Visit the St. Augustine Aquarium on Your Next Trip

What’s the History of the St. Augustine Aquarium?

The St. Augustine Aquarium was created by Shawn and Kathy Hiester, who wanted to bring more ocean education to the city. They saw the need for a place where people could learn about marine life in a direct and approachable way. Their goal was never just about display, but about sparking curiosity and respect for the ocean. Since it opened, the aquarium has focused on showing how conservation connects to everyday choices, from protecting shorelines to reducing plastic waste. Programs have expanded over the years, but the mission has stayed the same, giving visitors of all ages a better understanding of the waters that surround St. Augustine.

What Can You Do at the St. Augustine Aquarium?

The St. Augustine Aquarium is designed so visitors of all ages can take part in the experience rather than just observe from behind glass. Guided tours are scheduled throughout the day and are led by marine biologists who walk guests through each exhibit. They explain where the animals come from, what their habitats are like in the wild, and how conservation groups are working to protect them. These tours also give you a chance to ask questions directly, making the visit feel more like a conversation than a lecture.

In the touch and feeding areas, you can hold starfish, horseshoe crabs, and other gentle invertebrates while staff explain the role these creatures play in coastal ecosystems. The feeding sessions are often a highlight for kids, who get to drop food into the tanks and watch rays and small sharks swim right up to the surface. Everything is closely supervised, so the animals are safe, and the guests feel comfortable.

The Snorkel Adventure offers something unique at the St. Augustine Aquarium. Guests step into an 80,000-gallon habitat where tropical fish and rays glide by in clear water. With a wet suit, mask, snorkel, vest, and water shoes provided, you’re ready to explore without needing any gear of your own. Trained guides are always present, and reservations are required to make sure the group size stays small enough for a safe and relaxed experience.

Visitors who enjoy being outdoors can walk the short nature trail that winds through native plants and seasonal wildflowers. Depending on the time of year, butterflies, birds, or other small wildlife may be spotted along the path, adding a quiet moment of discovery between exhibits.

One of the most unusual options is the shark painting experience. With staff guidance, guests work with resident sharks to create art on canvas or T-shirts. The sharks’ movements leave colorful patterns behind, and the result is a personal keepsake that captures the playful side of the aquarium.

Where is the St. Augustine Aquarium, and How Do You Get There?

The St. Augustine Aquarium sits at 2045 State Road 16, St. Augustine, FL, 32084, only a short drive from the city’s historic core. Visitors who are driving will find free parking on-site, which makes it convenient to stop in without having to worry about downtown traffic. Clear signage on the road makes the entrance easy to spot, even if it is your first time visiting.

What Should You Know Before Visiting the St. Augustine Aquarium?

The St. Augustine Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the last admission at 3:15 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended for snorkeling or group tours, since space often fills up quickly during weekends and holidays.

A swimsuit, towel, and comfortable footwear are handy to bring if you plan on snorkeling. While all gear is provided, having your own basics makes the process smoother. Guests are asked to arrive about 15 minutes before scheduled activities, giving time for check-in and orientation.

Some areas of the aquarium are outdoors, so it helps to plan ahead. Sunscreen, hats, and water bottles make summer visits easier, while a light jacket works well in cooler months. Guests with mobility needs should call ahead to confirm access details, as certain outdoor areas have uneven paths.

A visit usually lasts one to two hours, though many people stay longer when they include snorkeling or want extra time at the touch tanks. A camera is a good idea too, since there are plenty of chances to capture photos of marine life and memorable moments.

What Nearby Things Can You Do After Visiting the St. Augustine Aquarium?

Once you finish exploring the St. Augustine Aquarium, plenty of other experiences nearby can round out your day.

The Castillo de San Marcos National Monument is the oldest masonry fort in the continental United States. Built in the late 1600s from coquina stone, it has withstood sieges, hurricanes, and centuries of change. Walking through its bastions and looking out over the Matanzas River connects you to the city’s role in Spanish colonial history. Ranger talks and cannon demonstrations on select days add to the experience.

The Old Jail Museum offers a guided look at 19th-century justice in Florida. Costumed CASTmembers share the stories of real prisoners, while the narrow cells and preserved gallows show the harsher side of life in St. Augustine’s past. The sheriff’s quarters, which doubled as his family home, give another layer of history to the tour.

Historic Downtown St. Augustine invites you to wander brick-lined streets filled with shops, restaurants, and centuries-old buildings. St. George Street is one of the most popular routes, with local cafes, specialty stores, and restored landmarks. Street musicians and horse-drawn carriages bring the district to life, creating a lively rhythm that continues well into the evening.

The Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park highlights the story of Pedro Menéndez de Avilés and the Timucua people who lived here long before European arrival. The site includes a reconstructed village, exhibits on early navigation, and the spring that gave the park its name.

The St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum combines sweeping coastal views with engaging exhibits. After climbing 219 steps, you’ll see the coastline from above, and the keeper’s house shares stories of shipwrecks, rescues, and the lighthouse families who once lived there. Evening ghost tours add another side to the visit.

Potter’s Wax Museum, America’s first wax museum, features lifelike figures ranging from historical icons like George Washington to contemporary pop culture personalities. Families often enjoy the mix of educational and lighthearted displays, with plenty of photo opportunities.

Fury Water Adventures St. Augustine offers a chance to get out on the water. Options include dolphin cruises, eco-tours, and relaxing sunset sails. Seeing the city from the water gives a fresh perspective after spending time on land.

Together, these attractions pair well with the St. Augustine Aquarium, giving visitors a balance of history, culture, and outdoor adventure in the Nation’s Oldest City.

Why Should You Visit the St. Augustine Aquarium?

A visit to the St. Augustine Aquarium feels more like a hands-on adventure than a walk through glass displays. Families can watch kids light up as they gently hold a starfish for the first time or feed a ray gliding past in the touch tank. Guests looking for something bigger often head to the Snorkel Adventure, where swimming alongside colorful tropical fish and rays becomes the kind of memory you talk about long after the trip. Even the slower moments stand out, like walking the short nature trail or watching sharks create their own “art” on canvas. It is the mix of fun, education, and local charm that keeps visitors coming back.

FAQs

What activities can visitors enjoy at the St. Augustine Aquarium?

The St. Augustine Aquarium is full of experiences you can actually take part in. Guided tours with marine biologists share stories about local ecosystems and introduce you to both native and exotic species. Touch tanks invite guests to carefully handle sea creatures like sea cucumbers and horseshoe crabs. Families love the chance to feed rays and small sharks, while the Snorkel Adventure offers an up-close swim in an 80,000-gallon habitat surrounded by tropical fish. For something different, guests can join the shark painting activity, where resident sharks help create one-of-a-kind artwork. It is a setting that combines fun with real learning, making every visit feel unique.

Is the Snorkel Adventure included in the admission price?

General admission covers the exhibits, touch tanks, and the outdoor trail, but the Snorkel Adventure is an upgrade. It requires a reservation and includes everything you need, from wet suits to snorkels. The experience lets you step right into the water with schools of tropical fish and rays, giving you the kind of close encounter that most aquariums don’t offer. Guests often say it is the highlight of their day at the St. Augustine Aquarium, and it is worth planning ahead to secure a spot, especially during busier months.

Can I touch or feed any of the animals in the St. Augustine Aquarium?

Yes, and that is part of what makes this place stand out. Visitors can place their hands in shallow tanks and feel the texture of a starfish or watch a ray glide up for a snack. Under staff supervision, guests can even help feed small sharks, an experience that blends excitement with a strong emphasis on safety. These interactions are designed to be hands-on while also teaching respect for marine life. It is a big reason families say the St. Augustine Aquarium leaves such a lasting impression.

How long should I plan to spend at the aquarium?

Most people spend about one to two hours here, but it depends on how much you want to do. Those who book the Snorkel Adventure usually stay longer since the check-in, gearing up, and time in the water add to the visit. Families often linger at the touch tanks or take time to stroll the nature trail, which stretches out the experience in an easygoing way. The St. Augustine Aquarium works well as a half-day stop, but it is close enough to other attractions that it can easily fit into a full day of exploring.