Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium Ticket

Stunning Underwater and Insect Life at Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium

The Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium in New Orleans offers a captivating look at aquatic and insect worlds in a single visit. For $42.77 per person, visitors can explore a state-of-the-art, AZA-accredited facility that showcases more than 3,600 animals from over 250 species. The experience lasts approximately 2 to 3 hours, making it an engaging outing without being overly long. This tour is ideal for families, nature enthusiasts, and curious travelers who want an immersive, educational experience filled with interactive displays and impressive habitats.

While the tour’s size and scope impress, it’s important to note that mobility considerations should be kept in mind, as the aquarium is not equipped with electric scooters—only manual wheelchairs are available. Still, the variety of exhibits and the opportunity to get close to sharks and stingrays make this an enjoyable outing for most visitors.

Key Points

• Price and Duration: Tickets cost $42.77 per person, with a typical visit lasting 2 to 3 hours.
• Location: The aquarium is situated adjacent to the French Quarter in New Orleans.
• Main Highlights: Touch sharks and stingrays, walk through a 30-foot-long tunnel, and explore habitats from the Caribbean to the Amazon Rainforest.
• Largest Exhibit: The Gulf of Mexico habitat holds 450,000 gallons of water and features a diverse array of aquatic life.
• Accessibility: The facility accepts service animals but is not fully wheelchair accessible without assistance.
• Additional Features: The Insectarium and butterfly garden provide interactive activities, with notable attractions like eating bugs and observing stunning insect displays.

How the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium Are Set Up in New Orleans

The aquarium and insectarium are combined within a single building, making it easy for visitors to enjoy two major exhibits in one location. The tour begins at the Audubon Aquarium, located near the lively French Quarter, where you encounter a broad range of aquatic habitats. From the Caribbean waters to the Amazon Rainforest, the exhibits transport visitors into different underwater worlds.

The Insectarium offers a close look at various bugs and insects, including a butterfly garden and interactive activities such as eating bugs. The setup encourages engagement and curiosity, especially with children and insect enthusiasts. The combination of aquatic and insect exhibits provides a well-rounded experience for visitors interested in different forms of nature.

Exploring the Main Exhibits at the Aquarium

The Great Maya Reef habitat is a major attraction, featuring a 30-foot-long tunnel that allows visitors to walk beneath and observe a variety of aquatic creatures swimming overhead. The Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico habitats showcase colorful fish, corals, and other marine life in large, vivid tanks. The 450,000-gallon Gulf of Mexico exhibit stands out as the largest display, impressing with its diversity and scale.

The Shark Discovery Touch Pool offers an interactive experience where visitors can touch sharks and stingrays, creating memorable moments. This feature is particularly popular among children and those eager to get a hands-on encounter with marine animals. The aquarium’s design emphasizes education and engagement, with clear explanations accompanying each exhibit.

Highlights of the Insectarium and Butterfly Garden

The Insectarium complements the aquatic displays by focusing on the insect world. Visitors can see stunning displays of insects and learn about their roles in ecosystems. The butterfly garden is a highlight, offering a peaceful space where butterflies flutter freely among lush plants. Visitors often mention the interactive activities, such as tasting edible bugs, which add a fun and educational element.

This part of the tour appeals especially to those with an interest in entomology or families seeking engaging, hands-on experiences. The beauty of the butterfly garden and the opportunity to see insects up close make it a standout feature of the visit.

Practical Details: Accessibility and Visit Tips

The Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium are accessible to most visitors, but mobility issues require some planning. The facility does not provide electric scooters—only manual wheelchairs—so travelers with mobility challenges should bring an aide or plan accordingly. The tour is considered suitable for those with moderate physical fitness levels.

The location’s proximity to public transportation makes it easy to reach, and the ticket includes all fees and taxes. Visitors are responsible for their own food and beverage costs, as these are not included in the ticket price. There is also an optional virtual reality experience available at $10 per person, which adds extra excitement for tech-savvy visitors.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit

To fully enjoy the 2 to 3 hours at the aquarium and insectarium, consider arriving early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends. The interactive exhibits and touch pools tend to be more engaging with fewer visitors around. Remember to print your tickets in advance or ensure your phone displays the ticket barcode correctly, as onsite printing is unavailable.

A moderate pace helps visitors explore all the exhibits comfortably, including the butterfly garden, aquarium tunnels, and insect displays. If visiting with children, plan for some time in the butterfly garden and bug-eating activities—these are often the most memorable parts.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

While the aquarium and insectarium offer many attractions, some guests note that the size may be smaller than expected compared to larger aquariums elsewhere. Visitors who prefer larger, more expansive exhibits might find the space somewhat limited. Plus, construction work during some visits has been reported to affect entry points, so it’s worth verifying current conditions before your visit.

The customer service experience can vary; some reviews mention rude staff or issues related to ticket recognition. It’s advisable to arrive prepared with printed tickets and to remain patient if encountering any difficulties.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour the Most?

The Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium are best suited for families with children, nature lovers, and anyone eager to learn about marine life and insects in a fun, interactive environment. The touch pools and butterfly garden make it especially appealing for younger visitors.

The tour also works well for those seeking a relaxing escape from the busy streets of New Orleans, with plenty of opportunities for photo taking and close encounters with fascinating creatures. Its moderate physical requirements make it accessible to most visitors, provided they are comfortable with walking and standing.

Final Thoughts on the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium

This combined experience offers a well-rounded view of aquatic and insect life, packed into a conveniently located space near the French Quarter. The $42.77 ticket provides access to a diverse range of exhibits, including impressive habitats like the Gulf of Mexico and Amazon Rainforest, along with engaging activities like touching sharks and stingrays.

While it may be smaller than some larger aquariums, the interactive displays and variety of species keep the visit lively and educational. The butterfly garden and insect displays add a unique touch that distinguishes this attraction from others.

The Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium deliver a fun, informative experience suitable for a wide audience, especially those traveling with children or insect enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead for accessibility and arrive with enough time to enjoy all the highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the ticket price all-inclusive?
Yes, the ticket price of $42.77 includes admission to both the Aquarium and Insectarium along with all fees and taxes.

How long does the visit typically last?
Most visitors spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring the exhibits and interactive displays.

Is parking available nearby?
While specific parking options are not detailed, the tour location is near public transportation, making access straightforward.

Are there any special experiences included?
Yes, visitors can touch sharks and stingrays at the Shark Discovery Touch Pool and enjoy the butterfly garden.

Are the facilities accessible for people with mobility issues?
The aquarium accepts service animals but only offers manual wheelchairs—electric scooters are not available. Travelers with mobility concerns should plan accordingly.

Can I cancel my ticket if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and beverage are not included in the ticket price.

Is there an option for a virtual reality experience?
Yes, for $10 per person, visitors can add a virtual reality experience to their visit.

What should I bring for the best experience?
Print your tickets beforehand, arrive on time, and wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Is this experience suitable for young children?
Absolutely, the interactive exhibits, butterfly garden, and touch pools make it especially engaging for kids of all ages.