Mississippi Aquarium
A modern aquarium on the Mississippi coast, featuring diverse marine life, engaging shows, and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the popular dolphin show
Mississippi Aquarium
Best Time
Catch the popular dolphin show
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A modern aquarium on the Mississippi coast, featuring diverse marine life, engaging shows, and interactive exhibits for all ages.
"A great surprise at how nice it was, modern, well-kept, clean, and cute."
🎯 Plan Around Dolphin Shows
Shows are at 11 AM & 4:30 PM. Check the schedule! :movie_camera:
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save money by purchasing tickets 24+ hours in advance online. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dolphin Encounters
Outdoor Dolphin Tank
Witness playful dolphins in their large, impressive habitat. Catch a show for an interactive experience!
Stingray Touch Pool
Indoor Touch Tank
Get hands-on with gentle stingrays and other fascinating marine life in this interactive exhibit.
River Otters
Outdoor Exhibit
Watch these energetic and adorable creatures frolic and play in their naturalistic outdoor habitat.
Zebra Shark Luna
Main Exhibit
Meet Luna, the majestic zebra shark, a highlight for many visitors who appreciate her graceful presence.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Dolphin Shows
Book Tickets Online for Savings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Plan Around Dolphin Shows
Shows are at 11 AM & 4:30 PM. Check the schedule! :movie_camera:
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save money by purchasing tickets 24+ hours in advance online. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, both indoors and outdoors. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated Outdoors
Mississippi can be hot! Bring water bottles, especially for outdoor exhibits. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Plan Around Dolphin Shows
Shows are at 11 AM & 4:30 PM. Check the schedule! :movie_camera:
🎟️ Buy Tickets Online
Save money by purchasing tickets 24+ hours in advance online. :ticket:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, both indoors and outdoors. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Stay Hydrated Outdoors
Mississippi can be hot! Bring water bottles, especially for outdoor exhibits. :droplet:
📸 Capture the Moments
Plenty of photo ops, especially with the dolphins and mermaids!
🐢 Check Feeding Times
Some feedings are once daily; plan your visit accordingly. :feeding_time:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Mississippi Aquarium to be a modern, clean, and well-maintained facility, offering a pleasant experience despite its smaller size. Highlights include the dolphin shows, touch tanks, and unique exhibits like the zebra shark. Some note that certain feedings are only once daily and the gift shop can be pricey.
"Small aquarium but its very nice for what it is. Take your time and enjoy it. My daughter loves it. I've been to many but this one is very modern, well kept, clean and cute. Park in the garage and its just a short walk. Enjoy."
P. Vo
"This aquarium was a great surprise at how nice it was. You are greeting by a hands on aquarium filled with many species of aquatic life. All habitats were clean with clear water … and well taken care of. There was an area with insects also. Outside there were several exhibits including otters and a large dolphin tank. Some of the feedings were only done once a day so I would plan before you go. There was a small cafe with food. Also a large gift shop but it was quite expensive. Overall spent about 2 hours there. Highly recommend."
nicole rose
"Mississippi Aquarium – Gulfport, MS
The aquarium is on the smaller side, but I was pleasantly surprised by how nice it is, especially for a small town. Admission was $70 for the two of us, but we didn’t mind paying since we knew it helps support the aquarium. (Tip: tickets are a little cheaper if you buy them online at least 24 hours in advance.)
It was just my boyfriend and me, and it took us about two hours to walk through and see everything at a relaxed pace. They also have a dolphin show, which we sat down to watch, it was fun and definitely worth catching.
Overall, a very enjoyable experience."
Kathy Holcomb
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Mississippi Aquarium is located in Gulfport, MS. It's easily accessible by car, with parking available in a nearby garage. Many visitors mention it's a short walk from the garage to the entrance.
Yes, there is a parking garage conveniently located near the aquarium. It's a short walk from the garage to the entrance, making it easy to access.
Most visitors drive to Gulfport. If you're coming from further afield, you might consider flying into Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport (GPT) and then renting a car or taking a taxi/rideshare to the aquarium.
The aquarium is designed to be accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, with ramps and wide pathways throughout the exhibits.
While outside food and drinks are generally not permitted, there is a cafe on-site for purchasing refreshments.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, but a common price mentioned is around $70 for two adults. Purchasing tickets online at least 24 hours in advance can offer a slight discount.
You can purchase tickets directly at the aquarium's entrance, but for potential savings and to guarantee entry, it's recommended to buy them online through the official Mississippi Aquarium website.
While specific discounts aren't always detailed, purchasing tickets online in advance is often cheaper. Keep an eye on their website for any special promotions or group rates.
Operating hours can vary seasonally and daily. It's best to check the official Mississippi Aquarium website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Refund policies typically depend on when and how you purchased your tickets. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions on the official website or contact customer service for specific details.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the aquarium at a relaxed pace. This allows time to see all the exhibits and catch a dolphin show. +1
Don't miss the dolphin tank and shows, the stingray touch pool, the playful river otters, and the impressive zebra shark, Luna.
Yes, the aquarium features popular dolphin shows, typically at 11 AM and 4:30 PM. Some animal feedings also occur once daily, so check the schedule upon arrival. +1
Absolutely! Kids love the touch tank, the interactive exhibits, and the exciting dolphin shows. It's a great family-friendly destination.
You can see a variety of marine life including dolphins, stingrays, sharks, otters, sea turtles, alligators, and various fish species. They also have insect exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a small cafe on-site where you can purchase food and drinks.
The cafe typically offers standard fare like snacks, sandwiches, and beverages suitable for a quick bite during your visit.
Gulfport offers several dining options near the aquarium. Many visitors enjoy grabbing a meal after their visit.
Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the aquarium. It's best to consume them before entering or plan to purchase from the cafe.
While not explicitly stated as expensive, one review mentioned the gift shop being quite pricey, so it's reasonable to expect cafe prices to be typical for attraction venues.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Mississippi Aquarium for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals.
The dolphin tank, especially during shows, offers fantastic photo opportunities. The touch tank and the outdoor exhibits with otters and alligators are also great for capturing memorable shots.
Video recording is usually permitted for personal use, similar to photography. Be mindful of any posted signs regarding video restrictions.
Always check for signs regarding flash photography, as it can disturb the animals. Tripods or professional equipment might require special permission.
Mornings, especially on weekdays, tend to have fewer crowds, allowing for more unobstructed shots. The lighting inside can be a bit dim in some areas, so a camera with good low-light performance is beneficial.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan your visit around the dolphin performances (typically 11 AM and 4:30 PM) to maximize engagement.
🐠 Marine Life Enthusiasts
The zebra shark Luna is a particular draw, showcasing the beauty of these often-misunderstood creatures. +1 The stingray touch pool provides a unique opportunity for hands-on learning about these cartilaginous fish. Beyond the main attractions, the aquarium's involvement in sea turtle rehabilitation highlights their commitment to conservation, offering a glimpse into important ecological work.
Keep an eye on their event schedule for potential special talks or behind-the-scenes glimpses that might appeal to a deeper interest in marine science. 📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The vibrant colors of reef fish and the unique textures of stingrays in the touch tank are also excellent subjects. +1 Consider visiting during weekday mornings to avoid crowds and get clearer shots. While photography is generally allowed, be mindful of flash restrictions in certain exhibits to protect the animals.
The mermaid events also present unique and visually striking content opportunities, blending fantasy with the aquarium setting. The modern and well-lit environment generally aids in capturing good quality images and videos. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Marine Life of Mississippi Aquarium
The stingray touch tank offers an up-close and personal experience, allowing guests to feel the smooth skin of these fascinating creatures. Beyond the popular attractions, the aquarium features river otters known for their playful antics and alligators representing the local freshwater ecosystems.
A highlight for many is Luna, the zebra shark, whose graceful movements captivate onlookers. The aquarium also dedicates exhibits to various fish species, including those found in coral reefs and deeper ocean environments, providing educational insights into marine biodiversity. Furthermore, the Mississippi Aquarium is involved in conservation efforts, including rehabilitating sea turtles, demonstrating their commitment to protecting marine animals.
This dedication to animal welfare and education makes the aquarium a valuable resource for understanding and appreciating aquatic ecosystems.Unique Experiences and Events
This enchanting event has been a hit with families, creating magical memories for children. These mermaid appearances often involve special shows and meet-and-greets, adding a fantastical element to the aquatic exploration.
Visitors have praised the mermaids for their professionalism and ability to engage with the audience, making it a truly memorable occasion. Beyond the mermaids, the aquarium also offers opportunities for animal encounters, such as feeding the stingrays, which provides an interactive and educational dimension to the visit.
These special events and encounters transform a typical aquarium visit into an extraordinary adventure, appealing to a wide range of interests and ages.Aquarium Design and Accessibility
Accessibility is a key feature, with wide pathways and ramps making it easy for those using wheelchairs or strollers to navigate the entire facility.
Visitors often comment on the clear water in the habitats and the well-maintained enclosures, which contribute to the overall positive impression of the aquarium.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit