Call 541-867-3474 or reserve your spot online for encounters and tours.
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. 48 hours notice will be provided if the program needs to be canceled.
We recommend that participants for all these programs arrive at least ten minutes before their departure time. The meeting place is in the Aquarium’s main lobby. Once a program has begun, we are not able to add late-arriving participants. Refunds are not available for those who miss their scheduled program.
While the Aquarium offers special experiences, all of these creatures are still wild animals. During these programs, we request certain behaviors from our animals but we cannot always guarantee they will be willing to participate. Your understanding is appreciated.
How does the Aquarium care for dozens of toothy sharks, feed a pod of galumphing seals, and manage a whole aviary full of seabirds? Travel behind the scenes with us to explore the ins and outs of caring for over 15,000 animals every day. The tour lasts 45-60 minutes.
As parts of this program take place outdoors, please keep weather in mind and dress accordingly.
Behind the Scenes tours do not include admission to the Aquarium.
Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 12:30pm. Please be aware spaces are limited.
Accessibility: Please note this tour includes a trip to the top of the Passages of the Deep exhibit, requiring participants to scale 2 flights of stairs unaided.
Our behind-the-scenes tour is off-limits to service animals. Click here to view our service animal policy.
The Oregon Coast Aquarium Sea Jelly Encounter provides the opportunity to get hands-on with our moon jellies (Aurelia aurita). Visitors will learn about these ancient invertebrates and have a chance to touch the non-stinging “bell,” or top of the jelly. The moon jelly is unique because even though the tentacles contain nematocysts (stinging cells) like other sea jellies, the cells are very weak and typically cannot even be felt by humans.
Encounters do not include admission to the Aquarium.
Sunday, Monday, and Friday at 2:00pm. Spaces are limited.
This encounter is fully accessible to those using mobility aids.
Explore the realm of the Giant Pacific Octopus and get a slimy handshake! The Octopus Encounter takes place behind-the-scenes and includes educational information about the care of this amazing invertebrate. This encounter lasts about 45 minutes.
Octo encounters do not include admission to the Aquarium.
Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2:00pm. Please be aware spaces are limited.
Shellfish exposure possible. Please notify the tour guide if you have a shellfish allergy.
While the Aquarium offers special experiences, like all of our creatures, octopuses are wild animals. During this program, we request certain behaviors from our octopus but we cannot always guarantee they will be willing to participate. Your understanding is appreciated
This encounter is fully accessible to those using mobility aids.
To book your next Octopus Encounter tour click here
*Please be aware spaces are limited.
The Aquarium only books octopus encounters out two weeks in advance.
Have you ever dreamt of gliding alongside manta rays, swimming with a humpback whale, or diving with sharks? Now’s the time to make that dream a reality…virtually.
With a variety videos to choose from, you can get closer than ever with creatures in far-flung reaches of the ocean, learning from experts studying them along the way.
Undersea Explorer tickets do not include admission to the Aquarium.
Daily. Spaces are limited, some restrictions apply.
Read over full list of health & safety restrictions and guidelines before purchasing tickets. See our service animal policy here.
To book your VR Experience click here:
*Please be aware spaces are limited.
Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.
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