If your travel plans bring you to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, you should consider spending an hour or two at the Mississippi Aquarium located on Beach Boulevard in Gulfport.
Opened in August 2020, the Mississippi Aquarium exists to tell the story of all of Mississippi’s aquatic resources from the Delta to the Gulf of Mexico. Their mission is “to be a premier institution delivering an awe-inspiring entertainment experience which supports animal research and conservation, inspires learning and instills a passion for the aquatic world.”
Awe-Inspiring Entertainment Experience
The aquarium consists of exhibits located both indoors and outdoors. Once you step through the entrance gates you’ll first encounter the crocodile habitat and river fishes exhibit. From there, your next stop will be inside to explore Aquatic Wonders, a 3-story building featuring a touch pool, a large 360-degree tank with a spiraling walkway, an acrylic tunnel, and multiple large viewing windows of the main aquarium tank.
While in Aquatic Wonders you’ll have the chance to touch and feel stingrays, sharks, and other invertebrate sea creatures in the touching pool. Staff members are available to answer questions and give talks throughout the day.
Feeling adventurous? For an additional ticket add-on of $79.95, guests can participate in a guided underwater experience where they can get up close with the fish, stingrays, and sharks.
After Aquatic Wonders, step outside to see the North American Sea Otter habitat. These playful critters are a guest favorite. Continue on to the bird aviary to see some of the most beautiful birds up close.
Beyond the aviary, enjoy the bottlenose dolphins as they show off for visitors. Marine biologists also give informative talks throughout the day.
Feeling hungry? Stop by the outdoor Pelican Pointe Café to grab a bite to eat. Before leaving, don’t forget to stop at the “Gulf Shop” for a souvenir to remember your visit.
The aquarium is a great value. General admission ranges from $24.95 to $29.95 depending on age. Military members receive 10% off with ID. Memberships are also available. On-site parking is offered for an hourly fee.
In closing, you can experience all the Mississippi Aquarium has to offer in about two hours. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. I’m hopeful they will expand over time with more exhibits, but for now, it’s a nice addition to the region.
Experience More at the Gulf Coast
To complete your Mississippi aquatics experience while visiting the Gulf Coast, check out the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, also located in Gulfport.
(This is not a paid endorsement. This is my review of my family’s visit where we paid admission the same as everyone else. All pictures are my own.)
