@movernie
The Visit Baltimore Tourism provided me with a complimentary digital Media Pass during my visit, which gave me access to 9 different museum, art galleries and including the Baltimore National Aquarium (National Aquarium).
I decided to check out the National Aquarium as I know it’s one of the best in the United States, plus, it’s located right at the heart of the famous harbour and just a short 5-minute walk from my Baltimore Marriott Waterfront Hotel.
I went to the Will Call and presented with my digital media pass and the knowledgeable staff printed out a hardcopy ticket so I can show to the staff at the entrance. (Note: I seen some other guests use the QR Code to enter, so there are various ways to get into the Aquarium).
I guess it was during the weekday and during summer time, I saw many families and with exciting kids around to check out the various exhibits on display. I also noticed some big groups of kids with instructors or teachers guiding them to the 2nd floor.
After successfully presented the staff with a ticket, they recommended people to stand in front of the camera for photo opportunities. Then they handed me with a QR voucher, I guess I can show it to the Photo Store to identify my photo for purchase but that’s totally optional.
This aquarium has multi-floors, the first thing that greeted me was a big open jaw showing the shark’s fossil teeth. Guests can stand behind it and take photos.
There were so many different exhibitions to explore throughout the entire main building. There was also a smaller building that is connected to the main building for more displays.
The first thing I saw was the big aquarium featuring the sharks, sting rays, fishes and other sea creatures. I could smell the aquarium water. This reminds me of the similar setup at the Ripley’s Aquarium back in Toronto, Canada.
I did noticed that most of the exhibits have relatively dark corridors, hallways, I guess it’s to put a more spotlights on the sea creatures display and in the real ocean, the sea is darker at the bottom and not affect as much on the sea animals as you don’t want to put lots of lights on them if their habitats don’t have that much sunlight shining thru the water.
There were so many cool exhibits with themes such as the rainforest, coral reefs, beaches and other specific categories.
I personally luv sea horses and find them fascinating.
At this National Aquarium, my favourite display was the cute giant turtles, the glass was super clear and you could see them swimming underneath the water yet with their nose above water for breathing. The lighting was perfect for me to capture this particular photo, which I think it’s one of my favourite photography during this trip.
Another favourite section of mine was when I walked from the top of the building and slowly descent down to the bottom of the building, as I descend by walking down the ramps, it stretched for a few floors of the building, as I walked down, I could see the giant aquarium. I stopped here and there to see where all the sea creatures were swimming to. You could see some sharks prefer to swim at the bottom of the aquarium and some fishes such as the Fugu fishes prefer somewhere in the middle. You could take your time there walking slowly down the ramp and really enjoy the various sea creatures in the aquarium.
And before you exit, if you want to purchase some merchandise, there is a merch store with tons of souvenirs that you can buy.
Here are some of the highlights of my experience at the Baltimore National Aquarium. If you never been, I highly recommend it especially if you have kids who will appreciate the wildlife and learn more about the conservation of habitats and the ocean.
Baltimore National Aquarium – Baltimore, Maryland, USA
Website
Address: 501 E Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21202, United States
Opened: August 8, 1981
Phone: +1 410-576-3800
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Bk5UUerxLgL7J5zc9
