Texas State Aquarium Reopened Safely

The Texas State Aquarium is Open, under “Phase 2” of The Governor’s Report to Safely Open Texas.

The Texas State Aquarium, in coordination with local and state officials, reopens to the public with the primary goal to keep guests, employees, volunteers, and the animal collection healthy. 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.

 

 

ONSITE AND ONLINE TICKET PURCHASES ARE AVAILABLE FOR GUESTS

Online ticket purchases are requested but can be purchased onsite. Texas State Aquarium hours will be 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.  Café Aqua will also open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.  Pepsi Shoreline Grill hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Our H-E-B Splash Park is closed for the season. 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.
 
 

Important Face Covering Update

In accordance with the Texas Governor’s mask order, the Texas State Aquarium is requiring everyone over 10 years of age to wear a face-covering inside the facility. While outdoors, guests must also wear a mask when unable to maintain a proper social distance from others. Exceptions to the Governor’s mask order include children nine and under and people with certain medical conditions. Complimentary masks are available upon request.

We strongly encourage children over the age of two and up to age 10 to wear face coverings during their visit to the Aquarium as well, especially while indoors. Exceptions to this rule include people with certain medical conditions, as outlined in the Governor’s mask order.

If guests do not have a proper facial covering, a complimentary mask will be provided. Face coverings may be removed briefly while you are eating or drinking. Thank you for helping us keep everyone safe and healthy!

WHAT THE TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM IS DOING TO KEEP YOU SAFE

  • All Aquarium staff members and volunteers will be required to wear face masks while working indoors. In addition to the Employee Face Mask policy above, TSA team members interacting directly with guests and handling payments must wear gloves during transactions. 
  • 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

  • Texas State Aquarium hours will be 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.
  • Café Aqua will open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and the Pepsi Shoreline Grill will open from 11 a.m. – 5 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 closed for the season.
  • 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 75% attendance capacity. We keep a close eye on daily and historical attendance numbers, and do not anticipate a demand in tickets over 75% 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

  • Are memberships going to be extended?

    We know you purchased your membership with 12 months in mind, so the Aquarium is extending memberships for the amount of time your membership was valid and the Aquarium was closed. If you have any questions, please call the Membership Office at 361-881-1340.

  • 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?
    Yes. In accordance with the Texas Governor’s mask order, the Texas State Aquarium is requiring everyone over 10 years of age to wear a face-covering inside the facility. While outdoors, guests must also wear a mask when unable to maintain a proper social distance from others. Exceptions to the Governor’s mask order include children nine and under and people with certain medical conditions. Complimentary masks are available upon request.

    We strongly encourage children over the age of two and up to age 10 to wear face coverings during their visit to the Aquarium as well, especially while indoors. Exceptions to this rule include people with certain medical conditions, as outlined in the Governor’s mask order.

    If guests do not have a proper facial covering, a complimentary mask will be provided. Face coverings may be removed briefly while you are eating or drinking. 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. The H-E-B Splash Park is closed for the season.  
     
  • Will the H-E-B Splash Park be open?

    No. The H-E-B Splash Park is now closed for the season.

  • What is the Aquarium capacity?

    The Texas State Aquarium will be limiting guest admission to a 75% 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 75% attendance capacity. We keep a close eye on daily and historical attendance numbers, and do not anticipate a demand in tickets over 75% 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.