Seattle Aquarium

The Seattle Aquarium sits on Pier 59 at 1483 Alaskan Way on the Seattle waterfront in Washington state, beside Pike Place Market. It focuses on the marine life of Puget Sound and the wider Pacific Northwest and the wider Pacific. Highlights include the Window on Washington Waters, a large tank of rockfish, lingcod and schools of fish, the underwater dome that lets visitors walk beneath the exhibit, touch pools with starfish and anemones, and exhibits of sea otters, harbor seals and a tide pool. The Ocean Pavilion expansion extends the visit to tropical Pacific reef species. Seabirds, including puffins, are shown in the outdoor-facing exhibits. Visitors typically spend two to three hours, and the layout is easy to follow, flowing from the shoreline habitats to deeper water displays. Daily programmes include diver presentations and keeper talks at scheduled times posted at the entrance. Crowds are heaviest at weekends, during school holidays and on rainy days when residents look for indoor activities, so early weekday mornings are the quietest period. The aquarium is a short walk from Link light rail's University Street Station and downhill from Pike Place Market, and many visitors link the two. The waterfront outside offers views of Elliott Bay and the Seattle Great Wheel, and the Washington State Ferries terminal is within walking distance. Photography is typically permitted, though flash is restricted to protect animals. Tickets are priced dynamically and are usually cheaper online and earlier in the day. Washington residents and children receive discounts. A cafe and gift shop are on site, and the aquarium supports conservation and rehabilitation work for local wildlife.