I am nutty about aquariums, just nutty. One of my absolute favorite pastimes is looking at fish – I’d say I have a certain talent for the observation of marine life. “Oh! My! GOD! Will you LOOK AT THAT!” See, clearly, I’m a real life prodigy.
When our recent house guests suggested they might like to visit the recently remodeled Seattle Aquairum, I was just about giddy with excitement. Last time we were there was about a year ago, maybe a little longer. The remodel wasn’t yet complete, so while we did get to see the new touch tanks, we didn’t get to come in through the grand entry way with the floor to ceiling Puget Sound tank. It’s nothing short of gorgeous.
I’m not much of a critic when it comes to aquariums, but I do notice if the tanks are clean, if the fish are active and bright eyed, if the other animals seem content. We watched the otters paddling about on their backs, the seals swimming lazy circles in the tank that must be too small for them, the puffins – oh, how I love puffins – napping with their heads tucked under their wings until they bumped into the glass, then, backpedaling, annoyed until they dozed off again.
During our visit, I stuffed my pockets with Seafood Watch cards, put a giant stuffed octopus on my head and wondered how it could not be a hat, fairly swooned over the tropical tank while spotting for humuhumunukunukuapua’a fish, and generally behaved like an 8 year old enchanted with sea life. Which I kind of am, in spite of my grown up exterior.
I can’t say I was overwhelmed by this particular aquarium, it still feels a little small, but the critters look good and the staff are super friendly, indulging everyone, including overgrown 8 year olds, in their questions about the sea life. The new entry way really is grand and that tank, oh, it’s spectacular. It’s a wonder to stand there and think, wow, that’s what’s out there, just beyond the pier where the aquarium stands. You should go, I don’t care how old you are.
Again, thanks to Scott from Seattle Tour Saver, we saved some bucks on our entry fee.
I love aquariums, too. And while Seattle’s may not be the largest, it’s ours! And the otters are so cute!
I enjoyed Shark Reef in Las Vegas (an aquarium of predators – take that however you’d like) for a little different twist.
Maybe we should plan on a visit to Shedd when we’re in Chicago this summer?
Seems like you need to borrow a kid and try out a sleep-over at the Aquarium.
Yes, the Seattle Aquarium is small, but as you say, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly and they do pride themselves on keeping all the exhibits/tanks well.
All of which makes a sleepover there just a special treat.
Just a thought.
You know, of all the things I’ve never got around to seeing, it’s an Aquarium. Which is odd as there are some not far from me. Now, though, I want to see the one on Japan’s north island. But I question, is it really worth the expense to get there?
hmm…
I never knew you could do sleep overs at aquariums!!! Sounds completely cool and something I would love to do with or without an 8 year old 🙂
The sleep-over sounds like a v.v. cool idea. I had no idea!
okay, it’s official. when you come to Chile we’ll have to go poking around the tidal pools you can find on the rocky coast. There are some right by Pablo Neruda’s house/museum (Isla Negra) that are prime for poking. There are some weird ocean critters here. Some of them even make for good eating. Put that on the list, too.
I love aquariums, so relaxing and interesting to watch. I would rather watch an aquarium than most of the trash that is on TV! Jeremy Kyle or watching my Channa Argus bury itself in the sand?