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Best Aquariums You've been too

AJ1080

AJ1080

Whats the best aquarium you've been to?

Out of the few I've been to I'd have to say the Atlanta Aquarium takes the cake. The whale sharks are just amazing.

Im just curious what other aquariums you guys have visited? I would love to go to monterey aquarium when they have another great white.
 
M

mnat

Officer Emeritus
Staff member
Moderator
Baltimore is pretty amazing, I had a post up but might have lost it in the crash. Maybe I will repost it at some point. Seattle was really nice don't have any pictures from there. We really enjoy the Disney's Sea exhibit down in Disney World in Epcot. Camden is decent, worth a trip if you have not been there.
 
Hawkeye

Hawkeye

I've always liked the New England Aquarium. I forget why - maybe because it had those penguins and such swimming below while you walked in a circle around the main display. They always had some gi-normous lobster in there too. I haven't been there though in several years.

Baltimore is nice - also have not been there since the 90s.

Monterey was great but I thought the drive to get there (from SFO) was long. Nothing else in Monterey besides vineyards - which unfortunately I'm not a wine buff. But this was the place where they filmed portions of StarTrek IV - so that in and of itself is cool...LOL.

SeaWorld was nice - but only because we got the behind the scenes pass via MACNA in 2010.
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My avatar has the fish that were swimming in the huge display above.

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ballasts from hamilton needed for a reef tank (separate area)

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reef tank - part of it...it was difficult to get a pic because we were like 5~10 feet from the surface.

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Salt shipment for this display...LOL

Anyways the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago is neat.

I think the Seattle one is "interesting" as the facility is split into two places (short hop over)- emphasis is on the salmon process/stocking - and a huge touch display. But not much in the way of reef. I was there a year or two ago to visit my brother-in-law.

Ones that are so-so
the NY Aquarium. Concrete boredom.
The Mandalay Bay Aquarium - overpriced for what you see. Spend the money at cirque du soleil or the tables.
The Jenkinsons "Aquarium" - It's kinda small and perhaps unfair to rate it among these huge powerhouses listed.
Atlantic City Aquarium - also small.

I have never been to the one in Atlanta.
 
redfishbluefish

redfishbluefish

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
I think a good number of the aquariums can be “great” because of what they have to offer. I look for the good in everyone I’ve been to. Hawk mentioned Seattle. I was just there this summer, and the better part of the aquarium is from local aquatic life. They do have one “room” set up with some pretty impressive displays of tropical species. I was definitely impressed by one display that had to have had the largest colonies of corals I’ve ever seen. The one disappointment was the lack of labels on many of their displays. Had no idea what I was looking at. Similarly, with the Juneau, Alaska aquarium……If you go there expecting to see nice examples of tropical fish and corals, you will be sorely disappointed. However, you will be totally amazed at what variety of life comes from their local waters. The entire aquarium is local species only, and is very impressive and very diverse. If I can find the time, I’ll post up some pictures under a new post. I’ve been to Baltimore, Boston, Scripps (Birch Aquarium, La Jolla, CA), and of course Camden. The one thing I dislike about Camden are all the people! And, other then the crowds, I’ve liked them all!
 
D

DBSAM

My favorite so far is

The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, Monte Carlo. I went there on a cruise and just loved the place.
 
Hawkeye

Hawkeye

Actually for what it's worth - camden is the only aquarium i know of in the US with a pair of hippos. So that says something there.

We enjoy going there (as members) if only to support to local state aquarium. Although I may have to find an alternate route if they keep raising the NJ turnpike tolls....waaaaaaaaaaaaaah.
 
onefish2fish

onefish2fish

it seemed like it was small, or maybe i was just sad it was over but mystic in CT is alright.
i think they were beluga whales that were there, all white? dont remember..
some other highlights:
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this was prob. the coolest thing, shark eggs but exposed so you can see it moving inside

videos
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and now you prob dont have to go lol

i think i have monteray aquarium pictures, camden too..
 
TanksNStuff

TanksNStuff

Officer Emeritus
Officer Emeritus
Loved the shark egg vids Jon!

Lots of other great pics in this thread too. Thanks for sharing everyone.
 
MadReefer

MadReefer

Staff member
NJRC Member
Moderator
Been to the Baltimore Aquarium, Shedd, New York Aquarium, Waikiki Aquarium and Sea World. As Paul said I like them all as they have their different niches.
 
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