Aquarium of Niagara

701 Whirlpool St, Niagara Falls, NY 14301, USA

Address:	701 Whirlpool St, Niagara Falls, NY 14301, USA
Phone:	+1 716-285-3575
Site:	aquariumofniagara.org
Rating:	3.6
Working:	9AM–4:30PM 9AM–4:30PM 9AM–4:30PM 9AM–4:30PM 9AM–4:30PM 9AM–4:30PM 9AM–4:30PM

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

Tom Westlake

We were here on a one night stay over to see another show on the Canadian side of the falls. We don’t venture over to the US side very often, but decided to check out what was over there. This place is definitely tucked in out of the way, and you would never know that it was there unless you went looking for it but we were glad we did. When we first arrived, it just happened to be time for the harbour seal presentation just outside the front door. There is not a lot of interactive stuff going on, but lots to see and read. Learned a lot of new stuff, and we were also able to take in the sea lion presentation as well which was a blast. For what you pay compared to Marine Land this was way more worth it, even if it was a museum and not an amusement park. The fact that we paid half price made it even that much more enjoyable as we were there for almost 3 hours. My personal favourite exhibit was the poison dart frogs, which look so small and harmless with their colors but their ability to kill is amazing. Would definitely recommend this to people, but the earlier you get there the better as later in the afternoon it did start to get quite busy. We had to leave when some gentleman could not control his screaming child, for almost 10 minutes my ears just could not take it anymore. Although I didn’t get to take advantage of it, I thought the walking audio tour which only required a cellphone would have been quite interesting.

girl in the polka dots

They charge way too much for what they have to offer. This is a VERY small aquarium. Basically it is one circular room, 2 floors, but the entire middle is just a huge tank with 3 or 4 sea lions in it. I have been to the aquariums in Virginia and North Carolina, which are both huge compared to this, much nicer facilities with many more species on display. Not to mention, those aquariums are actually cheaper, because they dont charge an additional fee for parking. Makes this place seem like a total ripoff. The fish looked okay, but some of the animals dont seem to be well taken care of. Two of the seals seemed to be sick/injured and the penguin cage was EXTREMELY dirty. They dont have any otters, sea turtles, crabs, or jelly fish. There was a picture of an octopus on the window, but they dont have an octopus (no squid either) . Two tiny sharks, but no snakes, alligators, crocodiles, etc. I would never go here again. I was really disappointed. They had multiple "NO REFUNDS" signs on the way in... I think a lot of people have asked for their money back. I would recommend going to the Buffalo Zoo instead, its a much better value for your money!!!

Jessica Stephens

Its such a small aquarium and its always overrun with school groups or buses of people from out of town. Membership is $70 for a family of four, but its next to impossible to see any of the scheduled activities without being pushed, stepped on, or overrun by a school group. I cant blame the school groups - Im glad they get to experience a fun and educational field trip, and kids will be kids (I have two of my own). I think it comes down to a too-small building for the amount of interest the public and school groups have. They do their best and I will continue to understand. But, this might be my last year as a member because there just simply isnt enough space inside for the amount of people they let in. Oh, and you can call ahead and ask if there will be a school group - but they dont even know if a bus full of tourists will arrive that day, so theres no way to plan.

Cameron MB

This place was so bad it was mind blowing. The worst thing was that the penguins looked like they wanted someone to end their lives. Tanks for sea lions were really tiny, in fact the whole place is tiny. They charge way too much. We wouldnt even have went if it wasnt on our discovery pass. They even charge for parking. Its way overkill. As of July 6th 2017 the bathrooms inside are nonexistent. They have bathroom accommodations outside which were nice actually. They are under construction for a portion of the ground floor and it doesnt seem to be getting done anytime soon. If i were them i would maybe keep the 5 dollar parking for everyone and make the aquarium cost 3-5 dollars. Its the price that makes this place unbearable. Like the gorge discovery center, its not much bigger then that place. Take a page out of their book and lower prices to theirs.

Dharmajula Rao

Thiss a rip-off place.Not the shows or Not the penguins but to get in side they charge around $11.00. Specially the white women that look like susan powter (shave head) is nothing but a lunatic who doesnt knows ABCD of customer service or courtesy.The way she talks to non-whites or other countries visitors is highly deplorable.Dont know who hired that White Pig...shes nuisance and disgusting!! We paid around $50 to get in side to watch the penguin feeding...but havent seen any feeding or given any space to watch the feeding.When we asked the staff about the penguins....instead of helping us theyre laughing at us...saying penguins might be hiding because of us. Such a dirty mind set staff and that look like susan powter look are nothing but a disgrace to the Visitor Center like Aquarium. So People....Dont waste your Money!!

Valerie Gelo

I was so worried about going here because of some of negative reviews but wow Im glad I didnt listen. This place was extremely nice. The seal show was great. They have 2 floors. The bottom floor has lots of tanks and the big seal tank which gives you the ability to look at the seals under the water, and the upstairs gives you an overhead view. the exhibits were all really interesting. The fish were great. They had so many different things and if you actually read and learn about the fish you can easily spend a good hour in there. They even had interactive exhibits with certain fish species. I liked it a lot and I would go back. Ignore the other reviews. If you people are seriously that nit picky then I cant imagine you enjoy much of anything in life.

Karen Kleckner

A nice place to bring the children. A smaller, older facility currently under renovation. Be aware strollers will have to be carried up and down steps and also that it is not wheelchair accessible. There are a small number of exhibits but I thought they were nice. The seals are outside they are really delightful. Pickles was our favorite. The sea lion show was also very good. I didnt like using the outside bathroom. The steps were difficult and it needed some cleaning. The price was a little much given that parking was extra. However, despite all the wear and tear on the building...it is clear the animals are well cared for and loved. That really does my heart good. I like forward to the renovations being done.

A Private User

So not worth it. I was so embarrased when my parents came down and we went for first time. Its so so small. Theres more animals in the gift shop then there is throughout the aquarium...and the ones in giftshop is stuffed animals. Its really a joke. You would think it being in niagara falls it would be amazing!! Ha! We sure thought wrong. And the poor sealions have nothing at all to play with but what looks like a lid from a cooler. Such a shame!! They could do so much better!! Not even a jelly fish. I was shocked they actually had a seahorse though. Go to the zoo in buffalo...at least they have more to see and do. Not worth it. I sure hope they do something to make it better. Until then we wont be going back.