For more specific questions, please contact our Guest Services at (206) 386-4300 or info@seattleaquarium.org
Per the current statewide order and to protect our guests, volunteers and staff, all guests must wear a face covering that covers their mouth and nose at all times while at the Aquarium. If you don’t have a mask when you arrive, one will be provided for you. The use of a face covering should not be a substitute for physical distancing.
Exemptions include children under the age of 5, though we highly encourage and recommend that guests ages 3−4 wear face coverings during their visit. According to public health recommendations, babies/toddlers age 2 and younger should not wear face coverings.
Clear masks will be provided at no charge to anyone who: has disability that makes it hard for them to wear or remove a face covering; is deaf and moves their face and mouth to communicate; and/or has been advised by a medical professional to not wear a face covering because of personal health issues. If a clear mask or face covering/mask is not a viable solution, the Aquarium will be happy to accommodate a visit at a later date when mask restrictions have been lifted.
Our staff and volunteers are also following these guidelines for our guests’ protection and theirs. We appreciate your understanding as we work to adhere to the state’s public health recommendations that have allowed us to reopen to the public.
The number of guests allowed in the Aquarium is limited, with separate lines for timed-ticket holders and walk-up guests outside the front doors. We’ve created a one-way path so guests can enjoy the Aquarium and our exhibits while practicing physical distancing (maintaining at least six feet of space between groups).
For health reasons, our water fountains are closed. But our touchless water-bottle-filling stations are open, so feel free to bring your own water bottle.
Restrooms are still available throughout the Aquarium, but all multi-stall restrooms have been converted to all-gender, single-occupancy restrooms with availability to one person/group at a time.
The Aquarium’s two touch pools will be open for viewing only—no touching is permitted.
The gift shop is open and maintaining a reduced capacity with guides to allow for safe shopping.
The Aquarium café is currently operating at a reduced capacity in accordance with restaurant reopening guidance in Governor Inslee’s Healthy Washington plan. Please visit the Aquarium café page for additional information on operating days and times.
Animal feedings and presentations are cancelled for the time being to promote safety.
Updated July 6, 2020. That is very unlikely. COVID-19 is almost exclusively a human disease. There have been rare cases of animals from other species having the virus. Of these, some cats (domestic cats, tigers and lions) and mink have shown mild symptoms following natural infection. Some non-human primates (macaques, African green monkeys, common marmosets), golden Syrian hamsters and ferrets have shown mild symptoms following experimental infection. There have been no reports of the virus in any of the species at the Seattle Aquarium. However, since sea otters and river otters are in the same taxonomic group as ferrets and mink, they are under additional biosecurity protocols out of an abundance of caution.
This coronavirus is almost exclusively a human disease, but there have been rare cases of cats, dogs and farmed mink getting the virus from humans, typically from owners showing symptoms of COVID-19. There have been two suspected instances where transmission from farmed mink to human carers may have occurred, although research is ongoing. The vast majority of virus tests done on domestic species have been negative. At this time, there is still no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. At the Seattle Aquarium, we’ve always had protocols and training to prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases between humans and other animals and we continue to monitor them closely.
The protocols designed to protect humans from COVID-19 (such as good hand washing, face masks, cleaning and disinfection) also protect humans and the animals under our care from many zoonotic diseases. You may see additional precautions around our sea otters and river otters, including restricted access. This is out of an abundance of caution; the risk to our otters is very low. We continue to closely monitor all the animals in our care.
The Aquarium has implemented several practices to protect the health of the humans in our facility, including the following:
- Substantially reducing the number of guests allowed in the Aquarium at one time.
- Providing additional touchless hand sanitizer stations throughout the Aquarium.
- Continuously cleaning high-touch surfaces like windows, railings, restrooms and elevators (in addition to maintaining our already-high standards of cleanliness).
- We’ve implemented state-of-the-art bipolar ionization air-handling equipment to help filter out air particles and enhance safety.
- Complying with all state and local regulations concerning COVID-19, including proper physical distancing and the wearing of masks or face coverings.
- Requiring all Aquarium staff members and volunteers to wear masks/face coverings while working. All staff members/volunteers also have their temperatures checked upon entry.
- Our safety procedures implement the recommendations of the CDC and King County Public Health and have been reviewed by University of Washington health experts.
The Seattle Aquarium launched plan-ahead pricing in February 2021 to give you the opportunity to get the best deal on tickets when purchasing in advance. This model also allows you to see when we anticipate being busiest*—such as during the summer, on weekends/holidays/school breaks—and when we’ll be more quiet.
We’re excited to make the Seattle Aquarium more accessible and advance our mission of Inspiring Conservation of Our Marine Environment!
*Note: We will never exceed the capacity limits currently in place to protect the health of our visitors, staff and volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Similar to other zoos, aquariums and museums that have adapted this approach, our prices are determined based on a number of key factors including attendance patterns, popular holidays/events and weather—and they’ve been developed through extensive research and collaboration with a team of expert economists. In general, for busier periods with higher estimated attendance*, prices will reflect high demand. For quieter attendance days, prices will be lower.
*Note: We will never exceed the capacity limits currently in place to protect the health of our visitors, staff and volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tickets purchased by online before you visit the Aquarium will always cost less than tickets purchased on site on the day of your visit. The farther in advance you purchase, the more you’re likely to save! To view a calendar of current prices, visit our tickets page.
Ticket prices may change daily—and the only way to lock in a price is by actually buying your tickets. If you need additional tickets later, we recommend buying as soon as possible to receive the lowest price.
Yes! You can still buy ahead and save by calling us at (206) 386-4300 during our regular business hours.
The prices listed for each date will always be the most affordable option for that particular date—they’ll never decrease but they may increase, so purchasing earlier is always the best option!
Check the pricing calendar on our tickets page for a complete list of current ticket prices.
Yes! Purchasing your tickets online will cost less than buying them on site at the Aquarium, even on the day of your visit.
It’s easy! Visit our buy tickets page for a calendar that shows pricing for each day, click the day you want to visit, and follow the prompts from there.
Plan-ahead tickets are valid only for the date and time listed on the ticket. There is no limit to how long you can spend at the Aquarium. If you arrive more than 15 minutes after the time on your ticket, please see a Seattle Aquarium team member. We know that plans can change, and we want you to feel as comfortable as possible when booking your visit. Keep reading to see options for rescheduling and/or canceling your visit.
If you can’t visit the Aquarium on the date listed on your ticket, you may exchange it for a different date. Contact us at (206) 386-4300 or tickets@seattleaquarium.org, or see one of our guest service representatives at the Aquarium’s admission gate. Please note that, if the price is higher for the new date/ time you select, you’ll need to pay the difference—and such exchanges can only be accommodated by phone and in person (not via email).
No, membership prices remain the same and are always the best value. Please note that the cost of your admission can be applied toward the cost of a membership at any point during your visit. To learn more and find the membership level that’s right for you, visit our membership page and membership FAQ.
To reduce exposure and health risks, we are temporarily suspending all on-site ticket sales. Online reservations for timed tickets are required for all guests and members.
Such tickets are still valid; please reach out to us at tickets@seattleaquarium.org or (206) 386-4300 to rebook your ticket. And please note that, going forward, all tickets sold will be valid only on the date and time for which they were purchased unless otherwise noted on the ticket.
We offer a number of free and reduced admission programs to make the Aquarium more accessible to all. Visit our discounts and group rates page for details.
Upon arrival, follow the signs toward the entrance for walk-up guests. Walk-up guests will be allowed entry as capacity in the Aquarium allows. A guest services representative will be available to help book a reservation for the next available time.
First, purchase CityPASS online for immediate, paperless delivery to your mobile device. Next, follow the link provided in your confirmation email or visit the CityPass website.
To change your reserved time, refer back to the CityPASS travel guide and follow the prompts to change or cancel your reservation.
Admission for children ages 3 and under is free, but requires a reservation; please call the Aquarium at (206) 386-4300 to add children ages 3 and under to your reservation. Children ages 4 and over require a paid ticket.
Please refer to your confirmation email from tickets@seattleaquarium.org for your tickets. If you are unable to find your confirmation email or did not receive one, please call customer service at (206) 386-4300 and a customer service representative will assist you.
Seattle CityPASS bundles Seattle’s best 5 attractions at a 47% savings.
We are unable to provide any other discounts at this time.
If you have pre-purchased tickets and can’t/prefer not to use them at this time, we have several options for you:
- Apply the value of your tickets toward a membership—it’s a great way to provide critical and much-needed support for our operations, animal care, conservation research and education programs, all of which were gravely impacted by our temporary closures.
- Convert the value of your tickets into a tax-deductible donation. The Seattle Aquarium relies on donor support to fund community access, conservation education, advocacy, research and more.
- Hold onto your ticket. We will honor your admission up to 365 days past your scheduled visit date. The full value of your ticket will be applied to the purchase price of a new ticket of equal or greater value. Simply select another date and pay the difference, if any.
- Request a refund
Please contact us at 206-386-4300 or by email at tickets@seattleaquarium.org.
Please contact us at (206) 386-4300 to resolve any inaccuracies in your billing.
All adults in your party (age 18+) are required to show photo ID with a Washington address to receive the daily Washington resident price; proof of residency isn’t required for children as long as they’re accompanied by a resident adult with the appropriate ID. Current college and university IDs are valid proof of residency for students living in Washington while attending school.
If a resident’s photo ID doesn’t list their current address in Washington, secondary documentation confirming residency will be required. Such documentation could include a utility bill, a bank statement, a lease agreement, a recent paystub or any other official documentation that lists the resident’s full name and address in Washington.
Unfortunately, our Washington resident ticket prices are only available to residents of the state of Washington and do not apply to any guests from other states, even when they’re visiting the Aquarium with a Washington resident. Proof of residency, as described above, is required for all adults (ages 18+) requesting Washington resident ticket pricing.
No, children who live in Washington do not need to show ID to receive Washington resident pricing, as long as they are accompanied by an adult (age 18+) who is a resident of Washington and has the appropriate proof of residency.
Yes. Day-of admission receipts are redeemable toward your membership if you purchase the membership that same day. Only one admission receipt is valid toward a membership, and can be used only for the individuals who purchased the admission tickets. Only the admission that would be covered on the membership will go toward the cost of the membership. Example: if you have two admission tickets on one receipt, but buy an Individual level membership, only one of the admission tickets will go toward the membership.
Members must reserve tickets online before visiting. You must log in to your membership account to access the member tickets.
The number of free tickets you may reserve is based on your membership level. Additional tickets for those not covered under your membership must be purchased online separately. Please arrive no earlier than 10 minutes before your scheduled time and no later than 15 minutes after your scheduled time. Come prepared to show your digital ticket for scanning.
Reserve your tickets here.
To view your membership and reserve member tickets, you must log in using the primary account holder’s last name and membership ID. This information is listed on your membership card and in the confirmation email you received when you purchased your membership.
If you don’t know your information, on the member login page, click “I don’t remember my Member ID.” You can also email us at membership@seattleaquarium.org for assistance.
When reserving your member tickets, there will be an option to add one or two half-price guests to your order. Payment will be collected online during checkout. Half-price guests cannot visit the Aquarium without a member present.
We don’t have any members-only hours. However, each time slot has a set number of tickets dedicated to members that the general public cannot reserve.
Memberships are not being automatically extended. Please reach out to the membership department at membership@seattleaquarium.org or (206) 838-3900 to request an extension.
The Seattle Aquarium is open daily, 9:30am–6pm. Last entry at 5pm; exhibits close at 6pm.
We’re located on Pier 59 on downtown Seattle’s central waterfront, just west of the Pike Place Market and north of the Washington State ferry terminal.
Our address:
1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59
Seattle, WA 98101-2015
Directions
From I-5 North
- Take the Madison St./Convention Place exit.
- Stay straight to go onto 7th Ave.
- Take the first left onto Madison St.
- Turn right onto Alaskan Way.
- 1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59 is on the left.
From I-5 South
- Take Union St. exit, exit 165B.
- Stay straight to go onto Union St.
- Turn left onto 5th Ave.
- Turn right onto Madison St.
- Turn right onto Alaskan Way.
- 1483 Alaskan Way Pier 59 is on the left.
Yes. A Seattle Aquarium membership is the ultimate discount: it pays for itself in less than two visits, grants you admission to the Aquarium for an entire year, and comes with an array of exclusive perks!
All tickets cost less when purchased online!
Seattle CityPASS bundles Seattle’s top five attractions at a 47% savings, and free tickets may be available for eligible recipients via our community ticket program and the Seattle Public Library Museum pass program. More information can be found on the discounts and group rates page of our website.
We are currently unable to offer senior, military or ADA discounts.
Yes. Day-of admission receipts are redeemable toward your membership if you purchase the membership that same day. Only one admission receipt is valid toward a membership, and can be used only for the individuals who purchased the admission tickets. Only the admission that would be covered on the membership will go toward the cost of the membership. Example: if you have two admission tickets on one receipt, but buy an Individual level membership, only one of the admission tickets will go toward the membership.
We are generally less busy on non-holiday weekdays and after 3pm on weekends. And, because we’re currently limiting the number of people inside the Aquarium at any one time, you won’t experience crowds at the exhibits no matter when you visit.
Our coat/bag check is currently closed to help alleviate the spread of COVID-19.
Children in strollers are welcome at the Aquarium. Please be aware, though, that we do not offer strollers for rent, and do not have secure storage for visitors’ strollers.
It’s possible to enjoy all our exhibits in about 90 minutes to two hours.
During our time of reduced guest capacity, we're providing benches at the west end of our pier for guests to sit and eat.
For the safety of the animals in our collection and our guests, service animals only are allowed inside the Aquarium; no domesticated pets.
You're welcome to take photos and video for your personal use only. Commercial photography is allowed only with prior written permission from our Public Relations department. For more information, please contact us at (206) 386-4300 or info@seattleaquarium.org.
When taking photos inside the Aquarium, please turn off your flash. Not only will you get better photos—but our visitors and animals will thank you! Also, please be aware that entrants to our facility during public hours understand that still photography, video surveillance and monitoring may be happening at all times in public areas.
Yes. If you lose something during a visit to the Aquarium, visit the Guest Services desk for help. You can also call the desk at (206) 386-4363, call our main line at (206) 386-4300, or email us at info@seattleaquarium.org.
The Aquarium is a great place to visit, rain or shine. Most of our exhibits are indoors; some are open air with overhead coverage. Our harbor seal exhibit is outdoors with no cover—although we do have an indoor viewing window for visitors who prefer to stay out of the rain while watching the harbor seals at play on wet days!
No smoking is allowed in or on Aquarium property.
The Aquarium’s exhibits and restrooms are wheelchair-accessible. If you need a wheelchair, you may check one out, free of charge, from the Aquarium’s Guest Services desk (available on a first-come, first-served basis). Wheelchairs will be sanitized between uses. A credit card is required for checkout and will be charged $600 if the wheelchair isn’t returned. See our Accessibility page for more details.
Aides required and accompanied by persons with disabilities can enter the Aquarium free of change. Reservations are not required for an aide. Attendance will be accounted for at check-in.
Yes! If you speak another language, we may be able to provide an interpreter for your visit to the Seattle Aquarium. Please contact us at (206) 693-6184 or connections@seattleaquarium.org with a minimum of two weeks’ notice to request an interpreter. Requests will be filled on an as-available basis.
There are plenty of options along the Seattle waterfront: Anthony's Fish Bar and Bell Street Diner on Pier 66; Ivar's on Pier 54, and more. Plus, Pike Place Market, with its numerous food stalls and restaurants, is just steps away.
There are many: The Edgewater, Seattle Marriott Waterfront, Quality Inn & Suites Seattle Center, The Belltown Inn and more.
Yes, there are several public transit options available. Use the following links to get started: King Country Metro Online; Sound Transit; Washington State Ferries; and Elliott Bay Water Taxi.
Start with the following links: Seattle Attractions; Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau; Argosy Cruises; and Seattle CityPASS
Yes! We are currently booking events. The Aquarium is the site of some of the most memorable events, weddings and celebrations in our region. Visit our private events page to learn about all we have to offer for weddings, corporate events and more!
At this time, we do not offer birthday parties. If you are interested in renting our facility after hours, please visit our Private Events page.
The Seattle Aquarium operates as a nonprofit 501(c)(3), through a long-term operating agreement with the City of Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation.
Our operating budget is generated primarily through ticket sales, with concessions income, memberships, grants and private contributions making up the remainder.