Animal Encounters

The Oregon Coast Aquarium invites you to join us on an Animal Encounter. Get up close and personal with some of the Aquarium's interesting and unique animals. Learn about the amazing sea lions who will give you a smooch, or an octopus who give you a slimy handshake!

Pricing for All Animal Encounters:

• $35 Aquarium Members
• $40 Aquarium Non-Members

Encounters do not include admission to the Aquarium. An animal encounter includes a behind-the-scenes tour led by Aquarium staff, as well as the opportunity to learn about marine animal care and what it takes to keep our animal collection healthy and happy! 

Ages: All encounters for ages 8 and up and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult over 21 years of age.

Late Arrival Policy: We recommend that all encounter participants arrive at least ten minutes before their encounter time. Once an encounter has begun, we are not able to add late-arriving participants.  Refunds are not available for those who miss their scheduled encounter.

Sea Lion Encounters

Sea Lion Encounters run at various times during the week depending on the season. To see all upcoming animal encounter dates and times, see our Events Calendar.
Buy tickets online.

Sea Lion Encounters allow participants to discuss the natural history and conservation of these magnificent animals with Aquarium staff, learn about their basic needs, and receive a fishy kiss from one of the Aquarium's amazing marine mammals. Bring your camera! The Sea Lion Encounter lasts approximately 1 hour.

Maximum number of participants per encounter: 10

See our Events Calendar for more information on this and our other events!

Octopus Encounters

Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12 noon to 1 p.m. (contingent on octopus and guide availability)
Buy tickets online.

Are you a sucker for the spineless? Go behind-the-scenes on a popular encounter to shake our octopus's hand... er, suckers. Learn about the exciting life of one of the most intelligent invertebrates on this planet!

Maximum number of participants per encounter: 10

See our Events Calendar for more information on this and our other events!

Payment Policy

Pre-registration is required. Minimum of two participants and maximum of ten. Participants must be at least eight years or older and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult over 21 years of age. Call 541-867-3474 or purchase online.

Full payment is required at the time of booking. In order to be provided a full refund or to be given the opportunity to select a different program date, please provide us with 48 hours notice if you can not participate in your scheduled program. Forty-eight hours notice will be provided if the program needs to be canceled.