Renovation Updates
Please note some exhibit spaces in the Aquarium are temporarily closed while we conduct maintenance and renovation work. Learn more on our Renovation Progress page .

Virginia Aquarium Honors New Conservation Center and Darden Family in Dedication

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – A ceremony was held to dedicate the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s Darden Marine Animal Conservation Center (DMACC) on Thursday, August 25. This is a state-of-the-art facility for the Stranding Response Program, and the first of its kind on the east coast. The …

New Low-Riding Dolphin Boat Tour at the Virginia Aquarium

(Virginia Beach, VA) – A brand-new dolphin-watching boat tour experience is now offered at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center! The first of its kind on the east coast, the 70-minute excursion brings guests even closer to wildlife in the new low-riding vessel called the Atlantic Scout…

Virginia Aquarium Experiences Record-Breaking Hooked Sea Turtle Season

(Virginia Beach, VA) – 2022 is a record-breaking year for the most hooked sea turtle responses in the history of the Stranding Response Program at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Hooked sea turtle season, referring to a time when sea turtles are caught by hooks on fishing lines d…

Vulnerable Crocodilian Species Lays Eggs at Virginia Aquarium

(Virginia Beach, VA) – Sommer, a 16-year-old Tomistoma (freshwater crocodilian species), has laid 19 eggs at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Native to Malaysia and Indonesia, the species is at high risk of extinction. Therefore, the prospect of this reproduction marks a commemora…

Virginia Aquarium Recovered Seven Hooked Sea Turtles

(Virginia Beach, Va.) – The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s Stranding Response Team has recovered seven hooked sea turtles since the end of April, all of which were Kemp’s ridley turtles, a species that is critically endangered and part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ Savi…

Two Spotted Eagle Rays Born at the Virginia Aquarium

(Virginia Beach, VA) – A spotted eagle ray gave birth to two female pups at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. The rays, born on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, mark a significant milestone for the Virginia Aquarium and for zoos and aquariums worldwide. Spotted eagle ray reproduction i…

Virginia Aquarium Hires New Chief Financial Officer

(Virginia Beach, VA) – The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center hires new Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mary Anna Twisdale, effective Thursday, April 7. Twisdale will oversee the Aquarium’s City of Virginia Beach and Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center Foundation budgets while l…

Chief of Conservation Retires After 40-Year Career with the Virginia Aquarium

(Virginia Beach, VA) – The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center celebrates the retirement of Mark Swingle, Chief of Research & Conservation. Swingle was the very first full-time employee hired by the Director of the Aquarium prior to its opening in 1986 and has advanced his career with…

Virginia Aquarium Partners with Kinder Joy for Family-Friendly EGGstravaganza

Hop into the Easter spirit with Kinder Joy and egg-citing activities! (Virginia Beach, VA) – The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is hosting a two-day EGGstra sweet event filled with chocolate treats and fun for the whole family in partnership with Kinder Joy®. Visit the Aquarium for …

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