My recent visit to the Seattle Aquarium was an absolute delight, and it deserves every single one of its five stars! Nestled in the heart of Seattle, this marine wonderland offers a captivating and educational experience for visitors of all ages. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was greeted by a vibrant and immersive environment. The aquarium's exhibits are thoughtfully designed to showcase the incredible diversity of marine life. From playful otters to graceful jellyfish and majestic sea turtles, each exhibit provides a glimpse into the mesmerizing underwater world. The displays are beautifully maintained, with spacious tanks that allow the animals to thrive in habitats that closely resemble their natural environments. One of the highlights of the Seattle Aquarium is its commitment to conservation and education. The knowledgeable staff members are passionate about marine life and eagerly share their expertise with visitors. I had the opportunity to attend various engaging presentations and interactive sessions, where I learned about marine conservation, the importance of protecting our oceans, and the various research and conservation efforts being undertaken by the aquarium. It's truly inspiring to see an institution dedicated to raising awareness and fostering a sense of responsibility towards our marine ecosystems. The Seattle Aquarium offers a range of hands-on experiences that enhance the visit. From touching pools where you can interact with sea stars and anemones to feeding sessions that allow you to witness the feeding behaviors of fascinating marine creatures, there is always something captivating happening. These interactive opportunities provide a deeper understanding of marine life and leave visitors with a sense of wonder and appreciation. The facilities at the Seattle Aquarium are top-notch. The layout is well-designed, ensuring a smooth flow of visitors through the exhibits. The informative signage and exhibits are engaging and easy to understand, making it accessible to visitors of all ages. The staff members are friendly, helpful, and readily available to answer questions and provide assistance. The gift shop offers a wide range of marine-themed souvenirs, books, and educational materials, allowing visitors to take a piece of their experience home with them. The location of the Seattle Aquarium is another advantage. Situated on the picturesque waterfront, it offers stunning views of Elliott Bay and the surrounding cityscape. After exploring the exhibits, visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, savoring the fresh sea breeze and enjoying the lively atmosphere of the area. In conclusion, the Seattle Aquarium is an absolute gem that captures the wonders of the marine world in the heart of the city. The engaging exhibits, commitment to conservation, interactive experiences, excellent facilities, and scenic location make it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're a marine enthusiast, a family seeking an educational and entertaining outing, or simply looking to be captivated by the beauty of the underwater realm, the Seattle Aquarium will leave you with a deep appreciation for the mysteries and importance of our oceans. Prepare to be enchanted by the wonders of the sea as you embark on a memorable journey at the Seattle Aquarium!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait

I haven’t been to this aquarium since I was a kid. We wanted to take our 3 kids especially for the Animal Crossing crossover, but after seeing that it would be about $119 for two adults and two ticketed children for a day, we decided to just buy a family membership at $199. As a forewarning, on a weekend, paying for parking is atrociously high. For the option over 3 hours, it was close to $40 dollars. This isn’t the aquariums fault, but I wanted to mention. It is Seattle after all. Overall, the Animal Crossing displays and everything were very underwhelming. They had a good amount of cardboard cutouts of some characters, a downloadable bingo, a special Nintendo member QR code for a free 100 platinum points, a small section of AC merch in their shop, and occasional displays of animal information on little screens with information by blathers (which had a ton of info but unfortunately they scrolled so fast!). I will say that regardless I’m just happy and grateful for any AC event or crossover as is. And to be fair, there was no extra charge to general admission for this crossover going on. But I would say, if you’re wondering if it’s worth spending admission to go and see, then probably not. The aquarium in general was also disappointing. Understandably it was the weekend but my gosh, this place was packed. It definitely took away from the experience. And I guess that wouldn’t be so bad, except the aquarium is pretty small, and honestly a lot of areas are not meant for the capacity walking through or stopping to look. We also had a stroller, so it made it hard to navigate. We didn’t see as many animals as we had hoped for. And honestly, the animal crossing bingo got our hopes up for seeing certain critters, only to look up later that there are a handful on there that aren’t even available at the aquarium to see. The cafe was decently priced, and the food was tasty. The cafe area in general was very nice but pretty small as well. We already bought a membership, so nothing we can do about that. But had I known what I know now, I would have just bought one time tickets, and not a membership. I think if we are able to, we will try and go during a week day and see if we have a better experience. I would say overall, this place isn’t worth the price to get in. I’ve had a far superior aquarium (and zoo!) experience at Point Defiance Zoo, which is amazing every time. Not to mention, that zoo is opening a second aquarium there which is in the works. It is way more affordable and so much more to do, and you get to see see creatures and mammals and everything in between.

The Seattle Aquarium, located on the Seattle waterfront at Pier 59, is a prominent attraction in the city known for its extensive marine life exhibits. It plays a vital role in marine conservation and education, offering visitors an insight into the underwater world of the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Key features of the Seattle Aquarium include: Window on Washington Waters: A massive 120,000-gallon exhibit that replicates the coastal waters of Washington State. It's home to a diverse range of local marine life, including salmon, rockfish, and sea anemones. Underwater Dome: An immersive experience, this unique exhibit provides a 360-degree view into a 400,000-gallon tank, giving visitors the feeling of being underwater without getting wet. It's a habitat for a variety of fish and other sea creatures. Marine Mammals: The aquarium showcases marine mammals like sea otters, harbor seals, and fur seals. These exhibits not only entertain but also educate about the life and conservation of these animals. Tropical Pacific Gallery: This area exhibits the colorful and vibrant marine life found in tropical Pacific waters, featuring bright fish, coral reefs, and other ocean dwellers. Ocean Oddities: This section focuses on unique and unusual marine life, offering a glimpse into the more bizarre creatures of the sea. Conservation and Education Programs: The Seattle Aquarium conducts various conservation efforts and educational programs aimed at preserving marine life and habitats. They offer educational experiences for all ages, including school programs and interactive displays. Visitor Experience: Besides the exhibits, the aquarium provides amenities like a café, a gift shop, and special events throughout the year. The Seattle Aquarium is not just an attraction but a hub for marine research and conservation, playing a crucial role in educating the public about the importance of preserving the world's oceans and the life within them. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in marine life and environmental conservation.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$11–15

This is a fun little aquarium. There is a nice mix of fish and other ocean/sea life like cephalopods, birds, and marine mammals. There's also a tide pool with urchins that can be touched. The sea otters steal the show, naturally, but the fur seals are also a joy to watch, and the octopus was one of the most unique and incredible things I've ever seen. The scheduled sea otter feeding event is a must-see. I was glad not to see any dolphins or whales in captivity as well. The exhibits are all nicely presented, and the aquarium staff are quite knowledgeable and friendly when asked questions. However, the aquarium is a bit small - it pales in comparison to aquariums like Monterey and Chicago, which was a major surprise given the reputation. The number of exhibits is surprisingly low, especially for fish. Many of the exhibits also seemed somewhat small for keeping the animals, though I think they rotate the mammals regularly. I probably spent more time with the mammals than I did with the fish compared to other aquariums, which is okay for me but probably would not make others happy. I would give the aquarium a 4.5/5 if possible for this size-to-price ratio. This aquarium seems especially suited for children. There were many interactive components. There was also an ongoing tie-in event with the videogame Animal Crossing, which I thought was a cool way to drive engagement. Overall, it's unlikely that more than two or three hours can be spent at the aquarium if you are reading the information placards and really taking it all in. However, that is not a bad thing, as it makes for an attractive day trip to the city, especially when combined with other nearby attractions. It was not crowded on a weekday afternoon in the late autumn.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I visited the Seattle Aquarium in November of 2022 and have just got around to reviewing it but I loved this place! It was a Tuesday in November when I visited so it was not busy at all, we have plenty of time to linger and look at the exhibits though there are several outdoor spaces so dress accordingly. The touch tank near the entrance was very cool and stocked full of different starfish and urchins and anemones. I personally think the best part were the sea otters! They were so dang cute! I'm used to only being able to see river otters at my local zoo, which never seem to care to stick around and show off to folks, but these two dudes were just adorable! They were very playful and gave quite the little show! Of course everything there was cool but the otters were just the best. All the staff there were kind and helpful, and the little gift shop at the end was nice too. I got a little felt otter ornament. The aquarium is located on the waterfront so there is plenty to do in the area when you're done visiting. Definitely get the City Pass, which includes the aquarium and allows you to do a bunch of other things too, it helps you save money on tickets!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

This visit wasn't initially in our plan, and the tickets were a bit pricey. However, they had a collaboration with Animal Crossing, which was incredibly exciting for me as a huge fan of the game. This collaboration made the visit so much more enjoyable! The aquarium appeared small from the outside, but once we entered, we realized it was larger than expected. It's still on the smaller side, but they had the animals we were eager to see—the Otters! We were fortunate that they had an Otter feeding session during our visit. The best part was seeing them groom themselves after their meal! The Otters truly made the expensive tickets worthwhile. I was lucky enough to snag one of the last Gulliver pillows available. The otter-themed merchandise was adorable overall. I highly recommend this spot for fellow otter lovers. Just make sure to check for the feeding session times. It wasn't too difficult to find a good spot to watch them eat and groom since they spent quite some time grooming themselves, which is cuteness overload!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

I do not usually visit an aquarium but this one is included in the City Pass so I decide to give a go. It turns out that this place is pretty good. Note that this aquarium was started as a research institution rather than a place of interest for the general public, comparing to aquariums in other cities, this aquarium’s scale is not huge. But still, there are a lot to see. They have a decent variety of fish exhibition. I would say give yourself 2 hours is enough. My favorite part is the touching sea animal section. This is in fact the first time I touch a starfish and a sea cucumber and I enjoy the experience. The water is freezing, so be prepared. One interesting part about this aquarium is that it pulls seawater from the harbor directly. As a result, animals with a small scale that are not originally preserved in the aquarium can go through the filter and stay in the aquarium if they like, which is a really funny feature.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

I went with three other adults, and we wandered around and enjoyed going through all the exhibits. The ladies probably had a little more fun than the men, but we were equally fascinated with the aquariums. I was surprised how much there was to see. It's much bigger than it appears to be. However, I thought the price was way too high for what you get... which, even going slow and looking at everything, was not much more than an hour. The walk-up price per person before tax is $36.95. For amusement with zero rides, no imax movie, and a lame touch tank, that seems very steep. The touch tank was mostly anemone and sea cucumbers. A few starfish and crabs. There are no stingrays or other cool fish to touch as I have seen at other aquariums. It's worth seeing if you are not on a tight budget.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

The Seattle Aquarium had a lot of interesting things to see. It was clean and the exhibits well maintained. The touching pools were very interesting. I was impressed with the staff there and how they interact with kids intent on breaking the rules. I think I would lose my mind doing that all day, but they handle it well. We came to the seal exhibit (very cool to see!) just after they did a presentation. We stayed for over an hour waiting for the next one, but it looks like they only do it infrequently. Even if it was just informational with no interaction with the seals, it would be welcome to have more of that type of thing for the most interesting exhibits. Overall, great experience. They provided a sensory kit for my autistic son which is really neat.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Great venue for the size; it winds from a grand entrance into a touch tank and octopus zone, followed by a coral cave, and then you head outside for the indoor/outdoor exhibits like the sea otters, seals, and puffins. There is a requisite fish dome and jelly fish ring. All that's missing is sharks, though they are expanding the plan is still to feature Pacific Northwest flora and fauna. The TV's to help identify the fish are nice, but they rotate slowly so you won't always see the fish you want on the screen. Can get crowded in the summer, so plan accordingly! Clean facility, happy animals, knowledgeable staff. We usually reserve the free King county library tickets to go here.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

I've posted a review of the Seattle Aquarium before and, as you can see, I feel so strongly about the joy and pleasure of visiting the aquarium that I not only visit it every time I'm in Seattle (at least once a year), but I'm posting yet another review yo extole and you should *not* miss an experience here! Not once has the aquarium felt like a routine visit. The experience for children and the hands-on tactile experiences available are fun and educational, while the experiences for adults are exemplary, entertaining, and full of entertainment. Thank you so much to the staff that make this possible. After so many visits I think it's time I do my part and become a donor next year!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I was a bit disappointed at first (seemed very small) but the more you explore the more you find! This was fun, the cafe has a wonderful view and outdoor seating they have a decent menu but if you have picky kids like I do I would look at the menu beforehand. Parking right across the street was very expensive there is one right after a clearance gift shop that is WAY MORE AFFORDABLE $4/hr vs $12/hr literally next to each other by not much at all on the same street! Buy your tickets online They have plenty tanks to touch the starfish, crabs and etc Outside is where the fun begins and underground :) Pics don’t do it justice
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

We allowed time for our visit based on the average dwell times on Google, unfortunately, an hour and a half wasn't long enough! There is a lot to see (and touch) here. We could have comfortably spent another hour there. We were unlucky and there was a rowdy summer camp crowd which spoiled the tranquility of some of the areas. The 'touch ponds' at the beginning were great, it's unusual you can touch the exhibits! We would have spent longer in the domed area which was great, however, the kids stopped the tranquility and we left. I would allow 2-2.5 hours at least here if you want to make the most of what's on offer.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

I had the best time at the Seattle Aquarium - I spent 2 hours here and I likely could have spent even longer! What drew me in was the Animal Crossing collab, but the aquarium itself is so interesting, welcoming, and fun! The staff are all AMAZING! So nice and helpful and knowledgable. There are lots of events that happen all throughout the day - story times, special information talks about different animals/species, and much more. If you're just walking through looking at the marine life/animals, you could probably do it all in an hour or so - but to get the full experience, you must stop and read all of the information they've presented & listen and talk to the staff. I learned so much and I would love to go back someday.

A decent sized aquarium in the heart of a city, the Seattle Aquarium is a nice stop, but not a must do. The touch tanks were more extensive than some of the aquariums I've visited with a few different tide pool creatures than usual. The enclosures for several of the animals were difficult to see through with either condensation (penguins) or light reflections (octopus). Small viewing areas gave animals a bigger enclosure space (in some instances), but made for crowded views and frustrations when more than a few people were trying to see. I did enjoy the gift shop and some of the unique animals other aquariums don't usually house, so a 3.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Our visit to the Seattle Aquarium was an absolute blast, especially for our kids. The variety of exhibits and the opportunity to interact with the touching pools were a huge hit with them. Purchasing the city pass, which included the aquarium, was a fantastic choice as it allowed us to explore this captivating attraction. As a family from the Portland area, we can't wait to return to the Seattle Aquarium on our future visits. It's a place that offers endless fun and educational experiences, making it a must-visit destination for families in the Pacific Northwest.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

For tourists: Pretty mid for the price. Nothing extraordinary if you’ve visited other main state aquariums. It’s probably a lot more interesting and exciting for kids and families. The aquarium isn’t that big, I walked through the whole thing in less than an hour. I do appreciate that it is built into and centered around the local ocean and wildlife. I went to Seattle by myself and saw that it was near my stay. I don’t think it’s worth going out of your way if you were staying far from the city, however go get your own opinion, you and your family may really like it! Also the Seattle city view by the piers makes up for any considered losses.

Took one and a half hours to explore. Great collection of coral reefs, jelly fish, sea urchins, seals, otters, salmon, sturgeon, crab, octopus, sea cucumbers, etc. There was a fishy smell all over so we avoided contact with surfaces. There were hand sanitizing stations. Got 2 hours of free parking from the Seattle waterfront, validated by the aquarium. There is a walk up line for non timed tickets which moved quickly. Not too crowded at 4 pm. Info booths with pics of fishes were helpful. Overall great experience .
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

It's our family tradition to visit aquariums when we can so I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I was told it was small and not much, but very pleasantly surprised at how much was there. Yes, I've been to bigger but I've also been to smaller aquariums. This was very kid friendly. I got to see puffin up close and personal (better than SeaWorld). We learned about the local wildlife and I saw one of the largest starfish I've ever seen. The seals and otters were so cute! Views of the water were so peaceful and calming.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Most of the aquariums in the U.S. are located on the water, but this one has a really cool location on a pier in Seattle! This aquarium was very clean and spacious and well-designed. It was much less busy in the morning when it first opened. The views from the aquarium are amazing! It's in a very walkable area and close to other attractions. There is a nice mix of fish, marine mammals, and birds. We had lunch in the cafe, which was okay, but very expensive. The gift shop is nice and has a good selection.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

Simple aquarium, but with nice variety. I was lucky to see the seals so active when I visited. Had a moment with one, too. Spent a good 3 minutes staring and talking at each other. Souvenirs were expensive, but that's to be expected. The photo at the beginning is misleading, as they say it's free. Getting the photo taken is free, but you have to then purchase it for $30 to take it home. That seems exorbitant to me. Otherwise a good, albeit short experience. Loved the jellyfish, octopus, the underwater dome. Fun place, do recommend.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Nice big, clean aquarium, but have seen bigger ones with more sea animals ( Tennessee, Georgia) , was a quick visit in comparison to the bigger aquariums. Sea otter show was fun. Sea otter and sea lions are a must see. Visited on a weekday in November, ticket purchase was quick and the entire tour took just and hour or so. The aquarium wasn’t crowded. Walked to the giant wheel right next to it, was able to do that in ~20 mins and then walked over to Pike Market place for lunch. It might take longer if with kids.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
No

Omg!!!! Went to the Seattle Aquarium and it literally brought back the memories of my childhood. I haven’t been there since I was in kindergarten . Love love love it !!! My bestie and I had a great time!!! He bought the membership with a guest pass which was like 120ish dollars per year which is not bad at all. If you have friends and family who like never been there, then the membership is quite useful. What a beautiful experience!!! Highly recommended!!!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Lots to see, some really cool interactive exhibits and just a wide range of stuff to see and do. I enjoyed it, my wife enjoyed it and even my 5 month old seemed to enjoy it. Definitely better for kids who can really interact with the exhibits like the touch pool and such though. Overall worth the 64 bucks I paid with military discount Also there was no wait on a fairly busy weekend, only problem is the parking. I paid more for parking than I did my ticket
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

My favorite animal is the river otter, so this aquarium was a must-visit for me. They are so adorable! The tickets are a little expensive, but it was worth it to me. While I was there, the aquarium was having an Animal Crossing collaboration, which was another reason why I visited. That was slightly disappointing, since there wasn’t much added to my experience other than some cards and characters occasionally showing up on the screens around the aquarium.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

So much to sea you won’t believe they managed to get the original cast of Nemo (and their million cousins it seems). Great aquarium with plenty to experience. Bit on the smaller side but they are building a brand new exhibit that’s promised to have sharks. I enjoyed the underwater dome and spent plenty of time just watching the fish. Lots of variety. Kids would love it. I recommend going early and off season to enjoy it as I imagine it gets very crowded.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

I was generally unimpressed, but not disappointed. My expectations were higher for Seattle’s aquarium, but after the beginning there wasn’t too much that had me in awe. However, they appear to take good care of their seals and the fish seemed to have some very nice and comfortable tanks. The touch tank was really cool at the very beginning, and there’s plenty of fish to see. It’s a little expensive for what it is, but it was an overall good experience.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

This place features a few exhibits mostly aimed at children, although I had a lot of fun myself. There's a touch pool where you can get hands-on with some aquatic sea life. There's a seal pool, ocean birds exhibit, and an otter which are all featured outside of the main building. I found this place informative and a good time but maybe a little on the expensive side for something you could go through in an hour or less. I had a blast anyways.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$31+

Beautiful aquarium that takes 1.5-2 hours, so it's not too big. Located on pier, close to Pike's Place Market. You will see native fish/animals from the Puget Sound. Some great touch pools to see starfish, sea cucumbers, sea anemones and other tide pool animals. Don't miss the river and sea otters, who are all adorable. Best part is the staff who will tell you amazing facts about all the animals you see; be sure to talk to them!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
10–30 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

For a small aquarium, they did an outstanding job. They have a lot of marine life, only a few mammals and birds. They are clearly a platform for conservation and there are many educational moments. There’s a touch pool as well. Mammals: two types of seals and some otters. Probably less than 10 kinds of sea birds. This can be a fairly quick visit or you can definitely take your time. The price was fair compared to aquariums of larger scale. The staff was extremely friendly too. There is a ton of stuff surrounding the aquarium to make a day of it.

I very much enjoyed this aquarium! For the building that it's in, it has a very varied collection and uses the space incredibly well! The staff were very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about the animals in the aquarium. They had an area where you can touch various sea life that I really enjoyed. I went during a weekday, so it wasn't too crowded luckily. I can't wait to see what the expansion they're building brings!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$31+

We had a really good time exploring this aquarium. It was very educational, as they house a lot of the local aquatic wildlife that you will find on the Northern West Coast of America. My only complaint was that we wondered around trying to figure out if we had seen everything. It would be helpful if there was a path laid out on the floor showing you the path to follow. It was a little confusing.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

We loved it here. The staff was extremely friendly and knowledgeable. There was a lot to see and do. They even have a special area for little kids. You get to touch some underwater creatures and explore many areas indoors and outdoors. The harbor seals were so cute and interactive with people. There are clean bathrooms, a deli/Cafe, and took us about 2 hours to see the whole thing.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

It was fun! I got to see a large variety of fish and marine life that I don't get to see at other aquariums. Very hands on, there's a lot of things to read and touch and play with. My favorite part was Ruby the Octopus and the marine mammal exhibit. They were very active the day I decided to visit which made it a lot more special, as I have never seen these types of animals before.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

I have visited many times over the years before becoming a volunteer. This aquarium is special because it focuses primarily on local species. With the new addition opening soon it will add to its focus and expand to cover more of the pacific. They also offer many educational opportunities for children. This includes things like camps, toddler time, tidepool and beach exploration, and interpreters at the annual salmon runs.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I enjoyed the aquarium. They were very educational through the entirety of the building. The touch pool is mostly sea cucumbers and start fish which is perfect for littles, although I wish some other fish were thrown in the mix. It is a small aquarium so be mindful of that. It did seem a little pricey for the size of the aquarium though, about $38 a person
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

For a fairly large and modern city in the 21st century, the aquarium is painfully small and a bit of a disappointment. A huge addition is currently being constructed and will greatly enhance the experience. I recently visited Vancouver BC, and the aquarium there is easily triple in size and completely immersive. I'm pulling for you, Seattle Aquarium.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

Used Citypass to enter and was glad it was included. Is a bit small compared to my local aquarium, but was interesting to learn that most of the residents are only there a short few months before being released back where they were found. It was chilly and rainy when we went, but most of the exhibits are inside so it kept us out of the rain.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure

This aquarium is small but mighty. I do not understand the negative reviews. It seems people are expecting Sea World!! (This was part of the City Pass I purchased.) The touch pools were a highlight even to my teenage son. Loved the unique 3D jellyfish enclosure. I actually have a picture of my son smiling while looking at it. Sadly the octopus was asleep while we were there. The diversity of fish was amazing. Loved the otters.

Beautiful. We had a blast. It's great for al ages. The Puffins were entertaining, there is a cool arch filled with jellyfish that you stand under, and the underwater dome is really cool. The kids loved the seals and my fave was the big octopus. Great gift shop as well. Definitely recommend going.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$31+

There are sea creatures, birds, and mammals. Ticket is $29 if you are from Washington State. ticket is higher for out of state residents. Plenty of parking around the pier. Expect to pay $0-$45 for parking (0-3 hours) photo booth picture cost $30. You can touch the starfish, sea cucumber, and sea urchin. Amazing experience for all ages and there's so much sea creature that will leave you in awe.

Great aquarium. Very busy at this time of year...lots to see...sea lions were putting on a show; you can stay inside and also to outside...gift shop was ok, bit pricey on some items. Lots of construction in the area... about a 15 min walk from Pike Place Market... great outing with the family!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

It was a nice aquarium but not sure if the entrance fee was worth it. My kids enjoyed it and that's really why we go to an aquarium any way. The sea mammals were fun. We also got to see a feeding which was also entertaining. We used one of our CityPass 3 to enter and had to reserve in advance.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

Its a good place for kids specially. You can touch a few creatures. Seals and otters are main exhibit. Its not too huge and you can probably be done in 1-2 hours. Pike place market parking for 2 hours is included with your ticket. Make sure to ask for parking validation when you enter.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

I took my three teen daughters and baby this trip. I have been once before. The aquarium is fun I love the outdoor exhibits the most. They recently added pumping rooms and a toddler play area to "care for the sea creatures". I had the city pass but we arrived earlier than I had purchased my tickets and they happily accommodated us. I baby wore the whole time but they do have a place to park your stroller.

You can tell this place was built a while ago - 1977. Not as big and shiny as you can imagine. But staff there are all surprisingly super friendly and helpful. Giftshop has great variety and managed well. Cafe is not that big but feels spacious and food is healthy and reasonably priced.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Had a fun experience being able to go underground and seeing all the different types of mammals and fishes. It is better to buy tickets in advance. I also wished the animal enclosures were bigger. I know they move them around but they still seem too small for people to enjoy watching.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

If you are on the pier, you can visit this aquarium, takes about 2-3 hours to do this entirely. The staff is polite and very knowledgeable, they let you touch sea creatures like sea urchins, starfish and many more. They have Harbour seals and giant pacific Octopus,
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

It is a nice couple of ours to learn more about sea life! First time ever that I touch a coral or an anémona :) There is definitely lots of information and interesting species to discover!!! Some of my favourites: the puffins, the sea lions and the white harbour seals :)
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Nice location with it being on the waterfront, but parking is a pain. Was enjoyable for our family with a lot of different of exhibits, but could have used some more movie interaction to show case the regional exhibits a bit better. Still a good activity for the family.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

Amazing little aquarium with a lot of sea life packed into a small footprint. The presentations are excellent, exhibits very well executed, and otters! The underwater dome area is a spot you could stay in for hours just enjoying the fish. We will definitely be back!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Had a great time and looking forward to the expansions that they're working on. I absolutely love the aquarium, I was a little disappointed that the Animal crossing crossover was more of a few places for photos more so than the event I thought it would be.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$21–30

Loved the dedication to preserving local marine life. Would recommend taking your children or yourself for a nice afternoon. They have lots of interactive exhibits and educational stations. This aquarium didn't make you feel guilty about paying to see wildlife.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

My son loves this place. It's expensive but worth it. They always have so many knowledgeable staff/volunteers at exhibits. Octopus and deep diver are my son's fav. Check online for feeding times. We were there for Seal feeding at that was around 12-1230.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$31+

Was super cool! The jellyfish were probably my favorite but the seals and otters totally put on a show. I also got to see two eels! I'm sad I didn't get to pet any otters, seals, sharks or octopus but still totally worth it
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Ticket type
I got a city pass which I totally recommend

This is a very nice aquarium. The fish, birds, and sea mammals seem very well cared for with clean and well maintained aquariums and enclosures. There are a lot of educational signs throughout to learn more about the fish, etc. There really is a lot to see and if you take your time I could see spending a couple of hours exploring. I would definitely recommend visiting.

Very nice exhibits. Fantastic collection of anemones. It's not a big aquarium but places with interesting displays. I wish it were a bit bigger only because the mammals seem to have pretty small enclosures. Wish they had a bit more room to move about.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

It's a good aquarium, and worth a trip. Would have loved to have seen some sharks, rays, etc., Even those native to Washington waters. The exhibits were well made, imaginative and well placed. The downside was the crowds. Kids pushing and shoving, that kind of thing. Not sure how to address this, but it was a big downside to the experience. Would give it an 8/10.

Pretty cool aquarium. The touch pool docents were very alert, conversational & kind. Very neat layout. Got to see some behaviors I've never seen before in real life - clown fish rubbing in anemones, etc. Delightful little experience!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
$16–20

Loved the aquarium and went especially since they had a temporary exhibit in partnership with Nintendo. The otters were so cute! It was also really nice that a portion of the aquarium took you outside and you get a great view of the water.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

LOVED IT!! Big fan of rehabilitation aquariums in general but honestly it was such a great experience. Booked in advance so got in with no line. Was a bit crowded but not too bad for a Saturday. The guises are very kind and helpful and the animals seem well taken care of!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I love the Seattle Aquarium! I got a membership this year and I have gone twice so far with my daughter. I love that they added a new kids play area. I am really sad about the giant clam though. That was my favorite animal to visit (apart from the otters).
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

I was working but the venue never let's down. It has been a very long time since I had been there but the building is still very entertaining & the views are always beautiful. The balcony upstairs by the Cafe is by far much prettier than the ground level!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

only missing one star because its expensive entry. wonderful aquarium, very busy. local and exotic sea life on display, hands-on rock pool to feel the creatures as well. please be respectful of the animals upon your visit
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$31+

What an awesome place to go! Doesn't look much from the outside, but inside it's great! Place to pet didn't sea creatures. Nice views of different animals. Very informative. Very nice aquarium. Definitely recommend!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

So many amazingly cute aquatic creatures! Incredible way to kill an hour, loved going on a date with my partner here. Really wonderful gift shop as well, picked up an axolotl plushie and an octopus pin for my bag!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

It is a nice place for families , i think it is smaller than Monterey aquarium , so if i want to rank it in USA , i will give more points for the Monterey one . my son loved the experiense of touching starfish.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$31+

Went for the pride event, and was not disappointed. Opportunitiee to see live mammals, birds and fish... And even touch some sea life: starfish, urchins, and anenomes (sp?). Drinks and food were available for the event but it doesn't seem like a normal thing. I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend for a fun group event. More

Worth visiting.A bit crowded on the weekends. Had to wait in the Q for about 30 min.Entry fee is being charged.They click your group pic near the entrance and one can buy a set of 4 prints with various aquarium related backgrounds for $35.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
30–60 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Always a fun time! The staff and volunteers are friendly and helpful. We spent a little over an hour at the aquarium and then grabbed lunch at the waterfront. We were able to reserve the museum pass from the library to get free admission and also got two hours validated while parked at Pike Place Market Parking Garage. More

Great aquarium and full of a lot of educational information about the area, its marine life and, human impact. It boasts one of the biggest aquariums in the country. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip here
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$16–20

Had a great time, and I loved that we could pre book our tickets. My favorite was definitely the harbor seals! Everyone was super nice and knowledgeable. Would definitely come back!
Visited on
Public holiday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

The place is beautiful, if you have kids is a must to do. If you are visiting Seattle for the first time I recommend you to buy the city pass, and you can enjoy this place, and other places with a better price.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

Another of my favorite places I visited while in Seattle. Great displays of local sea life and you can touch some gently with 2 fingers. Loved the octopus and sea anemones.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$16–20

Went with a CityPass and was fun. The best part was seeing the Sea Otters. Should be able to knock this out in 90 mins depending on how much you like staring at fish.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$21–30

Such a cute and quaint aquarium! Not as big as I was expecting, but I still enjoyed it a lot. I do admit that $32 per person was a bit pricey, but I also went just to see their animal crossing collaboration! I was hoping to see more than what was presented, but still had great time! More

The aquarium is over priced for the experience and the amount of wild life. It was good enough as a last minute attraction. The aquarium needs a lot of maintenance.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
$31+

The aquarium was so much fun. This was the first time that I've ever been in an interactive area to touch seacumbers and sea urchins. The environment was amazing, and I look forward to going back.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes

My family & I love seeing aquariums and have seen quite a few and this one just didn't have the WOW factor like others we have seen. The people working at each exhibit were so kind, nice & patient. I was just expecting to see more I guess especially considering the high price.

We purchased the Seattle City pass and this attraction was included. We took our grandchildren who have never been and they enjoyed it. It was Friday before Easter Sunday and it was busy. It is medium sized aquarium. It was well laid out and the view outside was beautiful.

Less a big exhibit and more a sea life learning centre. Seems perfect to kill some hours with younger kids. But for us adults, not a big attraction. We were mildly entertained and it was fine for it being included with our city pass and to hide from the rain for an hour.

Even though the place is small, loved the experience. Octopus took my breath away, find some time to spend time with him, it felt that he understands me, also sea lines are very cute and otters to watch. Spent there 2 hours watching sea creatures and could spend more.

What an amazing aquarium in heart of city. This place like small retreat from city hustle and bustle. I really liked the otter in here. You will see plethora of jellyfish and various sea species. I would recommend this place to anyone who is visiting Seattle.

We had a great time visiting the aquarium. We must have spent 90 minutes to an hour there going through all the displays and tanks. The kids really Enjoyed the visit as well. They were engaged the whole time.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

I can only say that when I looked at the cute sea otter quietly, I was already melted. This place that sea otter fans must not miss, you will be healed simply~~Thanks to the enthusiastic volunteers, let me know more about the ecology of this lovely animal.

Awesome experience. There was a nice gentleman named David who was very knowledgeable and informative about the young female octopus. All exhibits were great and everything was orderly and streamlined to better direct foot traffic around the facility.

Don't get me wrong the aquarium was amazing, but it is definitely due for a facelift and for some money to be put back into it. Still one of my favorite places!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

The kids loved the aquarium! Seeing the otters and seals was a cool experience. I particularly enjoyed the jellyfish. The underwater dome is a nice experience and an opportunity to see the fish underwater. Never seen a sea cucumber until now either.

Beautiful and diverse, loved the focus on local marine fauna. I learned a lot about Puget Sound's species and the fascinating life cycle of the salmon. Very crowded, even if we bought tickets for a specific 2h time interval on a Friday in July More

We took the grandkids to the aquarium for the first time since the pandemic. We had a great time. They especially liked the tide pools and the seals. Barney put on a pretty cute display, falling into the water from the ledge and swimming around.

This small aquarium surprised us! We are visitors from Georgia and our aquarium is epic. We loved the personable workers and the touch tanks were epic. We touched and touched so many sea animals. We highly recommend a visit here. Kid friendly!

Very sad situation for many of the creatures in their extraordinarily small enclosures. All of these animals are provided the bare minimum in terms of space and what their natural environment would provide to them. Most are in an overall

Great place to bring children of all ages! Loaded with information about the flora and fauna of the Puget Sound. Touchable, open displays, colorful and interesting tanks, friendly and helpful staff, timed otter and sea lion presentations.

It was so much fun to be here. Honestly since we live here now the membership seems worth it. As long as you go at least 3 times in a year, it pays for itself! I was lucky enough to get some footage of the octopus on the move. All the

This is My Favorite Aquarium Of All Time. I have come here handfuls of times & enjoyed every Moment. I even had a Field Trip here in Elementary School, 3rd Grade. Thank you for all the Memories and God Bless Seattle Aquarium!

It was incredible that they could squeeze so much into such limited space. We enjoyed all the activities in the aquarium, the animals and the underwater view of the bay.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min

Very nice aquarium! Lots of awesome fish in tanks where you can see the fish and the fish are well taken care of. Awesome place. Definitely a must go if you are in the area. And it's good pricing too! More

Wow. Such an amazing experience. Lots to check out and great location. I’d park off western Ave close to pike place and walk down. The new expansion looks amazing and I think will be open 2024. More

Though small, the experience was nice. Not sure if it was worth the money though. Wide variety of animals and super nice staff. More

Kids loves the Aquarium with so educated the natural environment in which an animal or plant usually lives.