ZooTexas, US

Texas State Aquarium

The Texas State Aquarium is a premier destination for marine life exploration and conservation.

About

The Texas State Aquarium is a premier destination for marine life exploration and conservation.

The Texas State Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Texas, offering an immersive journey into marine and coastal ecosystems. As a non-profit organization, it is dedicated to engaging people with animals, inspiring appreciation for our oceans, and actively supporting wildlife conservation and rehabilitation efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. Accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) since 1995, it upholds high standards for animal care and education, making it a vital educational resource and environmental steward.

Visitors can explore over 15 unique exhibits that transport them from the local Gulf waters to the vibrant Caribbean Sea. Key highlights include the H-E-B Caribbean Sea with its impressive sharks and stingrays visible through North America's longest acrylic viewing window, and the Caribbean Jungle, home to free-flying birds, flamingos, and a two-toed sloth. Other popular attractions feature playful North American river otters in Otter Creek, rehabilitated sea turtles at Tortuga Cay, and interactive touch pools where guests can gently connect with stingrays and learn about sharks.

Visiting the Texas State Aquarium is an unforgettable experience, combining entertainment with vital education about marine life and conservation. It offers dynamic dolphin shows, informative animal presentations, and the opportunity to witness the crucial work done at the Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue, the largest coastal wildlife rescue facility in Texas. With its commitment to accessibility and engaging exhibits, the aquarium provides a memorable and inspiring outing for all ages, fostering a deeper connection to our aquatic world. Planning to visit? Download the Snappit app to identify the wildlife you spot in real-time.

The concept for the Texas State Aquarium originated with a coalition led by the Junior League of Corpus Christi, initially named the Gulf Coast Zoological and Botanical Society. After changing its name to the Corpus Christi Aquarium Association in 1978, it was officially designated the "State Aquarium of Texas" by the Texas State Legislature in 1986, though it receives no state funding. After more than two decades of dedicated fundraising, planning, and construction, the Texas State Aquarium first opened its doors to the public on July 6, 1990. A significant expansion occurred on May 13, 2017, with the opening of the Caribbean Journey, which effectively doubled the aquarium's size and introduced a host of new exhibits, including a 400,000-gallon shark exhibit and a jungle aviary. In 1993, it became a federally permitted animal rehabilitation facility, reinforcing its commitment to wildlife aid.

What to do here

Attend scheduled animal presentations (check times upon arrival), engage with marine life at the touch pools, explore diverse habitats from the Gulf of Mexico to the Caribbean, and let kids enjoy the seasonal H-E-B Splash Park.

Seasonal info

The H-E-B Splash Park operates seasonally, closing around September 29th and reopening in the spring. Texas summers can be very hot, so indoor exhibits offer a welcome respite.

Accessibility

The Texas State Aquarium is Kulture City Certified and ADA Compliant, offering accessible pathways, elevators, ramps, and wheelchair-friendly exhibits and restrooms throughout. Sensory bags are available for checkout, and free wheelchairs can be rented on a first-come, first-served basis.

Don't miss

Don't miss the engaging dolphin shows at Dolphin Bay, the immersive Caribbean Journey with its jungle and massive shark habitat, the interactive touch pools at Stingray Lagoon and Living Shores, and the educational Hawn Wild Flight Theater. Explore the Islands of Steel exhibit, which replicates an oil platform ecosystem, and visit the Port of Corpus Christi Center for Wildlife Rescue.

Wildlife you might spot

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

Great Blue Heron

Brown Pelican

Rock Pigeon

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 short sleeves for touch tanks

Many touch tanks are deep, so wearing short sleeves (with a jacket over if needed) will prevent your clothing from getting wet when interacting with animals like stingrays and other marine invertebrates.

Check daily presentation schedules

Animal presentations, especially the dolphin shows at Dolphin Bay and the Hawn Wild Flight Theater shows, are very popular and have specific times. Grab a schedule upon arrival to plan your visit around them.

Purchase tickets online

Buy your tickets in advance online to skip the ticket booth lines and streamline your entry into the aquarium.

Parking Information

Parking is available at several locations near the Aquarium for $7 per vehicle. The small parking lot off Pearl Street offers the closest access to the main entrance.

Be prepared for cashless transactions

The Texas State Aquarium operates as a fully cashless facility for admissions, retail, and food purchases, so bring appropriate payment methods.

Consider a membership

If you plan multiple visits or have reciprocal benefits with other zoos/aquariums, an annual membership can offer significant savings and additional perks.

Frequently asked questions

: Visitors generally spend about 4 hours exploring the Texas State Aquarium, allowing ample time to see all the exhibits, attend animal presentations, and enjoy interactive experiences.
: Yes, the Texas State Aquarium is fully accessible and Kulture City Certified, featuring accessible pathways, elevators, ramps, wheelchair-friendly exhibits and restrooms, and free wheelchair rentals on a first-come, first-served basis. Sensory bags are also available.
: Outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the facility. However, your admission tickets allow for all-day re-entry, so you can exit for a picnic lunch in designated lawn areas and return afterward. The Aquarium also offers various on-site dining options.