The most-visited indoor aquarium in the world dazzles with beluga whales, dolphin presentations, and Pacific coral reef dives — a genuinely awe-inspiring encounter with the world's aquatic life.
What to expect
The Abbott Oceanarium immerses you in a Pacific Northwest coastal setting where beluga whales and bottlenose dolphins perform alongside their trainers in naturalistic, educational presentations. The Wild Reef exhibit recreates a Filipino coral reef with sharks gliding overhead through floor-to-ceiling glass. The Stingray Touch pool allows genuine hands-on contact with cownose rays. The Amazon Rising gallery rises through seasonal flood cycles of the rainforest — an engineering marvel as much as an exhibit.
Good to know
Located in Museum Campus alongside the Field Museum and Adler Planetarium — easily combined for a full Museum Campus day. Book Total Experience tickets at sheddaquarium.org before your sailing date, as capacity is managed. Allow three to four hours. Arrive at opening (9 am) for the best dolphin presentation seating.