children (especially Ages 5 And Up)CouplesWildlife Enthusiasts And Marine Conservation AdvocatesAnyone Seeking An Escape From The Arizona HeatIndividuals Interested In Unique, Interactive, And Educational Experiences

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

OdySea Voyager

The world's only rotating aquarium experience, taking guests through Open Ocean, Sea Turtle Reef, Sea Lion Sound, and Shark Waters.

Penguin Point

Home to a colony of African penguins, offering delightful viewing and interaction opportunities.

Stingray Bay & Touch Pools

Interactive exhibits where visitors can gently touch cownose rays, bamboo sharks, sea cucumbers, sea stars, and horseshoe crabs.

Deep Ocean Escalator

A submerged escalator surrounded by a view-through tunnel, offering immersive views of sharks, stingrays, and sea turtles as you descend.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Great White Shark

Blue Spotted Stingray

Sea Turtle

Sea Lion

Octopus

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

Loading map…

Good to know before you go

Purchase Tickets Online in Advance

To manage capacity and secure your entry time, always buy your tickets online at least 24 hours ahead of your visit.

Consider Twilight Tickets

Visiting after 4:30 PM can save you money on admission and often means thinner crowds, allowing for a more relaxed experience.

Don't Miss the Shark Restroom

Make a point to visit the restrooms near the entrance; they feature a large viewing window into the shark habitat, a unique and award-winning feature.

Save the OdySea Voyager for Later

Many people rush to this unique rotating theater first. Enjoy it towards the end of your visit when crowds might be lighter, providing a perfect resting spot for tired legs.

Stroller Policy

Only single or tandem (front-to-back) double strollers are permitted inside. Side-by-side double strollers do not fit in certain areas. OdySea Aquarium does not rent strollers.

Look Up in the Lobby

Upon entering, remember to look up to see the fascinating globe-shaped aquariums filled with colorful fish, an engineering marvel often missed.

Frequently asked questions

: For many visitors, especially those who plan ahead and visit during off-peak hours, OdySea Aquarium is considered a world-class attraction and well worth the cost, offering unique experiences not found elsewhere. It provides a comprehensive and interactive marine experience, with educational value for all ages.
: A full and comprehensive visit to OdySea Aquarium usually takes between 3 to 4 hours to experience all the exhibits and attractions. However, if you're looking for a quicker trip focusing on key highlights, you might complete your visit in 1.5 to 2 hours.
: Yes, OdySea Aquarium is designed to be fully wheelchair accessible. It features step-free entrances, wide pathways, elevators next to all escalators, and designated accessible restrooms. The aquarium is also a Certified Autism Center, committed to inclusivity.