Here it comes: the challenge to find fun activities as fall arrives and the days get darker, cooler, and wetter. This year, the Seattle Aquarium has you covered with the opening of their new Ocean Building expansion—a separate building dedicated entirely to the tropical reef ecosystems of the Coral Triangle.
What’s the Coral Triangle, you ask? It’s an area in the western Pacific—bordered by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and the Solomon Islands—that’s so rich in marine biodiversity that it’s been called “the Amazon of the ocean.”
This abundance of vibrant life is on full display at the new Ocean Pavilion. The building features multiple habitat and activity areas, including a showstopper called The Reef. This multi-level habitat offers a variety of viewing areas where you can watch sharks gliding through the water, rays appearing to flap their “wings,” schools of vibrantly colored fish and more—from below, across and above.
The building’s other habitats offer plenty to enjoy, too. The Archipelago allows you to see mangroves—amazing trees that thrive in saltwater—and their intricate root systems, which provide homes and protection for all kinds of animals. Another habitat, At Home in the Ocean, puts a spotlight on clownfish and their mutually beneficial relationship with anemones; the elusive epaulette shark; charming garden eels; corals that the Aquarium has been propagating for years; and more. Don’t miss the Coral Reef Encounter, a crawl-through space where kids can learn more about the reef community—complete with a cozy nook where they can pretend to be clownfish nestled in the arms of their “best frenemy,” the anemone!
At the center of it all is One Ocean Hall, where colorful, large-scale videos of ocean habitats around the world are projected on the surrounding walls and even the floor for a truly immersive experience. Plenty of bench seating makes it a great spot to sit and take in the sights and sounds around you.
Entering the new Ocean Pavilion, you may notice a sign describing the theme that’s evident throughout its habitats and installations: that all waters are connected, Earth has just one ocean—and each of us has a role to play in protecting it. As you explore, you’ll also find a series of “hope objects” representing traditional and innovative thinking in the work to protect the ocean.
The Ocean Pavilion also offers a gift shop—a satellite version of its counterpart across the plaza in the main Aquarium. Speaking of which, your admission ticket is valid for the entire campus, so be sure to visit Piers 59 and 60 to get a sea urchin “hug” at the touch pools, say hello to the sea otters and get to know the many amazing animals that make their homes in the cooler waters of the Pacific Northwest. Hungry or in need of a coffee? The Aquarium’s café is located on the second floor of Pier 59.
And, because your Seattle Aquarium ticket purchase helps support marine conservation efforts locally and around the world, this is a great excursion that you can feel great about. If you find yourself wanting to come back, membership at the Seattle Aquarium is a great option, too—the family version pays for itself in just a few visits and offers a full year of access.
