Watch turtles, eels, sharks and more, just steps from a thousand other things to do, in a small but impressive array in Orlando’s ICON park.
An impressive 5,000 sea creatures call the SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium home, providing a diverse and visually stunning educational experience in the middle of one of Orlando’s biggest entertainment complexes. The sheer number and variety of sea animals present make this small aquarium well worth the visit. See the strikingly colorful displays that show off the huge varieties of shapes, colors and sizes of the creatures that reside under the water. Spend a few hours exploring and learning about the earth’s other world in a space designed especially for kids.
Spot sharks, turtles, eels and more swimming above, below and beside you as you walk through the 360-degree tunnel, which truly gives the impression of being under the sea with them all. Meet Ted, a sea turtle that reigns over the Indian Ocean exhibit and is famous for assisting in the development of a device that helps protect others of his kind. Be mesmerized by the incredible colors on display in the jellyfish wall, where the ghostly creatures move about slowly.
Stay around to watch the dive shows, when the aquarium’s staff release food or take care of the animals. Get a sneak peek at how all of this works on a behind-the-scenes tour, perfect for any budding marine biologists. Be immersed, without getting wet, in the specially designed fish tanks with interior bubbles for kids to pop their heads into, like snorkeling without a mask.
The SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium is located in ICON Park, a large complex southwest of the city center that also includes Madame Tussauds wax museum, among other attractions. Drive here from the city center or from Orlando International Airport in about 20 minutes. SeaWorld and Walt Disney World are a 20-minute drive away. Parking is available on site but may be difficult to find given the number of attractions in the area.
The aquarium is open to visitors daily from late morning to late at night. The museum is ticketed, with lower prices available online as well as in combination with other ICON attractions.
