OdySea is one of my favorite Valley spots to bring visitors/tourists! Definitely targeted a little more towards young ones, but all-in-all a fun spot for all ages in my opinion. I may be slightly opinionated (only because I am obsessed with all things aquariums and marine life), but for an aquarium in the middle of the desert I think it's really quite great. Located in Arizona Boardwalk, and with options for combo tickets for multiple attractions, it's a good stop to fill a whole day. Of course, I have to mention the famous bathrooms at the entrance -- washing your hands face-to-face with sharks is really a cool experience that cannot be replicated! One thing to note, there will be excited kiddos on the counter or hogging the sinks just a little bit so be ready to spend a little time waiting hahaha! I think what makes this aquarium special is the rotating aquarium ride(?)/attraction. I've never seen something like that before, and it's a great way to take a seat after walking around, and still get an immersive (and educational!) experience. There are a lot of different species, touch tanks, and I can see strong themes of conservation, which is something I always look for. My main qualms are that some exhibits feel slightly dated, and there are some areas that feel a little under-kept (to be expected with kids coming in and out). I will also point out that there is a looming ocean-y smell as soon as you walk in, which I do not have a problem with, but I think it's something to note if someone is sensitive to scents. Also, a little more on the expensive side for an aquarium that isn't that large. read more

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The aquarium was absolutely wonderful. From the minute that you arrive, you are submerged into all these wonderful exhibits. I really loved the projected scenes on the walls at the entryway. I also think it's really cute that they take your picture when you get to aquarium. We did not purchase our photo although it was very nice one. It was just a little too pricey, $30 for one photo if I am not mistaken. I personally love to go to the aquarium to see their variety of jellyfish and stingrays, and I am always especially happy when they have puffer fish. I was in luck. Not only did they have a wonderful, huge amazing display of jellyfish, but they also had the cutest display of puffer fish. I was finally able to show my daughter what they look like up close. That was pretty special to me. And even better, as I took a picture of these puffer fish on my phone, they noticed my sparkly keychain. When they saw that, they were drawn to it. They came right up to the glass. My daughter was in awe. The aquarium has this amazing rotating display. At first, I didn't know what to think about it. I didn't quite understand what it was. So of course, naturally, my family and I had to check it out. You are seated in a small auditorium. Their seats are more than comfortable, and the auditorium is very well air-conditioned. It takes you through a series of different huge displays. One of them features some of the most beautiful stingrays I've ever seen. Another features sea lions. And of course, a few feature the different fish and sharks. I have never in my life experienced a presentation like that. It was amazing. If we had had more time, I probably would've wanted to watch the presentation a second time. My kiddo isn't so young and teeny tiny anymore, but there are lots of little kids play areas at the aquarium. There is what I called the water table. There is running water that flows through there and the kids are able to use flat panels of plastic to redirect the water through this kind of maze if you will. That's a big favor. Be sure you have paper towels on hand for when your kiddo is done here. They will most likely be wet up to their elbows. It's a cute and fun way to make friends too. They are different opportunities for visitors to get more up close and impersonal with a variety of animals that they have here at the aquarium. We did not participate. One day, hopefully we can. There was so much to see. Everyone at the aquarium was so friendly. There are some Touch pools and opportunities for kids to pet different sea plants and small animals. That is always fun. One thing I had never seen before was a Starbucks inside of a aquarium. This is not just any Starbucks my friends. This particular Starbucks understands that parents need a break too. I'm not talking strictly about coffee. The Starbucks inside of this aquarium offers a small variety of adult drinks. Yes, you heard me correctly. They offered beer. I believe they also offer a few seltzers. Anyway, I thought that was pretty cool. My family and I didn't have an opportunity to actually enjoy anything from Starbucks, but we did take notice of their offerings. If you will be in the area for a couple of days, this is easily one of the better things to be able to take advantage of. If you purchased your aquarium tickets along with tickets to other attractions at the Arizona Boardwalk at the same time, you can create a ticket bundle. In doing so, you will receive a discount on your tickets. I can't quite remember what the percentage off amount was. However, we did purchase tickets to the aquarium as well as to the Museum of illusions. I think that might've given us 20 or 30% off of the combined ticket price. Definitely check it out online. It was a good deal. Parking here is free. They have lots completely around the entire boardwalk area. I really enjoy the boardwalk space. There is a large courtyard in the middle. It is great and perfect space for kids to come and enjoy lunch outside, especially for small schools that come to visit for a field trip. It really is just a beautiful spot. The aquarium and our experience at the boardwalk area was phenomenal. You must take a moment to check out the bathroom. Initially, I thought the whole little thing about the bathroom being cool was some sort of a joke or just something funny to post. But no, it really is pretty awesome. People often flock to the bathroom just to check that out. It can make for kind of a tight situation when the bathroom area is being crowded because people want to see the sharks. But, it was the one time that I could say that there were sharks in my bathroom. LOL Our visit here worked out perfectly. We came here right after breakfast and by the time that we left, it was definitely time for a little bit of a late lunch. There is definitely more than enough for everyone here. read more

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I went here for the first time with my son and there were a lot of aquatic creatures to see. We touched sting rays, saw the otters, and tried to see all the exhibits. We also did the Odysea Voyager where you are sat and it rotates to 4 different tanks to view the animals. We went on a Sunday afternoon, and I do have to say, I think being there earlier is better because we felt like things in the aquarium closed for the day. There were a lot of seating throughout the aquarium so anyone is welcomed to go through the aquarium. read more

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I always love coming here especially during cool events or when they get some new animals. People of all ages will love this aquarium and all it has to offer.I especially like the room where you sit and it rotates to different aquarium's like the seals and then sharks just a relaxing time after walking around for awhile.You also have to check out the sea otters there always fun to see as well as the Sloth is a cool sight as well. They do offer several diving experiences that I would love to try out some day. read more

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Really cool experience! Highly recommend going with little ones, but still cool for all ages. Lots of sea creatures and it was cool having some of the staff out there explaining the sea creatures and what they do/ how they behave. $50 is a bit pricey and in some spaces it felt crowded with all the strollers. read more

OdySea Aquarium - Aquariums Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

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OdySea Aquarium was a very nice day trip. Was a little expensive with no discounts available. Overall, it was well worth it! Must see the view from the restrooms. Highly recommend staying to the very end and having a seat. Loved the view of the 360 aquarium from the seats. read more

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First time and we will absolutely be back! This place is for all ages, we saw all ages from infant to elderly and everyone was having a great time! The cleanliness was there, the temperature made it comfortable and enjoyable, and the lighting is not overwhelming like plenty of other attraction entertainment establishments. We really loved that there was so many interactive activities like petting stingray and stuff for younger kids to do like coloring stations, giant neon pegboard, projection games in the floor etc. There's a Starbucks with typical Starbucks menu, and Coca Cola vending machines but I do think the Starbucks was a bit more pricy than a normal Starbucks location which after paying $100+ to be there, kind of a bummer. The gift shop was huge and so many options from $5-$100+ items. We bought a stuffed stingray for our baby for $16- not too painful! We took a photo as a family on the way in and they wanted $60 to take our own photos home, we passed on that. Overall the actual attractions were awesome, pretty fascinating and lots of information on every exhibit! read more

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OdySea Aquarium in Scottsdale is one of my favorite places to visit in the Valley. The attraction holds a wide variety of animals, including all sorts of fish, penguins, sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, turtles, otters, lizards and more. The displays are fun to look at and include interesting information about the animals. There are fun interactive stations for kids and adults, including a touch tank, a place to sit and color, a feature to measure yourself against the height of a penguin and a megalodon jaw photo op. The OdySea Voyager is a cool rotating attraction that takes you past several of the tanks. The aquarium has several animal encounters. I did the penguin encounter years ago and it was great--you get to go into the penguin habitat and then they take you into a room where you sit on the floor and interact with the penguins. The gift shop has lots of cool souvenirs for kids and adults. My one complaint is the price: $50 for adults is the same or more as other, better aquariums around the country. If you can, go after 4:30 when it's $35 plus taxes and fees. read more

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Our family loves coming here! One of the coolest surprises is the bathroom--yes, the bathroom--where you can actually see sharks swimming while you wash your hands. Definitely worth a quick stop before heading up the escalator or elevator. Make sure you grab the map and daily schedule so you don't miss the animal enrichment times. We especially like watching the otters (when they're awake and playful--it's hit or miss, but still fun). The kids always look forward to petting the stingrays, and it's one of their favorite parts of the visit. The rotating aquarium is another highlight. You get to sit back and ride through four different exhibits--it's unique and really neat to experience. Overall, OdySea is always a fun family outing and something we look forward to each time. read more

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We came here right when the aquarium opened. Everyone was very friendly and knowledgeable. Some of the animals were still "getting up". It's a small aquarium compared to the ones I've been to but they had a great variety of animals. Everything was clean and well maintained. Great place for kids and adults. read more

Best way to spend the 4th of July with family, then at the Odysea Aquarium in Scottsdale Az. My grandkids had a great time. Can't wait to go back again. read more

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First time here pretty spacious place. Some of the tanks weren't filled with anything especially the sea lion tank that we had to sit through five minutes of someone just talking about sea lion facts through quiet speakers but kids screamed a lot so hard to hear but we listened while staring at a blank tank and Some seats being broken in the rotating room that you sit in to hear different facts of creatures in the tanks In the struggle of the rotation machine in general trying to turn you could feel the bummyness , or maybe the seahorse that was in obvious signs of distress and was not doing very well, and you could see it had health condition problems, probably due to lack of oxygen and stress. It was laying down acting like it's gasping for hair stuck around some coral not normal from the healthy ones I've seen floating around ,. or an escalator not working . I mean, I guess it was kind of cool seeing creatures of the ocean. Just didn't like the cons about it. Go after 4:30 pm it's ten bucks cheaper read more

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Great place to take kids 6 months and up! Our 7 month old enjoyed the aquarium and it was a fun activity :) although I'm glad less than 2 is free the adult tickets are definitely on the pricier end as it was $100 just to walk through and see the animals. But overall the facility is nice, staff is friendly, and you can spend a solid hour here. Lots of attractions and things to do in the plaza! read more

OdySea Aquarium - Aquariums Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

It's beautiful and fun. Worth the money snd definitely go inside the bathroom to see the sharks!

I remember seeing the ads for the place the last few time I was in town. My mom wanted to see it so we decided to go. This was a lot bigger than I'd originally expected. Not to mention they have a Starbucks inside just fyi. I found it strange we were told to use the escalator to go to the second floor at the beginning. It wasn't til we ventured through I figured out why. The aquarium has a huge variety of different fish and critters. They actually had real penguins and turtles along with a wide variety of fish some of which I'd never seen before. One the second floor they have interactive activities for the kiddos to keep em entertained. They also offer a VR experience. When your reach the end you are taken down an escalator that leads you to the tunnel aquarium which is absolutely stunning. This aquarium was actually a really neat experience. Although pricey it was definitely worth a visit at least once. Not to mention they offer other packages to add to the experience with the other attractions around. It was definitely worth seeing! read more

OdySea Aquarium - Aquariums Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

Plan a full day -- this isn't a pit stop, it's a field trip for your soul. Only in Arizona can you drive through a desert of saguaros and end up at a full-blown world-class aquarium. An ocean in the middle of the Sonoran sands -- it sounds like a mirage, but it's real, and it's OdySea. Since opening in 2016, it's become one of the largest aquariums in the Southwest, proving that even in the desert, people still crave sharks, penguins, and stingrays more than cacti. Walk in the door, look up, and the lights themselves are tiny aquariums -- fish floating above your head like living chandeliers. That's when you realize: this place isn't just about animals, it's about spectacle. You're not just here to see sea turtles; you're here to be immersed. Must-Try Features: * VR Station: Slip on the headset, and suddenly you're swimming with great whites instead of sweating in 110-degree Scottsdale heat. * 3D "Voyager" Ride: Part theater, part submersible daydream. You're strapped in while screens surround you with ocean life, and actual experts narrate -- equal parts education and entertainment. * Animal Care: Every exhibit feels thoughtful, clean, and humane. The animals aren't props here; they're ambassadors. From otters clowning around to sharks gliding silently, you can tell they're well cared for. An ocean in the desert -- only Arizona would try it, and only OdySea could pull it off. Vegas gives you fake Eiffel Towers; Scottsdale gives you stingrays. OdySea isn't just an aquarium, it's a desert miracle. Between the VR dives, the 3D ride, the immersive design, and the sheer variety of marine life, it's worth the ticket -- and the time. In a city known for golf and spas, this place proves that even in the desert, you can find the ocean. read more

I liked walking around the Odysea aquarium. What I remember the most is seeing the large shark tank in the restroom where the mirror usually is above the sink. I also liked the clown fish that reminds me of Nemo. When I have went to other aquariums before, I like to see the unique sea life. I was surprised that they had some birds in the aquarium. I haven't seen that before in an aquarium, just at the zoos. The penguins were also cute and they kept diving down into the water in front of the glass. The line to purchase tickets IS often long, especially in the summer. I think it's long because the weather is so hot that people like the idea of going somewhere indoors. However, it usually super loud and crowded due to all the kids. read more

You can be here for hours enjoying all the exhibits. They even have a audio guide you can follow as you walk through the entire aquarium. Starbucks serves alcoholic drinks. Love this place. read more

OdySea Aquarium - Eel up close and personal! - Aquariums Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

Years ago, we had a membership to Odysea but when our employment took us back to the East Valley, we never really renewed it. During the time we stopped going, a lot of reservations occurred. My visiting family and I had gone here this past weekend to spend time together and show the kids around. There was plenty of parking, but a lot of visitors for a Sunday. We got our tickets at the window, and immediately got our photos taken with two poses (regular and one pretending to hold a penguin.) There was plenty to see especially for my toddler and the teens. As we were looking at some ugly fish, a penguin appeared with an entourage! That was so fun to see the penguin waddle through as the staff let us know it was coming through. They had changed the food court into a Starbucks, and it looked like they were renovating a nearby section. The rest of the exhibit was great, and then we got to the voyager! I absolutely forgot about this section, but before you end your tour, there is an interactive show were you are seated. It is a moving auditorium which shows you three major exhibits as if you're in a submarine and visiting the wildlife. We got our photos at the end of the exhibit and went on our merry way! We will be back again, since it was so fun and the kids really enjoyed it! read more

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A must see if you can. It really is a gem and a really nice way to not feel like you're in the desert for a few hours. As you walk in, you'll see the service and admission desks and then the elevators. The coolest bathrooms are on that floor, with windows looking out into the shark tanks. You'll see people hovering over the sinks but you just have to be polite and they will move. Once you go up the elevators, the aquarium sections off the animals into areas of river animals and ocean animals, with interactive games and touch exhibits in between for kids. Loved seeing the sloth and the jellyfish. There is also a seating area there with a Starbucks. There is also restaurants and ice cream shops in the aquarium plaza. Also some more pay to enter exhibitions like laser tag and dinosaurs as well as a cool carousel. Overall a cool place to bring little ones and to see! read more

If you are local, buy the annual pass. This is a climate-controlled building that you can loiter in, need I say more? Plus, if you plan on going at least twice in a year span, it makes sense to purchase the pass. If you're a snowbird, bundle with something else on the Boardwalk to get a better price. The staff at OdySea are always very kind and willing to answer any questions. On days where there are less people, it's very easy to ask them questions at the touch pools or flag one down in front of an exhibit. If you go during the week, you avoid the kids and can enjoy blue mind state. Some of my favorites are the caimans, the Sea Trek tank, various jellyfish, seahorses, and clownfish. It's the biggest aquarium in the Southwest - why it has birds and sloths I will never know, but if you're in the area I would hit it up. read more

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Great place for kids and adults alike. We've always had a great time. It's clean and well organized. read more

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My family and I have had a membership with Odysea Aquarium for the past 4 years. We enjoy going to the aquarium as we have young kids and it's always a nice time once we get inside. I have taken two stars off of my review because of repeatedly disappointing experiences we have had as pass holders. To start, before you enter Odysea there are employees who usher you to take your picture. We pass on the pictures because we go often but when you decline, they will side eye and glare at you. It has started feeling hostile especially after countless times we have declined the pictures. When we visited on 5/31, it was the worst experience when we replied with "no, thank you" to the picture taking. The employee quipped back that it, "takes 2 minutes and it's part of the experience" while glaring and was visibly offended we didn't want our pictures taken. It's not about the time, it's the fact that I do not want to take a picture. I am sure the workers are trained to push for pictures which I understand but its bad business to harass the people who patron your business. My question is, why do you want our pictures so badly? It's kind of bizarre and we just want to go into the building to see some fish. Other than that, the exhibits are decent and it is generally clean. Once you are able to get past the ticket counter, the aquarium is a fun time and is family friendly. read more

I was really blown away by the aquatic exhibits A truly overall beautiful aquarium. All the keepers were so kind answering all our questions read more

OdySea Aquarium - Sharks! - Aquariums Near Me - Scottsdale, Arizona

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Very cool aquarium. It smells kinda bad and I'm sad I didn't get to see the sea lions or octopus, but I like how there is direction and flow. The fish are mesmerizing with lots of places to sit and watch them. They had sting rays and certain fish that can be touched with two fingers as well. My husband did the rotating aquarium and the VR experience which he said both were very cool and enjoyable. I will say that the tickets are pricey, but if you're local, the year pass would probably be better. read more

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I had friends in town and we needed a kid-friendly activity where we could stay cool so we opted for this aquarium. I rarely come due to pricing. We hit all of the exhibits and I really enjoyed it. It's very busy and can be overstimulating. The new lobby is cool and they have more stations where you can touch the animals than I remember from previous visits. There were no dolphins because all of them died apparently. It's a nice place but I don't think the pricing matches the lack of activities inside. read more

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Attended the fish and sips happy hour the aquarium puts on in the evenings for adults, what a great idea! There were also multiple information sessions going on at the exhibits which was very appreciated as I love getting to learn about the animals, it's an aquarium, duh! They had a very basic offering of drinks, but I'm sure you could find something, however, it was a bit pricey and the tickets for the event were already $40. A good idea to escape the heat, but not something you'd do very often. read more

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A fun indoor activity during a hot Arizona afternoon. There were many exhibits in an easy-to-follow path through two levels. Lots of aquatic creatures to see up close and enjoy. There were benches at various spots throughout the aquarium. The bathroom was voted the best one a few years back, so I had to go in and see why! Make sure you do that and see for yourself why! Included with admission was touching stingrays, which was fun. There was also a rotating room that took you to several large exhibits with accompanying narration about what you were seeing. Several areas with kids activities, so very family friendly. There were a few options of add-on experiences, but we didn't take advantage of those this time around. It is kind of expensive, but if we lived in this area, we'd take advantage of the yearly pass. read more

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First off, do you guys just let anyone in to this place? Today we seen a gal that literally had on a Tutu that sat on her waist only. And a thong. Her ENTIRE backside was out. I'm not even exaggerating. It was disturbing and seemed highly unnecessary in a family place like this! We loved this place but it's changed. Not as clean as it used to be. The rotating theater rooms are filthy. There's literally snot and who knows what on the back of the seats. A lot of the tanks seem murky. The sea lions do not have enough space to roam in that water. Please stop getting upset with a family refuses to have their photos taken in the beginning. Some of us have memberships . Some of us don't feel like paying $60-$100 + on a photo at the end. Some of us just will take our own photos/ stop being so pushy. We will not be renewing our membership when it expires read more

Amazing experience! We didn't really know what to expect but were blown away by OdySea Aquarium. There were SO many exhibits and it was so interesting. So many fish but there was so much more - penguins, caiman, sea lions, stingrays, sea turtles, octopus, lobsters, even a Toucan and a sloth - the list goes on! From rivers to oceans - so much to see! The jelly fish tanks were mesmerizing and peaceful to watch. We loved the OdySea Voyager experience. Having sharks swim by as you wash your hands in the restroom was pretty cool. You can pet rays which is fun. They've got a massive gift shop with so many items, so don't skip it! I highly recommend the OdySea Aquarium. read more

We have company from New York. Even tho this is a two hour drive from here it was so worth it. We are former PADI divers and our guest never dove. So a real show and tell day. Moray eel was a show stopper. read more

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This place is awesome!! I visited from San Diego and wasn't sure what to expect but the aquarium is huge and has a great variety of sea animals. They also have a 360 aquarium that was very cool with fun dialogue playing. Definitely recommend checking them out if you're in the area. And it's super kid friendly. read more

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Always amazing but I wish it were closer! They changed some things up but I loved seeing the gila monster!