Exclusive Encounters - Temporarily Unavailable

At this time, all Exclusive Encounters are temporarily unavailable. Please stay tuned for updates.

Our Exclusive Encounters offer you the incredible opportunity to go behind the scenes and experience our aquarium like never before! These VIP experiences give you a unique view of our exhibits and an inside look at aquarium operations. Interact with our staff and get to know our animals in a way few others can. 

Program availability is limited, and experiences are subject to change. General admission to the Aquarium is required and is not included in the purchase of an Exclusive Encounter. 

A signed waiver is required from all participants before the program begins. 

 

SNORKEL WITH A SHARK! - Temporarily Unavailable

Experience the thrill of getting up close to our six resident sandbar sharks in our Caribbean Sea exhibit while learning about their biology and how we can protect them in the wild. Enjoy a snorkel-like adventure alongside multiple species of fish, including stingrays, barracudas, eels, and of course, our sandbar sharks! This experience gives guests a unique VIP aquatic adventure that they will never forget! 

Maximum of 4 guests per tour; ages 8 years and up. Children 8 – 12 years may participate only when accompanied by a parent or guardian that is also participating in the experience. A signed waiver is required from all participants before the tour begins. All participants under the age of 18 years will need waivers to include a Parent or Guardian’s signature. 

This tour is $109.95 per person, plus admission. Members receive 10% off Exclusive Encounters and enjoy free aquarium admission! To apply your discount, log in with your Membership ID before purchasing your encounter tickets. 

 

Feed the fish - Temporarily Unavailable

Are you curious about how our Animal Care staff cares for over 1-million-gallons-worth of exhibits and our aquatic animal collection? Let our team take you behind the scenes! You will learn about, interact with, and feed some of our many amazing animal ambassadors during this immersive one-hour experience. 

Maximum of 6 guests per tour; ages 6 years and up. Children 6 – 12 years may participate only when accompanied by a parent or guardian that is also participating in the experience. A signed waiver is required from all participants before the tour begins. All participants under the age of 18 years will need waivers to include a Parent or Guardian’s signature. 

This tour is $49.95 per person, plus admission. Members receive 10% off Exclusive Encounters and enjoy free aquarium admission! To apply your discount, log in with your Membership ID before purchasing your encounter tickets. 

 

Exclusive Encounters FAQs

  • IS AQUARIUM ADMISSION INCLUDED WITH AN EXCLUSIVE ENCOUNTER?

    General admission to the Aquarium is not included in the purchase of an Exclusive Encounter and is required for entry into the facility.

  • HOW DO I BOOK AN EXCLUSIVE ENCOUNTER?

    At this time, our Exclusive Encounters are temporarily unavailable. Please stay tuned for updates.

  • WHEN ARE EXCLUSIVE ENCOUNTERS AVAILABLE?

    At this time, our Exclusive Encounters are temporarily unavailable. Please stay tuned for updates.

  • WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

    For guests participating in the Snorkel with a Shark program, a modest one-piece swimsuit, wetsuit, or rash guard and swim shorts should be worn. A towel and a change of clothes for after your snorkel are also recommended. Snorkel equipment and water shoes will be provided for you. 

  • WHAT IS THE DRESS-CODE POLICY?

    Our Exclusive Encounters may take you behind-the-scenes into working areas, so closed-toe shoes are encouraged. Please note that for the safety of the animals, loose items such as rings, watches, earrings, and any other jewelry may need to be removed. For more details on this policy, please review the participation waiver.

    For the in-water portion of the Snorkel with a Shark program, a modest one-piece swimsuit, wetsuit, or a rash guard and swim shorts should be worn. Please note, glasses cannot be worn for the in-water portion.

  • CAN I TAKE PICTURES OR VIDEOS DURING THE EXPERIENCE?

    Photography may be prohibited during the program, and/or may be conducted by a TSA employee where applicable. Underwater cameras, tripods, and ‘selfie-sticks’ are not permitted.

  • HOW LONG IS THE ENCOUNTER?

    Our Feed the Fish program is 1 hour long.

    Our Snorkel with a Shark program lasts about 1 hour, and 15-20 minutes of this time will be in-water (please note that the water temperature in this exhibit is 72 degrees F).

  • WHEN AND WHERE DO I CHECK-IN FOR THE ENCOUNTER?

    Check-in will take place at the Information Desk in the Aquarium’s main lobby, at the scheduled tour start time. Your scheduled start time includes a 15-minute check-in window to review waivers and answer questions.

  • WHERE DOES THE ENCOUNTER TAKE PLACE?

    Our Feed the Fish program will take you throughout the Aquarium to view and feed multiple exhibits, and behind-the-scenes areas.

    Our Snorkel with a Shark program takes place at our H-E-B Caribbean Sea exhibit. For the in-water portion of the program, you will be in a contained area and may not leave the designated area at any time. Please note that the water temperature in this exhibit is 72 degrees F.

  • CAN MY CHILD PARTICIPATE IN AN EXCLUSIVE ENCOUNTER?

    Children may participate if they meet the minimum age requirement for the Exclusive Encounter program, as seen below: 

    • Feed the Fish – 6 years
    • Snorkel with a Shark – 8 years 

    Additionally, guests that are under the age of 13 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian that is also participating in the Exclusive Encounter. For safety reasons, children that do not meet the minimum age requirements cannot be in attendance during an Exclusive Encounter program. 

  • Can i Cancel after making a reservation?

    You are welcome to cancel, but reservations are NON-REFUNDABLE. 

  • WHAT IF I HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

    For any other questions, please contact us at [email protected].