Visiting the Country’s Newest Aquarium: The OdySea in Scottsdale, AZ

Most of us are familiar with top rated aquariums like The Shedd (I grew with Chicago’s amazing museums!) or Central California’s Monterey Bay Aquarium. However, there are wonderful hidden gems to visit all over the country, not just in the bigger cities or coastal areas. One really odd place where you would never think to explore marine life is smack dab in the middle of the Sonoran desert.

Surprisingly, the recently opened OdySea (opened in September 2016) in Scottsdale is pretty great considering that it is located right in the middle of the country’s most arid metro area. I visit the Phoenix metro on a fairly regular basis. Although I love the 4 season climate of Flagstaff, sometimes I need a change of scenery. Most of the time, Mike and I spend our time here hiking (the desert trails are so gorgeous!) but it is way too during the summer months to even consider being outside for too long. Strolling around cool fish tanks is somehow so much more attractive on a really hot day.

This is one of the country’s newest aquariums and it’s really gorgeous. The massive 2 floor facility, which holds over 2 million gallons of water, is the largest in the Southwest. The space is beautiful, clean and the tanks meticulously maintained. A lot of people complain about ticket pricing being too high, although really the facility is top notch with many great exhibits to justify the steep price. Do I think the price is worth it? Yes, 100%. You also have to keep in mind that we are lucky to have access to an aquarium of this magnitude in the middle of the desert.

A great indoor escape during the hot summer season!

This would be the perfect family friendly activity on a hot or rainy summer monsoon day. Anyone looking for more indoor attractions asides from the obvious shopping malls and restaurants lining every section of the metro area should look into a visit.

In an area surrounded by strip mall congestion in every direction, it’s nice to enjoy a temporary escape from the clutter. That being said, I have to admit the malls are pretty great too (Tempe Marketplace is my favorite). While hiking is the best thing to do in the Phoenix region, this really is not a possibility during the 6+ months of harsh, unending 100+ degree heat. Therefore, a visit here comes in as a real treat during the hot summer season: a cool underwater escape if just for an hour or 2.

Unique exhibits to explore

There a number of great exhibits to explore here. The lobby itself is gorgeous with 9 globes weighing 1000 lb each hanging overhead from the ceiling. These globe aquariums are meant to resemble rain drops in the water cycle. After checking in, you will be directed to check out the bathroom. You will be quite surprised when you walk in and will have no question as to why this was rated “the best restroom in America” in 2017. I will keep this oddball exhibit a surprise, although you can probably already guess what you will find in here.

As you stroll through the numerous exhibits, you will take in an immense variety of marine life. This place is really big. First off, I noticed Penguin Point – here you will see African black-footed penguins swimming underwater.

Another really cool feature is the escalator tunnel aquarium, which is a really interesting way to get from the top to bottom floor as you can gaze at the fish swimming all around as you make your way up/down the enclosed escalator. I’ve never seen anything like this before and have to admit it’s pretty fantastic.

You will also find one of those fish tank tunnels which you might have seen elsewhere, and although the one here is not nearly as impressive, it’s still pretty cool to walk through.

The shark tank: the shining star

The 400,000 gallon shark tank is really impressive. This tank includes 20 different sharks of 4 different species. I could look at this gorgeous tank all day. Really, I can’t imagine the costs involved with constructing something so massive. I guess those pricey admission tickets go to good use!

Clown fish!

The Clown fish tank was one of my favorites. These colorful fish are becoming more and more popular thanks to the Finding Nemo movies. What a fun tank! There seems to be more of them in a single tank here vs. other tanks I’ve seen which was pretty cool. This is usually everyone’s favorite so expect it to be busy!

Jellyfish

The Jelly fish tank is so mesmerizing – I could literally gaze at it all day long. That being said, I was stung by a jellyfish once while swimming on Florida’s Gulf Coast. And yes, it does hurt just as bad as they portray it in the movies! And no, you are never supposed to pee on it as they show in the movies. According to the Cleveland Clinic, this myth is not true. I have to admit, they are so cool to look at – just not while swimming in the ocean!

A fish with legs!

Here’s a really odd one – the weird looking fish in this pic actually has legs! This walking fish is quite a sight to see in person. I have been to many aquariums across the country and never came across a fish like this one!

A fish that blends in with the environment

And look how this fish camouflages in with its’ environment! It’s crazy how much the coloring on this fish exactly matches the rocks in the tank.

The world’s only revolving aquarium experience

The newest addition to the facility is the “Odysea Voyager,” which is basically an interactive experience where you will take a seat aboard the Voyager Research Station’s submarine, a stadium theater style seating area with 46 foot tall viewing windows. You will be taken on a narrated 20 min journey aboard the world’s only revolving experience, and I have to say it’s pretty spectacular.

You will be taken through 4 different sections, each spotlighting different amazing marine life such as sharks, giant turtles, sea lions, and Broad Ways. It’s basically like an underwater show where you will learn a lot of unique facts about each ocean animal in the process. So basically educational and beautiful at the same time.

Why you should visit

This is just a brief overview of some of the more interesting exhibits. There’s lot more to see, and thus, I recommend adding it to your bucket list, whether you love fish or are just looking for a cool place to escape the heat. The peaceful nature of this place, and really all aquariums in general, makes it the perfect place to escape the congestion of this ever growing suburban metropolis. Thus far, this would make my list of favorite Phoenix metro activities. I really recommend planning your visit on a weekday as it will be a much more peaceful experience due to the lack of crowds.

I love the opportunity to observe so many diverse types of aquatic life that would be simply impossible to see without traveling the world and/or spending tons of money scuba diving and snorkeling.

Enjoy a few last looks at some of the residents! From gators, to octopuses, you will find a bit of everything here.

Location, hours, & pricing

The facility is located within the OdySea in the Desert entertainment complex, which consists of a number of attractions (Butterfly Wonderland, Dolphinaris, Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs, Polar Play Ice Bar), restaurants, and shops. Most tourists like to take a walk around here and grab a bite to eat, shop, or check out another attraction after their aquarium visit.

I recommend skipping the restaurants here and trying out a better restaurant in the area. For a wonderful breakfast in a nicer setting and an overall better value, check out Scramble or Butter’s Pancake House. These are 2 of my personal favorites. Scramble serves the best coffee and great veggie scrambles and they both offer nice patio seating.

Location: 9500 East Vía de Ventura A-100

Admission: $50 per person – current as of 2025 – check their website for special promos. Night admission (after 4:30pm) discounted to $35. If you are local, consider purchasing a membership (it will pay for itself after just a few visits).

Hours: 9am-7pm 7 days a week, 365 days a year