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Location
What you should know
Best time
Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds and have a better experience exploring the six themed zones with fewer people, especially when viewing popular exhibits like the sea otters and giant Pacific octopus
Visitor tip
Don't miss the interactive touch pools in the warm shallows zone where you can handle giant hermit crabs, starfish, and horseshoe crabs — a hands-on highlight that makes the experience memorable for all ages
Visitor tip
Look for Tortellini, a rescued green sea turtle with a weighted backpack, in the warm shallows zone — her story exemplifies the aquarium's conservation mission and educational focus on ocean preservation
Quick Facts
- Type
- Zoo
- Highlights
- Giraffe habitat, green sea turtles, penguins
- Membership
- Free year-round admission for members
- Special Events
- Jazzoo 2026, Party for the Planet, HABITAT after-hours events
What visitors say
Amazing family friendly place. Definitely go during the week. That way it’s less crowded. It is also a great place to meet family and friends! Lots of cool sea creatures, and it is very well. Set up and cared for!
I LOVE coming to the aquarium. The octopus and sea otters are my favorites along with the jellyfish.
Amazing experience! The aquarium is named after the grandchildren of Shirley and Barnett Helzberg, who generously donated to make this world-class facility possible. The aquarium opened in September 2023 and it is home to nearly 8,000…
From 25 Google reviews Read all reviews
Did You Know?
- Sobela Ocean Aquarium opened in September 2023 and houses nearly 8,000 animals across 34 habitats organized into six thematic zones that tell the story of how ocean currents connect animals globally
- The aquarium was made possible by a generous donation from Shirley and Barnett Helzberg, with the facility named after their grandchildren
- Tortellini, a green sea turtle at the aquarium, was rescued after being hit by a boat and wears a weighted backpack on her shell to help her swim normally
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