About the Aquarium
The St. Augustine Aquarium offers a variety of engaging experiences designed to enhance visitors' understanding of marine life. With guided tours led by marine biologists, guests can explore the aquarium's open-air habitats while learning about the diverse species that inhabit these environments. The tours are structured to ensure safety and provide an interactive experience, including opportunities for feedings and touch interactions with marine animals such as Starfish & Horseshoe crabs as well as Meet & Greets ( Feed & Touch!) with Sharks & Stingrays!
Guided toursare an hour long and are available every half hour from 9 AM to 4 PM, allowing families and individuals to schedule visits at their convenience. For families with toddlers, the aquarium hosts "Toddler Tuesdays," a special non-guided time from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM, providing a relaxed environment for young children to explore and learn about marine life without the structured tour format.
One of the key benefits of guided tours is the opportunity to engage with knowledgeable staff who share fascinating facts about the animals and their habitats. This educational component enhances the visitor experience, making it not only enjoyable but also informative. The open-air design of the aquarium allows for a unique interaction with marine life, fostering a deeper appreciation for aquatic ecosystems.
In addition to guided tours, the aquarium offers snorkeling experiences at 11:30 AM and 2 PM, providing guests with the chance to immerse themselves in the aquatic environment. It is advisable to call ahead for additional availability and to schedule a time slot for both tours and snorkeling activities. The aquarium can be reached at 904-429-9777 for inquiries and reservations.
For those planning a visit, the St. Augustine Aquarium is conveniently located just 0.7 miles east of Route 95, accessible via the 318 exit on Route 16, adjacent to the Courtyard Marriott. This prime location makes it an ideal destination for both locals and tourists seeking to explore the wonders of marine life in a safe and engaging setting.
We are growing with the addition of a new Stingray Habitat! Be part of the growth by adopting an animal or becoming a sponsor!
Overall, the St. Augustine Aquarium provides a unique opportunity to learn about marine ecosystems through guided tours and interactive experiences, making it a valuable resource for education and enjoyment in the realm of marine biology.
Also offered:
Birthday Parties
Summer Camps
Archery
Educational Field Trips
Corporate Event Space
Team Building Programs
Terms & Conditions:
Tickets are non refundable but never expire
Purchasing tickets relinquishes rights to file a chargeback
Dates and times may change due to circumstances beyond control
Shawn & Kathy Hiester
Developing the St. Augustine Aquarium, Snorkel Adventure and Zipline has been a labor of love for founders Shawn and Kathy Hiester. They have been passionate about marine biology since they were kids and are thrilled to share that passion with their community through a viable and sustainable public aquarium.
Shawn and Kathy spent two years traveling the country to tour aquariums and meet the dedicated people who make them work. They also assembled a team of experts to not just build a business, but to use the aquarium as a vehicle for research, education and thoughtful discussion about the state of Florida's marine habitats. They established relationships with marine research universities and organizations in support of their mission: marine conservation through education.
When people see and understand these incredible creatures, they will realize how critically important it is to protect them.