St. Augustine Aquarium
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St. Augustine Aquarium

3.8
·2k reviews·St. Augustine, United States

An outdoor aquarium in St. Augustine, FL, offering thrilling shark feedings, interactive stingray encounters, and guided snorkel adventures.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
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St. Augustine Aquarium

St. Augustine Aquarium

Best Time

Weekday Mornings

Fewer crowds, more interaction

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An outdoor aquarium in St. Augustine, FL, offering thrilling shark feedings, interactive stingray encounters, and guided snorkel adventures.

3.8
(2k reviews)

"A fun and educational experience, especially for families looking for interactive marine life encounters."

Vertical photo
TIP

☀️ Dress for the Sun

It's an outdoor aquarium, so wear sunscreen, hats, and light clothing. Stay hydrated!

📸 Snap Photos Fast

Tours are guided and move at a steady pace. Be ready to capture those moments quickly!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Shark Feeding Frenzy

Shark Feeding Frenzy

Shark Tank

Witness thrilling shark feedings and get up close with these fascinating predators. A must-see for all ages!

Snorkel Adventure

Snorkel Adventure

Snorkel Cove

Dive into an immersive experience, snorkeling alongside vibrant reef fish and gentle stingrays. Unforgettable fun!

Interactive Stingray Cove

Interactive Stingray Cove

Stingray Cove

Touch and feed graceful stingrays in this hands-on exhibit. A truly memorable encounter with marine life.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Outdoors

This aquarium is entirely outdoors, so check the weather before you go! Dress for the Florida sun and bring sunscreen. It's a great option for a day trip, especially for families looking for interactive experiences.

Guided Tours are Key

The St. Augustine Aquarium experience is primarily guided. While this keeps things moving, be prepared to follow your guide's pace. It's a fantastic way to learn about the marine life, but you might want to snap photos quickly!

Best Times

When
Weekday Mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon Guided Tours
Why
Engaging and informative
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Things to do in FL🌴: Aqua Lanterns: A Chinese Festival of Lights📍Clearwater, FL. This brand new after hours event was stunning! You have to see it in person! This event will be running from now until December 30th on select night! 📍Clearwater Marine Aquarium #clearwateraquarium #lanternfestival #thingstodointampa #aquarium #seaanimals #thingstodoinflorida #clearwater #florida #fyp #tampa #things...
@kaymarie023
15.7K likes • 257.8K views

☀️ Dress for the Sun

It's an outdoor aquarium, so wear sunscreen, hats, and light clothing. Stay hydrated! Instagram

📸 Snap Photos Fast

Tours are guided and move at a steady pace. Be ready to capture those moments quickly! Reddit

🤿🐠 Take a snorkel adventure at St. Augustine Aquarium and swim with 100 + Florida reef fish and rays! Guided tours, shark feeding and other activities are available! Learn more at saaquarium.com and follow @saaquarium #floridashistoriccoast #staugustine #aquarium #snorkel #fish #reef #florida #saintaugustine #reels #summer #summervibes #lovefl #kidfriendly #familyfun #stafla
floridashistoriccoast
100 likes • 4.6K views
✨ St. Augustine Aquarium Spotlight ✨ We took a day trip recently to St. Augustine (about ~45 minutes from Jax Beach) and stopped by the St. Augustine Aquarium for the first time! It is completely outdoors, and tickets include a guided tour with a knowledgeable staff member. My kiddos loved seeing the fish up close and even got to feed some! Have you been to this local gem? #stufftodoinjackso...
littleredcottagecookies
33 likes • 588 views

🐠 Consider Extra Feedings

Shark and stingray feedings are extra. They're fun, but sometimes the animals aren't as active. Reddit

🚗 Easy Day Trip

Located about 45 minutes from Jacksonville Beach, it's a perfect addition to a St. Augustine day trip. Instagram

Shark feeding at the St Augustine Aquarium #cubscouts #sharkconservation
jowensfsu
43 likes • 5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

☀️ Dress for the Sun

It's an outdoor aquarium, so wear sunscreen, hats, and light clothing. Stay hydrated! Instagram

📸 Snap Photos Fast

Tours are guided and move at a steady pace. Be ready to capture those moments quickly! Reddit

🐠 Consider Extra Feedings

Shark and stingray feedings are extra. They're fun, but sometimes the animals aren't as active. Reddit

🚗 Easy Day Trip

Located about 45 minutes from Jacksonville Beach, it's a perfect addition to a St. Augustine day trip. Instagram

💰 Check for Deals

Look for coupons or special offers to make your visit more affordable. Reddit

What Travellers Say

3.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the St. Augustine Aquarium for its engaging guided tours and interactive exhibits, particularly the stingray and shark encounters. Staff members like Lauren and Felix are frequently highlighted for their knowledge and enthusiasm. While some find the aquarium small and the guided tour pace quick, most agree it's a fun and educational experience, especially for families on a day trip.

"Staff is amazing! Enjoyed the tour with Lauren quite informative. Went snorkeling with stingrays and fish with Sydney awesome experience! Loved the stingray Sandy she loved me too! She kept rubbing against my legs and got to touch her and a shark! Great time!! Definitely will do again!"

Tracy Stansell

"The tour guide here was fantastic! Sydney gave us a detailed and engaging walk through the tanks, sharing interesting facts about the animals and answered all of our questions. We loved seeing the stingrays and sharks up close. On hot days, the shop has cold drinks. Very enjoyable activity.
+ handicap access"

Carson Stansbury

"My 15 year old son and I had a nice time at this aquarium. It is small, but still got to see, touch and feed sharks. The tour guide was a little dry with his commentary but still offered decent insight to the fish and sharks at the aquarium. Overall, it was worth the short drive and visit. Would recommend to anyone visiting the area especially with kids."

John Buchter

What People Like

Engaging guided tours
Interactive stingray cove
Shark feeding experiences

What People Dislike

Small size
Fast-paced tours

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The St. Augustine Aquarium is located at 2045 FL-16, St. Augustine, FL 32084. It's easily accessible by car and is about a 45-minute drive from Jacksonville Beach. Instagram

Yes, there is ample parking available at the aquarium for visitors. Instagram

Public transportation options to the St. Augustine Aquarium are limited. Driving is the most convenient way to get there. Instagram

Absolutely! It's a great addition to a day trip in St. Augustine, offering a few hours of interactive fun. Reddit

From Jacksonville, it's a straightforward drive down I-95 S. From other surrounding areas, driving is generally the most efficient method. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

You can purchase tickets directly at the St. Augustine Aquarium entrance or often online through their official website. Instagram

Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check the official St. Augustine Aquarium website for the most up-to-date information on their daily hours. Instagram

Admission prices can vary, and there are often additional costs for special activities like shark and stingray feedings. Check their website for current St. Augustine Aquarium prices. Reddit

It's worth checking for St. Augustine Aquarium coupons online or through local tourism sites. Sometimes special events might offer discounts. Reddit

The aquarium experience is primarily guided, and tours are typically included with admission. It's wise to arrive on time for your desired tour slot. Reddit

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

Highlights include shark feedings, an interactive stingray cove where you can touch and feed them, and guided tours of the marine life. InstagramReddit+1

While you can snorkel with fish and stingrays, the sharks are in a contained tank, so direct snorkeling with them isn't typically offered in the same way. Reddit

Yes, it's a very family-friendly destination with interactive exhibits and engaging guided tours that kids love. InstagramReddit+1

Most visitors find that a visit lasts around 1-2 hours, especially with the guided tour format. Reddit

Yes, the aquarium is noted to be handicap accessible, making it enjoyable for all visitors. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture close-ups during shark feedings, interactions in the stingray cove, and the vibrant fish during guided tours. Instagram+1

Yes, you can take photos during the guided tours, but be mindful of the group's pace and try to snap shots quickly. Reddit

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, always be respectful of other visitors and the animals. Instagram

Expect to see photos of people feeding sharks, touching stingrays, and vibrant shots of colorful reef fish. Instagram+2

It can be challenging due to the guided tour pace and tank reflections, but with quick reflexes, you can get some great shots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The St. Augustine Aquarium is a fantastic choice for families! Kids will be thrilled by the shark feedings and the chance to touch and feed stingrays. Instagram+1 The guided tours are engaging and informative, keeping younger visitors entertained and educated. It's an outdoor experience, so be prepared for the Florida weather with hats and sunscreen. Instagram The manageable size makes it perfect for a day trip to St. Augustine, ensuring little ones don't get overwhelmed. Reddit

Pro-tip for families: Consider booking feeding experiences in advance if available, but be aware that animal participation can vary. Reddit The interactive elements are the biggest draw, making it a memorable outing for children of all ages. Instagram

🐠 Budget Travelers

While not the largest aquarium, the St. Augustine Aquarium offers good value, especially if you focus on the included guided tour. Admission is reasonably priced, making it an accessible option for a budget-friendly attraction in St. Augustine, FL. Reddit Look out for potential St. Augustine Aquarium coupons to save even more. Reddit

Key advice for budget travelers: Prioritize the included guided tour and interactive exhibits like the stingray cove. Extra feeding experiences are fun but can add up, so decide if they fit your budget. Reddit The overall experience is still very enjoyable without purchasing all the add-ons. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Interactive Marine Encounters

The St. Augustine Aquarium truly shines with its hands-on experiences. Visitors can get up close and personal with marine life in ways that are both educational and exhilarating. The Interactive Stingray Cove allows guests to touch and feed these graceful creatures, a highlight for many families. InstagramReddit This direct interaction fosters a deeper appreciation for these animals.

Beyond the stingrays, the aquarium offers opportunities to feed sharks, a thrilling experience that provides a unique perspective on predator behavior. Instagram+1 While the snorkeling adventure allows you to swim alongside a variety of reef fish and rays, it's important to note that the sharks are in a separate, contained habitat. InstagramReddit These interactive elements make the St. Augustine Aquarium a memorable destination for all ages.

Snorkeling Adventures



For those seeking a more immersive experience, the snorkel adventure is a standout activity. Participants get to explore the underwater world alongside colorful fish and gentle stingrays. Instagram It's a fantastic way to feel like you're truly part of the marine ecosystem. Remember to check the aquarium's website for details on what's included and any age or swimming ability requirements for this activity. Instagram

Guided Tours: The Heart of the Experience

The St. Augustine Aquarium operates primarily on a guided tour model. This approach ensures that visitors receive informative commentary and insights into the lives of the animals. Guides like Lauren and Felix have been praised for their knowledge and engaging delivery, making the tours both educational and entertaining. Reddit+1 They share interesting facts about the fish, sharks, and other inhabitants, answering questions and enhancing the overall understanding of the marine environment.

While the guided tours are a significant part of the experience, they also mean the pace is set by the group. Reddit Visitors who prefer to linger at exhibits might find the tours move a bit quickly. However, for many, this structured approach is efficient and ensures they see and learn about the key attractions within a reasonable timeframe. It's recommended to be attentive and ready to capture photos as the tour progresses. Reddit

What to Expect on a Tour



Expect a walk-through of the various exhibits, with your guide stopping at key points to discuss the animals. You'll learn about their habitats, diets, and conservation efforts. Reddit The guides are often passionate about marine life and eager to share their knowledge. This is where you'll get the most detailed information about the aquarium in St. Augustine, Florida. Reddit

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