Celebrate Sharks with “Jaw-some July” at OdySea Aquarium

Shark Appreciation Day was July 14. To celebrate and raise awareness about these special creatures, OdySea Aquarium has re-named the entire month “Jaw-some July!”

The take-away from this month-long event is for people to better understand sharks with less fear and more knowledge of their importance to the ocean. – Dave Peranteau, Director of Animal Care and Conservation at OdySea Aquarium

Celebrate Jaw-some July with a Tour

Recently, a few of our writers had the opportunity to join OdySea Aquarium on their 30 minute Behind-the-Scenes Shark Tour. Aside from an entertaining guide, the tour was full of interesting facts about what sharks eat and how they’re cared for. The tour made a stop in the food prep kitchen and ended with an up-close view of the sharks from above the water. 

After just returning from a Caribbean vacation, my husband and I were surprised that most of the sharks didn’t swim with their fins above the water like you see in the movies… Kind of makes you wonder what’s lurking a few feet away from you! 

If this tour sounds like a dream come true to you or your shark-loving kiddos, it’s within reach! At only $9.95 per person, the tour is well worth the visit. It’s limited to 12 people, giving your family plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get the inside scoop. Our guide was wonderful and happily answered anyone’s questions about other animals and aquarium processes, too! Note: Behind-the-Scenes Shark Tours are for people ages six and up. Tickets can be purchased online as well as at the Discovery Desk inside the Aquarium.

During July only, OdySea Aquarium is offering an extra special opportunity. The 45 minute Shark Feed at Shark Waters experience is $15.95 per person and runs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:30 am. During this extended tour, guests can watch the shark feeding process from above Shark Waters. Note: Shark Feed tours are for people ages six and up. Tickets can be purchased online as well as at the Discovery Desk inside the Aquarium.

Celebrate Jaw-some July While Exploring

If you’re not up for a tour, but still want to celebrate sharks, Jaw-some July is an extra special time to visit the Aquarium. During the month, they’ll be offering a variety of programs, activities, and educational opportunities that are free with admission. If you time your visit right, you can even watch a shark “feeding frenzy.” Other activities include: 

• “Shark Pups Corner” in the theater, where children can build a shark, see a shark’s anatomy, and give a stuffed animal a “shark exam.” They’ll also have shark artifacts and a craft available.
• Shark Scavenger Hunt
• Shark Photos from Magic Memories (for purchase)
• Shark cupcakes from the Cafe (for purchase)

Be sure to check your Aquarium guide for times and locations of these special events and more.

OdySea Aquarium

OdySea Aquarium is home to 50 sharks that can be viewed in nine tanks throughout the building. The Aquarium has over 65 exhibits, including touch pools, the Voyager, Kids Cove, and many other fascinating areas.

In other exciting news, OdySea Aquarium is the first attraction in Arizona to be a Certified Autism Center. This means that visitors and families with children who have autism and other sensory differences can enjoy the best possible experience that caters to their needs. The Aquarium is also PAL certified, has hosted autism awareness days, and offers a quiet space for guests who need a break from the main area.

During our behind the scenes tour, we passed by their beautiful nursing room, just in case you or your child prefers a less distracting place to nurse.

If you’re looking for a way to beat the heat, OdySea Aquarium is the perfect place to spend the day. From yummy food in their snack bar to interactive play areas, there’s no shortage of fun to be had. Have a Jaw-some July!