Indoor Oceans: Texas State Aquarium

Posted: May 29, 2022 by Debbra Brouillette

The Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi is the largest in the state.

The Texas State Aquarium opened in 1990 and was doubled in size in 2017 with the addition of new exhibits.

Anytime my travels take me close to an Aquarium, it’s high on my list of “must-dos.” If I can’t be in the water with the fish, snorkeling or SCUBA diving, visiting an “Indoor Ocean” is the next best thing. While planning a recent trip to Corpus Christi, I learned it is the home of the Texas State Aquarium, largest in the state and made plans to go.

After opening in 1990 with an exhibit focusing on species in the Gulf of Mexico, the Aquarium doubled in size with the opening of the Caribbean Journey exhibits in 2017. There are currently over one million gallons of water in the Aquarium’s exhibits!

The Gulf of Mexico

Walk though the Gulf of Mexico exhibits to see a variety of jellyfish, sea stars, sea urchins, seahorses, anenomes, beautiful reef fish — angelfish, porcupinefish (often called pufferfish), lionfish — and colorful coral.

Lionfish are beautiful but they are also an invasive species and have venomous spines.

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Next Phase of Growth – A New Center for Wildlife Rescue

The next phase of growth for the Aquarium, which was recognized in 2019 by USA Today as #4 Aquarium in North America, involves its dedication to conservation. The Aquarium staff has been involved in rescuing, treating, and releasing sea turtles and other marine animals (dolphins and shore birds) in a leased facility. By 2023, a new $15 million, 20,000 square foot Center for Wildlife Rescue is set to open. Visitors will be able to go inside to see the animals in the process of their rehabilitation.

In 2022, 73 green sea turtles and 10 Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles were rehabbed and released back into the ocean. Many of them were “cold-stunned” when temps in February 2021 dipped into the 20s. (Credit: Texas State Aquarium)

Don’t Miss the Daily Presentations!

Dolphin presentations are held twice daily in the Dolphin Bay area – Credit: Texas State Aquarium

Be sure to plan your visit to coincide with one or more of the daily presentations. Dolphin presentations are held at 11 am and 3 pm daily. You can feed the rays at Stingray Lagoon (12:30 pm/2:00 pm/3:30 pm) or learn more about sea turtles at Tortuga Cay (11:30 am/2:30 pm/4:00 pm).

The Caribbean Sea

One of my favorite areas in the Aquarium is the huge tank that depicts a Spanish galleon shipwreck. Six sandbar sharks, rays, eels and barracudas swim past the 68-foot-long acrylic window, the longest in North America..

Green Moray Eel – Credit: Texas State Aquarium

Cownose Ray – Credit: Texas State Aquarium

I found out too late that I could have booked an exclusive encounter to “Snorkel with a Shark.” Another “Feed the Fish” encounter with the Animal Care staff gives you a behind-the-scenes look into how they interact with and feed the animals i their care.

The Caribbean Journey

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Parts of the Aquarium, like the Tropical Lowland Forest, include land creatures, too. I especially loved watching the flamingos. There were also macaws, scarlet ibis, poison dart frogs, boas, etc.

Boardwalk Gardens

On the ground level, you’ll find otters, sea turtles, ocelots, and alligators in open-air exhibits, which is also the location of Dolphin Bay and Stingray Lagoon.

Stingray Lagoon

Whataburger 4D Theater

I am totally in love with octopuses! Take a 30-minute break from walking through the exhibits to watch BBC Earth’s “Octopus: Blue Planet II 4D Experience®.” It plays throughout the day and is included with admission.

HEB Splash Park

If you are traveling with children, you may want to take advantage of the Splash Park. I didn’t check it out, but it’s described as a “zero-depth wetscape water play area” that features spray jets, water cannons, and interactive weater features. It’s also included with admission; open weekends only.

I loved this whale’s tail fountain at the entrance to the Aquarium…