OdySea Aquarium

OdySea Aquarium is one of Scottsdale, Arizona’s most exciting and family-friendly attractions. Located in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community near the Talking Stick Entertainment District, this state-of-the-art facility offers an immersive marine experience unlike any other in the Southwest. As the largest aquarium in Arizona, OdySea spans over 200,000 square feet and houses more than 370 species, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

The aquarium features a variety of exhibits that take guests on an educational and entertaining journey through marine life from around the globe. Signature attractions include “Voyager,” a rotating theater experience that allows visitors to sit in a moving auditorium while viewing massive aquatic tanks teeming with ocean life. Other highlights include touch pools, a deep-sea diving cage simulator, and close-up encounters with sea otters, penguins, sharks, and stingrays.

One of the most popular areas is the “Deep Ocean” exhibit, where visitors can witness mesmerizing creatures like moon jellies and giant Pacific octopuses. Kids especially enjoy the hands-on elements throughout the aquarium, which are designed to engage all ages and encourage curiosity about marine conservation and biology.

OdySea Aquarium is also home to the nonprofit OdySea Foundation, which supports ocean conservation and educational programs. Visitors will find educational signage throughout the aquarium, and the staff often hosts presentations and interactive sessions to further enrich the experience.

Beyond marine life, OdySea Aquarium is part of the larger Arizona Boardwalk complex, which includes Butterfly Wonderland, Laser + Mirror Maze, Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs, and a variety of restaurants and shops. This makes it easy to spend an entire day exploring everything the area has to offer, with the aquarium serving as a central attraction.

For those traveling with children or planning group outings, OdySea offers family passes, group rates, and seasonal events like “SeaTREK” helmet diving adventures. It’s open year-round and provides an indoor, air-conditioned environment, making it a popular retreat during Arizona’s hot summers.

Whether you’re a marine life enthusiast or simply looking for a fun and educational outing, OdySea Aquarium delivers a memorable experience that brings the mysteries of the ocean to the desert. It’s a cornerstone attraction in Scottsdale and a top-rated destination in Arizona.