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October 2024 by Justin Nolting
Awesome aquarium! Got to see all of the otters and seals, as well as touch the weird stuff in the touch pools!
Didn't get to see the pelican feeding presentation due to rain, but it just gives me a reason to go back!
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October 2024 by Sissily Nance
Wow this place is beautiful love all the sea creatures so many fun things and beautiful tanks very happy fish they bird seemed very chill and I even got to touch some sea creatures in the touch tank
They also have a cute gift shop and currently there partners with animals crossing so they have lots of cute animal crossing stuff set up everywhere and in the gift shop
Also have cafe and a restaurant
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October 2024 by Mark Scott
I was a little surprised that the tickets were so expensive. A yearly pass is $60 so well worth it for locals or regulars, but $30 for one time was definitely on the gougy side, especially with almost a third of the aquarium shut down for renovations.
Worth seeing - sea otters, sea lions, and amazing brightly-colored anemones and other denizens on the deep. The puffins are a delight of course. There are a couple of sad -looking turkey vultures who have been there a while, but are too tame to be released into the wild.
There's plenty of good information, helpful docents and educational tours.
Unfortunately when we visited there were hordes of sticky, overweight kids on a school trip. They looked exhausted from having to walk any further than from the games console to the refrigerator. The aquarium guide has a couple of donuts strung into a stick, so the kids followed her around salivating, mouths wide open. We were terrified we'd catch some foul pestilence from the children so we attempted to keep our distance but they were everywhere, milling about like creatures in a tidepool, somewhat appropriately.
Overall there's a good couple of hours of peering into water tanks, attempting to identify the creatures mentioned on the descriptions. Occasionally a claw or tentacle or a glaring set of malevolent yellowy eyes can be seen through the waving fronds, or via a hole within the coral; as often as not these would turn out to belong to one or more of the aforementioned sugar-addled youths, looking from the opposite side.
Other exhibits feature sharks or flatfish circling around. The leopard sharks are breathtaking. Disney should make a 101 Leopard Sharks movie, with the soulless Cruella attempting to get enough sharkskin to make a huge pair of high-fashion waders.
I've waffled enough. Go to the aquarium and grumble about the price but do enjoy the secret life within.
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October 2024 by Amber Wells
Wasn't very big but had alot to see.
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October 2024 by lucas skinner
We were standing behind an Amish couple during the otter feed exhibit. The lady had a really gnarly neck mole that kept peeking out from under her kapp. I couldn't concentrate on the otters and my eyes were uncontrollable, peering back in search of that mole. My teeth were champing at the bit and I felt like I was Animorphing into a rat.
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October 2024 by tumtum512
Super small, and expensive, we walked the entire place in 43min... Paid 50 bucks for two adults.. It's a small coastal town so I guess I get it... It's also ALL outdoors, so dress accordingly
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October 2024 by Breanna Halliday
We recently had the pleasure of visiting the Oregon Coast Aquarium, and it was an unforgettable experience that beautifully showcases the region’s rich marine life. Located just outside Newport, the aquarium is not only visually stunning but also deeply educational.
As you enter, you’re welcomed by an impressive array of exhibits that highlight the diverse ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest. One of the standout features is the Passages of the Deep, an underwater tunnel that allows you to walk through a giant tank filled with mesmerizing fish, sharks, and rays. The immersive experience of having these creatures swim around you is truly awe-inspiring.
The exhibits are thoughtfully designed, with plenty of informative displays that provide insight into marine conservation and the unique species found along the Oregon coast. The sea otter exhibit is a personal favorite—watching these playful animals interact with each other is both entertaining and heartwarming. Additionally, the outdoor habitats, including the seabird aviary and the sea lion exhibit, offer a great view of these animals in a more natural setting.
The aquarium is also dedicated to conservation efforts, and it’s evident through their educational programs and outreach initiatives. The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about marine life, always willing to share interesting facts and answer questions.
For families, there are plenty of interactive activities, including touch tanks where kids can gently interact with starfish and other tide pool creatures. The café serves a variety of delicious, locally sourced options, making it a great place to take a break and enjoy the ocean view.
Overall, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is a fantastic destination for anyone visiting the area. It offers a perfect blend of fun, education, and a commitment to conservation, making it a must-visit attraction on the beautiful Oregon coast. Highly recommended!
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October 2024 by Midnight Shadow
Mr.bones here time for another review of the Oregon Coast aquarium a place of fun and excitement for all the world to see come see fish to birds and more just warned some parts of the building could be under construction upon visiting and there shop is a sight to behold prices as high as ever and there products are very well made and employees are the nicest people you're going to see anyway Mr.bone out
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October 2024 by Jaymes
Very cute little aquarium definitely exceeded my expectations. Clean and the animals appear to be well cared for. I love the layout and how so much of it is outside
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October 2024 by Jessica Robinson
We come here every time we're on the coast. They have educational moments throughout the day with each of the different animals. The animals seem happy and well taken care of, which is what is most important to me. Every now and then you'll see someone in the tanks cleaning while you're there. The prices have gotten more spendy as years have gone on, but so has the price of taking care of these animals. We will support the Oregon Coast Aquarium every time we're here. Keep up the efforts guys! You do amazing work.
Edit: I feel the need to edit this review as last week was the first time I've ever needed to pay attention to this detail. If you have a person in your party who requires a scooter/wheelchair of any kind, it looks like the aquarium has some for-guest use. I'm not sure if there is a fee or not as my mom had her own, but for the first time I had to pay attention to how disabled friendly the aquarium is and I have to say I'm thoroughly impressed. My mom had no difficulties getting around in her scooter and there was plenty of room for her on the walkways. Well done!
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October 2024 by Kera Thomsen
All the animals are so well taken. Care of I've personally spoken with the keepers and have gotten education from them when there's something wrong and you bring it to their attention. They are out there as quick as possible to check on the animal. , even if a fish or a seahorse has passed, they automatically get them out of the tank and do a autopsy to find out what has happened. Absolutely. Love the Oregon coast aquarium. On top of they take in so much sea life and do rehabilitation and release back out to the wild. When they are all better
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October 2024 by RJ
Great experience for the family. We loved it!
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October 2024 by Krissy Kollmer
I would give this a 3 and a half if that was possible, but 4 works. Really nice place, clean, pretty, animals looked healthy and cared for, and staff scattered around to answer questions. I feel like the price is a bit high for what it is. It's not crazy high for what it is, but $5-10 cheaper would be a more reasonable price, in my opinion.
There was going to be a bird presentation, but it got canceled, and the other small amphitheater didn't have anything scheduled for the day we were there. One of the aquarium galleries was under renovation/construction (which happens but still took away from the experience). We had a good time and it was a nice day. Definitely don't regret going, but I also won't be in a big rush to go back for a while. If I had young kids, that might change things.
This part is not the aquarium's fault at all and doesn't affect my review for it, but... to the lady who decided to block the small aquarium with the pretty yellow fish, don't hog the entire thing for 15-20 minutes trying to get a picture with your phone. Other people want to see, too. I don't even know what they were because we couldn't see through you. Sharing and taking turns is kindergarten lessons.
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October 2024 by A K
Glad we stopped in! Haven't been here since our honeymoon almost 14 years ago! I will say ... they charge way more than the experience is worth and I probably won't be back for a long while unless some major new addition happens. Weekday is $26 per adult (glad we went on a Thursday) and weekend is $30 per adult. Taking a lot of time at the exhibits still had us done in less than 2 hours and that included the gift shop, which is crazy expensive as well.
I would say it is worth experiencing at least once in your life if you have never gone.
Wish they had more dedication to Keiko on display, information, something. There is a small statue at the start of the underwater tunnel with plaques thanking donors when Keiko was housed there.
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October 2024 by Lucy Q
Such a fantastic aquarium! A wide range of exhibits in a beautiful setting that is easily walkable. The staff were amazing, everybody we encountered was knowledgeable and provided excellent customer service. Special shout out to the gentleman working at the coffee shop near the entrance today, and the volunteer at the touch tide pools, can't remember either of their names but the volunteer had 3,000 hours of service. Every exhibit is interesting and well thought out, with lots of informative signage. Many exhibits have a volunteer in the vicinity who can answer questions and provide information. The puffins were super cute, so were the sea otters. The touch tide pool was so much fun, even for middle-aged adults! Of course the undersea tunnel was absolutely fascinating as well.
