I love marine animals, growing up so close to the water made me appreciate them even more. It's also one of the reasons I love visiting the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans.
This aquatic wonderland is home to sharks, jellyfish, rays, rare white gator, penguins, otters, and a changing exhibits gallery. With exhibits like the Amazon Exhibit, Gulf of Mexico Exhibit, Mississippi River Gallery, Great Maya Reef Exhibit, the New Orleans aquarium showcases the wealth of marine life found throughout North and South America. Making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and a treat for parents and kids.
Offering fun, educational opportunities for families, you can see why the Aquarium of the Americas is consistently top-ranked voted as one of the top five in the country and one of the top things to do in New Orleans.
I put together this list of tips to help you plan a fun trip and fall in love with this beloved New Orleans attraction too.
What Is The Audubon Aquarium of The Americas?
Built in 1990, the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas sits at the foot of Canal St in New Orleans on the Mississippi Riverfront adjacent to the French Quarter and right in the heart of Downtown New Orleans.
The aquarium is run by the Audubon Institute, which also runs the Audubon Zoo, the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, Audubon Park, and other parks dedicated to studying and appreciating nature.
The aquarium also has an Entergy IMAX Theater that gives guests state of the art, real-life experiences through the big screen.
With being in conjunction with the Audubon Aquatic Center, Freeport-McMoRan Audubon Species Survival Center is home to thousands of species and aids in the research, rescue, and conservation of many from the Gulf, including U.S. fisheries. The Aquarium also facilitates releasing sea turtles into the wild as a coordinator of the Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue.
What Do I Need to Know About Visiting the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas?
Prepare to be wowed by the vastly mesmerizing 400,000 gallon Gulf of Mexico Exhibit. It is home to sharks, sea turtles, fish, rays, and beautiful sea life.
The Aquarium is highly interactive, Sensory Inclusive, and wheelchair and stroller accessible. There are team members around every exhibit with engagement stations. They will pump your brain full of interesting facts and have tactiles to enlighten touch.
Become a part of a submerged Mayan city as you stroll through the 30-foot tunnel showcasing mysterious and enamoring creatures of the sea in the Great Maya Reef. Jellyfish, clownfish, and lionfish.
Moray eels and seahorses will keep you busy in awe as you float through the Aquarium into the Mississippi River Exhibit, where you will see and learn about local wildlife.
Aquatic animals aren’t the only class homed here, watch for birds in flight in the Amazon Rainforest and Parakeet Pointe( bird feed sticks available for $1.50, buy 3 get 1 free).
Take a photo with the African Penguins. Share a laugh with the Southern Sea Otters.
Our favorite of the Exhibits has to be the Stingray Touch pool. Two fingers out for petting the spirited swimmers, and you can participate in feedings when it’s snack time.
The Aquarium also has food for sale at 4 locations and a couple of gift shops to snag a souvenir. There is also a Guest Courtesy Room for nursing mothers and quiet family time. They also offer separate, cool behind the scenes adventures and experiences for purchase (discounted rates for Members).
How Much Does Aquarium of the Americas Admission Cost?
Admission to the Aquarium includes entrance into the Entergy IMAX Theater. You can purchase tickets online or at the door. The cost for tickets are $29.95(+tax) for adults, $21.95(+tax) for children 2-12 and $24.95(+tax) for 65.
Be sure to get your tickets for additional adventures like the Reef Rescue interactive virtual reality experience for just $6.
Keep in mind; an Audubon Nature Institute Membership is a great way to save money. Memberships include entrance to all of the Audubon Nature institute facilities for an entire year, including the Audubon Zoo.
What are the Aquarium of the Americas Hours Of Operation ?
- Hours of Operation: Monday-Sunday; 10 am-5 pm.
- Best Time to Visit: Afternoons, Monday-Friday
- Entergy IMAX Theater Showings: start at 10 am
- Reef Rescue Hours: Wednesday – Sunday; 11 am-5 pm
- Penguin Feeding Times: 10:30 am & 3 pm daily
- Sea Otter Snack Time: 2 pm daily
Where is the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas Located?
The Audubon Aquarium of the America is located at:
#1 Canal St,
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 565-3033
Where do I Park When Visiting the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas?
There no parking available at the Aquarium. However, numerous parking lots and garages are surrounding the facility, as well as metered parking. Several nearby Parking areas(Canal Place Parking Garage/Badine Parking Lot/Hilton Whale Wall Lot) participate in a discounted parking program with ticket validation.
Due to its central and convenient location, the Aquarium is also accessible by streetcar, RTA Buses, Public Transportation, and Algiers and Gretna Ferry Boats.
The Audubon Aquarium of the Americas is always a great time, full of family-friendly fun that will keep you coming back. You’re going to love it just as much as we do.
