Downtown Aquarium Tours and Activities

An aquarium with a dolphin statue and a sign for 'An Underwater Entertainment Adventure'.
A large fish with a rough, speckled skin swimming in an aquarium.
A fountain with two large blue sculptures of fish in a pool, surrounded by palm trees and city buildings.
A sign for Downtown Aquarium with a shark sculpture in front.
A pufferfish with a spotted pattern, fins, and an open mouth.


Come face to face with sharks, stingrays and even tigers in a variety of exciting environments at Houston’s Downtown Aquarium.

For an exciting indoor safari that takes in an array of animals from white tigers to zebra sharks, head over to Houston’s Downtown Aquarium. Travel to mystical worlds as you make your way through the themed exhibits, discovering creatures hidden in miniature ecosystems and ancient ruins. There is even an underwater café, where you can admire the indoor aquarium while enjoying some delicious seafood. Why not try out the Lobster Bisque or the spectacular shrimp popcorn!

Come face to face with rare white tigers in a crumbling Maharajah’s temple and see if you can spot stingrays, piranhas and bright tropical birds in the depths of the rainforest. For an unforgettable underwater experience, take the Shark train across the bottom of a tank filled with these prowling predators. It’s perfectly safe, but isn’t a trip for the faint-hearted!

There are hundreds of different fish in the Aquarium’s 2 million litres of tanks, including native species and sea-life from further afield. Inside the hull of a wrecked Spanish galleon, you’ll find coral reefs created by the Aquarium’s own biologists. Frequented by grouper, clownfish, world eels and a giant octopus, this micro bionetwork is teeming with life. For a taste of the Deep South, head to the Louisiana swamp and see if you can recognise alligators, snapping turtles, bullfrogs, catfish and crayfish.

When you’ve explored the underwater worlds, head outside for some fun above ground in the outdoor entertainment area. An Adventure Pass will give you access to all of the rides throughout the day, or pay for each ride individually if you’re not staying for long. Ride an alligator on the carousel, have a go on the stomach-flipping Lighthouse Dive or take a spin on the giant Ferris Wheel.

Based in Northern Downtown, The Aquarium is open every day and has free parking. Educational and entertaining, with a serious commitment to conservation, this is a great place to learn and play.

Tours & day trips

See all 52 activities

Private & custom tours

See all 11 activities

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 7 activities

Classes & workshops

See all 7 activities

Wildlife & nature

See all 5 activities

Stay near popular Downtown Aquarium attractions


Top Downtown Aquarium Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Club Quarters Hotel Downtown, Houston

Club Quarters Hotel Downtown, Houston

4 out of 5
1085 Rusk Street Houston TX
Club Quarters Hotel Downtown, Houston
Marriott Marquis Houston

Marriott Marquis Houston

4 out of 5
1777 Walker Street Houston TX
Marriott Marquis Houston
The Whitehall Houston

The Whitehall Houston

4 out of 5
1700 Smith St Houston TX
The Whitehall Houston
Magnolia Hotel Houston, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

Magnolia Hotel Houston, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel

4 out of 5
1100 Texas St Houston TX
Magnolia Hotel Houston, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel
Hyatt Place Houston Downtown

Hyatt Place Houston Downtown

3 out of 5
1114 TEXAS AVE Houston TX
Hyatt Place Houston Downtown
Moxy Houston Downtown

Moxy Houston Downtown

3 out of 5
412 Main Street Houston TX
Moxy Houston Downtown
Thompson Houston, by Hyatt

Thompson Houston, by Hyatt

4 out of 5
1717 ALLEN PARKWAY Houston TX
Thompson Houston, by Hyatt
Cambria Hotel Houston Downtown Convention Center

Cambria Hotel Houston Downtown Convention Center

3 out of 5
1314 Texas Avenue Houston TX
Cambria Hotel Houston Downtown Convention Center
Hilton Americas-Houston

Hilton Americas-Houston

4 out of 5
1600 Lamar Street Houston TX
Hilton Americas-Houston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia