New Orleans: Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium Ticket

Explore New Orleans’ Aquatic and Insect World with the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium Ticket

If you’re heading to New Orleans and want a family-friendly, educational, and visually stunning activity, the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium offers plenty to see and do. Located just steps from the French Quarter, this 5-day pass gives you access to two of the city’s most popular attractions, showcasing over 3,600 animals from more than 250 species. Whether you’re captivated by vibrant fish, sharks, and penguins or fascinated by incredible insects and butterflies, this combo provides a well-rounded look at the natural world.

What we particularly love about this experience are the interactive touch pools where you can pet stingrays and sharks, and the stunning 30-foot viewing tunnel through the Great Maya Reef habitat. These moments make learning fun and memorable. Plus, the combination ticket offers great value, especially if you plan to visit the nearby Audubon Zoo or the Insectarium.

A potential consideration is the size of the attractions—some reviews mention that the aquarium has felt smaller over the years and that some exhibits could be more populated. Still, this shouldn’t deter you if you’re looking for accessible, family-friendly educational fun in a city filled with lively sights.

This experience suits families with kids, nature enthusiasts, and anyone curious about marine life or insects. It’s a flexible, engaging way to spend part of your trip, especially on a day when you want a break from the hustle of the French Quarter.

Key Points

• Highly accessible with skip-the-line tickets and wheelchair-friendly facilities.
• Interactive experiences like petting stingrays and sharks enhance learning.
• Stunning habitats including a 30-foot underwater tunnel and lush rainforest exhibits.
• Great value options with combo tickets that include the zoo or insectarium.
• Ideal for families and curious travelers wanting a fun, educational outing.
• Lasts 5 days, giving you flexibility to plan your visit around other activities.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium

Location and Accessibility
Situated right next to the French Quarter, the Audubon Aquarium is easy to find. You can skip the lines with your barcoded ticket, heading straight inside. For those considering the optional combo with the Insectarium or Zoo, you’ll visit these attractions at your convenience within five days of your ticket date. The aquarium is wheelchair accessible, and limited wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, ensuring everyone can enjoy the exhibits comfortably.

What to Expect at the Aquarium
Once inside, you’re greeted with a panoramic view of some of the most impressive marine habitats in the country. The aquarium’s reimagined, state-of-the-art design takes visitors on a journey from the Caribbean and Amazon Rainforest to the Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico.

We loved the touch pools, especially the shark discovery area where you can gently pet stingrays and small sharks. It’s a hands-on experience that kids adore and adults find surprisingly engaging. The 30-foot-long tunnel is a highlight, offering visitors a chance to see colorful fish, sharks, and rays swimming directly overhead. The Great Maya Reef habitat is particularly captivating, with vibrant reef fish and corals creating a lively underwater scene.

The Amazon Rainforest Exhibit
This section adds a lush, tropical vibe, with plenty to look at beyond just fish. You might spot a green anaconda, piranhas, and pacus among the colorful plants and free-flying birds. It’s a vivid, immersive environment that gives you a glimpse into ecosystems that are both fascinating and vital.

Popular Exhibits and Unique Animals
Crowd favorites include the penguin exhibit, where these charming birds waddle and swim, and the white alligators, which are quite rare. Some reviews note that certain exhibits, like the sea turtles, are smaller or could be enhanced, but overall, the variety keeps most visitors interested.

Food and Amenities
Food options are available within the aquarium, but many reviews mention that prices are high for what you get—$3.99 for a can of soda, for example. If you’re budget-conscious, bringing snacks might be a good idea. The cafeteria is convenient but not particularly noteworthy for quality or value.

Insectarium & Butterfly Garden
Adding the Insectarium to your visit, especially with the Butterfly Garden, makes for an intriguing contrast. You’ll see insects, butterflies, and other invertebrates up close, and the exhibits are designed to be interactive and educational. Previous visitors have described it as “pretty incredible” and “well worth the visit,” especially for kids and insect enthusiasts.

Pricing and Value
The combo tickets offer savings if you plan to explore multiple attractions. For instance, combining the aquarium with the zoo or insectarium makes your dollar stretch further, especially given the admission fees for individual sites. Remember, you have 5 days to visit the other attractions, making this a flexible way to see more without rushing.

Who Will Love This Experience?

Families with kids will find this a highlight—hands-on activities, adorable animals, and colorful habitats keep young and old engaged. Nature lovers will appreciate the detailed exhibits and the chance to see endangered species and rare animals. If you’re looking for a low-stress, educational outing that’s close to the lively French Quarter, this tour hits the mark.

Those with limited time will enjoy how much is packed into a few hours, especially with skip-the-line tickets. If you’re interested in animal conservation and ecosystems, the aquarium offers a lot of insight, making it an enriching stop.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This combo ticket for Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium offers excellent value and variety—a well-designed, family-friendly way to explore aquatic life and insects in a way that’s engaging and accessible. The interactive touch pools and spectacular habitats make it more than just a walk-through, turning it into a memorable experience.

While some reviewers mention that the aquarium has felt smaller over the years and that some exhibits could be more filled, the overall quality of exhibits and friendly staff maintain its appeal. The combo ticket option adds flexibility, letting you tailor your visit and explore other local attractions without feeling rushed.

If you’re traveling with children, or simply curious about the natural world, it’s an experience that will leave you with new insights and plenty of photos. Just be prepared for a busy but well-organized environment, and consider bringing some snacks to offset the high prices inside.

FAQs

Is there a time limit for visiting the aquarium and insectarium?
No, your ticket is valid for 5 days from the date of purchase, giving you flexibility to visit at your own pace.

Can I skip the line with my ticket?
Yes, your barcoded ticket allows you to bypass the ticket lines, making entry quicker and easier, especially during busy times.

Is the aquarium accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
Absolutely. The aquarium is wheelchair accessible. Strollers smaller than 29 inches wide and 52 inches long are permitted, but larger wagons and ride-ons are not.

Are children under 2 free?
Yes, children under 2 are free of charge, making it a budget-friendly option for families.

Can I visit the aquarium and insectarium on different days?
Yes, if you purchase a combo ticket, you have five days to visit each attraction, so you can spread out your visits.

Are there food and drink options inside?
Yes, but reviews note that prices are quite high, so bringing snacks or drinks might be a good idea if you’re budget-conscious.

What is the best time to visit?
Opening hours are from 10 AM to 5 PM, with the last entry 30 minutes before closing. Visiting early in the day or during less busy weekdays can help you avoid crowds.

This comprehensive visit to Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium is a fantastic choice for travelers seeking a fun, educational, and visually striking experience in New Orleans. With multiple exhibits, interactive activities, and flexible scheduling, it offers a memorable way to connect with nature—perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone eager to see the incredible diversity of life beneath the water and among the insects.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby