Albuquerque Aquarium

The Albuquerque Aquarium is a marine facility with large windows where visitors watch stingrays, sharks, sea turtles, and fish from Atlantic and Pacific coral reefs. The display spans multiple areas with different habitats, showing species from various depths and geographic regions.

The aquarium opened in 1996 as part of the ABQ BioPark complex. It developed alongside the neighboring zoo, botanical garden, and fishing lakes into a cultural center for the city.

The facility tells the story of the Rio Grande from a local perspective, showing how this river has shaped life in the region. Visitors experience a connection between the waters here and the ecosystems that extend downstream toward the Gulf of Mexico.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as there is considerable walking needed to explore the different areas. The best times to visit are early mornings or weekdays, when the facility is less crowded.

North American river otters are housed in specialized pools where they display their natural behaviors in freshwater settings. These animals are rarely seen in the wild, making this area a special attraction for visitors.

Location: New Mexico

Inception: December 5, 1996

Website: http://cabq.gov/biopark/aquarium

GPS coordinates: 35.09323,-106.67900

Latest update: December 12, 2025 09:06