One of the largest aquariums in the country, the fantastic National Aquarium takes you on a journey deep into the ocean. But that isn’t all – there are also other environments such as a rainforest section and the bottom of a rocky river gorge, complete with birds and other land animals.
In 2003, the aquariums in Baltimore and Washington D.C. joined forces to become the National Aquarium. Stretching over three pavilions, there are over 16,000 animals from over 660 species. Generally, they are kept in conditions that aim to replicate their natural habitats. There is also a pod of bottlenose dolphins that are kept in a huge pool.
As well as the popular marine mammals, in the Glass Pavilion at the site entrance, you will find Animal Planet Australia, complete with kookaburras, freshwater crocodiles, pig-nosed turtles and poisonous snakes. In total, there are around 1,800 animals all living together in this replica river gorge. In the main building, the focus is very much on the ocean, with plenty of rays, jellyfish, eels and hundreds of other marine creatures.
There are real contrasts between the different exhibits. Shark Alley, a doughnut shaped aquarium, is home to several Nurse Sharks that encircle you as they swim around their tank with you in the middle! In the same building, there is a rainforest-themed area that stretches up into the glass pyramid-shaped roof, which has a very different, but no less spectacular, set of animals, including gold lion tamarins, tarantulas and parrots.
Situated in the Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium is open every day. There is no on-site parking, but paid parking is available nearby. You can also access it via the Charm City Circulator, a free shuttle bus service. Admission prices are quite high so you should allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy the experience and bear in mind you can only walk round in one direction.
Before your visit, you should contact the aquarium to see how some planned building upgrades might affect your visit.
