Tag Archives: Shark Bridge

Newport Aquarium’s Shark Bridge Celebrates One Year!

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Newport Aquarium celebrates the one-year milestone of the world’s first Shark Bridge on April 30th. The V-shaped rope bridge is 75-feet-long and is suspended over the open water of the 385,000 gallon Surrounded by Sharks exhibit.

Newport Aquarium Shark Bridge

The world’s first Shark Bridge is 75-feet-long and is suspended over the open water of the 385,000 gallon Surrounded by Sharks exhibit.

It took about 788 hours of labor to make, build and install the Shark Bridge. More than 4 miles (approximately 21,750 feet) of rope was used to construct the Shark Bridge. It’s made of 1.5 tons of steel, and is strong enough to hold the weight of up to 20,000 pounds, which is equal to an entire semi-truck, 25 Mighty Mikes (our 14 foot, 800 pound American Alligator) or more than 600 King Penguins!

Newport Aquarium Shark Bridge

More than 4 miles of rope was used to construct the Shark Bridge. It’s made of 1.5 tons of steel, and is strong enough to hold up to 20,000 pounds.

Surround by Sharks is home to six species of sharks including our Sand Tiger Sharks, Sand Bar Shark, Zebra Shark, Black Tip Reef Sharks, Nurse Shark, and Scalloped Hammerhead. It also houses our four exotic Shark Rays Sweet Pea, Scooter, Sunshine, and Spike.

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You never know what you’re going to see when crossing Shark Bridge. Denver, the mischievous loggerhead sea turtle, might come to the surface to take a breath just below your feet. You can even watch as our biologists target feed our Shark Rays!

Newport Aquarium Shark Bridge

Shark Bridge is an interactive family walk through experience.

Don’t fear! If Shark Bridge isn’t for you, you are welcome to walk along the edge of the tank and you can still view all of the amazing animals swimming inside.

Crossing Shark Bridge is included with Newport Aquarium admission. Since opening last year, it has been estimated that guests have crossed Shark Bridge more than ONE MILLION times! Do YOU dare to cross?

Shark Bridge is an interactive family walk through experience. Walkers will experience slight side-to-side motion and some uneven footing. All guests must use the entrance due to the one-way direction of travel. All guests must walk themselves. No guest may be carried. Shark Bridge is an able-bodied experience. For the safety of all guests running, jumping, rough play, climbing, food and drinks, hard or soft casts or braces of any kind are strictly prohibited on Shark Bridge. Closed-toe shoes are recommended and shoes must be worn at all times. Children younger than 5 years old must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or chaperone. Newport Aquarium is not responsible for lost or dropped items. Guests are encouraged to secure all items before entering Shark Bridge. Items that fall may not be able to be retrieved.

Newport Aquarium, the Shark Capital of the Midwest, announces Shark Week activities

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Aquarium joins Species Survival Program for zebra sharks, to add 2 females on exhibit

NEWPORT, Ky. — The introduction of two female zebra sharks highlights a jaw-some lineup of Shark Week (July 5-12) activities at Newport Aquarium.

The addition of the two female zebra sharks will increase the number of exhibited sharks at Newport Aquarium to 56 across 15 species, the most in the Midwest.

As part of a breeding program sanctioned by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), both female zebra sharks will be introduced to the Coral Reef tunnel during a media event on July 6. The two females will eventually make their way to the Surrounded by Sharks tank, where two adult male zebra sharks reside.

Newport Aquarium will be a new participant in Species Survival Plan for zebra sharks when they add two female zebra sharks to the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit.

Newport Aquarium will be a new participant in Species Survival Plan for zebra sharks when they add two female zebra sharks to the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit.                                              (Photo credit: worldwildlife.org)

 

The AZA’s Species Survival Plan for zebra sharks calls for accredited institutions to help develop the population by arranging for biologically distant matches to meet in environments conducive to mating.

From touching sharks, to viewing sharks above, below and around, the most shark-infested place to celebrate Shark Week is Newport Aquarium, where there is always more new to see and do:

  • Shark Bridge – Guests can experience sharks like never before by crossing the world’s first and only Shark Bridge. Included with admission, the Shark Bridge is a 75-foot-long rope suspension bridge that hangs just inches above nearly two dozen sharks.
  • Surrounded by Sharks – Newport Aquarium’s signature exhibit, guests can travel through an 85-foot-long acrylic tunnel inside a 385,000-gallon tank as seven species of shark – scalloped hammerhead, sand tiger, whitetip, blacktip, zebra, sandbar and nurse – swim over and above.
  • Shark Tank Dive Shows – Guests catch their first and largest views of shark rays and sharks at the Shark Ray Bay Theater, where our shark dive shows feature a scuba diver addressing and taking questions from the audience about the biology and conservation of sharks and other animals found inside the tank. (July 5 and July 10-12: Noon, 12:20 p.m., 12:40 p.m., 2 p.m., 2:20 p.m. and 2:40 p.m.)
  • Shark Feedings – Newport Aquarium performs public feedings for its sharks and shark rays, where guests can watch biologists feed from either the Shark Ray Bay Theater, the Surrounded by Sharks tunnels, or through a biologist’s point-of-view from the Shark Tank Overlook. (Shark tank feed 11 a.m. July 6 and July 8; Large shark feed 11 a.m. July 7; Shark ray feedings 1:30 p.m. July 6-10)
  • Shark Touch Pool – At the Shark Central exhibit, guests have the opportunity to touch dozens of sharks. An Animal Experience Specialist teaches guests the proper touch technique and helps them understand each species in this international collection. (9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily)
  • Sharks After Dark Overnight – Guests can sink their teeth into some great shark facts and sleep safely as they swim above. Every Overnight Adventure includes exclusive aquarium access, shark-themed games and activities. (7:30 p.m. July 10)

    A portion of the proceeds from Shark Week tshirts will be donated to the WAVE Foundation.

    A portion of the proceeds from Shark Week t-shirt sales at the Newport Aquarium gift shop will be donated to the WAVE Foundation.

  • Shark Week T-Shirts for Conservation – Officially licensed Discovery Channel Shark Week T-shirts will be available for purchase at the Newport Aquarium gift shop starting July 5. A portion of the revenue generated from these Shark Week tees will be donated to the WAVE Foundation at Newport Aquarium, which supports aquatic conservation.

Two Summers of Fun: Now through July 29, guests who purchase a Newport Aquarium Annual Pass will receive two summers of fun – 14 months of unlimited visits for the price of 12. Annual Pass benefits include discounts on guest admissions; invitations to passholder-exclusive events; as well as discounts at select Newport on the Levee vendors and other partner attractions, including the Cincinnati Reds and Dollywood.

For more information on Newport Aquarium, visit NewportAquarium.com or call toll free 800-406-FISH (3474).

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Newport Aquarium, voted the No. 1 aquarium in the country by USA Today’s 10Best.com in 2012, has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since 1999. Named a top U.S. aquarium by US City Traveler and Destinations Travel Magazine in 2014, and also by Travel Channel in 2013, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Newport Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year and is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.

Facebook: Facebook.com/NewportAquarium | Twitter: @NewportAquarium
Instagram: @newport_aquarium

One Aquarium Way | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-261-7444
www.newportaquarium.com

Kids Get Free Admission to Newport Aquarium during “Summer Family Hours”

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The Shark Wall outside the Newport Aquarium. (Source: flickr user hollyannh)

The Shark Wall outside the Newport Aquarium. (Source: flickr user hollyannh)

NEWPORT, Ky. — Newport Aquarium is making a splash this summer with the return of its Summer Family Hours promotion, when up to two children (ages 2-12) receive FREE* admission between 4-7 p.m. with the purchase of one full-priced adult ticket.

This family-favorite offer is available for purchase online only, at newportaquarium.com, for visits now through Aug. 31, Sundays through Fridays.

Guests will have even more opportunities to enjoy a million gallons of fun as Newport Aquarium has extended its operating hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. now through Aug. 31. With the earlier opening time, the daily Penguin Parade will begin at 9:15 a.m. during this period.

Dare to Cross the all-new Shark Bridge at Newport Aquarium.

Dare to Cross the all-new Shark Bridge at Newport Aquarium.

There is always more new to see and do at Newport Aquarium and 2015 has proven to be no exception with the addition of three exciting new features:

  • Newport Aquarium dares guests to cross the world’s first and only Shark Bridge, a 75-foot-long rope bridge that hangs just inches above nearly two dozen sharks.
  • Shark Bridge provides guests extraordinary views of the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit’s 385,000-gallon tank, which features seven species of shark, including Newport Aquarium’s newest addition – extremely rare scalloped hammerhead sharks!
  • Newport Aquarium guests can get eye to eye with adorable Asian small-clawed otters, exotic yellow tree monitors and panther chameleon lizards, as well as Thunder the 100-year-old alligator snapping turtle at the all-new Canyon Falls exhibit.

For more information on Newport Aquarium, visit NewportAquarium.com or call toll free 800-406-FISH (3474).

*This special offer cannot be combined with other discounts or coupons.

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Newport Aquarium, voted the No. 1 aquarium in the country by USA Today’s 10Best.com in 2012, has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since 1999. Named a top U.S. aquarium by US City Traveler and Destinations Travel Magazine in 2014, and also by Travel Channel in 2013, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Newport Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year and is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.

Find us on: Facebook.com/NewportAquarium | Twitter: @NewportAquarium

One Aquarium Way | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-261-7444
www.newportaquarium.com

World’s first and only Shark Bridge to open Thursday at Newport Aquarium

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North America’s largest collection of scalloped hammerhead sharks now on exhibit

NEWPORT, Ky. — Newport Aquarium’s all-new Shark Bridge – the only rope suspension bridge in North America where guests can walk just inches above nearly two dozen sharks – is scheduled to open to the public 10 a.m. Thursday, April 30.

The Shark Bridge is a 75-foot-long, V-shaped rope bridge suspended over the open waters of the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit’s 385,000-gallon tank. Should guests dare to cross, the Shark Bridge offers the thrill of walking closely atop sharks, shark rays, stingrays and hundreds of fish from an unrivaled vantage point.

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“For our thrill-seeking guests who dare to cross, Shark Bridge is a breathtaking way to experience sharks like never before,” said Eric Rose, executive director at Newport Aquarium. “It’s an adventure that you can only get at Newport Aquarium.”

A family-friendly attraction, Shark Bridge is included with admission to Newport Aquarium.

Commemorating the opening of the Shark Bridge, Newport Aquarium has added extremely rare scalloped hammerhead sharks into the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit.

After the scalloped hammerheads went into the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit April 27-29, Newport Aquarium now has the largest collection of scalloped hammerhead sharks on display in North America, as well as one of the largest in the world.

Each of Newport Aquarium’s scalloped hammerhead sharks were born in 2014 during the months of June and July near Kaneohe Bay in Hawaii, one of the most the most stable breeding grounds for the endangered species. Over time, these juveniles will triple in size as adult scalloped hammerhead sharks can grow up to 14 feet in length and more than 300 pounds.

Scalloped hammerhead sharks are now on exhibit at Newport Aquarium.

Scalloped hammerhead sharks are now on exhibit at Newport Aquarium.

“There are less than 20 institutions in the world with scalloped hammerhead sharks on exhibit,” said Chris Pierson, Newport Aquarium operations director. “Newport Aquarium is proud to be the only place in the Midwest that exhibits such a magnificent species of shark, and we are committed to educating our community about the importance of protecting this endangered species.”

Guests who pass through the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit can learn about the scalloped hammerhead conservation organizations the WAVE Foundation at Newport Aquarium is supporting – the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology at the University of Hawaii and the Costa Rica-based nonprofit Misión Tiburón.

In June 2014, scalloped hammerheads became the first species of shark protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

For more information on Newport Aquarium, visit NewportAquarium.com or call toll free 800-406-FISH (3474). To learn more about the WAVE Foundation, visit wavefoundation.org.

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Shark Bridge Facts
It took approximately 788 hours of labor to fabricate, build and install the Shark Bridge.
More than 4 miles (approximately 21,750 feet) of rope was used to construct the Shark Bridge.

Approximately 1.5 tons (3,460 pounds) of steel were used to construct the Shark Bridge.

The addition of the Shark Bridge has tripled the viewing area that surrounds the shark tank for guests prior to exiting Newport Aquarium’s exhibits area.

Cincinnati-based GBBN Architects and THP Limited Inc. designed and engineered the Shark Bridge, with construction beginning in February and concluding in mid-April.

International Cordage Inc. out of Phoenix, Ariz. produced and installed the Shark Bridge.

Shark Research Group, Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, University of Hawaii
Headquartered at the University of Hawaii’s Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, the SRG’s goal is to gain a better understanding of the activities of adult scalloped hammerhead sharks in order to learn more about how to protect the species. The SRG is using satellite tags to record the distance traveled by female adult scalloped hammerheads that give birth at Kaneohe Bay, as well as studying behavior patterns of male scalloped hammerheads to learn their motivations for visiting the area.

Misión Tiburón, Costa Rica
While the scalloped hammerhead population near Hawaii is sustainable, most other distinct population segments around the world are at endangered levels, primarily due to overfishing. Such is the case near Costa Rica, where the nonprofit organization Misión Tiburón is leading efforts to educate the public about scalloped hammerhead’s threats, their nursery areas and how to keep them protected. Misión Tiburón believes harmful acts like finning will decrease when locals take pride in nearby marine life through education and awareness.

Newport Aquarium, voted the No. 1 aquarium in the country by USA Today’s 10Best.com in 2012, has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since 1999. Named a top U.S. aquarium by US City Traveler and Destinations Travel Magazine in 2014, and also by Travel Channel in 2013, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Newport Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year and is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.

Find us on: Facebook.com/NewportAquarium | Twitter: @NewportAquarium

One Aquarium Way | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-261-7444
www.newportaquarium.com

From Frames of Steel to Nerves of Steel: Shark Bridge Construction Update No. 2

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Jacque’line Wright, Newport Aquarium PR Aide

Construction workers at Sofco Erectors install steel frame work for the Shark Bridge.

Construction workers at Sofco Erectors install steel frame work for the Shark Bridge.

NEWPORT, Ky. — With just 21 days until it opens to the public, Shark Bridge construction at Newport Aquarium is feverishly progressing.

Newport Aquarium’s newest attraction, Shark Bridge is a 75-foot-long suspension rope bridge where you can walk inches above nearly two dozen sharks in the 385,000-gallon Surrounded by Sharks tank.

The floor is finished. The floating dock is in the water. What is the next step toward completion of the Shark Bride?

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The floating dock currently in the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit.

Just as it takes nerves of steel to cross the Shark Bridge; it also takes frames of steel to construct such a bridge.

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The steel frame for the Shark Bridge was halfway installed onto the ceiling on April 8.

On April 8-9, Cincinnati-based Sofco Erectors installed a steel frame onto the ceiling that will suspend the roped bridge above the shark tank.

Sofco Erectors’ list of past steel work projects includes Paul Brown Stadium, the Duke Energy Convention Center and the Aronoff Center.

The next step of Shark Bridge construction will be the hanging of the rope bridge, which is expected to begin tomorrow.

Shark Bridge opens to the public on April 30. Will you dare to cross?

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Newport Aquarium, voted the No. 1 aquarium in the country by USA Today’s 10Best.com in 2012, has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since 1999. Named a top U.S. aquarium by US City Traveler and Destinations Travel Magazine in 2014, and also by Travel Channel in 2013, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Newport Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year and is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.

Find us on: Facebook.com/NewportAquarium | Twitter: @NewportAquarium

One Aquarium Way | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-261-7444
www.newportaquarium.com

Shark Bridge construction underway at Newport Aquarium

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By Jacque’line Wright, Newport Aquarium PR Aide

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Floating work dock in the Surrounded by Sharks 385,000-gallon tank.

With the April 30 opening date nearing quickly, construction is underway on Newport Aquarium’s Shark Bridge.

Shark Bridge, Newport Aquarium’s newest attraction, is a nearly 100-foot-long suspension rope bridge where you can walk inches above the aquarium’s 385,000-gallon tank filled with seven species of sharks, four rare and exotic shark rays, multiple stingrays, and more than 300 fish! Will you dare to cross?

Stonhard, a New Jersey-based company that specializes in manufacturing and installing seamless floors, began the early stages of Shark Bridge construction by installing a new industrial floor system that surrounds the shark tank on March 25-26.

Shark Top floor

Before and after photos of the new flooring that surround the shark tank.

Stonhard Territory Manager T.J. Mangan and his Michigan-based installation crew covered the 1,400-square foot area around the shark tank with a teal-colored, three-part mix that is resistant to salt water.

According to Mangan, Stonhard has installed flooring at various aquariums throughout North America, including Mexico City Aquarium.

The next step in Shark Bridge construction will be installing steelwork that will allow the roped bridge to suspend from the ceiling. The steelwork has already been fabricated offsite and is set for delivery by the end of March. Installation for the steelwork is schedule to begin April 3, with an April 17 expected completion date.

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Stonhard members working on the installation of a salt-water-resistant flooring system that will surround Newport Aquarium’s 385,000-gallon shark tank.

The floating dock that construction workers will stand on while installing Shark Bridge is already in the shark tank.

You can see the dock while walking through the Surround by Sharks tunnel!

Newport Aquarium’s blog aquariumworks.org will provide further updates on Shark Bridge construction as it becomes available.

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Newport Aquarium, voted the No. 1 aquarium in the country by USA Today’s 10Best.com in 2012, has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since 1999. Named a top U.S. aquarium by US City Traveler and Destinations Travel Magazine in 2014, and also by Travel Channel in 2013, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Newport Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year and is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.

Find us on: Facebook.com/NewportAquarium | Twitter: @NewportAquarium

One Aquarium Way | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-261-7444
www.newportaquarium.com

Newport Aquarium to add North America’s first Shark Bridge

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Aquarium’s 2015 exhibits lineup to include – back by popular demand – Otters!


NEWPORT, Ky. – Newport Aquarium announced Wednesday an exhilarating 2015 lineup of coming attractions, featuring Shark Bridge, the only suspension bridge in North America where guests can walk just inches above nearly two dozen lurking sharks.

Scheduled for a mid-April opening, Shark Bridge is a 100-foot-long, V-shaped rope bridge suspended over the waters of the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit’s 385,000-gallon tank.

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Shark Bridge will be the first of its kind in North America.

Should guests dare to cross, Shark Bridge will offer an exclusive adventure and unique perspective of walking closely atop seven species of sharks, four rare and exotic shark rays, multiple stingrays and more than 300 fish.

“Shark Bridge will be a completely new way to experience sharks and a truly one-of-a-kind attraction available nowhere but Newport Aquarium,” said Eric Rose, executive director. “Our diverse collection of sharks is the cornerstone of our more than 90 exhibits, and guests will now be able to experience them like they never have.”

The addition of Shark Bridge will triple the viewing area above the Surrounded by Sharks tank prior to guests exiting the aquarium.

Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks
Coinciding with the opening of Shark Bridge in mid-April, extremely rare scalloped hammerhead sharks will be added to the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit.

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Newport Aquarium will be the first institution in North America to exhibit multiple scalloped hammerhead sharks.

This exhibition of scalloped hammerheads will help communicate the species’ conservation message to the public.

Newport Aquarium is working with field researchers from Hawaii, where the new hammerheads originated, to educate the public about scalloped hammerhead conservation.

The scalloped hammerheads will join 17 other sharks currently in the Surrounded by Sharks exhibit that include sand tiger, zebra, sandbar, blacktip, whitetip and nurse sharks.

Canyon Falls (featuring Otters)
Coming in mid-March, Newport Aquarium will open its newest exhibit, Canyon Falls, which will occupy the area that currently houses the Turtle Canyon exhibit.

Canyon Falls will be the new home to Asian small-clawed otters, which are back by popular demand after the aquarium previously exhibited otters from 2004 to 2013.

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Asian small-clawed otters are returning to Newport Aquarium in mid-March.

Newport Aquarium will offer scheduled otter talks at Canyon Falls that provide guests educational opportunities to learn more about otters and otter conservation.

Other additions to Canyon Falls include two species of lizard never before seen at Newport Aquarium – yellow monitor, a rare and active tree-dwelling lizard from Indonesia, and panther chameleon, one of the most colorful lizards in the world from Madagascar.

Remaining in Canyon Falls will be Thunder, a more than 100-year-old snapping turtle and Newport Aquarium’s oldest resident, as well as the Turtle Corral, where guests have the unique opportunity to touch several species of tortoises.

Weeki Wachee Mermaids
Mermaids from Weeki Wachee Springs, Fla., will return to Newport Aquarium in October. The announcement of their return comes on the heels of their wildly popular 10-day visit to Newport Aquarium in October 2014, which was the 67-year-old institution’s first visit to the Midwest.

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Weeki Wachee Mermaids will make a second engagement at Newport Aquarium in October.

Further details of Weeki Wachee Mermaids returning to Newport Aquarium will be announced on a later date.

Scuba Santa’s® Water Wonderland
A newly reimagined Scuba Santa’s® Water Wonderland will return for its 13th season on Nov. 27. The 2015 edition of Scuba Santa® promises to offer guests new features and experiences. Further details will be provided on a later date.

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A newly re-imagined Scuba Santa’s Water Wonderland will make its debut in November.

For more information on Newport Aquarium, visit NewportAquarium.com or call toll free 800-406-FISH (3474).

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Newport Aquarium, voted the No. 1 aquarium in the country by USA Today’s 10Best.com in 2012, has showcased thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water since 1999. Named a top U.S. aquarium by US City Traveler and Destinations Travel Magazine in 2014, and also by Travel Channel in 2013, Newport Aquarium is a Herschend Family Entertainment company and an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Newport Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year and is located across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati at Newport on the Levee.

Find us on: Facebook.com/NewportAquarium | Twitter: @NewportAquarium

One Aquarium Way | Newport, KY 41071 | 859-261-7444
www.newportaquarium.com