One of the most accessible and exploratory tropical family travel destinations is an aquarium. Here families will uncover ocean mysteries and study marine creatures up close. From Nemo clown fish to dolphins and lion fish and sharks, kids of all ages can come face to face with fascinating animals and ocean life. The best part? You don’t have to get wet to enjoy this experience or even be in danger. We’re not talking about shark diving in a cage!
Aquarium tropical family treasures are plentiful and even if you have ventured to one before, consider taking time to make this journey again as kids never dull from the ocean wonders. Two of Tropical Family Travel’s U.S.-based favorites include the Baltimore Aquarium and the Georgia Aquarium. These destinations have a wide variety of sea animals and recreated ocean habitats to delight.
The Baltimore Aquarium boasts nearly 16,500 specimens and more than 650 animal species. From the bottlenose dolphin to the blue crab or from the great moray eel to the snake necked turtle, there is something for everyone on this tropical adventure. This destination also is home to the 4D Immersion Theater, which combines 3D epic films in 3D with sensory effects, and a live dolphin show. Located in the heart of Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, there are numerous family-friendly activities and dining experiences once the ocean tour is complete.
The largest aquarium in the world calls Atlanta, Georgia home and is located near the Word of Coca-Cola Museum. Sea critters swim in the 8 million gallons’ worth of fresh and marine water tanks and even feature a 100-foot-long tunnel to see sharks and stingrays swimming overhead. Beyond the many exhibits offered, families can also travel to the sea through a 4D film experience. “By creating a set of “4D” effects that are synchronized to the film production, the 4D Theater adds another layer of immersive fun for audiences. As a jellyfish swims by in 3D, the audience also feels its tingling tentacles brush along their arms, creating a more thrilling experience,” according to the Georgia Aquarium's Web site.
New to the Georgia Aquarium is the arrival of 12 new spotted wobbegong shark pups. The pups were born in December 2008 in the Ocean Voyager exhibit and their average weight at birth was 2.6 oz (74 grams) and 8.3 in (21 cm).
Ever wonder what the sharks and fish do when everyone has gone home? Experience the Georgia Aquarium after hours by attending a family sleepover for an exciting night of exploration. Sea World in Orlando, Florida, also offers this type of experience, but depending on where your family is traveling to, it is nice to know about some unique family-friendly travel activities.
If your tropical family travels take you outside of the United States, consider visiting Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas to see its stingray and predator lagoon on-site. Atlantis’ marine life is first rate and is very impressive in the species on hand, but also in the lay out…everywhere you turn you feel as though you are in the midst of an island surrounded by sharks, stingrays and more! Atlantis’ Ruins Lagoon, which is a 2.7 million gallon exhibit, brings the ocean to its guests up close with more than 20,000 species. There is nothing like it while on a tropical family vacation.
What are some of your favorite ocean aquarium tropical getaways?
Photos Courtesy of the Georgia Aquarium.
