The Odysea Aquarium, also known as the OdySea Aquarium, is one of the largest aquariums in the world, located in Scottsdale, Arizona, United States. It is a part of the OdySea in the Desert complex, which includes a variety of attractions such as the Sea Life Arizona Aquarium, the Butterfly Exhibit, and the Virtual Reality Experience. The OdySea Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life, with its vast array of marine species, interactive exhibits, and educational programs. In this blog post, we will explore the location of the OdySea Aquarium and what makes it a unique and fascinating destination.
Location and Accessibility
The Odysea Aquarium is located in Scottsdale, Arizona, which is a city in the Phoenix metropolitan area. The aquarium is situated at 10101 N. Sky Harbor Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, and is easily accessible by car or public transportation. Visitors can park their vehicles in the on-site parking lot or use the complimentary shuttle service from the nearby Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall.
The aquarium is also within walking distance of the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, making it a convenient destination for shoppers and families. Additionally, the Odysea Aquarium is about 15 miles from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, making it a great option for travelers.
Getting There by Car
Visitors can easily reach the Odysea Aquarium by car, as it is located near several major highways and roads. The aquarium is accessible from the Loop 101 freeway, which connects to the Loop 202 freeway. From the freeway, take the exit for Scottsdale Road and follow the signs to the Odysea Aquarium.
Here are the driving directions to the Odysea Aquarium:
| From | To | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport | Odysea Aquarium | 15 miles | 30 minutes |
| Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall | Odysea Aquarium | 1 mile | 5 minutes |
| Loop 101 freeway | Odysea Aquarium | 5 miles | 10 minutes |
Public Transportation
The Odysea Aquarium is also accessible by public transportation, making it a convenient option for visitors who do not have a car. The aquarium is served by the Valley Metro bus system, which offers several routes that stop near the aquarium.
Here are the public transportation options to the Odysea Aquarium:
- Valley Metro Bus Route 101: This bus route runs from the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport to the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, which is within walking distance of the Odysea Aquarium.
- Valley Metro Bus Route 202: This bus route runs from the Loop 101 freeway to the Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall, which is within walking distance of the Odysea Aquarium.
- Valley Metro Rail: The Odysea Aquarium is not directly accessible by the Valley Metro Rail, but visitors can take the rail to the Scottsdale Junction station and then transfer to the bus route 101 or 202 to reach the aquarium.
Attractions and Exhibits (See Also: How to Repair Aquarium Filter? Easy Step by Step Guide)
The Odysea Aquarium is home to a vast array of marine species, including fish, sharks, rays, and sea turtles. The aquarium features several interactive exhibits and attractions that provide a unique and educational experience for visitors.
Main Exhibits
The Odysea Aquarium features several main exhibits that showcase the diversity of marine life. Some of the main exhibits include:
- The Shark Encounter: This exhibit features a 360-degree acrylic tunnel that allows visitors to walk through a shark tank and observe these magnificent creatures up close.
- The Ray Bay: This exhibit features a large tank filled with stingrays and sharks, and visitors can walk along a glass-bottomed walkway to observe the marine life.
- The Sea Turtle Exhibit: This exhibit features a large tank filled with sea turtles, and visitors can observe these gentle creatures up close.
- The Kelp Forest: This exhibit features a large tank filled with kelp and marine life, and visitors can walk through a glass-bottomed walkway to observe the marine life.
Interactive Exhibits
The Odysea Aquarium features several interactive exhibits that provide a unique and educational experience for visitors. Some of the interactive exhibits include:
- The Touch Pool: This exhibit allows visitors to touch and interact with marine animals such as starfish, anemones, and crabs.
- The Shark Touch Tank: This exhibit allows visitors to touch and interact with sharks and rays in a safe and controlled environment.
- The Sea Otter Exhibit: This exhibit features a large tank filled with sea otters, and visitors can observe these playful creatures up close.
- The Interactive Play Area: This exhibit features a large play area with interactive games and activities that teach visitors about marine life and conservation.
Conservation and Education
The Odysea Aquarium is committed to conservation and education, and offers several programs and activities that promote the importance of marine conservation and education. Some of the conservation and education programs include:
Conservation Programs
The Odysea Aquarium offers several conservation programs that promote the importance of marine conservation and education. Some of the conservation programs include: (See Also: Can You Plant Aquarium Plants in Gravel? Is It Possible)
- The Sea Turtle Conservation Program: This program aims to protect and conserve sea turtles and their habitats.
- The Shark Conservation Program: This program aims to protect and conserve sharks and their habitats.
- The Marine Animal Rescue Program: This program aims to rescue and rehabilitate marine animals that are injured or stranded.
Education Programs
The Odysea Aquarium offers several education programs that promote the importance of marine conservation and education. Some of the education programs include:
- The Marine Science Program: This program offers hands-on learning experiences for students and teachers to learn about marine science and conservation.
- The Conservation Program: This program offers educational programs and activities that promote the importance of marine conservation and education.
- The Community Outreach Program: This program offers educational programs and activities that promote the importance of marine conservation and education to the local community.
Accommodations and Dining
The Odysea Aquarium is located near several hotels and restaurants, making it a convenient destination for visitors. Some of the accommodations and dining options include:
Hotels
The Odysea Aquarium is located near several hotels, including:
- The Fairmont Scottsdale Princess: This hotel offers luxurious accommodations and amenities, including a spa, golf course, and several restaurants.
- The Scottsdale Plaza Resort: This hotel offers comfortable accommodations and amenities, including a pool, fitness center, and several restaurants.
- The Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch: This hotel offers luxurious accommodations and amenities, including a spa, golf course, and several restaurants.
Dining
The Odysea Aquarium is located near several restaurants, including:
- The OdySea Cafe: This restaurant offers a variety of dining options, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- The Ray Bay Restaurant: This restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes and has a great view of the Ray Bay exhibit.
- The Shark Tank Restaurant: This restaurant offers a variety of seafood dishes and has a great view of the Shark Encounter exhibit.
Recap (See Also: How Often Do You Need To Change Aquarium Filters? Guide)
The Odysea Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in marine life, with its vast array of marine species, interactive exhibits, and educational programs. Located in Scottsdale, Arizona, the aquarium is easily accessible by car or public transportation and offers a variety of attractions and exhibits, including the Shark Encounter, Ray Bay, and Sea Turtle Exhibit. The aquarium is also committed to conservation and education, offering several programs and activities that promote the importance of marine conservation and education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where is the Odysea Aquarium located?
The Odysea Aquarium is located in Scottsdale, Arizona, at 10101 N. Sky Harbor Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260.
Q: What are the hours of operation for the Odysea Aquarium?
The Odysea Aquarium is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with extended hours during peak season.
Q: What are the admission prices for the Odysea Aquarium?
The admission prices for the Odysea Aquarium vary depending on the time of year and the type of ticket purchased. Please visit the aquarium’s website for the most up-to-date pricing information.
Q: Can I bring my pet to the Odysea Aquarium?
No, pets are not allowed inside the Odysea Aquarium, with the exception of service animals.
Q: Can I take food and drinks into the Odysea Aquarium?
No, food and drinks are not allowed inside the Odysea Aquarium, with the exception of bottled water and snacks purchased from the aquarium’s cafe.