Explore the Ocean Pavilion
DIVE INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY WORLD OF TROPICAL MARINE SPECIES
Goatfish. Bluespotted rays. Flamboyant cuttlefish. All fascinating as individual species. But totally incredible to view within ecosystems that function as bustling underwater cities. At the Ocean Pavilion, you’ll connect with these awe-inspiring species (to name just a few) and habitats most people wouldn’t otherwise experience without a passport, scuba certification and a wet suit! You’ll come away with a deeper understanding of how all waters and marine animals are connected—and why those connections matter.
EXPERIENCE THE DIVERSE SPLENDOR OF OUR OCEAN
Step into One Ocean Hall and find yourself immersed in digital stories and interactive displays that spotlight marine ecosystems around the world, from our own backyard in the Salish Sea to the Coral Triangle in the western Pacific. Powerful imagery projected across the floor and walls transports you into the homes and habitats of marine creatures large and small.
See coral spawn. Explore kelp forests and discover bioluminescent life in the ocean’s deepest recesses. Through engaging media and conversations with knowledgeable Aquarium staff, discover things about our one world ocean you never knew!
EXPLORE OCEAN LIFE ABOVE AND BELOW THE SURFACE
While visiting the Ocean Pavilion, you’ll come face to face with living creatures that will awe and inspire you.
Through an expansive window that arcs overhead, you’ll have a direct view into The Reef—the Ocean Pavilion’s largest habitat. Take some time to get up close and personal with a community that includes reef sharks, gliding rays and schooling fish. Here, the Indo-Pacific leopard sharks you meet will be part of a world-first program to breed and release baby sharks into their protected home waters and restore wild populations.
Meander to The Archipelago, which will be visible from two levels of the Ocean Pavilion. Above the water line, find a near-shore, mangrove lagoon habitat, where the roots of live mangrove trees shelter small fish and rays. A window at the lower level of this habitat provides a view into the underside of a coral reef.
Take your time exploring At Home in the Ocean—a series of intimate habitats, where you can cozy up to clownfish, garden eels, lionfish, scorpionfish and more. In their own digs, these unique species will help you see the world through their perspective.
MEET THE TEAM WELCOMING NEW AQUARIUM RESIDENTS
The Aquarium’s new, state-of-the-art Animal Care Center brings together a team of multidisciplinary experts responsible for and deeply committed to animal care and rehabilitation. This village of aquarists, veterinarians, life support engineers and water quality scientists provide warm and welcoming care to all animals.
For animals who will live in the Ocean Pavilion, the Animal Care Center serves as their first stop to gently acclimate to their new environment, nurturing their nutritional, mental, environmental and social well-being.
Get to know the caretakers: stewards of and advocates for marine animals
Future Ocean Pavilion residents are already settling in at the Animal Care Center. Meet a few of the team members helping to care for them:
"We’re all connected via the waterways in our world. What we do here affects the other side of the ocean, and I think it’s important for Ocean Pavilion visitors to see the different animals they could be impacting with their decisions."
"We are setting these animals up for success so they will continue to thrive when they move into the Ocean Pavilion. Throughout the day, our team is prioritizing chemical, physical and microbiological monitoring of the water in our habitats."
"I’ve always been fascinated by fish and enjoyed working with them. This job is as much about providing daily care as it is monitoring their health and behavior. You have to get to know an animal well to understand what is and isn’t normal for that individual."
Watch Animal Care Stories
Our new miniseries takes viewers behind the scenes to see how our dedicated animal care team is preparing for the Aquarium’s historic expansion.
