The Ocean Pavilion features a shark species known as the Indo-Pacific leopard shark, which is not found in the original pier structures.
The aquarium's Window on Washington Waters is a massive 120,000-gallon exhibit that simulates the coastal currents of the outer Pacific coast.
The facility is an active participant in the Species Survival Plan, a cooperative breeding program for threatened species.
The building was constructed on a historic pier structure that dates back to the early 20th century.
The aquarium has a dedicated research program focused on the health of the Salish Sea ecosystem.
The Seattle Aquarium is situated on Pier 59 on the downtown Seattle waterfront, featuring a focus on the marine life of the Puget Sound and the Pacific Northwest. In 2024, the facility expanded significantly with the opening of the Ocean Pavilion, which highlights the biodiversity of the Coral Triangle in the Indo-Pacific. The central exhibit remains a 120,000-gallon tank featuring sharks, rays, and schools of native fish. Visitors can interact with marine life through touch pools that house sea stars, sea anemones, and urchins. The facility hosts frequent marine mammal feedings, including sea otters, harbor seals, and northern fur seals. Conservation initiatives are central to the aquarium's programming, emphasizing local species recovery and ocean health research. The venue integrates historical pier architecture with modern, purpose-built aquatic habitats.
The underwater dome in the Window on Washington Waters exhibit, which provides a 360-degree view of fish swimming overhead.
Check the daily schedule upon arrival to catch live diver feedings in the main tank.
Prioritize visiting the Ocean Pavilion first to beat the mid-day crowds.
Utilize the outdoor tide pool areas to see how local species adapt to low-tide conditions.
Do not rush through the touch pools without reading the placards, as staff provide specific guidelines on how to interact with the animals safely.
Maintain a quiet volume near the marine mammal enclosures to avoid startling the animals.
