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Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
Rating Details »
1 Canal St
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 378-2695
New Orleans, LA 70130
(504) 378-2695
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
26 reviews for Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
We visited this aquarium on my brother's twelfth birthday and he loved it. As far as aquariums go, it wasn't the most impressive I've ever seen, but it was a lot of fun. Clearer tanks would've been nice, but otherwise, no real complaints. The displays all came with handy dandy notes and interesting facts, and the final Gulf of Mexico exhibit was pretty astonishing, complete with an enormous awesome wrinkly sea turtle. Also, the otters and penguins were adorable.
Interactive attractions included hand-to-hide contact with stingrays and tiny sharks. I embarrassed myself by shrieking when a VERY MALICIOUS STINGRAY tried to eat me when all I wanted to do was pet it, but my brothers were able to touch without issue, as were all of the other small children in line.
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The aquarium is quite possibly the perfect summer activity. Icy cold air conditioning and feeling like you are underwater beats walking around in the sweltering summer heat any day!
There is a nice variety of animals, including the real stars of the show, the penguins, otters, and sharks. It's hard not to love a penguin and almost all of them have name tags, which is kind of fun to identify all of them. Millicent was my favorite. The seahorse and seadragons are magical, mythical little creatures as well as the jellyfish. For an additional $2 you can feed a stingray. The big draws aer obviously the amazon rainforest, with various fish, an anaconda, and macaws. The Louisiana exhibit is fun and was strategically placed to over look the river. There is the expected lot of scaly things as well as a white alligator and two birds of prey. The grand finale takes you to the big tank, where a replica of an oil rig stands with sharks, sea turtles, rays, and a huge school of fish swimming about.
My only complaints are the food court and gift shop. The food court is mainly empty, save for a hamburger joint and a mini Papa John's. The gift shop almost exclusively caters to kids. I just wish they had a better selection of grownup things to purchase, like art prints or books on sea life.
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What a let down. I've been hearing for years how great this aquarium is. How it's so much better than the one in Dallas. HA! Ha, I tell you.
I was highly disappointed.
1) It was super crowded--that was expected (it is a tourist attraction after all), however the layout is not conducive for effective traffic control.
2) A lot of the exhibits were dirty...filthy dirty with cloudy glass. Come on.
3) It was a lot smaller than I expected.
The good: the huge tank at the end was very impressive; the Mississippi exhibit was awesome (white gators rule) and my kids loved the jellyfish.
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So much fun! The aquarium is divided into numerous parts all stocked with beautiful species of fish, rays and sharks. The rain forest part even has Macaws. With a two story tank with turtles, sharks, fish and rays is fun to stand for a good 20 minutes. I suggest visiting on an extremely hot day, or when a storm is passing through.
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I love aquariums. The New Orleans Aquarium is not as big or as flashy as some other aquariums that I've been to lately (Baltimore, Atlanta), but it does have some pretty solid exhibits.
There are penguins. There are sea otters (!!!! my favorite!!!!). There are sting ray and shark petting pools. There is an albino alligator (so spooky!). And at the very end, there is a GIANT floor to ceiling tank with sharks and rays and fishes and even a giant turtle!
This aquarium is smaller than others, but also slightly cheaper. (I think I paid $16 with a AAA discount?) I spent about an hour and a half there. It probably would have been longer but it was field trip day and I had my fill of the dozens of rambunctious kids excited to be out of school for the day (hey, I can't blame them).
If you like aquariums and realize this isn't the biggest, bestest aquarium in the world, I think you'll enjoy it.
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I must admit, when the suggestion was brought up to hit the New Orleans aquarium, I hesitated a little. I mean, I LOVE aquariums. A lot. I might be a bit of an aquarium snob. I love me those fishies and I don't mean just to eat.
But New Orleans? What the heck is in the Gulf of Mexico? Will it be all alligators and crawfish? Are freshwater fish even pretty?
Okay, obviously I need to get out more - mainly, away from the Pacific Ocean.
When someone mentioned that Audubon had been compared to the Monterey aquarium in Cali (aka - the "Grand Poobah" of all things involving water and tanks) I figured this must be worth an investigation. Turns out Audubon can be described in many words, and one of them rhymes with "schmancy".
From penguins to otters to alligators to even anacondas, this ain't your standard fish tank. Props to the numerous interactive exhibits that keep your eyes from glazing over after you've heard "fins" or "gills" for the 300th time.
Okay I'll admit, I didn't really READ any of the signage cause I was too busy chasing down the penguins for a photo op...But considering there's an "insectarium" which could be potentially disgusting and terrifying, and potentially kick ass at the same time, I'll most likely be back.
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This is a very nice aquarium. It is sectioned off into about six different exhibits concentrating on those regions of the world. I think the most popular areas are the rain forest and the Louisiana Swamp area. Well, those were at least my favorite.
The cost is about $18 for an adult. It is best to get the IMAX combo for $23. The aquarium is not really that big. I think it is average in comparison to some of the others I have been to. They do seem to have a lot of little gift shops and fast food areas. maybe just a little too much?
They also have an area for kids to play and touch the Sting Rays.
If you come out to New Orleans, it is worth a little walk down by the river and take in a relaxing and informative tour of this place...and no, you can not bring in your beer!
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This aquarium provides a great learning experience for both adults and kids, and it was definitely worth the price of admission. If you want to save a little money on admission, go find a brochure on the aquarium at one of the local hotels since they usually contain coupons or some sort of deal to purchase tickets at a discounted rate. The experience is really kid-friendly as the aquarium is set up so that you're able to view the different kinds of sea creatures up close. Things you'll be able to see there include the following:
-The white alligator which people mistakenly refer to as an albino alligator.
-The aquatic tunnel where you can observe different types of sea creatures.
-The Amazon Rainforest area where you can see piranhas, an anaconda, and etc.
-A penguin display where you watch them being fed.
-A pool where you can actually pet a sting ray.
-The Mississippi River exhibit that expounds on the surrounding habitat of the Mississippi.
-An informative section on the land acquired during the Louisiana Purchase.
I wasn't able to check out the Insectarium or the Audubon Zoo. Hopefully I'll be able to check out those two places during my next visit to New Orleans. Hit me!!!
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A must visit when in beautiful New Orleans. Take the Cotton Blossom riverboat and visit the New Orleans Zoo, too.
The Aquarium is beautiful. The Audubon Zoo is one of America's best!
Fabulous swamp exhibit and the penguins are back. The jelly fish & seahorse exhibits are way cool. And they let you touch some stuff...although that's probably supposed to be mostly for kids.
I wish the IMax was bigger but you can't have everything.
A must see for New Orleans visitors, with or without children. I've been to the Monterey Bay Aquarium many times as a child and as an adult, but I have to say that I think I prefer The Audubon Aquarium because it gives you a more intimate encounter with aquatic life. I wasn't as impressed by the penguins or sea otters (I've been to SeaWorld in San Diego a few times too) as I was by the Gulf of Mexico exhibit, showcasing the regional waterlife...absolutely breathtaking. The seahorse and jelly fish exhibits were incredibly fascinating - I've never seen as many types of either of these species or so much information on them in one location before. My boyfriend, who grew up fishing in rural Louisiana, loved all the huge catfish.
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Small aquarium. Has an albino alligator.
There were a lot of large empty spaces due to the loss of marine animals during Katrina. It seems like the aquarium is trying to get back on track. They're in the process of installing a new seahorse exhibit. Price for one adult is $17.
Also has combo tickets for the zoo but "the zoo is 7.5 miles away and you have to provide your own mode of transportation".
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Haven't been to the Aquarium of the Americas since before Katrina.. so I don't know how it is now. It was my favorite aquarium of all the aquariums in the US I'd seen so far, and I hope they can build up to what they previously had and more.
I remembered that some of my favorite things about this aquarium included: the display of sea life by the body of water they came from, the water tunnel, the piranha tank right by the boa, the concave glass on the great white shark exhibit, and the albino alligator staring blankly as it sits around with a black alligator.
I hope to go back again someday, if I ever go back to New Orleans. I had great memories there.
Great aquarium! Perfect way to cool off after being out in the hot summer sun all day and learn about some really beautiful sea life. The exhibits are divided into regions and the animals that are native to it. The sharks, sea turtles, otters, and penguins were really cool. Buy your ticket as a combo with the zoo. I would say do the zoo first and then end your day with the aquarium to cool off. If you can, go during the week to avoid large groups and crowds. Definite must see!
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I am a fan of fish, so last night I decided I was going to go see some fish. So this afternoon I decided to run out to NOLA and and check out Audubon Aquarium. Nestled up against the Mississippi river this small but very well stocked aquarium. As soon as you begin the tour, you enter an aquatic tunnel with hundreds of fish swimming around you. Much like the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific, AAA has regional fish as well as some great special attractions. For me the pinnacle of the visit was the penguin exhibit.
A tour of AAA takes about A hours so it might be good to catch an Max movie while you are here. If you are visiting on a Friday or Saturday, check the web site and you might be able to catch a great movie in Max. This week was dark night and had I known, it would have been a great Friday night.
If you have kids, this is a great place to go.
I LOVE THIS AQUARIUM!
Seriously. I won't shut up about how awesome it is. I fell in love as soon as I walked in and saw their aquatic tunnel. You can walk through and view their Caribbean Reef. How cool!
I really enjoyed the different sections they have. I couldn't believe they had an Amazon Rain Forest area. It was definitely interesting and had a sweet treehouse type thing that I loved playing in. I could have spent the entire day at this aquarium.
At the end of our visit we sat and watched the animals in the big tank for quite a while. It was dark and peaceful in there and I totally wanted to take a nap.
I can't wait to go back to New Orleans and visit this aquarium again.
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A good way to spend an afternoon, especially if you have visitors in town.
Here's a tip that will save you 20 minutes if it's crowded: There are actually two entrances, the main one coming from the Uptown/Riverwalk shopping area side and a second smaller one by the Imax theater about 300 feet past the first (further toward the French quarter). However, even if you're not going to see a movie you can buy just a ticket for the aquarium at the IMAX entrance and walk back to the first, skipping the horrific lines that form by the main entrance. I don't know why there isn't a sign pointing this out.
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Who can resist adorable otters or playful penguins? Even the frogs are fascinating here! My only complaint is the $18 admission fee, rather high for 90 minutes' worth of entertainment and education.
I love our aquarium. It is all tied together perfectly, and everything is beautiful.
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BEST AQUARIUM EVER! I have gone to the Monterey Bay Aquarium as well as the aquarium in Maui, but this one beats them all. I came just because I had to see the albino alligator. I was slightly disappointed that the alligator just lied there and didn't do much but the other animals made up for it. The parrots were extremely playful and entertaining as they showed off on the branches. And the sea otter was so cute doing laps in the water. I enjoyed the other exhibits as well such as the frogs, sea horses and sting rays.
This is an excellent natural history museum! Kids and adults will learn plenty from an afternoon here. The rooms dedicated to the rainforest and the natural habitat of the Bayou are well-planned, and the kids will love the large displays of peguins, sharks, and sea otters. It's similar in size to the new California Academy of Sciences. I wish the IMAX was included in the pricing, but c'est la vie...Hopefully, the Audubon organization will find a way to make the pricing more attractive to locals.
Our Aquarium is excellent. I think I actually like it better than the one in Atlanta. It shows you creatures from all over the world and in interesting environments. I haven't been since Katrina but I know they are trying their hardest to get it back to what it once was. My only issue is that it is expensive, but it is a MUST for all out of towners or for parents and grandparents looking for something to do with their kids.
I went here to indulge my inner (and outer) geek several years ago-- pre-Katrina. I don't know what it's like now, but once upon a time, this was a wonderful, awe-inspiring place.
This place humbles you.
There were sections of this aquarium where I was completely surrounded-- or practically engulfed-- by humongous tanks filled with amazing, gargantuan aquatic beasts, and I couldn't help but realize how tiny and insignificant I was as a human being.. in many ways.
At this aquarium, you're offered a small peak into marine life.. and while only being the tip of the iceberg, the view is spectacular. As a child, I remembered reading stories about how huge manta rays could get, and I never could quite fathom what exactly was meant by the term "huge" until I saw one here that looked the size of a winnebago.
If this place hasn't changed much... or, rather, if this place has managed to evolve, grow, and become more amazing than it already was... then go! Go! GO! And if you have children, bring them there! It's a wonderful experience and opportunity that nobody in the area should ever pass up.
I can't believe that no one has reviewed this place yet! It is just incredible. You enter through an enormous glass tunnel full of manta rays and scores of fish. Standing inside (underneath?) the tunnel and looking up is the closest experience to scuba diving you can have while not, uh, actually scuba diving. It is mind-blowing. And that's just the beginning. They also have different sections: a rainforest area, a Mississippi River area. . .they have penguins, sea horses and sea dragons, two playful otters named Buck and Emma, and a white, blue-eyed alligator! (He's not an albino, it is a different type of mutation -- but he's beautiful!) There's also an area where you can pet a baby shark and a whole pool full of rays. (They apparently love to be touched, and they will come up and nuzzle you. But be careful to pet their backs, and not their fins, because if you touch their fins they flip out, break the surface of the water and soak you in their gyrations.) I'm going back just so I can pet the rays; that's how great it was.
They also have an IMAX theater and several gift shops of fun souveniers.
I havent been here in years. Im going off of what I recall. We had a great time looking at all the fish and even the bayou section with alligators and owls. During the Hurricane, all of the marine animals were killed. So, Im not sure if they are up and running again, and even if they are , how big of a selection they have. I hope that they are open and business is booming, its a great get away for the day. Its right next to the Riverwalk and Imax Theater and Parking is very close.
An interesting aquarium - not quite on par with the Monterey Aquarium or the National Aquarium in Baltimore, but worthwhile nevertheless. I was told that it remained closed for about 8 months after Katrina, but it is up and running now. I was probably going to give it 4 stars, but I witnessed one "educational" talk in the "Gulf" area - the so-called educator pointed to an empty and sandy section of the aquarium and said that the Gulf of Mexico used to be like this - empty, boring and no place for fish. She then went on to explain that thanks to mankind's magnanimous introduction of oil derricks to the Gulf, marine life now has something to cling to and that the Gulf is much more lively and interesting now (post-oil derricks). She further outdid herself by explaining that the big nasty government didn't understand how great the oil derricks were for the environment and had foolishly passed a big mean law that required the poor suffering servants of humankind, the oil companies, to dismantle the rigs when the wells ran dry. Well, she said, thanks to the oil giants re-education of the government about the manifold benefits of the rigs, the law was amended and the rigs are now allowed to stay and foster marine life. Of course, the exhibit was sponsored by all the big oil companies. Hmmmmm....... something smells a little fishy here, if you will pardon the pun. I may not be a rocket scientist, but I didn't just fall off the turnip truck either.
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