Please Note
Some interactive exhibits contain magnets that may interfere with pacemakers, ICDs, and other implanted devices.
Our Exhibits
North Building
Our North Building, as our main building, houses most of our larger species such as sea turtles, sharks, harbor seals, Komodo dragons, and more.
Wetlands & Watershed
Experience the diversity of life vital to regional wetlands and learn about the far-reaching importance of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
Includes: terrapins, longnose gar, catfish, hellbender.
Restless Planet
Take a glimpse at environments that once existed in prehistoric Virginia by exploring similar habitats and wildlife from other parts of the world.
Includes: Komodo dragons, zebra shark, spotted eagle rays, coral reef, desert animals, Tomistomas.
Cold Water Gallery
Get a closer look at species that inhabit cold ocean waters and the waters offshore of our area.
Includes: lionfish, catsharks, coral lab, interactive exhibits.
Norfolk Canyon Aquarium
Journey deeper into the ocean and come-face-to-face with our large shark species as well as our male sea turtle.
Includes: sandbar sharks, sand tiger sharks, nurse shark, loggerhead sea turtle, southern stingray, green moray eel.
Light Tower Aquarium
Say hello to our female sea turtles and their numerous fish friends!
Includes: green sea turtle, loggerhead sea turtle, Kemp's ridley sea turtle.
Stranding Response Exhibit
Take a peek into the important work of our nationally-recognized Stranding Response Program, with interactive exhibits and a live peek at the inside of our sea turtle rehab facility!
Ray Touch Pool
Come meet our stingrays in this interactive exhibit!
Includes: cownose rays, Southern stingrays, Atlantic stingrays.
Chesapeake Bay Aquarium
Learn about the variety of species thriving in the Chesapeake Bay and along our shores.
Includes: flounder, mullets, oyster toadfish, puffers, tarpon.
Chesapeake Bay Touch Pool
Get a closer look at some of the species that dwell in our local waters!
Includes: hermit crabs, urchins, whelks.
Harbor Seal Exhibit
Located just outside of our North Building entrance, our harbor seals enjoy greeting our guests up close.
Includes: harbor seals!
South Building Exhibits
This facility offers a variety of immersive experiences with interactive exhibits, kids’ play areas, touch pools, an observable veterinary care center, interactive water quality lab, and more. The South Building features over a dozen unique species of animals, along with a longstanding favorite, the Otter Habitat.
Jellies Gallery
This gallery showcases several species of jelly in various stages of their life cycle, and includes a touch pool where guests can safely touch moon jellies!
Undersea Super Powers Gallery
Learn how these superheroes of the sea use special adaptations to ward off predators, obtain food, seek a mate, and maintain a healthy balance in their ecosystem.
Windows Into Animal Care
Play the role of a veterinarian or field biologist, and observe our team at work caring for animals and testing water samples through nearby windows.
Otter Habitat
Please note that the Otter Habitat is currently vacant. Guests can view our Otter Habitat from inside the South Building or from outside at three different vantage points.
Our Watershed
This science-based play area is designed to teach young learners about our local watershed, the animals that live in it, the science of the water cycle, and how to protect our watershed ecosystems! For the Mountain Stream Exhibit, guests are encouraged to bring water-friendly shoes and, for young guests, a towel and change of clothes. For guest safety, the water play elements of Our Watershed will close during inclement weather.