If you are a marine life lover or want to explore a variety of animals, from aquatic to terrestrial, National Aquarium in Baltimore is one of the world-class places to visit in Maryland. It features more than 20,000 animal species and prize-winning habitats, including a wetland. Moreover, an extensive range of engaging exhibits, from exotic fish to sharks, dolphins, and many plant species, attract tourists and locals worldwide to explore diverse wildlife and plant habitats. On top of it, the prime location of Baltimore Aquarium in Inner Harbor also makes this place famous among explorers, hunting on discovering the top-notch destinations in Baltimore. Let’s find out the key information about this place, the most popular exhibits, and how to enjoy your visit to the museum.
Important Information
Admission ticket details – When I first visited this place, I thought the Baltimore Aquarium tickets were way too expensive for a museum exploration, but trust me, it is worth spending money on discovering the wide selection of exhibits and learning a lot about aquatic life conservation.
- $49.95 for adults age 21 to 69
- $39.95 for young explorers age 5 to 20
- Kids age 4 and below get free entry
- $39.95 for senior fellows age 70 and above
Furthermore, all guided tours and 4D film experience cost separately. However, the two behind the scenes tour are included in admission charges and offer free exploration. If you want to get a detailed guideline about Baltimore Aquarium tickets and advance booking, click the website link here.
Hours and Parking – The operating hours of the museum are from 9 AM to 6 PM and vary on a daily basis and the final entry is allowed one after before the closing time. To boot, you can check the schedule and daily programs here.
Additionally, there is no on-site parking at Aquarium Baltimore, but features two official Baltimore Aquarium Parking at LAZ Inner Harbor Garage and Parkway Lockwood Place. Note that the Baltimore Aquarium Parking at these garages are paid.
Best and most Famous Exhibits to Explore at Baltimore National Aquarium
1- Dolphin Discovery
A month ago, my little ones and I planned a trip to the Baltimore Aquarium, and the first stop to start exploration was the Dolphin Discovery. We were really excited to discover fun elements about this place because we really adore marine creatures. Moreover, the most attractive features at Aquarium Baltimore, captivating visitors, include:
- Six Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins, including two male species and four female
- A stunning design, mimicking the natural habitat of these dolphins
- Beautiful and engaging underwater viewing area
- Watching dolphins’ training sessions and learn about their behavior
- Observing the first North America’s Dolphin Sanctuary project, an outdoor setup, focusing on needs of dolphins and their conservation
2- Atlantic Coral Reef
One of the most fun and amazing exhibits that delighted my kids is Atlantic Coral Reef. In addition, this exhibit offers multiple viewing points and focuses on promoting education about Coral Reef conservation. The exciting aspects include:
- 335,000 gallon large tank, attracting kids and adults for a thrilling marine life experience
- A dynamic Caribbean ecosystem, showcasing a lifelike Atlantic Coral Reef
- House to more than 100 exotic marine species, including Sharks, Sea Turtles, Tropical Fish, and other aquatic animals
3- Upland Tropical Rainforest
Allowing nature lovers to step into the humid and enriching environment of rainforest, Upland Tropical Rainforest is another captivating exhibit at Baltimore National Aquarium. Furthermore, here I mentioned the most fun highlights of this place, making your visit memorable.
- Ecosystem biodiversity, showcasing various plants and animals thriving in tropical rainforests
- Large walk-in Aviary
- A beautifully designed interior with many new additions coming up
4- Blacktip Reef
Offering magical underwater scenes of various aquatic lives, Blacktip Reef is an exhibit that is loved by every age group. Besides, visitors can see and enjoy the following elements there:
- Recreation of Indo-Pacific habitats and reef environment
- Mesmerizing underwater observation zone and a bridge
- Stunning interior design with curved window and glass structure
- Stingrays and Blacktip Reef Shark
- Interactive educational exhibit, including Shark Cam
5- Shark Alley
An exhilarating experience at Baltimore Aquarium, Shark Alley allows visitors to get 360-degree amazing views of a circular massive tank.
- A ring-shaped tank of 225,000 gallons houses many aquatic predators
- Shark Teeth Display
- Behind the scenes tours, showcasing species like Sand Tiger Shark and more
6- Jellies Invasion
We were fascinated by this amazing exhibit at Aquarium Baltimore, Jellies Invasion, providing exceptional learning opportunities. Moreover, you can enjoy the following features of this exhibit including:
- Different size, shape, and color of jellyfish, featuring nine species
- Learning about the unique characteristics of these brainless invertebrates
- Incredible diversity of jellyfish, from Pacific sea nettle to compact blue blubber
7- Harbor Wetland
A striking addition to the marine life ecosystem and its conservation, Baltimore National Aquarium designed a 10,000 square feet of natural wetland. Additionally, the immersive highlights of this exhibit include:
- A recreation of natural Chesapeake Bay tidal marsh
- Around 32,000 native plant species, including shrubs and grasses
- Water aeration with shallow channels, keeping the water clean and maintaining natural habitat aquatic wildlife
- Free exploration, as there is no fee to visit this place.
Special Tours at Baltimore Aquarium
The museum also provides endless opportunities for visitors and locals to book guided tours with remarkable learning experience. Furthermore, the charges and timing for each tour vary. You can find out the details here. Besides, some most engaging tours and experiences include:
- Dolphin Training Session
- Family Sunrise Tour
- VR Experience
- Guest Diver Program Aquarium Sleepover
- Insider’s Tour and many more
Find more attractions in Baltimore Inner Harbor and things to do there in our article here.