Health and Safety Are Our Highest Priority

In an effort to protect our staff, guests, and animals, the Texas State Aquarium respectfully encourages all guests 10 years and older to wear a face-covering regardless of their vaccination status. If guests do not have a proper facial covering, a complimentary mask can be provided. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and healthy!

 

ONSITE AND ONLINE TICKET PURCHASES ARE AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS

Online ticket purchases are requested but can be purchased onsite. Memberships can be purchase online or by calling 361-881-1340.

MEMBERS DO NOT NEED TO BUY A TICKET.  Please bring your membership card and a picture ID when you come.  If you need to purchase an additional ticket, please purchase online.

WHAT THE TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM IS DOING TO KEEP YOU SAFE

The following operating procedures and practices are in place to minimize the potential risk of exposure while offering a safe opportunity for guests to engage with animals. 

  • Additional hand sanitizer and handwashing stations will be found throughout the Aquarium.
  • The Aquarium will maintain its high standards of cleanliness. Surfaces such as handrails, exhibit viewing windows, restrooms, and elevators will be disinfected frequently.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN PLANNING A VISIT TO THE TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM

  • It’s not currently required to make a reservation or pick a date when you purchase a ticket, as they are valid for 60 days.
  • Texas State Aquarium hours will be Monday – Friday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Café Aqua will open Monday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Pepsi Shoreline Grill will open Monday – Friday from 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. .and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • The Aquarium will limit the number of guests allowed to visit at a time.
  • Online ticket and parking purchases are requested.
  • Members will continue to receive free admission. However, access may be restricted due to limited capacity.
  • Members do not need to purchase parking in advance and will continue to receive free parking.
  • Where possible, contactless transactions will be encouraged.
  • Physical distancing is strongly encouraged and floor graphics in the entry queue will help everyone remain 6 feet apart.
  • The Validation Kiosk and Information Desk have a clear acrylic partition installed. Tickets (paper or electronic) and membership cards will be validated through an opening in the acrylic.
  • Strollers will be available for rent and wheelchairs are complimentary based on a first-come-first-served basis.  Each item will be sanitized before and after use.
  • Guests will follow a dedicated, one-way flow throughout the Aquarium.
  • Touch Experiences will not be available at Tentacles, but guests will be able to view the exhibits.
  • The H-E-B Splash Park is open Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Café Aqua and Shoreline Grill transaction points will have a clear acrylic partition installed for safe transactions. Shoreline Grill will have no indoor seating.
  • The Weston’s Library will be closed until further notice.
  • Bathrooms will be available throughout the Aquarium and we encourage guests to maintain physical distancing while accessing them. The Gulf of Mexico Family Restroom and Dolphin Bay Underwater Restrooms will be closed to limit access to high-touch surfaces.
  • Do I have to pick a date when I purchase my tickets?

    At this time, it is not a requirement that you pick an attendance date when purchasing your tickets.  Your ticket for admission and parking will be valid for 60 days after purchase.  Due to the size of our facility and our large outdoor exhibit spaces, we are confident that the Aquarium will be able to accommodate our members and guests – even at a 50% attendance capacity. We keep a close eye on daily and historical attendance numbers, and do not anticipate a demand in tickets over 50% of our facility’s capacity at this time. Just like during normal operations, we recommend arriving at the Aquarium in the morning to avoid wait times. For more information, please visit our website at www.texasstateaquarium.org

  • Do members have to reserve a spot online?

    No. Members just need to bring their Membership card to gain free entry for their party  (depending on how many people their membership covers.) If a Member needs to purchase additional tickets they must do so online.

  • Are guests required to wear masks?

    Following CDC guidelines masks will no longer be required during your visit for anyone who is fully vaccinated . In an effort to protect our staff, guests, and animals, the Texas State Aquarium will continue to respectfully encourage all guests 10 years and older to wear a face-covering if they have not been fully vaccinated. Exceptions include children nine and under and people with certain medical conditions. Complimentary masks are available upon request.

    If guests do not have a proper facial covering, a complimentary mask can be provided. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and healthy!

  • Will there be presentations or shows?
    Animal Encounters, Tortuga Chats, and Sting Ray Lagoon Feed have resumed and keeper chats are taking place throughout the day. Our DOLPHINS! presentation is now available! Social distancing protocols are in place during the presentations.
     
    Please note that all of the Texas State Aquarium’s exhibits are OPEN. 
     
  • Will the H-E-B Splash Park be open?

    Yes!  The H-E-B Splash Park is open

    Monday – Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

    Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

  • What is the Aquarium capacity?

    The Texas State Aquarium will be limiting guest admission to a 50% capacity. The Aquarium will limit any unnecessary contact or crowding by capping guest admissions at any given time.

    Due to the size of our facility and our large outdoor exhibit spaces, we are confident that the Aquarium will be able to accommodate our members and guests – even at a 50% attendance capacity. We keep a close eye on daily and historical attendance numbers, and do not anticipate a demand in tickets over 50% of our facility’s capacity at this time. Just like during normal operations, we recommend arriving at the Aquarium in the morning to avoid wait times.