Searching for fun things to do in St. Augustine on your next trip? There’s no limit to the awesome attractions you can experience!
St. Augustine is full of fascinating history. There are plenty of beautiful beaches to explore, and the restaurants are simply to die for.
But if you want to take a break from the heat and do something fun and educational at the same time, there’s one attraction you don’t want to miss: the St. Augustine Aquarium.
About St. Augustine Aquarium
The St. Augustine Aquarium continues to be a labor of love for founders and owners Shawn and Kathy Hiester. The Hiesters spent two years traveling all around the United States and checking out various aquariums to learn the ins and outs of the business. Today, they’ve crafted the St. Augustine Aquarium as a place to come and learn about the breathtaking creatures of the sea and discover what we can do to keep them and their environments safe.
Guests are welcome to visit Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. While you’re here, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about the incredible creatures of the aquarium, touch some of the most fascinating marine life, and even hand-feed some amazing animals!
Snorkeling Adventures
If you really want your experience to be hands-on and truly unforgettable, you don’t want to miss out on a snorkeling adventure with the St. Augustine Aquarium. Bring your bathing suit and a towel, and be prepared to have the time of your life! The aquarium will provide all the snorkeling gear you need to get up close and personal with Florida reef fish and rays. If you haven’t had enough of playing in the water, check out our St. Augustine beachfront condo rentals and play in the ocean!
During these adventures, you’ll be under the watchful eye of a marine biologist who can explain everything you’re seeing. You’ll come into contact with starfish, horseshoe crabs, sea urchins, cownose rays, and more! This direct interaction with marine life is not only educational for the entire family, but it’s also tons of fun!
Birthday Parties
Booking a stay in our St. Augustine suite rentals to celebrate a birthday? Come extend the fun of your celebration at the St. Augustine Aquarium! This establishment offers awesome birthday party packages for a truly one-of-a-kind party for the guest of honor. For birthday parties, there are two main packages you can pick from: the Classic Package and the Snorkel/Mermaid Package.
No matter which package you opt for, you’ll get the services of a hostess for two hours, along with a guided tour of the aquarium. You’ll be provided with four tables where your friends and family can celebrate the birthday boy or girl, as well as tons of interactive games, themed decorations, and even a personal keepsake to remember your celebration. On top of all that, the birthday kid gets to enjoy a free shark feeding! The Snorkel/Mermaid Package includes all of this, as well as the opportunity to snorkel and mingle with mermaids!
Birthday parties start at $15 per child with a $100 minimum. Groups can also choose additional add-ons like food packages, goodie bags, additional shark feedings, and an indoor or outdoor party area.
Summer Camps
Visiting the St. Augustine Aquarium in the summertime? Make sure your kids have a fun, safe, and educational activity to enjoy by registering them for a summer camp! These camps are totally interactive and are sure to provide an unforgettable experience for your little ones. The camps tend to run for one week at a time and span from 8:30 to 4:30 each day, which is great if you’re in St. Augustine for an extended period of time. Your kids will get to feed and touch sea animals, observe a freshwater pond, enjoy games and crafts, learn about sea turtles, and so much more!
You can rest assured that your kids will be well taken care of during their time at these summer camps. Lunch and snacks are provided each day, and your kids will also be given camp t-shirts. If you’re interested in registering your child for next summer’s camp, just contact the aquarium. (And if you have more than one child, ask about the sibling discount!)
Educational Field Trips
The St. Augustine Aquarium is a great resource for visitors from around the country, but it also offers special field trips for local schools. These educational field trips are great for kids of all ages, and the aquarium even offers specialized curriculum for kindergarten through 8th grade. Kids will be intrigued and challenged every step of the way, and the lessons they learn here will pair perfectly with what they’re discussing in school. What better way to get your kids interested in science, marine biology, and conservation?
If you’re a local teacher interested in bringing your class to the St. Augustine Aquarium, simply visit their website to find the sign-up form.
Plan Your Stay
We strive to provide unmatched customer service along with some of the most competitive rates on the market. St. Augustine is calling your name! Answer the call today by contacting Beacher’s Lodge and learning more about all of our rental properties. We can’t wait to welcome you to St. Augustine!
Adopt an Animal
If you’re really passionate about animals and want to support the St. Augustine Aquarium, consider adopting an animal! When you adopt a fish, you’ll be provided with a downloadable adoption certificate as well as a species description with a photo. Your donation will completely go back into the aquarium in order to cover the cost of animal care services, food, programming, expansion efforts, and acquiring more fish for the aquarium!
Animals available for adoption include seahorses, Atlantic spadefish, Atlantic octopuses, and starfish. These animals are available for just $15! You can also adopt a green moray eel for $25 or a Southern stingray for $40. Best of all, your admission to the aquarium and feedings are included in these prices!
Tickets
Of course, in order to come check out the St. Augustine Aquarium in all its glory, you’re going to need a ticket! Luckily, the aquarium is quite cheap to get into, which is perfect for families traveling on a budget. Adult admission costs just $11.99 per person, and child admission costs $6.99 per person. If you want to take part in the Snorkel Adventure that we mentioned earlier, that excursion will cost $46.99 per person.
There’s no question why this aquarium is one of the most popular attractions with guests in our balcony condo rentals in St. Augustine. The staff is incredibly friendly and welcoming, the animals are fascinating and unique, and the abundance of programs guarantees there’s something for everyone to enjoy. During your next trip to St. Augustine, be sure to set aside some time to see the aquarium for yourself!
While you’re planning your trip, consider staying in one of the amazing properties from Beacher’s Lodge. We offer a wide range of St. Augustine balcony plus suites as well as ground-floor properties of all sizes, ideal for the needs of any group.