ZooWashington, US

Seattle Marine Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium is a premier destination offering captivating encounters with marine life.

About

The Seattle Aquarium is a premier destination offering captivating encounters with marine life. Located on Pier 59 along Seattle’s vibrant waterfront, this immersive attraction provides an unforgettable journey from the chilly waters of Puget Sound to the tropical depths of the Coral Triangle. Visitors can marvel at the playful antics of sea otters and harbor seals, come face-to-face with the mesmerizing Giant Pacific Octopus, and explore the diverse fish populations in the massive Underwater Dome. With interactive exhibits, daily dive shows, and the recently opened Ocean Pavilion, the Seattle Aquarium inspires a deeper connection to the ocean and a commitment to its conservation. The visitor experience is designed to be engaging and educational for all ages, emphasizing hands-on learning and breathtaking underwater views. Stroll through the Window on Washington Waters, where divers interact with the native marine life of the Salish Sea, or gently touch sea stars and anemones in the "Life on the Edge" tide pools. The brand-new Ocean Pavilion transports you to a vibrant Indo-Pacific ecosystem, showcasing an astonishing array of sharks, rays, and colorful reef fish in a nearly 500,000-gallon main exhibit. This blend of local and global marine wonders, combined with a strong focus on conservation, makes the Seattle Aquarium a truly enriching and essential Seattle experience. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.

The Seattle Aquarium first opened its doors on May 20, 1977, replacing a privately owned facility named the Seattle Marine Aquarium, which had operated on Pier 56 and closed the same year. Initially owned and operated by the City of Seattle's Department of Parks and Recreation, the Aquarium's management transitioned in 2010 to the non-profit Seattle Aquarium Society under a long-term agreement. This shift allowed for an expanded focus on marine conservation, education, and research. A significant milestone in its history is the recent opening of the Ocean Pavilion in August 2024, a major expansion designed to immerse visitors in the ecosystems of the Coral Triangle. This new, multi-story building features a massive reef exhibit, mangrove forests, and interactive interpretive areas, further solidifying the Seattle Aquarium's role as a leader in marine science and public engagement.

What to do here

Engage with interactive exhibits, attend scheduled animal feedings and diver presentations, and take advantage of touch pools. The campus includes both indoor and outdoor spaces, so dress appropriately.

Seasonal info

The Aquarium is open year-round. Some marine mammal habitats are partially outdoors, so dress in layers or for potential rain during fall and winter visits. Seasonal events may include "Pikmin X Seattle Aquarium" during summer months.

Accessibility

The entire Aquarium, including all habitats and restrooms, is wheelchair-accessible. Wheelchairs are available for free check-out on a first-come, first-served basis at Guest Services desks in Pier 59 and the Ocean Pavilion. The Aquarium is also a certified sensory-inclusive facility and offers assistive listening devices. Accessible parking is available at the Platinum Parking Hillclimb Garage across the street.

Don't miss

Ocean Pavilion

The newest addition, featuring a massive reef exhibit with sharks, stingrays, bowmouth guitarfish, and thousands of tropical fish from the Coral Triangle. It also includes "One Ocean Hall" with immersive projections and an Animal Care Center offering behind-the-scenes glimpses.

Window on Washington Waters

A 120,000-gallon tank replicating Washington's coastal waters, complete with daily diver shows.

Underwater Dome

Offers 360-degree views into a 400,000-gallon tank teeming with Puget Sound species like salmon, lingcod, sharks, and rockfish.

Marine Mammals

Observe playful sea otters, harbor seals, river otters, and northern fur seals both above and underwater. Check the daily schedule for feeding times and presentations.

Wildlife you might spot

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

Sea Otter

Harbor Seal

Northern Fur Seal

Octopus

Blacktip Reef Shark

Blue Spotted Stingray

Clownfish

Seahorse

Sea Star

Grouper

North American River Otter

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

Buy tickets online in advance

This is highly recommended to secure your preferred entry time and often offers better pricing than day-of walk-up tickets, which can have limited availability and wait times.

Consider a CityPASS

If you plan to visit other Seattle attractions, a Seattle CityPASS can save you money by bundling admission to multiple sites, including the Aquarium.

Check daily schedules

Upon arrival, inquire about the day's schedule for animal feedings, diver presentations in the Window on Washington Waters, and marine mammal talks to maximize your viewing opportunities.

Dress in layers

Parts of the Aquarium, especially the marine mammal habitats, are outdoors or have open airflow, so dressing for Seattle's variable weather is advisable.

Utilize parking services

Parking can be challenging downtown. Consider using SpotHero for advance parking reservations at nearby garages, which may offer discounts. The Pike Place Market parking garage also offers accessible parking and a connection to the waterfront.

Turn off your camera flash

Flash photography can disturb the animals and often results in reflections in the tanks, so remember to disable your flash for better photos and animal welfare.

Frequently asked questions

: The Seattle Aquarium is generally open daily from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry at 5:00 PM. It is open 365 days a year, including most holidays, though some special hours may apply on specific dates like Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
: Yes, the Seattle Aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible, including all exhibits and restrooms. Wheelchairs can be borrowed for free at Guest Services. It is also a KultureCity certified sensory-inclusive venue, offering training for staff to assist guests with sensory needs and providing assistive listening devices.
: A typical visit to the Seattle Aquarium, especially with the new Ocean Pavilion, usually takes about 2 to 3 hours to explore comprehensively. However, if you are short on time, you can experience the main highlights in about two hours.