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Aquariums

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

📍 Dam Neck, VA

4.4(16,417 Google reviews)

Two-building aquarium complex in Virginia Beach with 800,000+ gallons of exhibits, stingray and shark displays, ocean boat tours, and behind-the-scenes experiences including ray feeding sessions. Harbor seals and loggerhead sea turtles on site.

aquariummarine sciencebehind-the-scenes toursray feedingboat toursVirginia Beach
★★★★★Featured review by amrom lebovits

To have a lot of types of fish and it's pretty nice facility with nice walking grounds i wanted to take the boat ride, but it was already too late But accept of that, I really enjoyed it My kids had a good time They really loved it

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Strong pick for families with kids of all ages. Toddlers and young children respond well to the touch tanks and large exhibit windows; older kids and teens benefit most from the behind-the-scenes tours and ray feeding add-ons. Book the earliest possible session for evening events — later check-in times leave insufficient time to see both buildings.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Book behind-the-scenes and ray feeding experiences in advance — session spots are sparse and sell out on busy days.
For evening events like Mermaids at Night, select the earliest available check-in time to ensure you can explore both buildings fully.
🎟️Bring snacks — on-site food is available and reviewers flag it as pricey.
🚗Wear comfortable walking shoes; the path between the two buildings is a substantial distance.

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.4

16,417 Google reviews

Exhibit variety & animal encounters55%
Behind-the-scenes & add-on tours25%
Staff knowledge & service12%
Walk distance & planning needed8%
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amrom lebovits

To have a lot of types of fish and it's pretty nice facility with nice walking grounds i wanted to take the boat ride, but it was already too late But accept of that, I really enjoyed it My kids had a good time They really loved it

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A.Serrano

Took my 8yr old to mermaids at night and boy was its fun. I would recommend going earlier due to the aquarium closing at 8 ww didnt have time to experience everything bc we had the 740 check in time. I was under the impression that if they're offering a later time then they would stay open to let everyone experience all exhibits, NOPE! Also spending $130 bucks for 30 mins was alot. Hopefully this helps someone 🙏

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Emily Johnson

I had a fantastic time at this aquarium! I highly recommend booking a behind the scenes tour if you can. I booked a ray feeding and was lucky enough to have a private tour. Tyler was my tour guide and he was incredible. I was immensely impressed by his knowledge of the facility and its fish. He took awesome photos and a video of me feeding the rays, which I greatly appreciated. Beth, the food prep person, was also extremely knowledgeable and friendly, explaining the food prep process and how smart the facility's rays are. Finally, the rays themselves were amazing! They're very gentle when taking the food from you even if they're eager. It was a super fun experience! Also: shout-out to the gift shop folks where, once the employee heard it was my birthday, she gave me a birthday card, which was very sweet!

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Santo Rodriguez

The first part is good but the second part isn't finished yet and was a long walk but we made it work. Eat before you go and bring something to snack on it's expensive.

Reviews from Google

Overview

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center spans two buildings on General Booth Blvd, Virginia Beach, housing sharks, harbor seals, loggerhead sea turtles, rays, and hundreds of other species. Add-on experiences include behind-the-scenes tours, private ray feeding, and ocean boat tours searching for marine mammals and wildlife. Special evening events — including a Sharks After Dark adults night and Mermaids at Night — run seasonally.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday09:00 – 17:00
Tuesday09:00 – 17:00
Wednesday09:00 – 17:00
Thursday09:00 – 17:00
Friday09:00 – 17:00
Saturday09:00 – 17:00
Sunday09:00 – 17:00