Nestled in the heart of New Orleans, the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium promises an unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages. With over 3,600 animals on display, guests can enjoy the vibrant marine life and captivating butterfly gardens. Whether you’re exploring the interactive exhibits or marveling at the diverse collection of creatures, this attraction offers a unique educational experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression. But the true highlight may just be what lies beyond the exhibits, waiting to be discovered…
Key Points
- Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium in New Orleans offer a combo ticket providing admission to both attractions at a discounted rate.
- The aquarium features over 3,600 animals from 250+ species, including a shark touch pool and Amazon Rainforest gallery.
- The Insectarium and Butterfly Garden provide an immersive experience showcasing the diversity and importance of insects.
- Visitors can explore the facilities for up to 5 days with the same ticket, allowing flexible scheduling.
- The attractions offer accessibility features, including wheelchair rentals and accommodations for certified service animals.
Ticket Information and Pricing
Visitors can purchase tickets to the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium for $53.23 per person, with the option to cancel their reservation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Combo tickets are also available, providing savings on admission to both the aquarium and the Butterfly Garden. Visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later, making it easier to plan their trip.
The tickets are valid for 5 days, giving guests the flexibility to explore the attractions at their own pace.
With a customer rating of 4.3/5, the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium offers a high-quality experience that’s worth the price of admission.
Aquarium Experience Highlights
The Audubon Aquarium boasts an impressive collection of over 3,600 animals from more than 250 diverse species, ranking it among the top five aquariums in the United States according to USA Today.
Visitors can enjoy the aquarium’s highlights, including the captivating Shark Discovery Touch Pool, where they can interact hands-on with sharks and stingrays.
The aquarium also features a 30-foot clear viewing tunnel in the Great Maya Reef, allowing visitors to marvel at the vibrant marine life.
Plus, the penguin exhibit and the rare white alligators are must-see attractions, while the Amazon Rainforest gallery offers a chance to see free-flying birds and aquatic species in a lush, tropical setting.
Insectarium and Butterfly Garden
Situated in the same building as the acclaimed Audubon Aquarium, the Audubon Insectarium and Butterfly Garden offer visitors an immersive experience showcasing the wonders of the insect world.
Guests can explore the Butterfly Garden, where they’ll be surrounded by vibrant, free-flying butterflies.
The Insectarium features fascinating exhibits highlighting the diversity and importance of insects, from the Amazon Rainforest gallery with its aquatic species to the dramatic displays of giant bugs.
Visitors can even get hands-on by interacting with live insects and learning about their unique adaptations.
Whether you’re fascinated by the natural world or simply looking for an engaging educational experience, the Insectarium and Butterfly Garden aren’t to be missed.
Accessibility and Visitor Guidelines
The Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium is accessible for visitors with special needs. The facilities are wheelchair accessible, with limited wheelchairs available for rent onsite. However, strollers are restricted to a maximum width of 29 inches and length of 52 inches.
Visitors should also note the following:
- Certified service animals are permitted in most areas, except for specific exhibits.
- Smoking and bringing outside food and drinks are prohibited on the premises.
- Educational programs and skip-the-ticket-line access are included with the entry fee, ensuring a smooth and informative experience for all guests.
The Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium strives to accommodate visitors of all abilities, making the wonders of the aquatic and insect worlds accessible to everyone.
Operating Hours and Policies
Visitors can explore the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the last entry 30 minutes before closing. The ticket is valid for 5 days, providing flexibility for guests.
While combo tickets offer savings on the Audubon Zoo and Butterfly Garden, they can’t be used for special events at the facilities. Guests should keep in mind that smoking, outside food, and drinks are prohibited. However, certified service animals are permitted, except in specific areas.
With a customer rating of 4.3/5 and value for money at 3.8/5, the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium offers an engaging and educational experience for visitors to New Orleans.
Customer Ratings and Reviews
Customers have rated the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium 4.3 out of 5 stars, with the value for money scoring 3.8 out of 5. These reviews provide helpful insights into the overall visitor experience at this popular New Orleans attraction.
While most guests reported being impressed by the aquarium’s diverse array of marine life and the immersive Butterfly Garden, a few noted areas for improvement:
- Some felt the admission price was a bit high compared to other similar attractions.
- A small number of visitors wished for more interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences.
- A couple of reviewers commented that the facilities could use some updates or better maintenance in certain areas.
Combo Ticket Savings
Purchasing combo tickets to the Audubon Aquarium and other Audubon facilities can unlock significant savings for visitors looking to experience New Orleans’ top attractions.
The Aquarium offers a combo ticket that includes admission to the Audubon Zoo and Butterfly Garden, providing a discounted rate compared to buying individual tickets. This is an excellent option for those hoping to explore multiple Audubon attractions during their stay.
The combo tickets are valid for 5 days, giving guests ample time to visit each location at their own pace.
Plan Your Visit
With the convenient combo ticket options secured, guests can now begin planning their immersive visit to the renowned Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium.
From navigating the facilities’ accessibility features to familiarizing themselves with the operating hours, travelers will find all the necessary details to maximize their time at these captivating New Orleans attractions.
To ensure a seamless experience, visitors should note the following:
- The aquarium and insectarium are wheelchair accessible, with limited wheelchairs available for rent.
- Strollers are permitted but mustn’t exceed 29′ in width and 52′ in length.
- Smoking, outside food and drinks aren’t allowed, though certified service animals are welcome in most areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Typically Take to Visit the Entire Facility?
It typically takes visitors 2-3 hours to fully explore the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium facilities. This includes time to wander through the exhibits, interact with the touch pools, and enjoy the Butterfly Garden experience.
Are Lockers Available for Storing Personal Items?
Lockers are available on-site for visitors to store personal items during their visit. These lockers provide a secure place to keep belongings while exploring the Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium. Locker sizes and rental fees may vary.
Is There a Dress Code or Attire Requirement for Visitors?
There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate attire. Avoid overly revealing or disruptive clothing. The focus is on exploring the aquarium and insectarium, so dress for comfort and convenience during your visit.
What Dining Options Are Available On-Site or Nearby?
The Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium offer several dining options on-site, including a cafe and a restaurant. There are also numerous eateries located nearby in the New Orleans city center, providing visitors with a variety of culinary choices.
Can I Bring My Own Camera and Take Photos Throughout the Exhibits?
Visitors can bring their own cameras and take photos throughout the exhibits, capturing the wonders of the aquarium and butterfly garden. However, flash photography may be prohibited in some areas to protect the animals.
Recap
The Audubon Aquarium and Insectarium in New Orleans offers an immersive experience for visitors, showcasing over 3,600 animals and vibrant butterfly gardens.
With reasonably priced admission and combo ticket options, families can explore the diverse marine life, engage with hands-on exhibits, and enjoy the serene Butterfly Garden.
The attractions are wheelchair accessible and provide an educational and engaging experience, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the city.
