ZooFlorida, US

St. Augustine Aquarium

St.

About

St. Augustine Aquarium offers hands-on marine encounters and educational exploration. This vibrant attraction in St. Augustine, Florida, provides an up-close and personal journey into the aquatic world, focusing on Florida and Caribbean marine species. Unlike larger commercial parks, it offers a more intimate and interactive experience, allowing guests to truly engage with the marine environment. Visitors can explore the 80,000-gallon Florida Reef Habitat, home to hundreds of species like Angelfish, Blue-lined Grunts, and High-hats, with the unique option to snorkel among them. The interactive Stingray Lagoon and Shark & Ray Cove are major highlights, where guests can feed and even gently touch Cownose Rays and Nurse Sharks under expert supervision. Additionally, touch tanks offer the chance to feel starfish and horseshoe crabs, deepening the connection with these fascinating creatures. The St. Augustine Aquarium emphasizes marine conservation through education, with guided tours led by marine biologists who share insights into the animals and their habitats. Beyond the aquatic exhibits, a nature trail and an educational maze provide additional exploration opportunities. For a truly unique keepsake, the shark painting experience allows visitors to witness resident Nurse Sharks create one-of-a-kind artwork. Take the ultimate field guide with you: use the Snappit app to identify birds, plants, and animals on your trip.

The St. Augustine Aquarium was founded by Shawn and Kathy Hiester, a couple passionate about marine life. They dedicated over two years to planning and touring aquariums across the country to bring their vision to life. Initially, there were plans for the aquarium to be built in a different location within St. Augustine, but community concerns regarding potential traffic led to a change in venue. In late 2014, the Hiesters acquired a five-acre property off State Road 16, where construction began. The first phase of the aquarium, featuring an outdoor snorkeling tank, officially opened its doors in December 2016. Since then, the aquarium has continued to grow, maintaining its core mission of marine conservation through education.

What to do here

Participate in guided tours led by marine biologists, feed various marine animals, dig for shark teeth in a designated area, and observe a diverse collection of Florida and Caribbean fish.

Seasonal info

As an outdoor facility, weather can influence your visit. St. Augustine enjoys mild springs, hot summers, pleasant falls, and cool winters, offering good walking weather. Summer camps are available, and the aquarium may host special events around holidays like Halloween and Christmas.

Accessibility

The St. Augustine Aquarium is ADA compliant. The open-air facility includes shade covers over habitats. For more detailed mobility assistance, visitors can inquire about local wheelchair rentals available in St. Johns County.

Don't miss

Snorkel Adventure

Immerse yourself in the 80,000-gallon Florida Reef Habitat, swimming with hundreds of Florida reef fish and rays.

Shark & Ray Cove

Feed and touch Cownose Rays and Nurse Sharks under the guidance of staff.

Touch Tanks

Experience the textures of starfish, horseshoe crabs, and other invertebrates.

Shark Painting

Witness resident sharks create unique abstract art on canvas or t-shirts.

Wildlife you might spot

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

Angelfish

Seahorse

Cownose Ray

Southern Stingray

Nurse Shark

Starfish

Horseshoe Crab

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

Wear closed-toe shoes

Some outdoor exhibit areas are on grass and coquina shells, which may house small ants.

Bring a swimsuit and towel

If you plan on doing the Snorkel Adventure, these items are essential as the aquarium provides the rest of the gear.

Visit on a weekday or early

To avoid crowds and get a spot on an early guided tour, consider visiting during off-peak times.

Call ahead for reservations

Especially for the Snorkel Adventure or group tours, making reservations is strongly recommended as space can be limited.

Engage with marine biologists

Take advantage of the guided tours to ask questions and learn fascinating facts about the marine life from expert staff.

Don't miss the shark teeth dig

Kids (and adults!) can enjoy searching for shark teeth in the man-made beach area.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, the St. Augustine Aquarium offers unique interactive experiences where visitors can touch certain animals. Under staff supervision, guests can gently handle starfish and horseshoe crabs in touch tanks. There are also opportunities to feed and touch stingrays and even Nurse Sharks in the Shark & Ray Cove.
: The Snorkel Adventure at St. Augustine Aquarium allows guests to immerse themselves in an 80,000-gallon Florida Reef Habitat, swimming alongside hundreds of tropical fish and rays. All necessary gear, including wetsuits, masks, snorkels, vests, and shoes, is provided. Guided by a marine biologist, this experience offers an unparalleled close-up view of marine life.
: A general visit to the St. Augustine Aquarium typically lasts between 1 to 2 hours. If you plan to participate in the Snorkel Adventure, factor in an additional hour for the activity, which includes gearing up and in-tank time.