Have you heard of the St. Augustine Aquarium, Snorkel Adventure and Zipline? If the answer is, “no”, then I am totally with you. Full disclosure, I only live twenty minutes from this aquarium and literally just heard about it last week. I started to ask around and discovered I was not alone. Out of everyone I asked, only a handful had actually heard of the aquarium and within that small handful, only a few had actually visited.
To be completely fair, it is a much smaller aquarium than most and the curb appeal isn’t exactly spectacular so I get it. However, the way I see it is sometimes the smallest places that have the biggest hearts. In an effort to discover a new local spot, I decided to visit the St.Augustine Aquarium. I am excited to report back and share with you everything I learned as well as a few helpful tips.
Friendly Disclaimer: Visit this little local aquarium with realistic expectations. This aquarium is not SeaWorld. This aquarium is also not the two story aquarium located inside Epcot at Walt Disney World Resort. However, this aquarium is a lot more affordable than most aquariums, offers unique animal encounters and is the great for kids!
WHO should visit the St. Augustine Aquarium?
This aquarium is perfect for all ages looking to learn more about Florida’s marine wildlife. I personally feel this aquarium is perfect for preschool aged children to elementary/ middle school aged children.
WHAT is there to do at the St. Augustine Aquarium?
Adult Ticket: $14.99
Child Ticket: $9.99
Children 2 & under: FREE
The aquarium offers an informative short guided tour where a marine biologist will allow guests to learn more about Clownfish, Seahorses, Starfish, Horseshoe Crabs, Sharks, Stingrays and more.
Guests can also feed sharks, touch stingrays, zipline, snorkel at an additional cost.
WHEN is a good time to visit?
CLOSED MONDAYS
The aquarium is open to guests Tuesday – Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday – Sunday 10am-5pm.
Tip: I recommend visiting first thing in the morning and trying to hop on the first guided tour of the day to because the aquarium is located outdoors. Visiting during the week will also help increase your chances of lower crowd levels.
WHERE is the St. Augustine Aquarium Located?
The St. Augustine Aquarium is located at 2045 State Road 16 in St. Augustine, Florida 32084.
It is located outdoors directly next to a Courtyard Marriott. Look for the sign that says, “Sharks” because this turn into the aquarium is super easy to drive by and miss.
Tip: Wear close toed shoes when visiting the aquarium. A few of exhibits sit on top of mixture of grass and coquina shells which are known for housing little ants. Avoid the ants with close toed shoes.
WHY should I visit the St. Augustine Aquarium?
This spot is a fantastic 1-2 hour activity for little ones and offers unique experiences at an unbeatable rate. The marine biologist was extremely friendly, informative and personable. We signed up for the shark touch, shark feed and sting ray feeding. I paid around $65 for both Hampton and myself which included the guided tour as well as the three experiences.
Overall, I think this aquarium is a fun local activity and I am also not sure of many places that offer nurse shark feedings but it was SUPER AWESOME! I highly recommend trying it!