Checking out Northwestern sealife at Seattle Aquarium
Marine life in the Puget Sound and area waters seems to be the primary attraction of the Seattle Aquarium. Visitors will see fish and other sealife associated with the region. It’s a different from other aquariums we have visited that focus on a global view of sealife.
As visitors enter the aquarium, they’re greeted by a 120,000-gallon floor to ceiling tank – Window on Washington – which includes regional fish and sealife, including salmon.
I found it interesting that you can find sea anemones in both the ocean and the Sound. I realize the Sound is part of the Pacific Ocean, but I always imagined they would be in the middle of the ocean. I played with an anemone in the touch tank. Visitors can put a finger in the middle of the creature and its tentacles will “wrap” around you as its prey. It actually tickles a bit. But, if we were fish, we’d be a meal for it.
The aquarium looks at the life in the Pacific coral reef. Several colorful fish can be seen as part of the exhibit.
Jelly fish were entertaining to watch. The tank they’re in was unique looking. I hadn’t seen one designed like it before. The lights in the tank kept changing colors, giving the jellies the appearance of being multiple colors, including red, green and blue.
As you stroll through the aquarium, visitors pass through a holidome with several northwestern fish swimming around it. Some fish even lay on the windows to take a break. The dome looks like the bridge of a star ship.
Two of my favorite spots at the aquarium involved seals and otters. Who doesn’t love these critters?
The otters seemed to be having a fun time splashing around and swimming. It was fun watching them perform multiples rolls through the water.
The harbor seals were enjoyable to watch, just to see their heads bob up and down in the pool. There were three when I visited, including a pup. The trio spent some time together on a ledge in front of the viewing window. Then, one slipped back into the water. The other two just watched. I could swear they were talking to each other.
Water creatures aren’t the only ones calling the Seattle Aquarium home. Several birds are on exhibit, from the Black Oystercatcher and Tufted Puffin to the Cassin’s Auklet.
The aquarium attracts more than 750,000 visitors annually. The Seattle Aquarium is worth a visit when in Seattle. It’s average sized so you can plan 1-1.5 hours for a visit.
For more information on the Seattle Aquarium, please visit www.seattleaquarium.org.
Disclaimer: My visit was provided complimentary via Seattle CityPASS. However, all opinions and views are mine.
