United States
Oregon (OR)
Oregon Coast
Newport
Things to Do in Newport
Oregon Coast Aquarium
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Oregon Coast Aquarium

See all things to do
See all things to do
Oregon Coast Aquarium
4.5
3,045 reviews
#9 of 47 things to do in Newport
Aquariums
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10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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About
The Oregon Coast Aquarium is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Newport, on the beautiful Oregon Coast. Our mission is to create unique and engaging experiences that connect you to the Oregon coast and inspire ocean conservation. The Aquarium is a living classroom for all learning styles and ages. As one of Oregon's top tourist attractions, the Aquarium is a vital educational resource for the state, with over 40,000 students visiting the Aquarium each year. The Aquarium strives to be a center of excellence for ocean literacy and plays an active role in conservation and animal rehabilitation efforts.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

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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
4.5
3,045 reviews
Excellent
1,646
Very good
854
Average
381
Poor
114
Terrible
50
Boy-mom820
Monmouth, OR1 contribution
Father’s Day Fun
Jun 2022 • Family
This was our first trip as a family, and the 2 year old was absolutely in love! Us adults hadn’t been there since we were kids, and we noticed and appreciated the many needed renovations. We purchased our tickets online, so we knew that all aviary exhibits were closed. We wish we would’ve known the cafe was under renovation prior to our arrival. We would’ve packed snacks or water instead of looking to purchase it there. There is a small cafe, but it is busy due to the cafe being shut down. Overall an awesome experience, and we can’t wait for the touch tide pools to be renovated.
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OCAQMarketing
We're so glad you had an awesome experience! We're also looking forward to our touch pool renovation and aviary reopening, and in the meantime we're continuing to add new and exciting features for our guests to enjoy. Thank you for your feedback about our café renovation; our visitor services staff constantly strive to improve the guest experience, and feedback such as yours is helpful in that endeavor!
Written July 20, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TMarie09
3 contributions
Wonderful Solo Activity
Dec 2022
I chose to visit the aquarium as a solo visitor on a weekday in the off season - it was a perfect relaxing activity for any aquarium lover. While the aquarium is not overly large, it is easily navigated and offers many areas for stopping and enjoying the moment as one is immersed by a multitude of aquatic species with most of them being native. The aquarium also does a great job at providing the opportunity to learn about the local ecosystems of the Pacific Northwest and the human impact on our oceans.

I also highly recommend the Behind the Scenes Tour! It was well worth the price just to see Banner, the resident green eel, but also fascinating to see all of the inner workings from the enthusiastic educational staff members.
Written December 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OCAQMarketing
We're so thrilled that you had the chance to spend some time with us, and that you joined us for a BTS tour! Banner is quite the charmer and remains a fan favorite, and our staff members truly value the chance to teach folks about the ocean. Thank you for choosing us, and for taking the time to leave such a lovely review!
Written January 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LaPuenteCA
La Puente, CA253 contributions
Almost Perfect
Aug 2021
We thoroughly enjoyed coming here as we were in town last year and sadly it was closed down. The tubes you walk through under the water are breathtaking and worth every penny for admission. All the smaller tanks were lovely also. Our only issue was the filth in the seal lion exhibit. The water looked contaminated and no seals to see. Also I suggest you have someone take a few moments before you open the doors to go to the outside exhibits and wipe the glass view areas as the rain and weather makes them very difficult to see through.
Written September 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OCAQMarketing
We're so glad you enjoyed your visit! We're so excited to welcome visitors back after our prolonged 2020 closures. While our animal care and custodial staff take every measure to ensure the cleanliness of the habitats, the summer sunshine and rain/humidity can result in rapid algae growth and streaks on the glass. Thank you for your feedback, it helps us improve the guest experience!
Written September 20, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
oceanlover2023
West Linn, OR1 contribution
disappointed
Mar 2023
so small, we walked the exhibits in less than an hour for almost $50! Plus a 2 hour drive. Not a good trip…. Exhibits are all mostly outside in terrible weather, cold , confusing, and disappointing. Got to see glimpse of sea lions for 5 min… no other animals except open sea exhibit which was crowded. Touch pools were small and lame and crowded… the Price here is ridiculous for what you get. Overall just so disappointed we were so excited for this trip. Waste of $
Written March 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly S
Washougal, WA2 contributions
Too crowded
Jun 2021 • Family
Thought having timed tickets would be a good thing less people more room. We are not worried about covid but for the people that are I wouldn’t go yet. Instead of people being spread out everyone entered at the same time no one stayed apart. Staff did not monitor for social distancing even though their were signs everywhere no one followed any of the guidelines it was a free for all. But for some reason they still have some of the Exhibits closed doesn’t make any sense. They need to open all the way or not be open at all because the experience is not worth the price this way.
Written June 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bakkehousehold
Portland, OR1 contribution
Pleasant Weekend Visit
Apr 2023
We enjoyed a weekend visit during the earlier part of the day. Highly recommend getting to the Aquarium early as by the time we left around 1:30PM the park was starting to fill. The tanks were clean and the animals looked healthy even if some were in their older years. I liked the descriptions of the particular animals and their various features. The petting pools were very entertaining. We went on a behind the scenes tour which I also recommend particularly for the Moray eel and the jelly spawning set up. For families with kids I liked the play area where kids could be active and climb on things appropriately rather than climbing on the exhibit rocks (which is prohibited). We enjoyed about two hours of observing and learning before becoming saturated with all the information. We definitely could return multiple times for additional pleasant hours of learning.
Written May 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OCAQMarketing
We're so glad the entire family had a great time at the Aquarium! Thank you for joining us for a BTS tour, and for taking the time to enjoy all we have to offer. We appreciate your support!
Written May 9, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rick R
2 contributions
Very disappointed
Sep 2021 • Family
Though they had some unique attractions most were closed. Drove kids 2 hours to see the aquarium But was disappointed when the touch pool and other exabits were closed. Still charged full price probably will never visit or recommend to anybody.
Written September 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OCAQMarketing
We're so sorry you feel this way. While most of our exhibits are open, we have had to close our touch pool in order to reduce risk associated with COVID-19, and our Turkey Vulture Habitat and Nature Trail are closed due to construction. We understand that our visitors miss these attractions, and we look forward to reopening them when it is possible to do so safely. Ticket sales directly support the care of our animals, and as such we appreciate every guest for taking the time to visit and support our efforts.
Written September 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Voyager693098
1 contribution
THANK YOU FOR PROVIDING A SAFE WAY TO SEE THE AQUARIUM!!
Nov 2020
I was so very pleased that you had found a way to open safely for visitors. The online reservation system limited (and timed) attendance through the day. The one-way path through the property provided a path with few encounters with other visitors. Not announcing the feeding schedule prevented people from gathering, but if you happened to be passing, the continued their narration for the few of us who were there. Even the interior areas were well-regulated and I appreciated the stickers indicating "High Touch" areas. Thank you for making these adjustments. The Aquarium was the high point of my visit to Newport!
Written November 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Madeline
Portland, OR5 contributions
Lovely day trip!
May 2021
My partner and I drove out here for the first time in a decade or so and were so happy to see all the fish, mammals, birds and other aquatic life. The passages of the deep was really busy due to COVID, which we totally understand. They had a nice digital map. ALSO, tip to EV drivers, there is a free charger about a 0.25 mile walk from the Oregon Coast Aquarium. It did say it was only free until june 1st 2021, so it may now cost money. Still, awesome to have it so close
Written June 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Idahomom3
Idaho Falls, ID1 contribution
So crowded it took away from the experience.
Jul 2021 • Family
We were hoping with having to schedule a specific time that it would limit the amount of people during that time, but it did not. It was so extremely crowded it was hard to enjoy the exhibits and get around. The tank tunnels were a cluster of a mess. I was Very disappointed with the experience this trip. The aquarium is not a cheap fun. We have had better experiences here years prior but this trip was not enjoyable. Not sure we will make the aquarium a must stop next time we are on the coast.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OCAQMarketing
We're so sorry about your experience. In light of recent crowding, and to help reduce risk, we are limiting our overall capacity. We understand that our guests are feeling uncomfortable with the degree of crowding the Aquarium has experienced as we enter the peak of our busy season, and our goal is to take measures to provide our guests with a more comfortable, positive experience.
Written July 30, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Oregon Coast Aquarium (Newport) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Oregon Coast Aquarium is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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