It was the first aquarium in the world to successfully hatch a shark ray in a controlled environment.
The facility contains over 1 million gallons of water across its various tanks and exhibits.
It is home to rare white alligators, which are leucistic rather than albino, meaning they have some pigment.
The Shark Bridge installation is the only one of its kind in the United States, allowing guests to walk directly over shark-filled waters.
The aquarium participates in the AZA's Species Survival Plan to protect endangered aquatic species.
Newport Aquarium is an AZA-accredited facility located on the Ohio River, featuring a collection of aquatic life ranging from jellyfish to sharks. The aquarium is known for its Shark Bridge, a 75-foot-long rope bridge suspended over an open-air shark tank. Exhibits include the Gator Alley, home to rare white alligators, and the Coral Reef tunnel, which provides 360-degree views of marine life. The facility utilizes a climate-controlled environment to house thousands of animals in various themed galleries. Interactive touch pools allow visitors to encounter rays and invertebrates directly. The aquarium serves as a research and conservation center for aquatic species.
The glass tunnels provide the most dramatic lighting and background for underwater photographs.
Purchase tickets online in advance to bypass the physical box office line upon arrival.
Visit during mid-week to avoid the high weekend volume and crowded exhibit paths.
Check the daily schedule upon arrival for specific animal feeding times and diver demonstrations.
Avoid arriving during peak weekend afternoons when the narrow corridors become significantly congested.
Maintain a quiet volume near glass displays to avoid startling the animals; flash photography is generally discouraged for the health of the specimens.
