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Zoos #1 in Point Pleasant, New Jersey

Jenkinson's Aquarium

4.6 · 5,231 reviews
Family-oriented and educational
Jenkinson's Aquarium, 300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742, United States
Interesting facts
1

The aquarium houses a rescue and rehabilitation program for stranded marine animals.

2

The shark exhibit features a large viewing window designed to provide an underwater perspective of sand tiger sharks.

3

The facility maintains a permanent colony of African penguins, a species currently listed as endangered.

4

The aquarium features a touch tank area where visitors can interact with stingrays and small sharks under staff supervision.

5

The building is specifically engineered to withstand the unique weather conditions of the Atlantic coastline.

Overview

Jenkinson's Aquarium is a marine facility located directly on the Point Pleasant Beach boardwalk, specializing in Atlantic and Pacific marine life. The main attractions include an African penguin exhibit, a shark tank, and a harbor seal habitat. Visitors can observe feedings for various species throughout the day, including sharks, seals, and penguins. The facility focuses on conservation through educational exhibits about sharks and coral reefs. Its location makes it a primary indoor entertainment option along the Jersey Shore, regardless of beach weather. The aquarium features a multi-level layout designed to showcase different ocean ecosystems. It functions as a research and rescue center, participating in marine animal rehabilitation. The exhibits are contained within a climate-controlled building adjacent to the ocean front.

Photo spot

The glass viewing tunnel inside the shark tank exhibit.

Insider tips

Check the daily feeding schedule upon arrival to time your visit with active animal demonstrations.

Visit during the weekday shoulder season to avoid the heavy boardwalk crowds typical of summer weekends.

The aquarium is compact, making it an ideal activity to pair with other boardwalk attractions.

What to avoid

Attempting to visit during peak summer weekend afternoons, when the boardwalk is at maximum capacity and facility crowds are heaviest.

Good to know

Open daily year-round, though facility hours may vary significantly between the summer peak season and the winter off-season.

Etiquette

Maintain a quiet volume near the seal and penguin tanks to avoid stressing the animals; flash photography is prohibited in specific dim-lit exhibits.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings during the spring or fall to avoid high-season boardwalk congestion.
Address
Jenkinson's Aquarium, 300 Ocean Ave, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ 08742, United States
40.095, -74.036
Get directions
Details
Key exhibitsAfrican penguin colony, shark reef tank, harbor seal habitat

Frequently asked

Plan for about 1-1.5 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings during the spring or fall to avoid high-season boardwalk congestion..

The glass viewing tunnel inside the shark tank exhibit.

Close by you'll find Manasquan Beach, Manasquan Beach, Glimmer Glass Bridge.

United States of America

About Point Pleasant, New Jersey