We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center

717 General Booth Boulevard, Virginia Beach, VA 23451
(757) 385-3474
Website
Update attraction details
Type: Science Museums, Aquariums
Activities: Viewing wildlife, Whale-watching
Description: A 300,000-gallon tank with sharks, barracuda and other aquatic species, is the main attaction at this popular aquarium.
Write a Review

590 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    272
    203
    81
    23
    11
Date Rating
Decatur, Georgia
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW

Lots of kid-friendly, hands-on exhibits as well as many tanks and solariums for fish and reptiles. The outside walkways were wonderful for bird watching. Everything was wheelchair accessible in the sense that you can roll up, however, most hands-on exhibits are too high to be useable by someone in a wheelchair ... you can reach the viewer, lever, or magifier,... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
Henderson, North Carolina
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW

If you want to see many different types of marine life and not so marine, this is the place to go. You will be amazed at what you see and learn. It is very informative. Children and adults alike will enjoy the aquarium!!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 6 more reviews by Kevin G for Virginia Beach
Cornelius, North Carolina, United States
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013 NEW

The Aquarium is a bit small, but very well designed with lots to look at. I would definitely recommend this as an outing for the "off beach" days.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by Gael S for Virginia Beach
Yonkers, New York
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013 NEW

A little small but still great for the kids. I liked. Definitely take the boat rides for the dolphin watch!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by Ingrid124 for Virginia Beach
Top Contributor
54 reviews 54 reviews
43 attraction reviews
Reviews in 24 cities Reviews in 24 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013 NEW via mobile

We visited Virginia beach and decide to dedicate a day to the aquarium and it was well worth it. We loved it. It's big and dedicated to the animals. Some things were picture worthy moments so being the camera along and enjoy. I don't remember what we paid but it wasn't too bad.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Portland, Oregon
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

Very interactive and kid friendly. Lots of great exhibits with understandable explanations. Also, it focuses on more than just sea inhabitants and their environments. Birds and reptiles play a major roll as well. There is a whole section on marshes and outside walking paths and places to explore some of the things you have learned about inside the aquarium.

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 2 more reviews by PortlandTraveler345 for Virginia Beach
Akron, Ohio
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
2 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

Honestly, I'm of the opinion that if you've seen one zoo/aquarium/aviary/beehive, you've seen them all. After visiting the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, I still feel that way. The fish were beautiful and it was fun to look at all the different animals they have there, but none of the exhibits really held our attention or stood out as... More

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 5 more reviews by Moses516 for Virginia Beach
Toronto, Canada
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

Maybe we were expecting too much after seeing the amazing Chicago aquarium last summer, it seems well suited to young families but limited in scope - with a teenager that loves aquariums, we were done in less than 3 hours.

Was this review helpful? Yes
Anchorage, Alaska
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

There were many different attractions at the Aquarium but our time was limited so we only did the walk through exploration of the 2 buildings and the nature walk between them. Would definitely recommend it for the science study inclined.

Was this review helpful? Yes
bristol,tn
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

This was one of the cheaper aquariums we have been to and it was just as nice. Great animals and activities for the whole family. Huge Sea Turtles!

Was this review helpful? Yes
See 3 more reviews by jmk3270 for Virginia Beach

Travellers who viewed Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center also viewed

 

Been to Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center? Share your experiences!

Write a Review Add Photos Add Videos

Owners: What's your side of the story?

If you own or manage Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, register now for free tools to enhance your listing, attract new reviews, and respond to reviewers.

Manage your listing