The Texas State Aquarium is a nonprofit, AZA-accredited attraction on North Beach in Corpus Christi that blends wow-factor exhibits with real conservation work. Families come for sharks, dolphins, and a jungle aviary; students come for TEKS-aligned lessons; and animal lovers come to see how the Aquarium rescues and rehabilitates Gulf wildlife. It’s been continuously accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums since 1995—a quality bar only a small share of facilities meet.
About the Texas State Aquarium
Designated the “Official Aquarium of Texas,” the Aquarium focuses on the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean while supporting education, research, and rescue. Today it stands as the largest aquarium in Texas and among the largest in the U.S., with marquee experiences that include a 400,000-gallon shark habitat, a free-flight jungle, and bottlenose dolphin presentations.
A Brief History
Conceived in the 1970s by a coalition led by the Junior League of Corpus Christi, the organization was first incorporated as the Gulf Coast Zoological and Botanical Society.
It became the Corpus Christi Aquarium Association in 1978 and, after the Texas Legislature designated it the “Official Aquarium of Texas” in 1986, adopted the name Texas State Aquarium Association. Despite the state designation, the Aquarium operates as a private nonprofit and does not receive state operating funds.
On July 6, 1990, the Texas State Aquarium opened to the public after more than two decades of fundraising, planning, and construction. It received federal authorization to operate a wildlife rehabilitation program in 1993, and earned Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation in 1995—a standard it has maintained ever since.
On May 13, 2017, the three-year Caribbean Journey expansion opened, effectively doubling exhibit space and adding the H-E-B Caribbean Sea (a 400,000-gallon shark habitat), a rainforest Caribbean Jungle aviary, and a 4D theater. The Aquarium is currently led by Jesse Gilbert, President & Chief Executive Officer.
Must-See Exhibits (What to Look For)
1. Caribbean Jungle
Step from the coast into the rainforest: warm air, filtered light, and the sounds of free-flying tropical birds above you. The elevated canopy path winds past flamingos, a two-toed sloth, and exhibits tucked under mangrove roots where you can peek at turtles, fish, and amphibians.
Keep an eye out for reptiles basking near the water’s edge and interpretive signs that connect this habitat to the real Maya Forest of Guatemala, Mexico, and Belize. It’s part of the Caribbean Journey expansion, so the transitions—from treetops to flooded forest to coastal shallows—feel natural and seamless.
Viewing tips: Look up (and down). Birds often perch over the path while freshwater fish cruise below the boardwalk windows. Late morning light is especially pretty in this atrium.
2. H-E-B Caribbean Sea
This is the Texas State Aquarium’s showstopper. A life-size Spanish galleon shipwreck anchors the habitat, with reef sharks, rays, and fast-moving schools of fish circling the timbers just as they would around real Caribbean wrecks.
Start at the 68-foot acrylic window to take in the full scene (it’s wide enough for sweeping family photos), then make your way into the walk-through tunnel for close encounters as sandbar sharks and rays glide overhead. If you time it right, you may catch a diver talk or a scheduled feeding—great moments to hear how the team cares for apex predators and why healthy reefs matter to the Gulf.
Viewing tips: Mornings tend to be calmer for photos; stand back a few steps from the glass to reduce glare. Kids love hunting for “ship details” (cannons, rope, crates) hidden among the coral and barrel sponges.
3. Dolphin Bay
Two perspectives, two experiences. Up top, an open-air amphitheater looks out over a 400,000-gallon, 12-foot-deep saltwater pool where Atlantic bottlenose dolphins—Shadow, Liko, Merlin, and Schooner—show off training and enrichment sessions during the daily DOLPHINS! presentations.
Trainers explain how husbandry behaviors (like presenting a flipper or opening a mouth) help with medical exams and long-term care. Down below, a 70-foot underwater window offers a quiet, mesmerizing view as the dolphins socialize, rest, or play with enrichment toys.
Viewing tips: Arrive a few minutes early for presentations to find shade and aisle seats. If you prefer a calmer moment, skip the show and visit the underwater gallery—crowds are lighter between scheduled sessions.
Stingray Lagoon & Touch Experiences
This is where curiosity meets conservation. At the 10,000-gallon open-top pool, educators coach you on the proper two-fingers-to-touch technique and explain how stingrays navigate, feed, and avoid predators in the wild.
You’ll typically meet cownose, Atlantic, and southern stingrays as they loop past the edge for a gentle, velvety pass. Depending on the day’s schedule, there may be short keeper talks, feedings, or pop-up programs (like “Saving Sharks”) that let kids examine teeth, jaw models, and research gear.
Viewing tips: Remove jewelry and secure sleeves above the elbow; keep hands low and flat just below the water’s surface. Hand-washing stations are nearby—use them after your touch session.
Whataburger 4D Theater
When little legs need a break, duck into the 4D theater for short, family-friendly films that layer 3D visuals with motion seats and light environmental effects. Shows rotate through the day, so you can use the theater as a cool-down between galleries or as a “carrot” for younger kids after a lap through the jungle and shark habitats.
Viewing tips: Check the daily showtimes near the entrance and plan around them. If anyone in your group is sensory-sensitive, you can request a stationary seat or skip effects—staff are happy to help.
Hours, Tickets, Dining & Accessibility
The Aquarium is typically open daily (seasonal variations and holiday hours apply). Buy tickets online on peak weekends or school holidays for the smoothest entry. On site you’ll find Pepsi Shoreline Grill for meals and Aqua Dolce for quick treats (popcorn, soft-serve, nachos, ICEEs). Elevators, ramps, and posted routes support guests with mobility needs; see the map and accessibility information before you go.
H-E-B Splash Park (seasonal) adds zero-depth water play; hours are limited and vary by season—confirm operating days before you pack swimsuits.
Getting There & Map
Set your GPS to 2710 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78402. You’re on North Beach, minutes from downtown and the convention center district. Use the Visitor Map to spot entrances, restrooms, dining, and the Rescue Center gallery before you arrive.
Make a Day of It: North Beach & USS Lexington
Make it a car-lite day: pair your visit with the USS Lexington Museum on the Bay (right next door), then stroll the North Beach boardwalk for food and views. Sunset over the bay is a solid way to end the itinerary.
When to Go & How Long to Stay
Weekends and school breaks are busiest—arrive at opening for lighter crowds or aim for late afternoon and stay to closing. Most families spend 3–4 hours to cover exhibits and presentations without rushing; add time if you’re including the Rescue Center, 4D films, or the splash park.
Responsible Visitor Tips
Stay behind railings at touch habitats and follow staff instructions; use handwashing stations after animal interactions; and consider rounding out your visit with a small donation or an adopt-an-animal gift, which directly supports rescue and conservation.
Quick FAQs
Is it really the biggest aquarium in Texas?
Yes—the Aquarium itself confirms it is the largest in Texas.
Can I see rescue work in action?
Often, yes, via the Rescue Center’s public gallery; operations can shift during active intakes or maintenance, so check day-of status.
Do I need to reserve in advance?
Not required most days, but online tickets are smart for weekends and holidays.
Where can we eat on site?
Shoreline Grill (meals) and Aqua Dolce (snacks/dessert) are inside the Aquarium.
