National Aquarium puts visitors up-close with sealife
Baltimore's National Aquarium is the most popular tourist destination in the state of Maryland. Opened in 1981, the Aquarium hosts more than 1.6 million visitors each year. Nearly 17,000 creatures of nearly 600 species call the National Aquarium in Baltimore home. From dolphins to sharks to sea urchins, the Aquarium is a true feast for the eyes and brains of curious guests.
Visitors can navigate the winding pathways through several open tanks and gaze into the crystal-clear water as zebra sharks and stingrays swim seemingly effortlessly below. A 360 degree aqua-tunnel puts guests right in the middle of the action as dolphins, sharks and thousands of tropical fish swim to the right, left and overhead. Aside from a scuba diving excursion, this is truly as close as you can get to taking a dip in the briny blue. A one-of-a-kind 4D theater was added to the facility in 2008, providing an experience to visitors that is truly unparalleled as screen images appear to jump right off the screen.
Dolphin shows are put on in the dolphinarium, a smaller building on the Aquarium's campus. Watch from the stands as these magnificent creatures jump, splash and perform tricks as trainers reward them with yummy fish. Some visitors may even get up-close and personal with these social mammals and feed them (seasonal).
The National Aquarium in Baltimore is open seven days a week, but hours vary each day. For a listing of current hours, click here.
Ticket prices at the National Aquarium in Baltimore vary by package. For a complete listing of current ticket prices, and to buy your tickets online, click here.
- by LeeAnn Mullen, Baltimore Reporter for HelloMetro
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LeeAnn MullenLeeAnn Mullen is a freelance journalist from Cleveland, Ohio. She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism is currently furthering her education by studying for an additional degree in information systems management. Mullen has written for several Cleveland-area newspapers, online publications and dozens of private clients. Her topics of specialty include health, technology and travel.
