ZooMinnesota, US

SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium

SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium offers an immersive underwater journey for all ages.

About

SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium offers an immersive underwater journey for all ages. Located within the iconic Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, this impressive aquarium is home to over 10,000 aquatic creatures housed in 1.3 million gallons of water, providing a unique and captivating experience right in the heart of the state. Visitors can explore diverse marine habitats, from vibrant coral reefs to freshwater lakes, all without getting wet, making it a perfect year-round destination for families and ocean enthusiasts alike.

A major highlight is the breathtaking 300-foot, 360-degree clear acrylic Ocean Tunnel, where guests are surrounded by majestic Sand Tiger Sharks, graceful Loggerhead Sea Turtles, impressive Green Sawfish, and various stingrays as they glide overhead and alongside. Beyond the tunnel, interactive exhibits beckon, such as the Pacific Northwest Rockpool where you can gently touch sea cucumbers and anemones, and the mesmerising Jellyfish Discovery, touted as one of the largest jellyfish exhibits worldwide. Other popular zones include Brave the Rainforest, featuring Spectacled Caiman, Poison Dart Frogs, and Piranhas, and the enchanting Seahorse Kingdom.

Visiting SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium is an unforgettable adventure, blending education with entertainment in a spectacular setting. It's a fantastic opportunity to come face-to-fin with thousands of incredible creatures, learn about marine conservation efforts through the SEA LIFE Trust, and create lasting memories. Whether observing the unique Japanese Spider Crabs or watching a daily feeding show, the aquarium provides an engaging and memorable glimpse into the wonders of the aquatic world, making it a must-see attraction at the Mall of America. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.

The aquarium first opened its doors in 1996 under the name "UnderWater World" after 18 months of construction. In 2000, it underwent a rebranding, changing its name to "Underwater Adventures Aquarium" to better reflect its mission of adventure and education. A significant milestone occurred in 2008 when the aquarium became part of the British-based Merlin Entertainments group of attractions. This led to its comprehensive rebranding as "SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium" in March 2011, which included updated theming throughout and the introduction of new exhibits like the "Seahorse Kingdom" in 2009 and the expansive "Jellyfish Discovery" in 2010.

What to do here

Walk through the immersive Ocean Tunnel, engage with creatures at the touch pool, observe fascinating jellyfish, watch daily animal talks and feeding shows, and consider adding a Behind-the-Scenes tour for an in-depth look at animal care.

Seasonal info

As an indoor attraction, SEA LIFE Minnesota is a great visit regardless of the season. Specific seasonal events, such as the "World Ocean Celebration," are sometimes hosted.

Accessibility

The aquarium is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible. Behind-the-Scenes tours are also accessible. While the aquarium does not rent wheelchairs or electric scooters, these can be rented from Guest Service Desks within the Mall of America. Service animals are permitted in accordance with Mall of America policies.

Don't miss

Ocean Tunnel

A 300-foot transparent tunnel offering immersive views of sharks, sea turtles, and sawfish.

Pacific Northwest Rockpool

An interactive touch pool where guests can feel sea cucumbers, anemones, and crabs.

Jellyfish Discovery

A mesmerizing exhibit showcasing various species of jellyfish.

Brave the Rainforest

An exhibit featuring rainforest creatures like Spectacled Caiman, Piranhas, and Poison Dart Frogs.

Wildlife you might spot

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

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Cow

Spectacled Caiman

Seahorse

Sea Cucumber

Anemone

Snap map for this place

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

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Good to know before you go

Purchase Tickets Online in Advance

Buying your tickets online beforehand can save you money and help you bypass potential lines at the entrance.

Visit During Off-Peak Hours

For a more relaxed experience with fewer crowds, aim to visit on weekday afternoons or evenings.

Parking

The easiest access to SEA LIFE Minnesota is by parking on the east side of the Mall of America. The mall's parking ramps feature lights indicating available spots.

Check Daily Schedules

Consult the aquarium's website or check upon arrival for the schedule of daily talks and feeding shows to enhance your visit and learn more about the animals.

Engage with Touch Pools

Don't miss the Pacific Northwest Rockpool for a hands-on experience, allowing you to gently interact with marine invertebrates.

Consider a Behind-the-Scenes Tour

For an extra fee, a Behind-the-Scenes tour offers a unique perspective on how the aquarium operates and cares for its inhabitants, including going above the Ocean Tunnel.

Frequently asked questions

: The average visit to SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. However, the actual duration can vary depending on how much time you wish to spend at each exhibit, whether you attend animal talks or feeding sessions, and crowd levels, especially during peak times.
: Yes, SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium is designed to be fully wheelchair and stroller accessible throughout all its exhibits. This also extends to the optional Behind-the-Scenes tours. Wheelchairs and electric scooters are not available for rent directly at the aquarium but can be rented from Guest Service Desks within the Mall of America.
: At SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, you can explore over 10,000 sea creatures across 11 interactive zones. Highlights include walking through the 300-foot Ocean Tunnel, touching creatures in the Pacific Northwest Rockpool, marveling at jellyfish in Jellyfish Discovery, and encountering rainforest animals in Brave the Rainforest. You can also see various species of sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, seahorses, and participate in daily educational talks and feeding shows.