Penguin Encounter
The Ultimate Penguin Experience
Enjoy a 45-minute interactive experience with exclusive access to one of The Florida Aquarium’s most popular animal ambassadors. Go behind the scenes with our animal care team and discover what it takes to provide world-class care to our colony of African penguins.
Important: A general admission ticket must be purchased for each program participant for the date of your encounter.
What to Expect
Up Close With an African Penguin
Gather around for a special penguin meet-and-greet where the penguin decides your ultimate experience. The penguin may get comfortable and choose to waddle right up to you. You might even have an opportunity to touch its dense wing and feel its soft feathers. Enjoy a Q&A with our animal care experts, take complimentary photos, and learn about penguin biology, natural history, and the critical conservation efforts to help protect this endangered species.
Encounter Details
Ticket Price
$75 per person (plus general admission).
Duration
A 45-minute interactive experience.
Days and Times
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Penguin Encounters begin at 1:30 PM, and guests must check in at least 15 minutes before start time.
Age Restrictions
Must be at least 8 years of age.
Capacity
Maximum capacity of 8 people.
From the Aquarium to the Environment
Conservation in Action
Your participation in a Penguin Encounter directly supports The Florida Aquarium’s commitment to saving marine wildlife and actively contributes to the care of our penguins. Each encounter provides vital stimulation for the birds while helping fund critical conservation work.
Dive into the world of STEAM
Participate in interactive family-friendly experiences that bring science, animals, and ecosystems to life.
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Cruise the Bay aboard our 72-foot catamaran in search of bottlenose dolphins, birds, and more.
Help train a stingray
Help prepare food for our fascinating cownose stingrays and get the opportunity to feed, touch, and even train them.
Feed a two-toed sloth
Experience a close encounter of the two-toed kind. Learn about and feed this captivating species.
Experience the depths in VR
Settle into your cozy motion seat, strap on your headset, and experience the ocean in 360 degrees — no scuba gear required.
There’s More to Explore
Elevate Your Experience
Craving an even deeper connection with the creatures around you? Want to treat someone special to an epic adventure? Elevate your visit with one of our premium add-on experiences.