Sebastian from The Little Mermaid said it best: “Just look at the world around you, right here on the ocean floor. Such wonderful things surround you, what more is you looking for?” So why not explore the ocean creatures at the Aquarium of the Pacific?
The Aquarium of the Pacific is a public aquarium located in Long Beach, California, that houses a collection of exhibits, that show off over 500 speices of the Pacific. These habitats don’t just include the obvious like various fish, sharks, and stingrays, but also it allows you to experience land-ish creatures like lorikeets, sea otters, and penguins.
One of my favorites is the lorikeet forest. This is a great exhibit to take your friends, family, or kids into (unless you’re afraid of birds) because you get to interact with the lorikeets. At the front of the lorikeet forest, you can buy little cups of nectar, and because they love that stuff, the lorikeets will be all over your arms, head, or body in general. I know it sounds overwhelming or gross, but these are dazzling creatures with their bright colors and sweet nature, so it is a blast having them all around you sipping the nectar.
Another great exhibit to catch is the stingray tank. This is located in the outside area near the Shark Lagoon and seal exhibit. This is a fun area to try as well because, like the Shark Lagoon, you are able to reach your hand into their tank and pet the rays as they fly by. Not only that, but ocassionally you can make it for feeding time to see them eat and maybe even toss them a treat.
But of course, let’s not overlook the obvious. Many visitors of the aquarium go straight for the outdoor exhibits and shows and miss out on all the amazing and beautiful creatures that the aquarium started from; the fish and other marine life.
You can start your tour of the marine life tanks as soon as you walk in the place as there is a massive fish tank straight ahead. From there you can walk around and be amazed by the dazzling Tropical Pacific Gallery that houses creatures like the Weedy Sea Dragon or normal seahorse, or even catch some “Finding Nemo” friends like the clown fish.
From there, enjoy the entire place. Check out as much as you can because this aquarium has so much to offer. You can check out the animal care center, various lectures and interactive rooms, and more.
So as if this post isn’t Disney enough, “just keep swimming” around the place and absorb, like a sea sponge, as much as you can about the amazing Pacific Ocean and all its life!
