The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center in Virginia Beach, Virginia is one of the largest aquariums in the mid-Atlantic region, housing more than 800,000 gallons of water across its exhibits and home to more than 10,000 animals representing hundreds of species. The facility spans two main buildings connected by an outdoor walk-through exhibit featuring birds of prey, red wolves, and river otters in naturalistic enclosures. The ocean gallery's centerpiece is a 300,000-gallon Atlantic ocean tank where sand tiger sharks, sea turtles, and large schools of fish are visible through a 14-foot-wide acrylic window. A separate touch tank allows visitors to interact with smaller sharks and rays in a supervised, hands-on experience. The sea turtle exhibit documents Virginia's sea turtle nesting populations and the aquarium's active rehabilitation program, which returns injured sea turtles to the Atlantic each season. The marsh pavilion recreates Chesapeake Bay habitats with otter exhibits, avian wetland displays, and interactive stations. A large-format IMAX theater on-site shows nature documentaries and requires a separate admission ticket. Seasonal dolphin-watching and whale-watching boat tours depart from the aquarium's dock and are operated directly by the facility, making them one of the most popular add-ons for visitors. The aquarium is well-suited for families with school-aged children, with interactive stations throughout both buildings and a café on-site for midday dining.
Good to know
- Hours
- Daily 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Best time
- Weekday mornings
Location
717 General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
36.8282, -76.0021 View on map
Highlights
- 300,000-gallon Atlantic ocean tank with sand tiger sharks, sea turtles, and large schooling fish
- Shark and ray touch tank — a supervised hands-on experience for visitors of all ages
- Sea turtle rehabilitation program returning injured Atlantic sea turtles to the ocean each year
- Outdoor enclosures housing birds of prey, red wolves, and river otters in naturalistic habitats
- Seasonal dolphin- and whale-watching boat tours departing directly from the aquarium dock
Tips for visiting
- Purchase tickets online to avoid queues — summer weekends see long lines at the gate
- Dolphin- and whale-watching boat tours require separate advance reservations and sell out quickly
- Arrive at opening (9 AM) on summer weekends to experience the touch tank before school groups arrive
- The IMAX theater requires a separate ticket — check the screening schedule before visiting
- Covered outdoor areas make the aquarium comfortable on hot or rainy Virginia Beach days
When to visit
Weekday mornings from May through early June and September offer the best balance of comfortable weather and smaller crowds. July and August are the busiest months, with summer vacation families filling the facility by midmorning.
Accessibility
Both aquarium buildings and the outdoor habitats are fully ADA-accessible, with ramps and elevators connecting all levels. Wheelchair and stroller parking is available at the main entrance. The boat tours have limited accessibility — visitors with mobility concerns should contact the aquarium before booking a tour.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to the Virginia Aquarium take?
Most families spend 2–3 hours exploring both buildings and the outdoor habitats. Adding an IMAX screening extends the total visit by approximately 40–50 minutes.
Do the boat tours depart from the aquarium?
Yes — seasonal dolphin-watching and whale-watching tours depart from the dock adjacent to the aquarium building. Advance reservations are required and can be made through the aquarium's website.
Is the Virginia Aquarium suitable for toddlers?
Yes — the facility has low-level viewing windows, touch stations, and hands-on areas designed for young children. The outdoor habitats and interactive displays are particularly engaging for younger visitors.