Bonus Experiences
While exploring the Aquarium’s exhibit galleries and nature trail, please take advantage of these additional opportunities, all of which are included with the price of admission, to learn about Virginia’s marine environment.
February 13 & 14 ~ The Mating Game
To insure the survival of their species, animals must have young. Their courtship rituals may involve showing off body coverings, singing, whistling, dancing, building the best home, or a combination of the above. Does this sound like the summer scene at the Virginia Beach Boardwalk? Actually, they are courtship rituals that may be seen here at the Virginia Aquarium. *Pick up a “Courtship Quiz” at the membership desk. Complete the questions and enter in a drawing for a chance to win a cuddly prize! Bay & Ocean Pavilion and Marsh Pavilion
March 13 & 14 ~ Sensational Snakes
Discover the intriguing world of these slithery reptiles. Learn about the myths and mystery surrounding these amazing animals. Live animal programs will take place at the Marsh Pavilion.
Curiosity Carts
Stop by our carts stationed inside both buildings year-round. Our knowledgeable Aquarium educators and volunteers will introduce you to unusual artifacts and engaging hands-on activities that are sure to enhance your experience. Curiosity Cart topics include Beach Finds; Sharks: Skins, Scales and Skeletons; Teeth: Who Lost Them?; and Meet an Animal Ambassador.
Nature Trail Activities
From mid-June to Labor Day and on weekends in the fall, our junior volunteers will greet you on the nature trail. Visit their activity stations to see blue crabs and other creek creatures up close, observe tadpoles from the freshwater pond, and learn how to identify animal tracks. Trail activities are weather-dependant, and activities may vary from day to day.
Feeding Times
Time to eat! You can watch some of our animals being fed at the following times and locations. An Aquarium educator or volunteer will be available to answer your questions.
| 10 a.m. |
Harbor Seals - located outside the front entrance of the Bay & Ocean Pavilion |
| 11:30 a.m. |
Fish (Marsh Pavilion) |
| 1:30 p.m. |
Sea Turtles - located in the Sea Turtle Aquarium (Mon, Wed, & Fri only) |
| 2:30 p.m. |
Birds - located in the Aviary at the Marsh Pavilion |
| 3 p.m. |
Harbor Seals - located outside the front entrance of the Bay & Ocean Pavilion |
Diver Down!
Observe our volunteer divers as they do maintenance in our largest aquariums. An Aquarium educator or volunteer will be available to answer your questions. All locations are in the Bay & Ocean Pavilion.
| Daily at 11 a.m. |
Chesapeake Bay Aquarium |
| Mondays at 4 p.m. |
Sea Turtle Aquarium |
Marsh Pavilion Daily Program Schedule
| 10 a.m. |
Secret Life of Owls Creek |
| 10:30 a.m. |
Snakes Alive |
| 11 a.m. |
What You Otter Know |
| 11:30 a.m. |
Feeding Frenzy |
| 12 p.m. |
Marsh Mammals |
| 2 p.m. |
Animals of the Night |
| 2:30 p.m. |
Aviary Feeding |
| 3 p.m. |
What You Otter Know |
| 3:30 p.m. |
Secret Life of Owls Creek |
| 3:45 p.m. |
Things That Slither and Slime |
| 4:30 p.m. |
Predator/Prey |
| 5 p.m. |
Creek Critters |
Bay & Ocean Pavilion Daily Program Schedule
| 10 a.m. |
Harbor Seals - Harbor Seal Exhibit |
| 10:15 a.m. |
Stingrays - Ray Touch Pool |
| 11 a.m. |
SCUBA - Chesapeake Bay Aquarium |
| 12 p.m. |
Sharks - Norfolk Canyon Aquarium |
| 1:30 p.m. |
Sea Turtles - Sea Turtle Aquarium |
| 2 p.m. |
Sharks - Norfolk Canyon Aquarium |
| 3 p.m. |
Harbor Seals - Harbor Seal Exhibit |
| 3 p.m. |
SCUBA - Chesapeake Bay Aquarium (Sat & Sun) |
| 3:30 p.m. |
Stingrays - Ray Touch Pool |
| 4 p.m. |
Sea Turtles - Sea Turtle Aquarium |
| 4:30 p.m. |
SCUBA - Chesapeake Bay Aquarium (Mon - Fri) |
Events and Visitor Enhancements
Throughout the year, the Aquarium hosts events such as Dolphin Days and Carnival on the Creek, along with visit enhancements such as World Oceans Day that focus on special topics.
Member Mornings with Radio Disney
The second Saturday of each month is a special day for members and all of our early morning guests! Join us in the Marsh Pavilion Interactive Theater at 9:15 a.m. for a family film. Then enjoy crafts, activities and games with Radio Disney hosts from 11 a.m. to noon.