National Aquarium in Baltimore Tours

National Aquarium in Baltimore featuring marine life
Inner Harbor’s biggest attraction recreates the marine and terrestrial habitats of thousands of animals from many parts of the globe.

Journey deep into the ocean, walk through the bottom of a rocky river gorge and travel through a rainforest at one of biggest aquariums in the country. The popular National Aquarium in Baltimore also displays terrestrial animals and flying species.

In 2003, the aquariums in Baltimore and Washington D.C. joined as one National Aquarium. The Baltimore venue houses more than 16,000 animals representing over 660 species, spread out over three pavilions. They live in conditions that resemble their natural habitats, except for the bottlenose dolphins, which spend their time in a large pool.

Visit Animal Planet Australia in the Glass Pavilion at the entrance. This recreation of a river gorge contains about 1,800 animals. Meet typical animals from the Land Down Under, such as poisonous snakes, freshwater crocodiles, kookaburra birds and pig-nose turtles. Enter the main building and immerse yourself in the marine world of rays, jellyfish, eels and hundreds of other ocean dwellers.

Get in the middle of the donut-shaped aquarium that is Shark Alley to experience what it is like when nurse sharks and other predators encircle you. The rainforest exhibit in the glass pyramid that forms the roof of the building offers a very different experience. See if you can spot animals such as the golden lion tamarins, tarantulas and parrots.

The National Aquarium at Inner Harbor is open daily and often also on Friday nights. The attraction doesn't have an on-site parking lot but a garage next door offers paid parking. Hop on the Charm City Circulator shuttle bus to get there for free. Be advised that strollers can’t access the exhibitions, but baby carriers are available. It gets crowded, so book ahead for the popular dolphin show and try to visit on a weekday. Note that the admission fee is high and it is one-way traffic only, so take you time at exhibitions to make the most of your tour. You pay extra for the 4-D Immersion Film.

Some exhibitions may be temporarily closed as part of a major upgrade. Call ahead to find out how this affects your visit.

Browse tours and tickets to explore National Aquarium in Baltimore

Reviews of National Aquarium in Baltimore

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
630
" "5 - Excellent 60.3448275862069%
4 - Good
286
" "4 - Good 27.39463601532567%
3 - Okay
100
" "3 - Okay 9.578544061302683%
2 - Disappointing
13
" "2 - Disappointing 1.2452107279693487%
1 - Terrible
15
" "1 - Terrible 1.4367816091954022%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 6, 2019

Not to be missed.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jul 2, 2019

Friday 5pm-8pm closing, 50% off. Get tickets at 4:30pm.

4/5 - Good

CB
Apr 21, 2019

Get there early. It gets really crowded

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Feb 19, 2019

Over priced and overrated but we did have a fun time watching the dolphin show

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler
Feb 4, 2019

The aquarium was really cool but was very disappointed that it’s not very handicap accessible. You can’t even get a stroller through and they make you check them at the door. Would not recommend. Spent most of the time chasing our 2 toddlers which really sucked for my husband and I and our two older children. Seems like they would have thought these issues through a little more in an aquarium! I mean this should be a great place for kids but it’s not. And don’t even bother if you have mobility issues. Obviously designed by someone who never considered families would attend.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Jan 7, 2019

Open late which was great. A very well designed aquarium with many beautiful exhibits.

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.