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Encounters & Experiences

Encounters & Tours Policies

Although it is possible to add some of these programs on the day of your visit, we strongly recommend you pre-book due to limited space and high demand. The price of these programs does not include admission to the Aquarium.

Call 541-867-3474 or reserve your spot online for encounters and tours. Those interested in Diving the Aquarium can reach out via email.

Full payment is required at the time of booking.

In order to be provided a full refund or to be given the opportunity to select a different program date, please provide us with 48 hours notice if you can not participate in your scheduled program. 48 hours notice will be provided if the program needs to be canceled.
We recommend that participants for all these programs arrive at least ten minutes before their departure time. The meeting place is in the Aquarium’s main lobby. Once a program has begun, we are not able to add late-arriving participants. Refunds are not available for those who miss their scheduled program.
While the Aquarium offers special experiences, all of these creatures are still wild animals. During these programs, we request certain behaviors from our animals but we cannot always guarantee they will be willing to participate. Your understanding is appreciated.
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Jelly Touch Encounter
Octopus Encounter

Behind the Scenes Tours

How does the Aquarium care for dozens of toothy sharks? Travel behind the scenes with us to explore the ins and outs of caring for over 15,000 animals every day. The tour lasts 30 minutes.

Pricing

Behind the Scenes tours do not include admission to the Aquarium.

  • $15.00 for Aquarium members
  • $20.00 for non-members.

Dates and Times

Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 12:30pm. Please be aware spaces are limited.

Participants

  • Ages 8 and up. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult over 21 years of age. Maximum number of participants per tour: 10.
  • Only those who have purchased a tour ticket will be permitted on a tour.

Special Requirements

Accessibility: Please note this tour includes a trip to the top of the Passages of the Deep exhibit, requiring participants to scale 2 flights of stairs unaided. 

Click here to view our service animal policy.

As parts of this program take place outdoors, please keep weather in mind and dress accordingly.

Sign Up Now!

To book your next Behind the Scenes tour click here
Book Tour Now
*Please be aware spaces are limited.

Sea Jelly Touch Encounter

The Oregon Coast Aquarium Sea Jelly Encounter provides the opportunity to get hands-on with our moon jellies (Aurelia aurita). Visitors will learn about these ancient invertebrates and have a chance to touch the non-stinging “bell,” or top of the jelly. The moon jelly is unique because even though the tentacles contain nematocysts (stinging cells) like other sea jellies, the cells are very weak and typically cannot even be felt by humans.

The encounter includes access to our behind-the-scenes sea jelly growing area, where guests will discover our sea jelly program and view jellies at various life stages (that’s right—baby sea jellies!). The encounter lasts about 30 minutes.

Pricing

Encounters do not include admission to the Aquarium.

  • $15.00 for Aquarium members
  • $20.00 for non-members.

Availability

Sunday, Monday, and Friday at 2:00pm. Spaces are limited.

Participants

  • Ages 8 and up. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult over 21 years of age. Maximum number of participants per encounter: 6
  • Only those who have purchased a tour ticket will be permitted on a tour.

Special Requirements

Click here to view our service animal policy.

This encounter is fully accessible to those using mobility aids.

Sign Up Now!

To book your next Sea Jelly Encounter tour click here
Book Tour Now
*Please be aware spaces are limited.

Octopus Encounter

Explore the realm of the Giant Pacific Octopus and get a slimy handshake! The Octopus Encounter takes place behind-the-scenes and includes educational information about the care of this amazing invertebrate. This encounter lasts about 45 minutes.

Pricing

Octo encounters do not include admission to the Aquarium.

  • $50.00 for Aquarium members
  • $60.00 for non-members

Availability

Wednesday & Saturdays at 2:00pm. Spaces are limited.

Participants

  • Ages 8 and up. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult over 21 years of age. Maximum number of participants per encounter: 6
  • Only those who have purchased a tour ticket will be permitted on a tour.

Important Note

Shellfish exposure possible. Please notify the tour guide if you have a shellfish allergy.

While the Aquarium offers special experiences, like all of our creatures, octopuses are wild animals. During this program, we request certain behaviors from our octopus but we cannot always guarantee they will be willing to participate. Your understanding is appreciated

Special Requirements

Click here to view our service animal policy.

This encounter is fully accessible to those using mobility aids.

Sign Up Now!

To book your next Octopus Encounter click here:

Book Tour Now
*Please be aware spaces are limited.

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About Oregon Coast Aquarium

Since opening in 1992, the Oregon Coast Aquarium has been a premier attraction on Oregon’s central coast and an enduring advocate for the health of our ocean. For over three decades this 501(c)3 non-profit organization has supported marine wildlife and fostered environmental stewardship through its education programs, community partnerships, and rehabilitation efforts. Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Oregon Coast Aquarium is consistently ranked as one of the top 10 aquariums in the U.S., providing visitors with opportunities to connect with 15,000 animals spanning 300 different species. The Oregon Coast Aquarium is located at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, OR. Learn more about the Oregon Coast Aquarium and its vital work at aquarium.org, 541-867-3474. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter for the latest updates.

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