OdySea Aquarium
OdySea Aquarium
4
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
OdySea Aquarium, located in Scottsdale, is America’s newest aquarium and was recently voted Kids Best Indoor Entertainment. This multi-level, state-of-the-art facility holds more than 2 million gallons of water and is the largest aquarium in Arizona. OdySea Aquarium offers an educational, interactive and entertaining experience for guests of all ages by combining theme-park style amusement with highly engaging presentations of aquatic life. OdySea Aquarium features more than 65 exhibits, 370 species, the world’s only Russian Sturgeon touch exhibit as well as 2 Stingray touch exhibits and a tide touch pool! OdySea is also home to Voyager, where guests take their seats in a stadium-seating style theatre with 46 ft. viewing windows for the “world’s only revolving aquarium experience.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
Features animals
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,118 reviews
Excellent
525
Very good
347
Average
162
Poor
57
Terrible
27
Tammy_and_Brent
Calgary Alberta86 contributions
Dec 2022
We ended up here on a rainy day. I found the admission cost high, plus an extra $1.99 per adult ticket to pay by credit card. After getting your tickets scanned, BEFORE going up the escalator, hit the bathroom. Trust me, it is worth it. If you don't have to go just them, go in anyhow. During our visit, only one touch pool was open. Not sure why most of them were closed. Our visit was 2 hrs at a fairly slow pace.
Written December 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wardgarner
Castro Valley, CA586 contributions
Apr 2022
While this is pricey, the aquarium is a lot of fun. For an extra $5, rent the audio guide. The audio guide provides you with more in depth information. This is a great place to bring kids of any age. It is well laid out, and easy to navigate. There is a food area that is well situated, (although there are also a couple of other restaurants outside of the aquarium.) The restroom on the first floor is different. Make sure you check it out. The rotating exhibit, about 20 minutes in length, is unique. Now, if you have been to the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California, this is not quite on par with that state of the art aquarium; however, this is definitely worth visiting.
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chewie
Saint Paul, MN59 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
We went on a rainy day. It took about 1.5 hours to explore the aquarium at a good pace. Like other reviews, the price is totally out of line for what you receive. At $40 per adult ticket you notice how outdated the facility and underwhelming the experience is. We have been to many aquariums, and this experience is sub par. I would only recommend this experience if you have younger kids (ages 10 and younger), since most of the activities are geared towards younger ones.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to check us and leave a review. We are a bit confused by your comment about us being outdated as we just opened in the fall of 2016, so we are still a fairly new Aquarium. We would love to hear further on what you believe we could improve on if you could please reach out to guestrelations@odyseaaquarium.com.
Written May 31, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
J S
2 contributions
Sep 2022
The odyssey aquarium was great but the Pangaea dinosaur grill was a bad experience. They charged me $113.00 + for a meal that we cancelled on my credit card (because we waited over 35 minutes for the food and would have waited another 35+ minutes for our food for a total of 1 hour and 10 minutes) I cancelled with the girl, she said we would get a refund on my card but it never happened. I paid $113.00+ for a meal my family never received (I saw it on my credit card statement a month later) The service is terrible we only had 2 hours there do we want to wait 1 hour for food - no. The manager I spoke to pretty much accused me of being a liar when I talked to him. Have a lot of fun at the Odysea aquarium but steer clear of the Pangaea dinosaur grill, it is a horrible experience unless you like waiting for your food for hours. The service is terrible
Written October 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JLars34
Las Vegas, NV473 contributions
Dec 2020
Took a group of 14 to the aquarium. Luckily I found a coupon and saved, not a lot, but at least something off the regular price. It is a great attraction, but not worth the steep price. The local Zoo is bigger with much more to do for about $15 per person less. There is an after 4:30 pm special, but that wasn't going to work for us. Take advantage of that! Besides the cost, the aquarium has some nice exhibits. Some were closed due to COVID, which is understandable. The staff was very friendly and helpful. Very knowledgable. You can go through it as fast or slow as you like, but it has a start and end feel to it so feel like you are on a tour instead of walking to wherever like the Zoo. The glass ceiling aquarium is miss leading as well. It only really gives you that feel coming down the escalator. We were under the impression it would be a long tunnel. The aquarium is clean and well maintained. Plenty of hand-sanitizer available. Don't forget to ride the final attraction, pretty cool. Like the Zoo, you exit through the gift shop. I would probably go again with a better discount. If the price isn't an issue, it is awesome!
Written January 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CanadianMystique
Kelowna, Canada74 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
We visited Odysea late Feb as a family and had a great time. We got the discounted tickets for the 4:30 on time slot and felt it was a good value for the price we paid. We left just before close so it provides a solid 2+ hours of entertainment.
The virtual reality costs extra but was super cool, my daughter and I loved it. The rotating aquarium theatre near the end was definitely a highlight, it was awesome. Would definitely recommend this attraction for families if you’re in the Scottsdale area.
The virtual reality costs extra but was super cool, my daughter and I loved it. The rotating aquarium theatre near the end was definitely a highlight, it was awesome. Would definitely recommend this attraction for families if you’re in the Scottsdale area.
Written March 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Randy
Albany, NY588 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Fun destination if you like to see what lies beneath. If you like sea life and or a cool place to escape the heat on a hot day, check this aquarium out.
Great exhibits, lots of fish and aquatic life. Highly recommend taking a seat on some of the provided benches along the way and taking in the intricate lives of the animals on display.
Great exhibits, lots of fish and aquatic life. Highly recommend taking a seat on some of the provided benches along the way and taking in the intricate lives of the animals on display.
Written June 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Janna
Arizona549 contributions
Oct 2021
I visited Odysea Aquarium midday on a weekday. Excellent time to go, not crowded at all, full views of the exhibits to enjoy as long as I wished.
Very clean facility inside and out and in the exhibits. Creatures seemed to be well-maintained and healthy. Interesting and diverse exhibits and very educational (for example, I had never heard of an upside-down jellyfish before). Penguin exhibit was not as fragrant as I've experienced in other zoos (thankfully).
As a scuba diver, the only bonus for my visit would be to have ID information available for all creatures in the exhibit. I enjoyed the lower floor/ocean life (vs. fresh water life on the top floor) a bit more.
I'm on the fence about the rotating exhibit, the Odysea Voyager. 20 minutes in length, rotates thru 4 interesting exhibits. I believe at least the last exhibit is also viewable from outside the theatre. Good for a little seated time after walking around for 90 minutes.
Perhaps because of the time of day, I felt purchasing the admission ticket in advance did not provide any additional benefit as there were no lines to get in and therefore nothing dedicated to admitting advanced-purchase tickets.
While the price may seem expensive, I feel it is worth it. The costs associated with an aquarium of this caliber must be astronomical. Note that discounted tickets as of this writing were available from the website for admission after 4:30pm. If you know you want to spend less than 90 minutes here, that could be an option.
Free and adquate parking. Easily accessible from the freeway.
4 stars is relative to my experience at the Georgia Aquarium, which I enjoyed a tiny bit more.
Would return, although not frequently.
Very clean facility inside and out and in the exhibits. Creatures seemed to be well-maintained and healthy. Interesting and diverse exhibits and very educational (for example, I had never heard of an upside-down jellyfish before). Penguin exhibit was not as fragrant as I've experienced in other zoos (thankfully).
As a scuba diver, the only bonus for my visit would be to have ID information available for all creatures in the exhibit. I enjoyed the lower floor/ocean life (vs. fresh water life on the top floor) a bit more.
I'm on the fence about the rotating exhibit, the Odysea Voyager. 20 minutes in length, rotates thru 4 interesting exhibits. I believe at least the last exhibit is also viewable from outside the theatre. Good for a little seated time after walking around for 90 minutes.
Perhaps because of the time of day, I felt purchasing the admission ticket in advance did not provide any additional benefit as there were no lines to get in and therefore nothing dedicated to admitting advanced-purchase tickets.
While the price may seem expensive, I feel it is worth it. The costs associated with an aquarium of this caliber must be astronomical. Note that discounted tickets as of this writing were available from the website for admission after 4:30pm. If you know you want to spend less than 90 minutes here, that could be an option.
Free and adquate parking. Easily accessible from the freeway.
4 stars is relative to my experience at the Georgia Aquarium, which I enjoyed a tiny bit more.
Would return, although not frequently.
Written October 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kidsandtravel4fun
Ontario, Canada207 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
Decided last minute to get tickets for after 4:30- half price! SO BUSY but worth it. Tickets booked for 5-7 (close).
Lined up outside to wait for our time to be called. Were let in a few minutes before 5. Took picks on the way in. Hesitated at first, but picks were great! Paid $35 for pics on internet access/not printed.
The aquarium is very similar to our aquarium in Toronto. Ours a bit newer. One thing that was VERY special here was the rotating theater!! At first, walked in, busy and sat at the back. When it was over, we came back and sat in the front. Entry into the theatre every 5 minutes. Session is 20 minutes. The info was so interesting and funny. The sea lions decided to hide while we were sitting in the front but previously very active while we were in the back row. Really no bad seat in the house but better picks in the front area. Loved this exhibit. Great way to end the visit. Worth the half price ticket. I may have been disappointed if we paid full price! My daughter also did the virtual visit with the monkeys. If we had more time, she may have done a second virtual session for just 3 dollars more. $7 for 1, $10 for two sessions.
I’m so glad we came to the aquarium. We come to Scottsdale often. This was a nice family outing and a great way to get out of the heat!!
Lined up outside to wait for our time to be called. Were let in a few minutes before 5. Took picks on the way in. Hesitated at first, but picks were great! Paid $35 for pics on internet access/not printed.
The aquarium is very similar to our aquarium in Toronto. Ours a bit newer. One thing that was VERY special here was the rotating theater!! At first, walked in, busy and sat at the back. When it was over, we came back and sat in the front. Entry into the theatre every 5 minutes. Session is 20 minutes. The info was so interesting and funny. The sea lions decided to hide while we were sitting in the front but previously very active while we were in the back row. Really no bad seat in the house but better picks in the front area. Loved this exhibit. Great way to end the visit. Worth the half price ticket. I may have been disappointed if we paid full price! My daughter also did the virtual visit with the monkeys. If we had more time, she may have done a second virtual session for just 3 dollars more. $7 for 1, $10 for two sessions.
I’m so glad we came to the aquarium. We come to Scottsdale often. This was a nice family outing and a great way to get out of the heat!!
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
62sauln
11 contributions
Nov 2020 • Family
We went around mid November on a Sunday. The facilities are very nice and clean all together.
Upon arrival, we made our way over to the ticket counter and purchased 5 adult tickets. We were surprised to see that they were charging $39.95 per person. A bit too pricey in my opinion.
Oddly enough, the women at the counter suggested that we stop at the bathroom as this was their “first exhibit”. I won’t go into to great detail, but if you do get a chance, do go into the bathroom. You certainly will not be disappointed.
After seeing the many species of animals they have at this facility, I have to say that this aquarium is very over priced.
It took us about an hour and a half to complete the whole thing.
The good news is that it seems like they are doing their part in trying to keep the facility as clean as possible due to COVID. Masks are required at all times. There are social distancing markers throughout, and the employees are regularly cleaning high touch areas. They even have multiple hand sanitizer stations throughout.
Overall, it was an okay experience. It was our first time visiting and probably will be our last. You can’t justify the price for what you get. I’m sure that other folks will say other wise, but it really depends on you opinion.
Upon arrival, we made our way over to the ticket counter and purchased 5 adult tickets. We were surprised to see that they were charging $39.95 per person. A bit too pricey in my opinion.
Oddly enough, the women at the counter suggested that we stop at the bathroom as this was their “first exhibit”. I won’t go into to great detail, but if you do get a chance, do go into the bathroom. You certainly will not be disappointed.
After seeing the many species of animals they have at this facility, I have to say that this aquarium is very over priced.
It took us about an hour and a half to complete the whole thing.
The good news is that it seems like they are doing their part in trying to keep the facility as clean as possible due to COVID. Masks are required at all times. There are social distancing markers throughout, and the employees are regularly cleaning high touch areas. They even have multiple hand sanitizer stations throughout.
Overall, it was an okay experience. It was our first time visiting and probably will be our last. You can’t justify the price for what you get. I’m sure that other folks will say other wise, but it really depends on you opinion.
Written November 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you very much for coming and checking us out! We would love to hear more from you and see what you believe would make us worth our admission price. Was there something you were hoping to see? Please reach out to us at guestrelations@odyseaaquarium.com as your convenience as we'd love to hear further.
Written December 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
What is OAEMAILTICKET and how long does it take to get the tickets? We want to be there in a week.
Philip B
Cedar Hill, TN242 contributions
Just do it on-line.
Are there scooters available for the handicapped
Philip B
Cedar Hill, TN242 contributions
No idea. Didn't see any. Tons of children
Do I need to print my tickets or can I show the QR code on my phone
Robert H
Scottsdale, AZ1,233 contributions
I believe either one would work. When we went we did the printed tickets. But they also did the Q R code when we did our purchase at the front door when making our purchase for them. Hope this helps.
Ashley M
Bullhead City, AZ
If I bought the combo tickets for the aquarium and Pangaea, how do I select the date and time for my visit?
Also I have not received my email tickets yet.
Thanks for your question! Combo tickets do not need a time and a date reservation, you are welcome to join us whenever you are available!
please check your Spam/Junk/Social Folder for an email from "Online Sales", if you still don't have an email from us the conformation number and/or an ID work just fine to look up your tickets.
I never got a confirmation email after buying my tickets online last night, forgot to screenshot the receipt/order number but now I have no proof of my tickets other than the money being taken out of my account
Mark M
Glendale, AZ124 contributions
I only had to show them my group on receipt or you can use the app. They were very friendly to us. It was the last day before they shutdown was mandatory. Hope you enjoy as much as we did. It’s the bar code or the numbers that confirm same. Hope this helps!
Sharonda Mayes
Tolleson, AZ2 contributions
I never received my confirmation email after purchasing my tickets yesterday ! Can anyone resend it to me? I have my confirmation number but again never received an email
Sam A
Scottsdale, AZ1 contribution
Sorry for the issues. We believe this has been resolved. If you still have not received your we will be able to reprint your tickets here for you when you arrive.
How much for 2 seniors to visit the Butterfly house and the aquarium?
thomas b
Scottsdale, AZ65 contributions
Yes, $32 for OdySea Aquarium & $17 for Butterfly Museum.
Senior prices. Have fun! Enjoy your journey.
How much is it for 2 adults, 1 Senior & 1 baby to see the Butterfly house & the Aquarium ?
For 2 adults, 1 Senior the total including tax would be $175.69, for both the Aquarium and Butterfly. Depending on how old your child is it would be another $39.93, Children under 24 months have free admission to both places!
Adrianna Morse
New Jersey47 contributions
On the encounters are guests allowed to take their own pictures? Admission for 3 on top of the separate encounter price for 3 is going to be pretty steep. I’d really hate to have to pay for an overpriced picture on top of that.
Hello there,
If you are referring to our Penguin Encounter Program, guests are not allowed to bring any cell phones or cameras for the safety of themselves and our animals. The photographers we have in there have been trained on how to best work with our animals as to not provide a distraction or get in the way of the guests experience.
SeaTREK has cameras available for purchase during your underwater adventure but we do not allow outside GoPros or cameras as they could introduce foreign bacteria to our exhibits.
OdySea Aquarium (Scottsdale) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about OdySea Aquarium
- OdySea Aquarium is open:
- Sun - Wed 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Thu - Sat 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
- Hotels near OdySea Aquarium:
- (0.29 mi) Tru by Hilton Scottsdale Salt River
- (0.30 mi) Home2 Suites by Hilton Scottsdale Salt River
- (1.07 mi) Hampton Inn & Suites Scottsdale at Talking Stick
- (2.95 mi) Courtyard by Marriott Scottsdale Salt River
- (2.87 mi) Residence Inn by Marriott Scottsdale Salt River
- Restaurants near OdySea Aquarium:
- (0.10 mi) Pangea Dinosaur Grill
- (0.09 mi) Dad's Pizza
- (0.10 mi) Odysea Aquarium Lighthouse Cafe
- (0.11 mi) Frozen Penguin Ice Cream
- (0.11 mi) Modern Grove Restaurant
- Attractions near OdySea Aquarium:
- (0.09 mi) Butterfly Wonderland
- (0.08 mi) UFO Experience
- (0.08 mi) Polar Play
- (0.07 mi) Museum Of Illusions Scottsdale
- (0.11 mi) Four Peaks Mining Company