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AquariumUS

St. Lucie County Aquarium

Explore Florida's underwater world at the St.

About

Explore Florida's underwater world at the St. Lucie County Aquarium. This cozy and informative space, featuring the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, offers a captivating journey into the diverse aquatic life of Florida's Atlantic coast. It serves as an educational hub where visitors can delve into local aquatic inhabitants and gain insights into the unique ecosystems of the Sunshine State. Beyond being a typical aquarium, it's a center where carefully recreated natural habitats for fish and invertebrates allow guests to observe marine fauna as they would appear in the wild. The aquarium's main focus is on the tanks showcasing various fish and marine invertebrates found off the coast of Florida. Key exhibits include living models of six distinct Florida marine and estuarine ecosystems, such as a spectacular 3,000-gallon Caribbean coral reef ecosystem, seagrass beds, mangrove habitats, lagoon hardbottoms, and a deepwater Oculina coral reef. Visitors can engage with local marine life up close at the interactive touch tank, observe microscopic organisms through microscope displays, and enhance their understanding at the new Education Station. The welcoming atmosphere and educational elements make it an enjoyable experience for all ages, promoting a deeper understanding of marine ecosystem preservation. A visit to the St. Lucie County Aquarium is an engaging biology lesson, transforming an ordinary stroll through exhibits into an opportunity to learn how life thrives in coral reefs and coastal shallows. The facility also offers daily "Feeding Frenzy Tours" and "Snack Time Tours," where visitors can watch marine residents enjoy their meals while learning about their diet and local ecosystems. These guided experiences, along with behind-the-scenes laboratory tours, provide a firsthand look at the intricate systems that keep these living model ecosystems flourishing. The passionate and knowledgeable staff contribute significantly to making the experience memorable and inspiring. Eager to name that creature? Identify any animal you find during your visit using the Snappit app.

The history of the St. Lucie County Aquarium is deeply connected to the local community's commitment to preserving and exhibiting Florida's unique coastal biodiversity. The facility, featuring the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, officially opened its doors in November 2001. It was established through a partnership between the St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners and the Smithsonian Marine Station in Fort Pierce. A significant highlight of its founding was the relocation of the main 3,000-gallon Caribbean coral reef exhibit, which had previously been on display for two decades at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C. Smithsonian scientists pioneered the public display of a living model of an Atlantic coral reef ecosystem, making this exhibit a significant part of the aquarium's heritage.

What to do here

Participate in the daily "Feeding Frenzy Tours" at 10:30 AM and "Snack Time Tours" at 2:30 PM to observe marine life feeding and learn from knowledgeable staff. Engage with creatures at the touch tank, explore self-guided activities at the Education Station, and consider a behind-the-scenes laboratory tour for ages 10 and older on Saturdays at 2 PM to understand how the ecosystems are maintained.

Seasonal info

The aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Special "Aquarium After Dark" programs are offered during the Fall/Winter months, allowing visitors to explore the aquarium in a darkened state with special flashlights. Free admission days are often available on the first Tuesday of each month, though it's advisable to confirm specific dates.

Accessibility

The St. Lucie County Aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators throughout the facility. The touch tanks are also designed to be wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can be reserved in advance. Additionally, the aquarium offers a sensory-friendly room and provides sign language interpreters upon request for visitors with disabilities.

Wildlife you might spot

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Good to know before you go

Combine your visit

Enhance your day by purchasing a joint ticket to the adjacent St. Lucie County Regional History Center to explore both natural and cultural history.

Attend feeding tours

Plan your visit around the daily 10:30 AM Feeding Frenzy Tours and 2:30 PM Snack Time Tours for a dynamic and informative experience.

Check for free days

The aquarium often offers free admission on the first Tuesday of each month, which can be a great money-saving opportunity.

Parking is convenient

Ample parking is available directly near the entrance, making access easy even on busy days.

Leave glass items behind

For the safety of the animals, visitors are not permitted to bring glass items into the aquarium.

Utilize educational resources

Scan the QR codes at each exhibit for short educational videos by Smithsonian educators, and explore the self-guided activities at the Education Station.

Frequently asked questions

The St. Lucie County Aquarium boasts the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit, featuring a 3,000-gallon Caribbean coral reef ecosystem as its largest display. Visitors can also explore living models of five other Florida marine and estuarine ecosystems, including seagrass, mangrove, lagoon hardbottom, and deepwater Oculina coral reefs. An interactive touch tank offers direct encounters with local marine life, while microscope displays reveal the fascinating microscopic world.
Yes, the St. Lucie County Aquarium is fully wheelchair accessible, providing ramps and elevators throughout the facility. The touch tanks are also wheelchair accessible, and the aquarium offers wheelchair rentals that can be reserved in advance. Additional services like a sensory-friendly room and sign language interpreters upon request further enhance accessibility.
Beyond its exhibits, the St. Lucie County Aquarium provides engaging "Feeding Frenzy Tours" and "Snack Time Tours" where visitors can observe animal feedings and learn about their diets and ecosystems. Behind-the-scenes laboratory tours offer insights into the complex systems required to maintain the living exhibits. The Education Station features self-guided activities for kids, and QR codes on exhibits link to educational videos led by Smithsonian educators, enhancing the learning experience.

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