Have a Tunnel of Fun at SEA LIFE San Antonio Aquarium

While LEGO lovers sing “Everything is Awesome!,” it’s time for lovers of all things aquatic to shout “Everything is JAW-SOME!” because SEA LIFE San Antonio Aquarium is making a splash in San Antonio. The long-awaited neighbor to LEGOLAND® Discovery Center San Antonio opened just in time for summer fun.

An image of the tunnel at SEA LIFE San AntonioWith more than 250 species including sharks, sting rays, jellyfish, sea stars, and schools and schools of others, SEA LIFE is a chance to get up close and personal with new fishy friends. And thanks to some really cool aquarium features, I mean that literally. Throughout SEA LIFE, you’ll spot aquariums that bubble out, bringing the fish nose to nose with you. We were shocked with the display that made it seem that a puffer fish was floating in midair, just waiting to greet us. It was an optical illusion—he was safely in his tank—but the thrill is undeniable.

That puffer seemed thrilled, too. At times as we explored, it felt like the fish were just as happy to see us as we were to see them. The buffalo fish that greet you in the freshwater area will stop and stare at you, moving as you move. In the stingray bay area, an epaulette shark was quick to say hi, moving to keep his eye on you.

SEA LIFE San Antonio Aquarium includes 10 interactive exhibit areas. Roam through coral reefs, fresh water displays, a sea harbor, and a seahorse nursery before you ooh and awe at the center of SEA LIFE fun: San Antonio’s only underground ocean tunnel.

A guitarfish swimming in SEA Life's stingray bay

That’s right: as SEA LIFE likes to say, you can go “face to fin” as sharks, sting rays, and colorful fish dart by—and over and around—you. Say hello to Solomon, the 8-foot zebra shark gliding by under the watchful eyes of Blackbeard the pirate. You can’t miss Blackbeard, whose 15-foot head is the focal point of the aquarium. He’s a great spot for a selfie, even though he never smiles.

A closeup of a 15-foot Blackbeard the Pirate head inside SEA LIFE San Antonio

The tunnel is actually two tunnels, and no matter where you stand fish are all around you. It’s a sure hit for littles, too, as there are viewing windows down at their level as well. And since the tank is actually two stories, you can go upstairs to look over the action. The upstairs view is almost like shark TV—they swim right by the windows.

SEA LIFE is definitely designed with littles in mind as you’ll find interactive screens with fun and educational games, including some touch screens that allow you to play with sea stars, or starfish, as most of us know them.

a child inside an aquarium exhibit

But for true hands-on fun, the Rockpool touch pool is a must. The colorful tank is filled with anemones, sea stars, and urchins ready to say hello. (You can’t help but think of the touch pool scene in Finding Dory, where all of the creatures are hiding from the poking fingers.) If you want to watch the action up close, there’s a video screen, too, so you can see the action and not get wet. And most important for moms to know: there are hand sanitizer and hand washing stations for those just-touched-creature hands.

a pink anenome in a touch pool

To help you dive into all there is to “SEA” at SEA LIFE, here are some quick things to know:

  • SEA LIFE isn’t just a neighbor to LEGOLAND, the two share an entrance and there are combination tickets and annual passes available. For more scoop, here’s our guide to LEGOLAND Discovery Center.
  • SEA LIFE does have safety protocols and limited capacity to ensure social distancing, so buying tickets in advance will guarantee your spot.a child standing in a tunnel through an aquarium
  • Like LEGOLAND Discovery Center, SEA LIFE San Antonio Aquarium is part of the Shops at River Center, making it a great spot to enjoy as part of any River Walk visit. And you get two hours of parking at the River Center’s Crockett Street garage for $3 (be sure to get your parking ticket validated at the SEA LIFE/LEGOLAND ticket desk). And note: the validation is only good for the Crockett Street garage, which is the one you enter from behind River Center.
  • Before you explore SEA LIFE, be sure your crew has hit the potty. There are no bathrooms in the aquarium, but there are bathrooms located just before the elevator that takes you into all of the fishy fun, so be sure to make a pit stop.
  • Unlike the Discovery Center where you’ll find a cafe, food and drinks are not allowed in the aquarium.a play area decorated like an aquarium
  • There is a submarine-themed play zone at the end of your SEA LIFE voyage, so be ready for play requests. We always have socks for the Discovery Center play area (required), so we have them handy for SEA LIFE too.
  • Strollers are welcome, and thanks to elevators, no need to worry about climbing stairs.

LEGOS with a side of fishy friends?!? We’re definitely looking forward to some cool, underwater fun this summer and hope to SEA you there!

Dawn
An Army brat who came to Texas for college and ultimately managed to make the Lone Star State her permanent home, Dawn became a mom “AMA” (advanced maternal age), giving her the opportunity to use a stroller vs. a walker as she navigates the world of motherhood. Her growing up way too fast native Texan loves all things Star Wars, Legos, dinosaurs and keeping his parents on their toes. When she’s not busy parenting the original strong-willed child, Dawn runs Tale to Tell Communications, a San Antonio-based PR and marketing agency. An award-winning writer, Dawn also contributes to San Antonio Woman, Rio Magazine and Texas Lifestyle Magazine. She and her family enjoy exploring all that San Antonio has to offer, going on adventures and playing tourist together as much as possible. Favorite Restaurant: Clementine Favorite Landmark: The beauty of the River Walk, especially La Villita Favorite San Antonio Tradition: Celebrating anything and everything with color, music and food