Accessibility

Connecting people to the Oregon coast and inspiring ocean conservation requires meeting the needs of and engaging with diverse communities, and providing equitable access to safe, authentic opportunities with the Aquarium and coastal ecosystems.

Service Animals

Service animals are welcome at the Aquarium. Please see here for our latest animal service policy:

Please be aware that there are animal encounters and areas included in our behind-the-scenes tours that are inaccessible to service animals. If you plan to join an animal encounter or a behind-the-scenes tour, please contact us so we can discuss the best accommodation options

Non-service animals are not permitted to enter the Aquarium.

Getting Around the Aquarium

All Aquarium buildings are ADA accessible and seating is located throughout the facility. However, our doors are currently not electronic. Please be aware that our outdoor areas consist of gravel pathways, which some may find difficult to navigate when using wheelchairs or other mobility aids with narrow wheels.

Personal Care Assistant

Admission is waived for one caregiver per guest with a disability.

Parking and Entrances

Designated accessible parking spaces are located in our parking lots on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, view our parking lot map for detailed locations of our designated spaces.

Wheelchair and Electronic Mobility Scooter Rentals

Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and may be rented at Admissions.

Visit our rentals page for the latest prices for scooters and wheelchairs.

Please note: We do require that a valid ID be held while rental equipment is checked out.

Restrooms and Nursing Area

Restrooms are located throughout the Aquarium, and are identified on the Aquarium map. Restrooms are located in the lobby, near the exit of our Passages of the Deep, and between our Seabird Aviary and Connected Coasts gallery. All restrooms have accessible stalls. Family restrooms are located to the right of the gift shop, and are marked as ‘Family & Gender Neutral Restrooms’ on the map.

Nursing parents are welcome to nurse wherever they feel most comfortable. There is one private first aid room (available by request) located near our family restrooms and classroom.

Hearing loop at Admissions window

The Aquarium has a hearing loop to support our guests using hearing aid devices. Guests may approach the Admissions window with hearing loop signage to utilize this system.

KultureCity & Sensory Accommodations

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a certified Sensory Inclusive facility, registered with KultureCity. To ensure all guests have a comfortable and enjoyable Aquarium visit, we worked with KultureCity and local specialists to train staff, and offer sensory bags and pre-visit resources.

See below for resources and guides to planning your next visit!

Click here for the Aquarium’s KultureCity page to prepare for your next visit!

Looking for an overview of the sensory zones at the Aquarium? Check out our sensory map before you visit!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does sensory sensitivity mean/what are sensory processing issues?

Sensory processing disorder is a condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses. (this is copy and pasted from Web MD) Common sounds, lights, crowds and even certain smells can be overwhelming.

Sensory processing refers to how our brains process, recognize, organize and interpret sensory input.

Why be certified?

Everyone should be comfortable and have an enjoyable visit to the Oregon Coast Aquarium! The program is appropriate for everyone with sensory needs including those with autism, military veterans with PTSD, adults with dementia, and many others. (this is directly from KultureCity page)

Why partner with KultureCity?

KultureCity has helped to provide training, signage, sensory bags and tools to help us make the Aquarium a more inclusive place. KultureCity is a leading non-profit recognized nationwide for using its resources to revolutionize and effect change in the community for those with sensory needs, not just those with autism. KultureCity has created over 350 sensory-inclusive venues internationally, and worked hard to provide a resource for guests to be able to find other sensory inclusive organizations in their area.

Are there other sensory inclusive organizations nearby?

Some of our partner organizations, like the Oregon Zoo in Portland, are also part of the KultureCity program! For a full, up to date list, we suggest visiting KultureCity’s website.

Early Accommodation Program

While being a Sensory Inclusive Facility makes us accessible to many, visiting during regular business hours still may not work for some. If you or someone in your family would like to visit the Aquarium, but still feel that an additional accommodation is necessary for health, sensory sensitivity, or another condition, please contact the Aquarium to learn about our early entry accommodation.

Where do I get a Sensory Bag?

Bags can be checked out at the Admission windows, where tickets are purchased. Bags should be returned either to the Admission windows or to one of the ticket scanning stations within the lobby. Bags are sanitized between guest use.

What’s in a Sensory Bag?

Inside you can find a variety of tools to lessen sensory overload as well as support engagement.