Looking for a unique adventure to explore in the city, Ripley’s Aquarium is a must visit destination. Home to over 20,000 exotic sea creatures right from mesmerizing jelly-fishes to sharks, the aquarium provides a fascinating journey into the ocean’s depths, making it a perfect stop for families, tourists, and marine life enthusiasts alike.
How to purchase tickets to Ripley’s Aquarium?
If you are a college student then always look for a discounted tickets as Ripley’s always offers different deals for college students if they show a valid ID card. It is also a good idea to check the aquarium’s official website or look for deals on student discount platforms like SPC (Student Price Card).
We got the tickets for $20 from our college. Always look out for the special promotions that can be available during certain seasons or events. While tickets are also available onsite, I always recommend buying them online, in advance.
When to visit Ripley’s Aquarium?
Make sure to visit on weekdays rather than Weekends if you want to skip long queues. During Weekends, you have to wait for hours for the entry. I visited around 6.30 pm on Thursday, and we got direct entry. Also, I could take some really good pictures while having lots of fun.
Deep Dive for More Thrilling Encounters
After entry, you can see a wide area on the ground level where the kids can do various activities and play around. First, you could witness the Candian Waters Gallery where you can see different species and featured animals.
SeaAnemones: A Splash of Color
At first glance, it will look like a delicate flower creature, but it is the deadliest predator of marine animals. They are located in the vibrant Rainbow reef and sway gracefully in the water. There are different species spotted in that
1) Bubble-Tip anemone
2) Purple tip sebae anemone
3) Plumrose Anemone
4) Tube Anemone
5) Velvety red Anemone – This is a fish-eating anemone. Known for capturing small fishes
Salamanders
The unique amphibian which can thrive both on land and in freshwater. There were different species in Axolotl
1) This is a Mexican walking fish and is black.
2) Another was a white pattern Salamander which was fascinating. Its vibrant green body, adorned with intricate white patterns, showcased nature’s artistry.
Sea Turtles
My eyes got caught by this majestic giant sea turtle which was swimming gracefully in between the sharks and other fishes. I could only see two Sea Turtles and they were often interacting with the visitors.
StingRays
One of the highlights of my visit to Ripley’s Aquarium was the stingrays—they were surprisingly interactive! As I stood by the tank, one particular stingray seemed to take a special interest in me. It swam right up to the glass and kept circling back, almost as if I had become its personal favorite. For several minutes, it entertained me with graceful loops and flips, brushing up against the tank windows as if saying hello. The connection felt so real, making the experience even more unforgettable!
A Nostalgic Encounter with Blue Tang and Clownfish
I couldn’t help but feel a wave of nostalgia when I came across the blue tang and clownfish—the real-life stars of our favorite childhood movie, Finding Nemo. Seeing them, brought back memories of watching the movie as kids, cheering for Nemo and Dory on their underwater adventures. The vibrant colors of the clownfish, and the bright blue tang swimming gracefully through the water, made it feel like I had stepped into that familiar world. I couldn’t resist the nostalgia, so I clicked a lot of photos to capture the magic of that moment.
Sharks at Ripley’s Aquarium
A thrilling experience with the awe-inspiring creatures who were effortlessly gliding from above and beyond. The sand- tiger sharks have razor-sharp teeth and it was a chance to come face-to-face with one of the ocean’s top predators in a safe yet exhilarating setting.
Starfishes
They were the constant companions as they seemed to be everywhere. Whether I was at the coral reef exhibit or near the touch tanks, I always found two or three starfish nestled in the tanks, adding to the charm of each display.
The most memorable part of my starfish encounters was being able to touch one of the small starfish in the interactive touch tank. Feeling its smooth, slightly slimy texture as it clung gently to my fingers was an experience I won’t forget.
JellyFish
One of the great experiences at Ripley’s Aquarium is Jellyfish. You can find different species of Jellyfish like Moon Jellyfish, drift gracefully through water tanks illuminated by color-changing lights. Upside-down Jellyfish, these jellyfish rest upside down on the sea floor with their tentacles facing upwards.
Special Events at Ripley’s Aquarium
Ripley’s hosts many themed events for the kids and the families throughout the year. These often include some holidays like Halloween, seasonal time, and Christmas which are interactive and engaging shows.
1) Dive shows
Several times a day, Ripley’s host Dive shows in key exhibits, where divers enter the tanks to interact with fishes, sting rays, sharks. One of the most memorable scenes I witnessed at Ripley’s Aquarium was during a stingray feeding session. I was lucky enough to be there just as a staff member stepped into the tank, with a bucket of food in hand. The stingrays instantly recognized her presence and gracefully circled around her, patiently waiting their turn. It was fascinating to see how they engaged with her, brushing up against her gently and even allowing her to pet them as they awaited their treat.
What struck me most was how interactive they were, showing clear comfort and familiarity. The staff member didn’t just feed them; she also took time to groom a few, gently brushing along their backs. It was clear that this wasn’t just a routine feeding—it was a moment of connection, and I felt privileged to witness it. Watching her interact so naturally with these beautiful creatures added a special touch to my visit.
2) Sleepovers with the Sharks
This was truly unbelievable for me as I heard from someone they have booked a sleepover with their family to spend some time with the marine life. So, this unique event allows guests to spend the night under the massive shark tunnel, surrounded by schools of fish, rays, and, of course, sharks.
Dragons Exhibit in Ripley’s Aquarium
The Baby Crocodile
In the “Dragons” exhibit, I spotted two baby crocodiles lounging quietly in their habitat. At first, I genuinely thought they might be statues, given how still they were, with not even a hint of movement for several seconds. Just as I leaned in closer to the glass, one of them suddenly yawned, revealing its tiny but razor-sharp teeth. The sudden movement caught me off guard and gave me quite a shock!
No “dragon” collection would be complete without an Iguana! This majestic creature lounged comfortably, its vibrant green scales and spiky crest gave it a mythical appearance.
In another part of exhibit, I found display of green tree python, who rolled himself among the tree trunk.
Know Before you Go
1) Tickets : To avoid long waits, especially during weekends or holidays, consider purchasing your tickets online in advance
2) Timings:- Do not rush at the last hour as to explore every section of Aquarium you will need atleast two and a hour hour.
3) Photography Tips:- Do not use flash lights to ensure safety for all the animals.
Keeping these tips in mind will help make your trip to Ripley’s Aquarium smooth, enjoyable, and memorable!
Man … this is so beautiful ….Now I need to see this 😍😍😍