OdySea Aquarium wins awards for delivering top-notch entertainment along the lively Arizona Boardwalk. Explore underwater ocean walking and the unique Russian sturgeon touch exhibit to understand the appeal.
For an overall view, jump on the OdySea Voyager. The rotating aquarium experience is a 20-minute ride in stadium-style seating that takes you to the viewing windows. Sit back and relax as guides share facts about varied sea life. The final stop is the Shark Waters exhibit, with more than 20 different sharks, including lemon and nurse sharks.
Walk through the Rivers of the World gallery to discover freshwater fish. An interactive map helps you pinpoint where they’re from. Watch freshwater turtles swimming and engage with Russian sturgeon. Next up is the Otter Banks, where playful otters flip and twirl in the water. You might even see animal care specialists walking them through the aquarium.
Learn the names of the cute residents at Penguin Point. An underwater porthole lets you see penguins swimming expertly through the water. Prepare to get close to sea stars, anemone and pelagic rays at the Touch Exhibits. Then, step inside the Deep Ocean Escalator to discover the Sharks of the Deep. You’ll be safely surrounded by whitetip reef sharks and giant rays.
For a different vantage point, visit Kids’ Cove for a virtual reality experience that lets you swim with humpback whales and float through space. More curiosities await at the Bizarre & Beautiful gallery. Learn about the most poisonous fish in the world and find the viewing area for a crab exhibit.
Along with the galleries, experience more thrills behind the scenes during encounters and tours. Try underwater helmet diving, help staff prepare food for the sharks and personally meet the penguins.
OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale is open every day of the week, though operating hours are subject to change. A restaurant with family-friendly dining options is available, along with a gift store. Drive here in 20 minutes from central Phoenix. Park for free and buy tickets online or at the venue.