New Orleans: Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium Ticket

If you’re planning a visit to New Orleans and love discovering fascinating marine and insect life, the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium offer a comprehensive experience that strikes a balance between education and entertainment. With a reputation for being one of the top five aquariums in the U.S. and a vibrant insectarium, this combined ticket provides access to some of the most engaging attractions in the city.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the chance to see over 3,600 animals from more than 250 species—and not just from a distance. You’ll get hands-on opportunities like touching stingrays and sharks, which truly elevates the visit from a typical aquarium tour. However, the fact that some reviews mention parking challenges and the need to organize your timing might be worth considering when planning your day.

This tour caters well to families, wildlife enthusiasts, and curious travelers who want a full day of discovery without breaking the bank. Whether you’re traveling with kids or simply want to see a different side of New Orleans’ natural world, the combination of aquariums, insect exhibits, and optional zoo visits makes for a rich and rewarding experience.

Key Points

• Skip-the-line tickets save valuable time, especially during busy days.
• Over 3,600 animals across 250 species provide a diverse and engaging experience.
• Interactive exhibits like the touch pool with sharks and stingrays enhance engagement.
• Combo options allow savings on additional attractions like the Audubon Zoo.
• Educational programs deepen understanding of marine and insect life.
• Wheelchair accessibility and stroller-friendly pathways make it inclusive for all visitors.

What to Expect at the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium

This combined ticket unlocks access to two of New Orleans’ most interesting wildlife attractions, both conveniently located near the French Quarter. Let’s break down what you’ll encounter at each.

The Audubon Aquarium

The centerpiece of your visit is the state-of-the-art, AZA-accredited aquarium. It’s renowned for its innovative exhibits and the variety of aquatic life on display. You’ll start by entering from the riverfront side, which offers a scenic view of the Mississippi River—a nice touch for setting the mood.

Once inside, you’re greeted with a journey through the waters that define the region. The aquarium’s main highlights include:

• The Caribbean and Amazon Rainforest exhibits: These sections showcase lush plant life, vibrant birds, and aquatic species like piranhas and pacus. We loved how these exhibits felt like stepping into another world, thanks to the realistic habitats and engaging displays.

• The Great Maya Reef tunnel: Spanning 30 feet, this glass walkway offers a 180-degree view of the reef, with hundreds of fish swimming overhead. It’s a favorite for many visitors, as one reviewer noted, “You get to see aquatic creatures of all shapes and sizes swimming through the reef habitat.”

• Shark and stingray touch pool: For many, the highlight is the opportunity to touch sharks and stingrays. The staff are friendly and knowledgeable, explaining safety procedures and species details. One visitor shared, “I pet multiple stingrays, and it totally made my day.”

• The Gulf of Mexico habitat: Holding around 450,000 gallons, this is the largest exhibit. It’s impressive to see such a vast ecosystem in one place, home to many endangered species.

Other features include penguins and rare white alligators, which are crowd favorites. The exhibits are thoughtfully designed to mimic natural environments, making the experience both visually stunning and educational.

The Audubon Insectarium and Butterfly Garden

Adjacent to the aquarium, the Insectarium offers a surprising twist. It’s more than just bugs; it’s a lively, interactive space where you can learn about insects in a fun way. The Butterfly Garden is a serene spot, filled with colorful butterflies fluttering freely among lush greenery.

Expect to see exhibits that highlight the importance of insects in ecosystems, as well as some unexpected displays like giant beetles and other fascinating bugs. Reviewers have appreciated the fact that the insectarium offers a different perspective on nature, especially for kids who love creepy crawlies.

Combining Attractions and Saving Money

The ticket options include combo upgrades to visit the Audubon Zoo and Insectarium. This flexibility allows you to tailor the experience to your interests and makes for significant savings. For example, visiting both the aquarium and zoo can be a full-day adventure, especially since all tickets are valid for five days from the purchase date.

Practical Aspects of Your Visit

Getting into the attractions is straightforward with skip-the-ticket-line entry, which is a huge plus during busy weekends or holidays. The experience is designed to be wheelchair accessible and stroller-friendly, although larger wagons are not permitted.

Opening hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last entry at 4:30 p.m., meaning you have plenty of time to explore at a relaxed pace. It’s advisable to plan your visit early to avoid parking challenges, as some reviewers mentioned difficulties finding convenient parking nearby.

Authentic Insights from Visitors

Many reviewers have spoken highly of the knowledgeable guides and staff, who make the experience more memorable. One user, Laurie, mentioned, “My 15-year-old and I enjoyed a nice self-paced tour,” highlighting the flexibility of the exhibits.

Others appreciated the stunning views and interactive options, like Julie who said, “I got to pet multiple stingrays and it totally made my day.” This hands-on approach is what elevates the visit from simply viewing to actively engaging with the animals and insects.

A few minor drawbacks were noted, such as parking being challenging or technical issues like difficulty scanning tickets—a reminder to arrive early or double-check your tickets before heading in.

Analyzing the Value

At $44 per person, the ticket price is reasonable given the number of exhibits and the inclusion of skip-the-line access. When you factor in the opportunity to interact with animals, see rare species, and enjoy educational programs, it offers good value—especially if you upgrade to include other attractions like the zoo or insectarium.

For families, this experience offers a balanced mix of fun and learning, with enough variety to keep kids engaged. For wildlife lovers, the diversity of species and the chance to learn from knowledgeable staff make it worthwhile.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This ticket package is ideal for travelers seeking a family-friendly and educational day in New Orleans. It’s perfect for those interested in marine life, insects, or simply looking for an engaging indoor activity—especially during inclement weather or when looking to escape the heat.

If you value interactive exhibits and want to avoid long lines, the skip-the-line tickets are a smart choice. The combination options make it easy to extend your adventure to other nearby attractions, providing excellent value.

While parking can be a hassle, the overall experience is highly rated for its stunning displays, knowledgeable staff, and variety of species. It’s a solid pick for anyone wanting a full, enriching day exploring the natural world right in the heart of New Orleans.

FAQs

Is this ticket valid for multiple attractions?
Yes, the ticket is valid for five days, allowing you to visit the aquarium, insectarium, and optional zoo at your own pace within that period.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
Yes, purchasing skip-the-line tickets in advance guarantees entry and saves you time, especially during busy seasons.

Are there options to visit other attractions?
Yes, you can upgrade to include tickets for the Audubon Zoo and Insectarium. These combo tickets offer savings compared to individual prices.

Can I get a refund if I change my plans?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Is the attraction suitable for children?
Absolutely. Children enjoy the interactive touch pools, colorful exhibits, and the Butterfly Garden. Children under 2 are free.

What are the opening hours?
All attractions open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last entry 30 minutes before closing.

Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
Yes, the aquarium and insectarium are wheelchair accessible, and strollers are permitted if within size limits.

What about parking?
Parking can be challenging, so arriving early or considering nearby parking options is recommended.

Are there food options available?
Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price, and outside food is not allowed inside the attractions.

Can I buy tickets on the day of my visit?
While same-day tickets are often available, booking in advance ensures you secure your preferred time slot and skip the lines.

Exploring New Orleans’ aquatic and insect worlds through the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium offers a memorable, educational, and fun experience perfect for a variety of travelers. With thoughtful exhibits, interactive opportunities, and flexible options, it’s a day well spent for those eager to see the natural wonders close up.