EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC AT THE TEXAS STATE AQUARIUM
The Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi showcases the local marine life along the Texas Gulf coast. The aquarium is open daily. It features several exhibits that will keep you on the edge of your toes. I have been to the Corpus Christi aquarium several times throughout the years. Even then, there are some exhibits that are new and I have not had the opportunity to see yet.
TAKING AN AFTERNOON SIESTA
River otter at Texas State Aquarium.
The Islands of Steel exhibit is the aquarium's largest indoor exhibit. It is called Islands of Steel because this exhibit replicates a habitat that is formed around the oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. Marine life that you will find at this exhibit range from Nurse Sharks, Green Moray Eels, Spadefish, Amberjack, Tarpon, Grouper, and Sand Tiger Sharks.
Otter Space will give you the opportunity to see North American River Otters interact and play with the trainers. These otters are native to Texas. Only at the Texas State Aquarium will you experience such interaction between animals and humans and learn about the importance of conservation.
OUT FOR A MORNING SWIM
Dolphin Bay.
Experience the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in action at the Dolphin Bay exhibit. The exhibit features four dolphins, named Cobie, Shadow, DJ, and Kai. Unique to this exhibit is a 70-foot underwater acrylic window that allows face-to-face interaction with these magnificent creatures.
This next exhibit is one that I always enjoyed. This exhibit is the Living Shores exhibit. It features several touch pools, six aquariums, and three interactive computer kiosks. All of these features come together to help educate the public on the different habitats of the Laguna Madre and Padre Island.
Although not native to local marine and wildlife, the Amazon exhibit is still an enriching experience. Particularly if you enjoy colorful birds and creepy-crawlies. This exhibit features Macaws, Parrots, Aracaris, Tree Frogs, Tarantulas, Piranhas, Freshwater Stingrays, and snakes such as the powerful Boa Constrictor and Anacondas. I will stick to the exotic birds myself. Not too sure about the spiders.
PREENING
Amazon.
Have you ever head about the Flower Gardens? The Flower Gardens are reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. The gardens are popular with scuba divers. It is the only coral reef located off the coast of Texas. The Flower Gardens exhibit replicates this coral reef.
Marine life that you will see at this exhibit include Tarpon, Green Moray Eels, Porcupine Fish, French Angelfish, Cow-nose Stingrays, and Barracuda. The exhibit features a daily diver in the water presentation. I wonder if they have a diver in the water presentation at the Islands of Steel exhibit...
STINGING CREATURES
Jellyfish at Floating Phantoms.
The Floating Phantoms exhibit is all about jellyfish. This exhibit features a wide variety of these stinging creatures. The Pacific Sea Nettles, Moon Jellies (you will definitely see these around), Purple Stripe Jellies, and Atlantic Sea Nettles are all featured at Floating Phantoms.
The newest attraction at the Texas State Aquarium is the Hawn Wild Flight Theater. The 300 seat open-air amphitheater is the site for the aquarium's new birds of prey show. The exhibit features a variety of trained birds. These include hawks, owls, falcons, and parrots. Also featured are various exotic small mammals. The mammals are the African Serval (wild cat) and the rare Amazonian Tamandua (anteater).
Below is some general information about the Texas State Aquarium.
Admission:
Members: FREE
Adults (13 and older): $13.95
Seniors: $11.95
Children (3-12): $8.95
Children (2 and younger): FREE
Parking: $3.50
Hours of Operation:
Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day
Wondering whether or not you will be able to get a bit to eat and buy souvenirs? Don't worry, the Texas State Aquarium has a food court and a gift shop on the premises. Or, you can eat at one of the restaurants within walking distance.
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