SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium
Dive into an underwater world at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium, featuring mesmerizing exhibits and interactive encounters.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into an underwater world at SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium, featuring mesmerizing exhibits and interactive encounters.
"Absolutely loved this place — and it’s not just for kids!"
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on various levels, so comfy shoes are a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ocean Tunnel
Main Exhibit
Walk through a mesmerizing tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and colorful fish. A truly immersive underwater experience.

Touch Pools
Interactive Zone
Get hands-on with marine life! Safely touch starfish and other fascinating creatures under staff supervision.

Jellyfish Exhibit
Themed Area
Marvel at the ethereal beauty of moon jellyfish drifting gracefully in their illuminated habitat.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Smoother Visit
Mall Location & Amenities
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on various levels, so comfy shoes are a must.
📸 Capture the Magic
The aquarium offers great photo opportunities, especially in the ocean tunnel.
⏳ Allow 1-2 Hours
Most visitors spend about an hour to 1.5 hours exploring the exhibits.
is the sea life aquarium in the concord mills mall worth the price of the membership?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking on various levels, so comfy shoes are a must.
📸 Capture the Magic
The aquarium offers great photo opportunities, especially in the ocean tunnel.
⏳ Allow 1-2 Hours
Most visitors spend about an hour to 1.5 hours exploring the exhibits.
💧 Stay Hydrated
While there are no vending machines inside, plan to bring water or purchase it outside the aquarium.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium to be a delightful and visually stunning experience, especially for families. The immersive ocean tunnel and interactive touch pools are frequently praised. However, some reviewers note that the aquarium is quite small and can be quickly explored, leading to a perception of high cost for the duration of the visit.
"The aquarium was located in a mall.
We took the tour. Had an awesome time seen all the sealife. Scheduled a behind the scenes tour for about an hour later, the had set times. Was absolutely worth the wait. Got to see all the stuff they do to care and feed the animals, quarantine tanks and finally got to go to the top of the tank where the staff goes ."
Kelley Shepard
"Absolutely loved this place — and it’s not just for kids! 🐠
The walk through the aquarium takes about an hour, but no one rushes you, so you can take your time and enjoy every moment.
So many impressions, vibrant colors, and magical underwater scenes.
Highly recommend — my little princess was thrilled and couldn’t stop talking about it!"
Liudmyla Komysh
"Loved it! Hard to believe it's in a mall. It was a bit crowded when we went on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, but not overly so! The staff were informative and friendly. The tunnel was quite awesome. Definitely do recommend for small groups."
Caty Wood
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The aquarium is located inside Concord Mills Mall at 8311 Concord Mills Blvd, Concord, NC 28027. It's easily accessible by car with ample parking available at the mall.
Yes, Concord Mills Mall offers extensive free parking for visitors.
Public transportation options to Concord Mills Mall may vary. It's best to check local transit schedules for routes serving the mall area.
Yes, the aquarium is generally stroller-friendly, with ramps and wide pathways to navigate.
From Charlotte, take I-85 North to Exit 48 (Concord Mills Boulevard). Turn right onto Concord Mills Boulevard, and the mall will be on your left.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but general admission is around $25-$30 per person. It's highly recommended to check their official website for current pricing and potential discounts. Booking online in advance can often be cheaper.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the aquarium's entrance, but buying them online beforehand is often recommended to secure your spot and potentially get a better price.
Look for online promotions, group rates, or consider purchasing a Merlin Annual Pass if you plan to visit multiple Merlin attractions.
Yes, typically your admission ticket is valid for the entire day, allowing you to re-enter if needed.
Hours can vary depending on the day and season, but they are generally open from late morning to early evening. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You'll encounter a diverse range of marine life, including sharks, rays, tropical fish, jellyfish, and starfish. Highlights include the immersive ocean tunnel and interactive touch pools.
Most visitors find that the aquarium can be explored thoroughly in about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Yes, the touch pools are a major interactive feature where you can gently touch starfish and other sea creatures.
Absolutely! The aquarium is very family-friendly with engaging exhibits and interactive elements that children love.
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the marine life.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no food or beverage options directly inside the aquarium itself. However, being located in Concord Mills Mall, there are numerous dining choices available within the mall.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the aquarium. You can consume your own food in designated areas within the mall.
Concord Mills Mall offers a wide variety of dining options, from fast-casual eateries to sit-down restaurants, catering to diverse tastes.
Yes, you can find various snack vendors and food court options within Concord Mills Mall, just a short walk from the aquarium entrance.
No, there is no cafe or restaurant directly within the SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord Aquarium.
📸 📸 Photography
The ocean tunnel offers incredible opportunities to photograph marine life swimming all around you. The jellyfish exhibit is also very photogenic.
It's generally advised to avoid using flash photography, as it can startle the marine animals and affect their behavior. Check for specific signage within the aquarium.
Tripods may not be permitted to avoid obstructing pathways, especially during busy times. It's best to check the aquarium's specific photography policy.
A camera with good low-light performance or a smartphone with a strong night mode will be beneficial. Consider a lens that can capture both wide shots of the tanks and close-ups of individual creatures.
Professional photography or videography may require special permits or arrangements. Contact the aquarium in advance if you plan on doing extensive shoots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
These tours are a fantastic way to deepen your understanding of marine biology and the dedication required to maintain such an environment. It’s a chance to ask questions directly to the experts and gain a new appreciation for the underwater world.
Conservation and Education
The aquarium often highlights conservation initiatives and provides tips on how individuals can contribute to ocean health. This educational aspect makes the visit more than just a visual spectacle; it’s an opportunity to learn and become a more informed advocate for marine life. Engaging with the educational displays can be particularly rewarding for families looking to instill a sense of environmental responsibility in children.
Navigating the Mall Location
However, it's important to note that the aquarium itself does not sell food or drinks, so any refreshments will need to be purchased from mall vendors. The mall environment can also mean that the aquarium can get busy, especially on weekends or during peak shopping seasons, so planning your visit during off-peak hours is advisable to avoid larger crowds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit