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| - I'm not much one for zoos. I liked them when I was a kid but as an adult the idea is pretty strange. Having animals in cages where you just stand here and look at them is perplexing. Because of their similar set up, you'd think the aquarium would be the same, but it's not. Maybe it's because the things in captivity wouldn't be able to go anywhere if they had the choice, but the experience at Ripley's is actually pretty fun. Now that it's over a year in existence and the 5 mile long line ups have become less frequent, it's accessible too.
I had my entrance fee paid for when I went so I can't speak to the price, plus I'd have nothing to compare it to. But I've seen a documentary on Discovery about this place and the equipment they use alone explains at least part of the admittance fee.
The layout is one of the coolest features about Ripley's, as the planned route you take makes the place seem much bigger than it actually is. It also makes it more interesting as you feel as though you're exploring and actually in the water as opposed to simply looking through glass.
There's lots to do, whether you're an adult or a kid, including an area where you can touch certain creatures, a cafeteria and arcade area, gift shop, coat check, and rest areas throughout just in case kids or those who suffer from chronic pain need to sit down.
The aquarium itself starts with some tall fish tanks that show everything from some medium sized fish to ones that are almost iridescent and travel in large schools. As you make your way through, there are fun exhibits such as a hand operated shark mouth and a bubble that you can crawl into and then enjoy a 360 degree view once you reach the bubble. Around the middle of the course you get to the underwater walkway which also includes a lazy floor (like in airports) which is under the main tank. Once you get to the end of the tour you realize that's where you were looking. There are lots of sub tanks where things such as a fish that's about the size of a smart car (small car, but a big fish!) are as well as shellfish and catfish, plus rare fighting fish etc.
The only knock against it is say is that even if you take your time the whole tour only takes about an hour. I was actually surprised that it had only been that amount of time when I reached the gift shop, but it is what it is.
It's not the most cost efficient way to spend an afternoon but both kids and adults will dig it and it's a one of a kind experience.
Worth the trip!
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