Exclusive Encounters

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 that 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. 

Reserve your Exclusive Encounter

 

SNORKEL WITH A SHARK!

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!

  • $99.95* per person, plus admission
  • 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. Please review the waiver here before your visit. You may fill out the online waiver before your encounter for easy arrival. All participants under the age of 18 years will need waivers to include a Parent or Guardian’s signature.

*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.

Reserve your Exclusive Encounter

Feed the fish

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.

  • $49.95* per person, plus admission
  • 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. Please review the waiver here before your visit. All participants under the age of 18 years will need waivers to include a Parent or Guardian signature.

*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.

Reserve your Exclusive Encounter

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?

    Encounters can be booked online or in-person here at the Aquarium. Availability is limited, so advanced reservations are encouraged. Click here to book your spot today!

  • WHEN ARE EXCLUSIVE ENCOUNTERS AVAILABLE?

    Availability is limited and subject to change. Click here to view our current availability for each program.

  • WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING?

    A signed waiver is required from all participants before the tour begins. When booking online, you will receive a copy of the waiver to your email that you may print and bring with you, or you can stop by the front desk in our main lobby to get a copy.

    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 will take you behind the scenes into working areas, so closed-toe shoes are recommended. Please note that for the safety of the animals, loose items such as rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches, earrings, and any other jewelry need to be removed. For additional information regarding this policy, please review the waiver here.

    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 can not 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?

    Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time, and check in at the Information Desk in the main lobby. Your tour guide will meet you in the lobby and will begin the tour promptly at the scheduled program start time.

  • 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!