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In a snapshot of both the local environment of Puget Sound and other Pacific regions, the Seattle Aquarium is a must-visit destination. Here, travelers have a chance to see an incredible diversity of sea life while within the convenience of Seattle’s waterfront. For lovers of the ocean, this really is a must-see destination.
Travelers will have more than a few things to look forward to during a visit to the Seattle Aquarium. They include an overgrowing number of exhibits, thanks to the aquarium’s 20-year self-improvement plan. However, with activities this Fall like their After Hours Halloween event, theirs no reason to wait and visit the aquarium.
The Seattle Aquarium
The Seattle Aquarium opened in 1977. It is currently managed by the nonprofit Seattle Aquarium Society. One of the newer additions to the park is the major expansion they opened in 2007. It contained an 18,000 square-foot space that included an impressive 120,000-gallon exhibit, a gift shop, café, and space for events.
Upcoming Fall Events At The Seattle Aquarium
There are many events to look forward to this Fall at the Seattle Aquarium. Here is a look at what travelers can expect.
After Hours Halloween
Travelers passing through Seattle this Fall should take advantage of their After Hours Halloween event. This is a 21+ event with a DJ that allows travelers the chance to explore the aquarium’s habitats at night while also enjoying the food (available for purchase), no-host bar, and social atmosphere.
The Six Major Exhibits Of Seattle Aquarium
The Aquarium is currently home to six significant exhibits. They are Window on Washington Waters, Life on the Edge, Pacific Coral Reef, Birds & Shores, the Underwater Dome, and Marine Mammals. The Aquarium is currently in the midst of its twenty-year plan to significantly increase the Aquarium's size, becoming a centerpiece of Seattle’s waterfront. This means travelers can expect new additions to the Aquarium every year.
Window On Washingtons Waters
This impressive 120,000-gallon exhibit is what greets guests as they take their first steps into the Seattle Aquarium. It contains hundreds of fish and invertebrates indigenous to the Pacific Northwest’s local waters. It’s designed to emulate the seascape of Neah Bay.
The main viewing windows of the exhibit are breathtaking, 20x40 feet. It allows travelers the chance to glimpse the once and a lifetime look under the surface of Washington’s outer coast.
Life On The Edge
The Life On The Edge exhibit is a great place for travelers looking to get hands-on with their exploration. Many fascinating creatures dwell in the tide pools of Washington state’s outer coast and Puget Sound’s inland sea.
Here, travelers have the chance to partake in activities like seeing what happens when a sea cucumber is gently stroked or finding out how prickly an urchin's spines are.
Tropical Pacific
This exhibit allows travelers the chance to explore the beautiful waters of the tropical Pacific while in Seattle. Here travelers can discover the exhibit’s vibrant array of life on their coral reef. Here travelers can check out fish communities that contain puffers, tangs, wrasses, triggerfish, and many more.
Travelers will be able to progress through their wraparound exhibit while they view the numerous habitats of the reef. The brightly-hued creatures dwelling in this exhibit make it one of the most welcoming.
Birds And Shores
Birds And Shores is a stunning open-air exhibit that displays the habitats of the rocky shorelines of Puget Sound. This exhibit is a delight for bird fanatics as many rare and reclusive birds can be found here.
The habitats allow travelers a unique perspective on the incredible features that allow the birds to thrive in this rugged environment. One of the fan-favorite birds is the tufted puffin, whose antics always entertain visitors.
Underwater Dome
The Underwater Dome exhibit offers travelers the truly unique experience of viewing the 400,000-gallon habitat from underneath. Travelers visiting the dome will experience a 360º view of hundred of fish that call the Puget Sound home.
Travelers have the chance to catch sight of schools of silver, open-water salmon. There is a large lingcod lurking around underwater reefs. Here, sharks swim past brightly colored deep-water rockfish hovering near crevices. Large sturgeon can also be seen near the bottom, scavenging for leftovers.
Marine Mammals
Marine mammals are always charming; the Seattle Aquarium’s Marine Mammals exhibit is a great place to experience the charismatic creatures. Some fan-favorite animals here are the sea otters, river otters, harbor seals, and fur seals, though that are many others to discover too.
Here travelers will be able to see the animals both above and beneath the water with the aquarium’s fabulous displays. Travelers will be able to experience the animals’ many antics as well as listen to daily talks and watch the animal feedings.