SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is one of Central Florida’s top family-friendly attractions. Located in ICON Park on International Drive, the aquarium invites guests to explore the mysteries of the ocean through hands-on exhibits, immersive experiences, and Florida’s only 360-degree underwater tunnel. With over 5,000 marine creatures and a strong focus on education and conservation, SEA LIFE Orlando offers an unforgettable underwater journey for all ages.
What Can You See at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium?
Visitors can expect a wide variety of marine life from oceans around the world. From playful stingrays to majestic sharks and adorable sea turtles, the exhibits offer a chance to observe and learn about aquatic ecosystems in action. The aquarium features multiple themed zones, each designed to educate and entertain.
360° Ocean Tunnel
The centerpiece of SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is its 360-degree ocean tunnel. This walk-through tunnel allows guests to be completely surrounded by marine life, including blacktip reef sharks, green sea turtles, and hundreds of colorful reef fish. It provides a one-of-a-kind perspective of the underwater world and is the only tunnel of its kind in Florida.
Interactive Rockpool
Visitors can touch and interact with creatures like starfish, sea anemones, and crabs. This hands-on experience helps children and adults learn about the texture, movement, and behavior of coastal species.
Jellyfish Wall
This glowing exhibit showcases the ethereal movement of jellyfish in colorfully lit tanks. It’s both mesmerizing and educational, highlighting the unique biology of these mysterious creatures.
Feeding Frenzy Experience
Timed feedings allow guests to witness how sharks, rays, and fish eat and compete for food. Educators explain how each species fits into the marine food chain and what their diets reveal about ocean ecosystems.
Indian Ocean Habitat
Explore life from the Indian Ocean, where you’ll encounter exotic fish, vibrant coral, and creatures adapted to warmer tropical waters.
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What Kind of Animals Are at SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium?
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is home to a wide variety of animals, including:
- Sharks – Blacktip reef sharks, bamboo sharks, and nurse sharks
- Sea turtles – Including rescued and rehabilitated turtles
- Rays – Such as cownose rays and southern stingrays
- Octopuses – Especially the clever Giant Pacific Octopus
- Seahorses and pipefish – Known for their delicate beauty and strange mating habits
- Tropical fish – Including clownfish, tangs, angelfish, and lionfish
- Invertebrates – Like starfish, sea cucumbers, and horseshoe crabs
These species are chosen not only for their appeal but also for their roles in telling conservation stories.
What Educational Programs Are Offered?
Field Trips for Schools
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium offers engaging educational programs tailored to Florida’s science curriculum. Schools can bring students for a hands-on learning experience that includes self-guided tours, classroom activities, and quiz sheets to reinforce marine science concepts.
Teacher Resources
Educators are provided with downloadable lesson plans, activity books, and quiz materials before and after the visit. Topics include animal adaptations, predator-prey relationships, ecosystems, and marine conservation.
Talks and Feedings
Throughout the day, aquarists and staff conduct talks and feeding demonstrations. These sessions help visitors understand how animals are cared for and how they survive in their natural environments.
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How Much Does It Cost to Visit SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium?
General Admission Tickets
- Adults (13+): From $29.99 when purchased online
- Children (2–12): From $24.99
- Children under 2: Free entry
Purchasing tickets online in advance guarantees entry and offers the best available rates.
Annual Memberships
- SEA LIFE Membership – $99.99 per person: includes unlimited visits for 12 months, 10% off retail, discounts on photos, and access to members-only events.
- Merlin Annual Pass – $199.99 per person: includes entry to other Merlin attractions in Orlando like Madame Tussauds and The Wheel at ICON Park.
Where Is SEA LIFE Aquarium Located and What Are the Hours?
- Location: 8449 International Drive, Orlando, FL 32819
- Hours: Open daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM (last entry at 7:00 PM)
SEA LIFE is located in ICON Park, a walkable entertainment complex with shops, restaurants, and other attractions like The Wheel, making it easy to plan a full day of fun.
Is SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium Good for Kids?
Yes! SEA LIFE Orlando is designed to be family-friendly, safe, and educational. The exhibits are interactive and stroller-accessible, and there are plenty of photo opportunities. Younger children especially enjoy the touch pools, tunnels, and play zones.
The aquarium also hosts birthday parties, scout nights, and kid-friendly seasonal events such as themed scavenger hunts and holiday marine crafts.
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What Conservation Work Does SEA LIFE Orlando Support?
SEA LIFE is committed to ocean conservation and animal welfare. Here are some of their key initiatives:
- Rescue and Rehabilitation – Partnering with local wildlife organizations to care for injured or stranded sea animals.
- Captive Breeding Programs – Supporting populations of endangered or vulnerable species.
- Sustainable Practices – Operating the facility with eco-friendly systems, such as energy-efficient lighting and water recycling.
- Public Awareness – Educating the public on pollution, plastic waste, and protecting coral reefs.
By visiting, you’re directly supporting these efforts, as a portion of ticket proceeds go toward marine conservation.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
- Book Online: Reserve tickets in advance to secure your preferred entry time and get a discount.
- Visit Early or Late: Midday can be busy, so try morning or evening hours for a quieter experience.
- Use the Combo Tickets: Combine with Madame Tussauds or The Wheel for a full day at ICON Park.
- Engage With Staff: Aquarium guides are knowledgeable and love sharing animal facts and conservation stories.
- Don’t Rush: Allocate about 2 hours to enjoy all the exhibits and feeding presentations comfortably.
What Makes SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium Unique?
Unlike other aquariums, SEA LIFE Orlando combines entertainment with education in a truly immersive way. The 360° tunnel is a standout feature, offering views you won’t find at traditional exhibits. Combined with a prime location, conservation message, and kid-friendly activities, this aquarium offers far more than just a quick visit.
Whether you’re a local family, a tourist in Orlando, or someone with a passion for the ocean, SEA LIFE Orlando delivers a memorable, meaningful experience.
SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium isn’t just a place to look at fish—it’s a fully immersive educational experience that connects people of all ages with the wonders of the ocean. With interactive exhibits, rare marine creatures, and a commitment to conservation, it stands out as one of Orlando’s must-visit attractions.
If you’re planning a trip to Central Florida or looking for an engaging way to inspire children about nature, SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium should be at the top of your list.
