Alabama Aquarium in Dauphin Island showcases marine life in Mobile Bay to visitors of all ages

DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. (WKRG) — Since 1998, the formerly named Estuarium has displayed 120 marine species from local habitats and environments in Mobile Bay.

The now-renamed, Alabama Aquarium and Sea Lab in Dauphin Island, educates people in a fun, interactive way that captures the attention of all ages.

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Kids especially enjoy the hands-on learning the aquarium provides. One child who visited the Aquarium, said, “It’s really fun. My favorite part was probably the petting, and where you can touch all the things.”

Visitors can feed or pet a live sting ray, or even take part in different excursions or classes, like the Boardwalk Talks.

Excursions consist of:

  • Salt Marsh

  • Beach, Dune, and Maritime Forest

  • R/V Alabama Discovery

  • DISL Research Lab Guided Tour

Mendal Graeber, Aquarium Educator, says that the aquarium aims to share a broader understanding of marine life in Mobile Bay.

“We have a focus on research,” said Graeber. “So, our hope is that people can connect with the process of research, the philosophy of research, and leave with a better understanding of how scientific research is conducted and have a better sense of how to understand and value that.”

Since the beginning of this year, there have been over 63,000 visitors who have walked through the Alabama Aquarium in Dauphin Island.

“We have this incredible biological richness of ecosystems and of plants and animals. And so, we hope to kindle an appreciation for that through our focus on our local area,” said Graeber.

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Tickets are $14 for adults, $6 for children, and $12 for seniors. You can purchase tickets through their website.

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