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Frequently Asked Questions
General Aquarium Questions
Where is Underwater Adventures Aquarium located?
Underwater Adventures is located beneath the Mall of America at 120 East Broadway, Bloomington, MN 55425
Where should I park?
The best place to park is level one on the east side of the mall between Bloomingdale’s and Sears. The entrance to Underwater Adventures Aquarium is on the first floor next to the Rotunda.
Is Underwater Adventures Aquarium difficult to find if I don’t park on the east side?
No. Walk to the east side of Mall of America, and if you are on the 2nd, 3rd or 4th levels simply take the east elevators down to level one. Underwater Adventures Aquarium has large Seahorse pillars and signage to greet you upon your arrival.
Can I buy tickets in advance?
Yes. You may purchase tickets online at www.sharky.tv under the “Visit Us” scroll down menu.
You may also purchase group tickets (for groups of 10 or more people) by calling our group sales office at 952.853.0612
Is Underwater Adventures wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Yes. You may access our ticketing level by elevator located on the first floor near our main entrance.
Do you have any special events coming up?
Absolutely! Please visit our “Plan Your Visit” section of our website under “Visit Us” on our homepage and take a look at our animal feeding schedule!
What will I see when I visit Underwater Adventures Aquarium?
You will be amazed by the species of fish we have in our 1.2 million gallon aquarium! With over 5,000 sea creatures you will see everything from freshwater stingrays and four-foot alligator gar to 350-pound sea turtles, 9 foot sharks and Jellyfish!
Memberships
Annual Memberships
How do I update my contact Info or e-mail address?
Two ways! You can either come to our Box Office and one of our Staff can enter your new information OR send an email to our Membership E-Mail. members@minnesotaaquarium.com
Which Membership category is best for me?
We currently have three different membership categories:
Single – includes one named adult
Dual – includes two named adults
Family – includes two named adults and up to four named kids in the same household. Don’t Forget! You can always add an additional named adult for $15/year or an additional child for $10/year.
Can I upgrade my Membership?
You can always upgrade your Membership to a higher category and just pay the difference!
Can I purchase a Membership as a GIFT for someone else?
Yes! You can purchase a Membership Gift Certificate for any category at the Box Office or if you know the correct information you can purchase the Membership and have it activated the SAME DAY!
When is the Members Express! lane open?
Our Members Express! lane is open during PEAK hours (Friday night-Sunday and Summer days every day!)
Can I bring a Guest to Member events?
Some events are Members Only! events. Other events, Members are encouraged to invite a Guest! Be sure to check or contact us with any questions. membership@minnesotaaquarium.com
How long does it take to receive my Membership Cards?
Our Member cards are printed at the Box Office with your picture (taken that day!) and can only be picked up by you. We can print your cards when you purchase your Membership or at your earliest convincence. We do not mail Membership Cards.
Can I use my Membership without my card?
Yes! Just bring a photo ID with you. We can look up your information in our database!
What if I lose my Membership Card?
We can reprint your Membership Card at the Box Office with a replacement fee.
Can I change the names on my Membership?
Names can be changed at the time of Renewal and only by the Primary Contact.
What if I have other questions?
If you contact us via phone, please include as much detail as you can such as your specific question, full name, a contact phone number, primary e-mail address, and if you can, your Membership Number. This will help us to speed things along for you and prevent any delays. We will always respond within five business days.
Membership Hotline: 952.853.0622
Membership E-mail: membership@minnesotaaquarium.com
Extreme Adventures
Birthday Parties
Which birthday party package is best for my birthday child?
We have three birthday party packages. The Standard Party package is recommended for any child between the ages of 0-3 years old. The Deluxe Party Package is recommended for any child between the ages of 4-12 years old and the Extreme Party Package is recommended for any child 9 years of age or older.
What is included in the Birthday Party Packages?
Each Birthday Party Package includes a decorated private party room, a party coordinator, a ocean themed birthday cake, birthday candles, beverages, plates, forks, a gift for the birthday child, self-guided activities, and a guided tour through the aquarium.
The Deluxe Birthday Party Package also includes a Behind-the-Scenes tour, a commemorative photo for the birthday child, Shark Tooth Necklaces for each child, live animals for the kids to touch and a souvenir guidebook for each person.
The Extreme Birthday Party Package also includes snorkeling for up to 8 people, a commemorative photo for the birthday child and a souvenir guidebook for each person.
Are their add-on options?
Yes.
$30 - Pinata $50 - Mascot Sharky Visit (30 minutes)
$5 each - Plush Stuffed Sharky $20 additional - ½ Sheet Cake additional
$45 additional - Full Sheet Cake
$10 each - Nickelodeon Universe 2-hour Unlimited Ride Wristband
Add Pizza or Subway sandwiches for an additional charge
Sleep with the Sharks
What is a tunnel overnight?
Bring your sleeping bag and join us for a 14-hour adventure that includes a guided aquarium tour, a Behind-the-Scenes exclusive tour, hands on educational activities, a pizza party, breakfast in the morning and a night of sleeping in the tunnel with fish swimming overhead!
Should we bring a sleeping bag?
Yes. We will provide each guest with a 1” sleeping mat. Please bring with you a pillow and sleeping bag. Mattresses and cots are not allowed.
Do I have to attend the sleep over with my child?
We recommend 1 adult with every 10 children. Please call group sales with further questions 952.853.0612
Should I make advanced reservations?
We recommend calling 45 days in advance as this program fills up quickly.
Snorkel with the Fishes
Are the fish friendly?
Absolutely! If you spend enough time around our fish you’ll learn they have personalities all there own. We have curious puffer fish, timid clownfish, active and sociable cownose stringrays and more! Come check it out for yourself!
Will I have fun if I have never snorkeled before?
Yep! Our trained staff will spend time instructing you on how to use your mask, fins and snorkel. They will also educate you on the animals you will be swimming with and give you a tour of the tank prior to jumping in. We want to make sure you feel comfortable in the water before you get in so feel free to ask lots of questions.
What is the temperature of the water?
This saltwater tank is 82 degrees; we will provide you with an exposure suit to keep you comfortable for your ½ hour swim. The salt in the water will also keep you very buoyant, floating is not a problem for anyone in this tank.
Can I bring my own snorkel equipment?
Yes.
Can I bring an underwater camera?
Yes. However, you are responsible for your own film equipment. Please note that Underwater Adventures Aquarium is not liable for damages to your video or still camera during the snorkel program.
SCUBA with the Sharks
How long does the program last?
Our two-exhibit dive program is 3.5 hours long and includes a Behind-the-Scenes tour, dive safety briefing, a dive in Fisherman’s Hollow - freshwater, surface interval with snacks and beverages, and a dive in Shark Cove - saltwater exhibit.
Our single exhibit dive program is 2 hours and 45 minutes long and includes a Behind-the-Scenes tour, dive safety briefing, and a dive in Fisherman’s Hollow - Freshwater
Can we bring our own gear?
Yes. Underwater Adventures Aquarium will provide air tanks, weight belt and weights only. Please call for a list of area dive shops that offer discounts on rental gear for our SCUBA program. 952.853.0610
What will I see and do?
In Fisherman’s Hollow you will experience a hands, interactive dive. You will enjoy hand feeding our sturgeon, swimming next to 4 foot alligator gar, getting up close and personal with a paddle fish (considered a living fossil), and swim along side muskie, walleye, long & short-nose gar, crappie, catfish, carpe, bass and more!
In Sharks Cove you’ll feel a rush of excitement when you enter the world of the deep. You’ll be diving with sea turtles, sawfish, guitarfish, white and black tip reef shark, nurse sharks, sand tiger sharks, wobbegong sharks and much more! In Sharks Cove you will also have the opportunity to look for and take home as many shark teeth as you can find!
What type of wetsuit do your recommend?
We recommend a 5mm – 7mm wetsuit. Fisherman’s Hollow is 68-72 degrees and Sharks Cove is around 78 degrees.
Can I bring an underwater camera?
Yes. However, you are responsible for your own diving equipment. Please note that Underwater Adventures Aquarium is not liable for damages to your video or still camera during the dive program.
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