Above The Reef
See the Aquarium like never before! Go behind the scenes at The Reef, the Ocean Pavilion’s largest habitat, for a unique look at how Aquarium staff care for sharks, rays, eels and schooling fish. Watch a feeding, learn about the intricacies of caring for tropical animals and connect with knowledgeable staff.
In a group of up to six people, you’ll be led on a tour of The Reef as the Aquarium is just waking up. We’ll start outside the Ocean Pavilion, then move to the largest viewing window, taking in this multistory habitat before heading upstairs to visit the food prep area and take a look at what it takes to keep the animals in this area happy and healthy.
Most exciting of all, you’ll join us at the top of The Reef to observe the morning feeding when the habitat comes alive in a totally unique way. Watch as tropical fish, moray eels, stingrays and other Reef residents are all fed at the same time and learn about the thoughtful logistics necessary to make it all work.
Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to talk with a knowledgeable tour guide. This is the perfect experience for someone looking for a more personalized Aquarium visit where we dive deep into marine animal care.
Tour price includes general admission to the Aquarium on the day of your visit during regular business hours. This experience is available to guests age 6 years old and older. Tours start at 9am every Wednesday under the oculus, aka the viewing window at the Ocean Pavilion’s entrance. Look for the Above The Reef sign. The complete experience takes about 75 minutes.
Please arrive on time at 9am. See our Late Arrivals policy for more information.
Details and pricing
When: Wednesdays at 9am
Where: Ocean Pavilion
Pricing per person (includes Aquarium admission)
- $139 for non-members
- $109 for members
Please note that all participants are required to complete a safety waiver before the start of their program.
Accessibility
Tour guests must be able to independently navigate stairs (up and down). The animal care space, feeding area and above-habitat viewing area are only accessible to non-personnel by stairs. It is not possible to use strollers, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and other wheeled devices on this tour.
The tour takes guests through an active, behind-the-scenes work area. Please be advised that the machinery necessary to keep our habitats running can be loud. Guests with hearing loss may find it difficult to hear the tour guide.
Guests will be brought to a food prep area, where Animal Care personnel prepare various types of seafood for the animals. Please be mindful of any allergies you or your party members may have.
If you have any specific questions on accessibility, please reach out to groupexperiences@seattleaquarium.org.
Policies
Cancellation policy
Guests may cancel their reservation for a full refund if email notice is provided to groupexperiences@seattleaquarium.org at least 7 days prior to the scheduled experience. Refunds are not available for cancellations made within 7 days of the experience start time, if guests arrive after the experience has begun, or if guests do not meet participation requirements (including required footwear).
Our goal is to provide every scheduled experience as planned. However, rare circumstances may require us to cancel or reschedule due to animal wellbeing considerations or, facility, operational or safety concerns. In these cases, guests will be offered a refund or the opportunity to reschedule.
Late arrivals policy
Guests must arrive at 9am for check-in and important safety information. Due to the scheduled nature of the experience and the need to maintain group supervision in active behind-the-scenes work areas, guests who arrive after the experience has begun at 9:10am cannot join the tour in progress. Refunds are not available for guests who arrive after the experience has begun. Aquarium general admission remains valid for the remainder of the day.
The Seattle waterfront is a dynamic and frequently busy place. Please allow adequate time for parking and walking to the Aquarium from your parking garage or public transit stop.
Guest policies
Guests must be at least 6 years old to participate in the Above The Reef experience. All guests under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult (18+ years old).
Closed-toe shoes (no high heels) are required due to uneven walking surfaces, gaps in flooring materials, stairs and other conditions commonly found in active behind-the-scenes work areas. Guests who arrive without appropriate footwear cannot participate in the experience and are not eligible for a refund. Aquarium general admission remains valid for the remainder of the day.
Photography or video is allowed in public spaces. For animal wellbeing and the safety of your devices, we do not allow personal phones, cameras or recording devices in behind-the-scenes areas. You will be asked to leave your phone, camera and other small personal items in a secure location before proceeding to animal care areas. Food and drinks of any kind are not allowed in behind-the-scenes areas.
All guests must agree to abide by our policies before booking their tour.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes (no high heels) are required due to uneven walking surfaces, gaps in flooring materials, stairs and other conditions commonly found in active behind-the-scenes work areas. For clothing, wear whatever is seasonably appropriate, makes you feel comfortable and allows you to navigate stairs safely. Please note, the Ocean Pavilion is a warm environment due to the needs of the species that reside there.
What happens if I'm late?
Guests must arrive at 9am for check-in and important safety information. Due to the scheduled nature of the experience and the need to maintain group supervision in active behind-the-scenes work areas, guests who arrive after the group has entered the Ocean Pavilion at 9:10am cannot join the tour in progress. Refunds are not available for guests who arrive after the tour has entered the building. Aquarium general admission remains valid for the remainder of the day.
What if one of the people in my tour party is late?
Guests who arrive after the experience has entered the Ocean Pavilion (9:10am) cannot join the tour in progress. The tour will begin on time and with all present group members. Aquarium general admission remains valid for late arrivals.
Can I take photos?
Photography and video are allowed in public spaces. For animal wellbeing and the safety of your devices, we do not allow personal phones, cameras or recording devices in behind-the-scenes areas. You will be asked to leave your phone, bag and other personal items in a secure location before proceeding to animal care areas.
What accessibility requirements should guests be aware of?
Tour guests must be able to independently navigate stairs (up and down). The animal care space, feeding area and above-habitat viewing area are only accessible to non-personnel by stairs. It is not possible to use strollers, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and other wheeled devices on this tour.
The tour takes guests through an active, behind-the-scenes work area. Please be advised that the machinery necessary to keep our habitats running can be loud. Guests with hearing loss may find it difficult to hear the tour guide.
Guests will be brought to a food prep area, where Animal Care personnel prepare various types of seafood for the animals. Please be mindful of any allergies you or your party members may have.
If you have any specific questions on accessibility, please reach out to groupexperiences@seattleaquarium.org.
Can children participate?
Guests who are 6 years old or older are welcome to participate in the Above The Reef experience. All guests under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult (18+ years old).
What happens if animal care activities change?
Our goal is to provide every scheduled experience as planned. However, rare circumstances may require us to cancel or reschedule due to animal wellbeing considerations or facility, operational or safety concerns. In these cases, guests will be offered a refund or the opportunity to reschedule.
Will I interact with or feed the animals?
From above The Reef, you’ll be able to observe sharks, rays, tropical fish and eels up close. During feeding times, animals tend to come close to the water, giving you a uniquely personal view of them. For everyone’s safety, only trained aquarists and other animal care staff can feed the animals during this experience.
For a hands-on experience, make sure to check out the touch pools in Life on the Edge in Pier 59 after your Above The Reef experience.
