A Journey Below: Exploring the Branson Aquarium

Aug 08, 2024

A Journey Below: Exploring the Branson Aquarium
By Westgate Resorts

Journey Below: Exploring the Branson Aquarium

What if we told you that you could see some of the world's most fascinating marine creatures right in Missouri? The Branson Aquarium at the Boardwalk features diverse marine life, allowing you to observe, interact with, and even feed all sorts of aquatic animals, including sharks and stingrays.

As a cherry on top, you can do so while staying in the most comfortable accommodations in Branson—the aquarium is only 1.7 miles from the Westgate Branson Woods Resort!

Everything You Need To Know Before Visiting the Branson Aquarium in Missouri

  1. What To Expect

  2. Submarine Adventure

  3. Jelly Infinity Room

  4. Coral Reef Room

  5. Touch Tank Experience

  6. Underwater Tunnel

  7. Location and Opening Hours

1 | What To Expect |

Branson’s Aquarium at the Boardwalk is an ideal spot for an underwater adventure! The building is hard to miss—it has a giant 55-foot stainless steel Pacific octopus on the outside that's perfect for photos.

Inside, you'll see all kinds of marine life, including sharks, rays, seahorses, and colorful coral reefs. You'll also learn fascinating facts about these creatures.

You and your family will love exploring the Jelly Infinity Room and watching the graceful rays in the Grand Aquarium. Want a hands-on experience? The interactive Touch Tanks won't disappoint—your kids can even touch sharks and crabs.

The establishment has been awarded the Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice Award and is among the Top 10 Most Beautiful Aquariums in the U.S., so it’s an exceptional experience for visitors of all ages.

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2 | Submarine Adventure |

Ready for a unique underwater trip? If so, the 5D Submarine Adventure is perfect for you. In this one-of-a-kind auditorium, you'll be guided by animated characters like Aquarius the Octopus and Finn the Pufferfish as you explore the gorgeous depths of the sea. You will feel like you are inside a real submarine, with loud sound effects, intense seat motion, wind, vibrations, and visual effects that match the ocean-floor setting.

The 5D Submarine Adventure is a fantastic way to start the underwater journey. If you're visiting with kids, keep in mind that it's only accessible to children over the age of three—3–4-year-olds must be strapped in a stroller.

3 | Jelly Infinity Room |

The Jelly Infinity Room stands as a testament to the beauty and mystery of these ethereal sea creatures. Here, you can watch them gracefully float inside the tanks, illuminated by colorful LED lights that you can control. The room also includes numerous mirrors, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere that will make you feel as if you're right next to the jellyfish.

One of the most enchanting aspects of the exhibit is the jellyfish's bioluminescence, which creates a stunning underwater light display that's truly a sight for sore eyes. The sensation of infinite space and the visual effects also make this exhibit one of the favorite spots for memorable photos.

4 | Coral Reef Room |

Check out the Coral Reef Room, and you'll see a lively underwater world full of bright colors. The many types of colorful coral are amazing to look at, and they are presented in a way that reflects their natural environment. They come in various shapes and sizes, and you will love looking at fish swimming around the reef, creating a constantly changing display of movement and color.

The Coral Reef Room isn't only beautiful to look at—interactive displays explain how important these reefs are to Earth’s biosphere and why we must preserve them.

5 | Touch Tank Experience |

How often do you get a chance to touch a shark? With the Interactive Touch Tank, this is exactly what you can do. The pool is shallow, allowing you to really see the beauty of starfish, sea urchins, small crabs, and other marine creatures. It's one of the most popular exhibits for families with young children, but even adults will appreciate connecting with the animals in a more engaging way.

The helpful staff is always available to answer your questions, share interesting facts about these fascinating animals, and instruct you on how to touch them properly.

6 | Underwater Tunnel |

Surrounded by aquatic life, you'll marvel at the vibrant colors of the fish as they swim past and above you. Feel the adrenaline rush as sharks glide by, separated only by the clear glass of the tunnel. Or enjoy the calm, watching turtles and rays slowly glide through the water.

Don't rush through—take your time to soak in the beauty. It's not every day you get to walk under the sea and see such a variety of marine life!

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7 | Location and Opening Hours |

The Branson Aquarium is located at 2700 West 76 Country Blvd. Unit A, Branson, MO, 65616, and it can be reached by phone at 417-335-3474. It's close to popular Branson attractions like the WonderWorks amusement park, the Hollywood Wax Museum, and the Titanic Museum.

The aquarium is typically open from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., with the last ticket sold one hour before closing. Please note that opening hours may vary throughout the year, so check the details before your visit.

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Frequently Asked Questions About the Aquarium at the Boardwalk, Branson, MO

While you might be eager to share the underwater wonders with your furry friend, it's important to note that pets aren't allowed inside the aquarium. This rule is in place for the safety and well-being of both marine life and your pet.

Service animals are an exception but check with the venue beforehand to ensure a comfortable experience.

Absolutely, the aquarium is dedicated to making the underwater adventure accessible to everybody, regardless of their disability. You'll find ramps and elevators designed to accommodate wheelchair users, ensuring you can navigate the aquarium comfortably. The helpful staff is also always available to assist you, ensuring your visit is hassle-free.

For the visually or hearing impaired, there are interactive displays, tactile exhibits, and even subtitled presentations.

In the Treasure Trove Gift Shop, there's a wall filled with Coral Reef Sweets, offering over 70 types of candy. Right outside the aquarium, you'll also see trucks selling ice cream, snacks, and drinks. It's a nice spot to grab a treat and enjoy the bustling boardwalk scene.

The FIVE'r Ticket is a special pass that lets you visit multiple attractions in Branson. It includes the Aquarium at the Boardwalk and other popular spots like the Hollywood Wax Museum, Castle of Chaos, Hannah's Maze of Mirrors, and Shoot for the Stars Mini-Golf.

Yes, the Branson Aquarium has sharks?and more than one type. From smaller epaulet sharks to larger blacktip reef sharks and hammerheads, shark lovers will not be disappointed.

Branson—Fun for All Visitors

Branson is a year-round hot spot offering endless indoor and outdoor activities for friends, families, and couples. From scenic hiking trails with stunning Ozark views to entertaining live shows, Branson captivates visitors with its diverse attractions—like the Aquarium at the Boardwalk, where you can get up close and personal with some of the most amazing marine animals.

Visit our Westgate Resorts Travel blog for more information on accommodations, attractions, and upcoming events in Branson.


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At Westgate Resorts, when you Check-In, there's a LOT to Check-Out! Your Branson vacation awaits! Explore our Branson resorts today or talk with a vacation planner at 888-852-2959 or 407-355-2690.

* Westgate Resorts is in no way affiliated with the attractions featured in this article. Items or places listed are current as of the publishing date of this article. Please call or visit the respective website for the most up-to-date offerings and details.

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