Visiting the Biggest Aquarium in the Us: Ultimate Guide, Insider Tips, and Must-Sees
By James H. Sterling
Standard admission provides access to public observation galleries, but specialized programming opens the operational infrastructure to public inspection. Behind-the-scenes walking tours lead guests across the steel catwalks hanging directly above the Ocean Voyager and Tropical Diver tanks. From these vantage points, visitors watch life support monitoring stations, veterinary surgical suites, and specialized food prep kitchens where staff weigh and inspect restaurant-grade fish supplies daily.
For visitors wanting direct contact, the institution operates several immersion programs:
- Journey with Gentle Giants (Swim): A guided surface snorkel program in Ocean Voyager using flotation vests and supplied-air gear, open to participants ages eight and up.
- Journey with Gentle Giants (Dive): An open-water scuba dive reserved for certified divers. Participants spend 30 minutes patrolling the floor of the 6.3-million-gallon habitat alongside manta rays and whale sharks, with all specialized equipment provided on-site.
- Sharks & Ray Immersion: A waist-deep wading encounter inside the Predator of the Deep exhibit, putting visitors directly along the perimeter fence of sand tiger and hammerhead shark enclosures.
These experiences sell out weeks ahead during the summer and holiday breaks. Divers should bring proof of certification and logbooks to check-in desks at least 45 minutes prior to their scheduled immersion window.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
