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Audubon Aquarium – Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Audubon Aquarium

Planning your visit to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas ensures an engaging and enjoyable experience exploring diverse aquatic environments. Below is detailed information to help you prepare for your visit and make the most of this renowned New Orleans attraction.

Visitor Guidelines

Bag Policy: Visitors may bring small bags and purses, but large backpacks or oversized bags are discouraged for ease of movement within exhibits. All bags are subject to security screening.

Photography: Handheld cameras and smartphones are welcome. Professional photography equipment or tripods require prior approval from guest services.

Food and Drink: Outside food and beverages are not permitted, except for water bottles and necessary medical or baby feeding supplies. Café Aqua inside the aquarium offers a variety of upscale menu items and refreshments with scenic Mississippi River views.

Smoking: Smoking, vaping, and all tobacco use are strictly prohibited inside the Aquarium and all Audubon facilities.

Pets and Service Animals: Pets are not allowed. Service animals trained to assist guests with disabilities are welcome except in certain exhibits for animal safety. Emotional support animals do not qualify for entry.

Amenities

Dining: Cafe Aqua, located on the second floor, serves craft cocktails, coffee, and upscale meals with views overlooking the Mississippi River. Vending areas and other refreshment points are available throughout.
Gift Shop: Near the exit, the gift shop offers a selection of marine-themed souvenirs, plush animals, educational toys, and memorabilia.
Restrooms and Accessibility Features: Accessible restrooms, family and gender-neutral facilities, drinking fountains, and water bottle refill stations are distributed throughout the venue. Manual wheelchairs are available free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Accessibility

The Audubon Aquarium is fully ADA-compliant with accessible pathways, ramps, and exhibits designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. Sensory accommodations such as weighted lap pads, sensory bags, quiet zones, and headphone zones are available, subject to availability. A private nursing space is located near the front entrance.

Visiting Hours & Location

The Aquarium is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with final ticket sales at 4:00 PM and last entry allowed by 4:30 PM. It is closed on Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Weather-related closures are announced via social media channels.

Visitors typically spend several hours exploring the exhibits, with a full day recommended when visiting both the Aquarium and Insectarium.

Located at 1 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70130, the Aquarium is easily accessible from the French Quarter and downtown areas.

Good to Know Before Your Visit

Facilities
Rules and Regulations
Dining
Store
Other Nearby Attractions

Visitors to Audubon Aquarium can enjoy a range of well-maintained facilities designed to enhance their experience.

The venue offers clean, family-friendly restrooms including gender-neutral and family restrooms, water bottle refill stations, and accessible drinking fountains.

For convenience, a fully stocked gift shop presents marine-themed souvenirs and educational toys.

Guests can dine at Cafe Aqua, which features indoor seating with scenic views of the Mississippi River.

Manual wheelchairs are available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.

Additionally, the Aquarium provides sensory accommodations such as quiet zones, sensory bags, and weighted lap pads subject to availability, ensuring an inclusive environment for all visitors.

Audubon Aquarium maintains several guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone.

Outside food and drink are generally not allowed, except for water bottles and special cases such as medical necessities and baby bottles.

Strollers can be brought in if they meet size requirements or rented onsite, but wagons and ride-on toys are prohibited.

Pets are not permitted; however, service animals trained to assist individuals with disabilities are welcome throughout the facility, except in specific animal contact areas.

To maintain a clean and pleasant environment, smoking, vaping, and tobacco use are strictly forbidden within all indoor spaces.

Visitors are encouraged to respect these rules for their comfort and the welfare of the Aquarium's inhabitants.

Within Audubon Aquarium, dining options focus on both flavor and ambiance. Cafe Aqua, situated on the second floor, offers a diverse menu with upscale dishes, craft cocktails, and freshly brewed coffee.

Its large windows provide stunning views of the Mississippi River, creating a relaxing atmosphere for visitors taking a break from exploring the exhibits.

Near the exit, the gift shop is a treasure trove for marine enthusiasts and souvenir seekers alike. It features a wide variety of items including plush animals, unique marine-themed gifts, educational toys, and keepsakes that commemorate your visit.

Open during operating hours, the store allows guests to bring home a memorable piece of their aquarium experience.

While visiting Audubon Aquarium, guests have the opportunity to explore several other nearby attractions.

The historic French Quarter lies adjacent, offering lively streets filled with culture, dining, and entertainment.

The Audubon Zoo and Audubon Insectarium are within easy reach, providing complementary experiences for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

Additionally, Jackson Square and the Mississippi Riverwalk offer picturesque spots to enjoy New Orleans’ vibrant atmosphere and scenic river views.

Plan Ahead

When making reservations, purchase tickets online in advance to secure your preferred date, as ticket dates cannot be changed. For event attendance, check schedules and book early since special animal encounters and seasonal activities often require separate tickets and advance booking.

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Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium: Combo Entry Ticket

Highlights

Encounter more than 3,600 aquatic animals from over 250 different species.

Wander through immersive habitats such as the Caribbean reef, Amazon Rainforest, Mississippi River, and Gulf of Mexico exhibits.

Experience the Shark Discovery Touch Pool by interacting directly with sharks and stingrays.

Walk inside a 30-foot underwater tunnel offering a close-up view of marine life at the Great Maya Reef.

Visit the indoor Butterfly Garden to admire exotic butterflies in a naturalistic setting.

FAQs about Visiting Audubon Aquarium

What are the visiting hours?

The Aquarium is open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:30 PM.

Is there a bag policy for visitors?

Visitors may bring small bags and purses, but large backpacks are discouraged for security and ease of movement within the exhibits.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

Outside food and beverages are not allowed, but you may bring a water bottle and necessary medical or baby feeding supplies.

Are pets allowed inside the aquarium?

Pets are not permitted, but trained service animals for guests with disabilities are welcome.

Are wheelchairs available for rent?

Manual wheelchairs are available for use inside the Aquarium on a first-come, first-served basis, free of charge.

Where is the Aquarium located?

The Audubon Aquarium is located at 1 Canal Street in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Is there a place to eat on-site?

Yes, Café Aqua offers a variety of upscale menu items and refreshments with scenic views of the Mississippi River.

Are there any sensory accommodations available for guests?

Yes, sensory bags, weighted lap pads, quiet zones, and headphone zones are available, subject to availability.

Can I use a stroller in the aquarium?

Strollers are permitted, but wagons and ride-on toys are not.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes, a gift shop is located near the exit with a variety of souvenirs and educational items.

Are there any restrictions on photography?

Handheld cameras and smartphones are welcome, but professional photography equipment or tripods require prior approval.

Can I bring a service animal?

Service animals are permitted, but emotional support animals are not, and service animals may be restricted from certain animal contact areas for safety reasons.

Is smoking allowed?

No, smoking, vaping, and all tobacco use are strictly prohibited inside the Aquarium and all Audubon facilities.

Is the aquarium fully accessible for those with mobility issues?

Yes, the Aquarium is fully ADA-compliant with accessible pathways, ramps, and exhibits for visitors with mobility needs.

Are there special accommodations for guests with sensory needs?

Yes, sensory accommodations like weighted lap pads, sensory bags, and quiet zones are available.

How can I get a wheelchair?

Manual wheelchairs are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

What days is the Aquarium closed on?

The Aquarium is closed on Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day.