The Seattle Aquarium is open with timed ticketing to enhance the visitor experience. Entry to the Aquarium is based on reserved entry times every 30 minutes, each with a maximum number of spaces available, between 9:30am and 4:30pm. Last entry to the Aquarium is at 5pm with the Aquarium closing at 6pm. We can’t wait to see you!
The Aquarium is operating with the health and safety of our guests, volunteers, staff and animals in mind. We are meeting and exceeding the recommendations of health officials and are excited to offer you a fun, safe experience.
- Purchasing tickets online in advance is recommended for all guests, whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time member.
- Your timed ticket indicates your arrival window. There is no limit to how long you can spend at the Aquarium.
- Masks/face coverings are encouraged for all visitors, with the exception of babies/toddlers. Masks, including clear masks/face coverings, are available at no charge and upon request.
- As of March 1, King County’s COVID-19 vaccine verification policy is no longer in effect and proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or proof of negative COVID-19 test is no longer required for entry to the Seattle Aquarium.
Keeping You Safe
The Aquarium has implemented the following safety precautions to protect the health of our animals, guests, staff and volunteers:
- The Aquarium requires that all staff members, volunteers and on-site vendors/contractors are vaccinated against COVID-19.
- State-of-the-art bipolar ionization air-handling equipment help filter out air particles and enhance safety.
- Touchless ticketing at the Aquarium’s entrance.
- Additional touchless hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the Aquarium.
- The Aquarium is maintaining its high standards of cleanliness and all high-touch surfaces (like windows, railings, restrooms and elevators) are being continuously cleaned.
- Our safety procedures reflect the recommendations of the CDC and King County Public Health.
Timed tickets and reservations
- Timed ticketing limits the number of people inside the Aquarium at one time—reducing crowding and increasing access to our habitats.
- Online tickets are recommended to manage capacity. Members will continue to receive free admission. The Aquarium will set aside a block of tickets exclusively for members each day.
- Online tickets can be purchased in 30-minute time slots and guests will not be admitted prior to their scheduled time.
- CityPASS ticket holders: First, purchase CityPASS online for immediate mobile delivery. Next, use the link provided in the emailed order receipt or visit the CityPASS Travel Guide to manage your reservations.
- Connections ticket holders and Gold/FLASH cardholders: enter the walk-up line upon arrival; entry will be permitted as space allows.
- Timed tickets may be canceled or rescheduled up to the reservation time but not after.
- Members needing assistance making a reservation may call us at (206) 386-4300.
- Guests will not be admitted to the Aquarium prior to their reservation time.
- As you enter the Aquarium, be sure to have your ticket ready for touchless scanning at the counter inside. Masks are encouraged during your visit.
- Our water fountains are closed for health reasons—but our touchless water-bottle-filling stations are open. Feel free to bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated during your visit.
- 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.
*A small number of tickets are available via our walk-up line; wait times may vary and we appreciate your patience!
Masks/face coverings are encouraged for all visitors, with the exception of babies/toddlers. Masks, including clear masks/face coverings, are available at no charge and upon request.
Masks, including clear masks/face coverings, are available at no charge and upon request.
The Aquarium has introduced separate lines for timed-ticket holders and walk-up guests outside the front doors.
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.
The Aquarium has implemented several practices to protect the health of the humans in our facility, including the following:
- The Aquarium requires that all staff members, volunteers and on-site vendors/contractors are vaccinated against COVID-19.
- State-of-the-art bipolar ionization air-handling equipment help filter out air particles and enhance safety.
- Touchless ticketing at the Aquarium’s entrance.
- Additional touchless hand sanitizer stations are available throughout the Aquarium.
- The Aquarium is maintaining its high standards of cleanliness and all high-touch surfaces (like windows, railings, restrooms and elevators) are being continuously cleaned.
- Our safety procedures reflect the recommendations of the CDC and King County Public Health.
The Aquarium café and gift shop are open.
Animal feedings and presentations are taking place throughout the day but we currently do not have a set schedule for them.
That is very unlikely. 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 (two species that have been shown to be capable of contracting the virus), they are under additional biosecurity protocols out of an abundance of caution.
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. At this time, there is still no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.
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.