ZooLouisiana, US

Shreveport Aquarium

Dive into an aquatic wonderland at the Shreveport Aquarium, a captivating marine biology center nestled on the banks of the Red River in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana.

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About

Dive into an aquatic wonderland at the Shreveport Aquarium, a captivating marine biology center nestled on the banks of the Red River in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana. This thoughtfully designed venue provides an engaging and educational journey through various underwater habitats, perfect for visitors of all ages. With seven distinct galleries housing over 3,000 animals across 300 species, the aquarium offers close-up encounters and interactive experiences that spark curiosity about the aquatic world.Visitors can explore vibrant coral reefs in the WOW Gallery, home to colorful reef fish like blue tangs and parrotfish, before venturing into the Shipwreck Gallery to observe lionfish, clownfish, and epaulette sharks. A highlight for many is the breathtaking 30,000-gallon Ocean Tunnel, where gray reef sharks, whitetip sharks, and the distinctive zebra shark named Zenon glide overhead, offering an immersive walk-through experience. Beyond the oceans, the Dome on the Bayou presents a unique freshwater-themed gallery dedicated to the local Caddo Lake ecosystem, showcasing fascinating creatures like American paddlefish, alligators, and formidable Alligator snapping turtles.The Shreveport Aquarium is renowned for its hands-on opportunities, allowing guests to gently touch moon jellies in the Submarine Gallery, interact with sea stars and cleaner shrimp at the Shore Explore tide pools, and even hand-feed cownose rays and common stingrays in Contact Cove. For a different kind of adventure, the Red River Treasure Mine offers an indoor sluice where aspiring paleontologists can sift for gems, fossils, and ancient marine specimens. This focus on interactive exhibits, coupled with knowledgeable educators, ensures every visit is personal, engaging, and dedicated to inspiring conservation. Take the ultimate field guide with you: use the Snappit app to identify birds, plants, and animals on your trip.

The Shreveport Aquarium opened its doors on November 1, 2017, transforming the historic Barnwell Center along the Red River into a vibrant marine attraction. Owned by Planet Aqua Group, an offshoot of Merlin Entertainment (known for Sea World), the aquarium was established to bring a comprehensive aquatic experience to smaller markets. In early 2025, the aquarium garnered international attention when a shark pup named Yoko was born from an egg in a tank with only female sharks, a remarkable instance of asexual reproduction known as parthenogenesis. The Shreveport Aquarium has also been honored with the "Attraction of the Year" award by the Louisiana Travel Association, recognizing its significant contributions to the state's tourism industry.

What to do here

Engage in scheduled feeding talks for sharks (Mon, Wed, Fri at 2:30 p.m.), Alligator snapping turtles (Tues, Thurs at 2 p.m.), and baby alligators (Mon, Wed, Fri at 1:30 p.m.). Participate in the Interactive Tidepool Experience to touch sea stars and anemones, or try your hand at the indoor mining sluice for gems and fossils. Look out for "William Snakespeare," the Ball Python, during "Radical Reptiles" presentations.

Seasonal info

The aquarium hosts various special events throughout the year, including summer camps, birthday parties, and unique offerings like Mermaid Breakfasts. Summer operating hours may differ from regular hours, with earlier opening times on certain days.

Accessibility

The entire facility is wheelchair accessible, with ramps connecting all public areas and accessible restrooms available. Seating is provided at every other exhibit, and staff can assist with additional chairs upon request. Free parking, including designated handicap spots, is available, and an audio tour with QR codes in English and Spanish is offered for guests with vision impairments. Please note that pets and emotional support animals are not permitted for the safety of the aquarium's inhabitants.

Don't miss

immersive Ocean Tunnel

interactive Sting Ray Interactive Experience

Moon Jelly touch pool

unique Dome on the Bayou freshwater exhibit

Wildlife you might spot

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

Oceanic Whitetip Shark

Cownose Ray

Alligator Snapping Turtle

Axolotl

Ball Python

Seahorse

Starfish

Clownfish

Ant

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

Buy your tickets in advance online, especially for weekend or holiday visits, to guarantee entry and often save $2 per person.

Utilize Parking Garage

Park in the free blue parking garage directly across the street for ample space, as the small lot by the entrance can fill up quickly. Remember the garage closes and locks at 6 PM.

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

Outside food and drinks are prohibited, but water bottle filling stations are available, making a reusable bottle a practical item to bring.

Visit on Weekdays for Quieter Experience: If you prefer fewer crowds or have sensory concerns, plan your visit for a weekday, excluding school holidays, to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.

Check Feeding Schedules

Look up the daily feeding times for sharks, stingrays, and alligator snapping turtles to enhance your visit with interactive and educational experiences.

Engage with Educators

Don't hesitate to ask questions of the friendly and knowledgeable staff and educators; they are eager to share fascinating facts about the animals and exhibits.

Frequently asked questions

: No, for the safety of the animals, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the Shreveport Aquarium. However, there are water bottle filling stations available, and visitors are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle.
: Yes, the Shreveport Aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps conveniently located throughout the facility to reach all public areas, and accessible restrooms are also available.
: The Shreveport Aquarium tends to be busiest on weekends and during school holidays. For a quieter experience, particularly for those with sensory concerns, visiting on weekdays and avoiding school holidays is recommended.