Marine Mammal Pavilion
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
The Marine Mammal Pavilion, described as a 'huge Aquarium' and part of the National Aquarium in downtown Baltimore, is highly praised for its engaging marine life displays, especially the dolphins, sharks, and a 'very well done' jellyfish exhibit. Despite current inconsistencies or discontinuation of formal dolphin shows, visitors still find it 'worth the money' due to the opportunity to observe dolphins interacting with trainers during practice. It offers a 'great family time' and is considered 'exciting for all ages'.
Key Highlights
- ✓Opportunity to observe 4-6 dolphins interacting closely with trainers, practicing tricks, which reviewers describe as 'almost like getting a show anyway'.
- ✓Excellent and 'very well done' jellyfish exhibit that is described as 'beautiful'.
- ✓Breathtaking sharks and a 'rain forest' section contribute to an 'excellent experience'.
- ✓Large viewing area with 'lots of seating' surrounding a 'massive marine mammal tank', designed for 'great views anywhere you're sitting'.
- ✓Designated 'splash zones' available for visitors who enjoy an immersive, wet experience.
- ✓On-site cafe provides quick service, reasonable portion sizes for the prices, and available tables even during busy periods.
Standout Features
- ⭐The massive marine mammal tank provides an impressive habitat for the dolphins.
- ⭐Handicap accessibility is available, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.
- ⭐Well-designed layout ensures 'great views' from any seating position in the audience.
- ⭐The unique experience of watching trainers practice various tricks with dolphins up close.
- ⭐The 'very well done' jellyfish exhibit stands out as a significant highlight.
- ⭐Convenient on-site cafe with reasonable food options and efficient service.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Manage expectations regarding dolphin shows; be prepared that formal shows may not be offered, but you can still observe trainers practicing with dolphins.
- →Pay attention to signs in the first few rows indicating 'splash zones' if you wish to avoid getting wet.
- →Be aware that educational commentary about dolphins might be limited due to the absence of formal shows and available staff.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Inconsistent and unclear information regarding the availability of dolphin shows; multiple reviews state shows are 'no longer offering' or 'no longer have', creating confusion for visitors.
- ⚠Inability to speak with staff in the area to clarify if the absence of shows is temporary or permanent.
- ⚠Lack of educational information displayed around the exhibit about dolphins in general, or specific dolphins, especially noted since trainers are not giving educational shows.
Price & Value
The overall experience is considered 'worth the money' by visitors. The on-site cafe offers food with 'reasonable' portion sizes for the prices, indicating fair value for dining within the venue.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Handicap accessibility is available in the pavilion area.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •An on-site cafe is available, offering reasonably priced food with good portion sizes and quick service. No information on outside food policies is provided.
🚗Parking Info
- •Not specified, but location as part of the National Aquarium in downtown Baltimore implies paid city parking options, likely garages, as is typical for urban attractions.
👥Crowd Levels
- •The cafe was observed to be 'busy, but there were tables available', suggesting moderate but manageable crowd levels within the venue.
🛡️Safety Features
- •Signage is used to clearly mark 'splash zones' in the first few rows, advising visitors if they wish to avoid getting wet.
⏰When to Avoid
- • If your primary expectation is a traditional, structured dolphin show with extensive educational commentary, as these appear to be largely discontinued or inconsistently available.
- • If you require immediate clarification or detailed information from staff about specific exhibits, as staff may be busy and unavailable.
Pricing/Package/Events
Pricing & Packages
Family Sunrise Tour
$95 Per PersonTour of the Atlantic Coral Reef before opening hours.
Includes:
- •Atlantic Coral Reef access
VR Experiences (Dolphin Discovery)
$8 Per PersonVirtual reality experience with a Dolphin Discovery theme.
Includes:
- •Virtual reality experience
- •Dolphin Discovery theme
Shark: A 4D Experience®
Additional FeeA 4D movie experience featuring sharks.
Includes:
- •4D movie in the 4D Theater
Insider's Tour
$60-$70 Per PersonExperience the Aquarium like never before with behind-the-scenes access.
Includes:
- •Behind-the-scenes access
Animal Care and Rescue Center Tour
$45 Per PersonTour of the Animal Care and Rescue Center.
Includes:
- •Opportunity to meet experts
Aquarium Sleepover
$125 Per PersonAn overnight experience at the Aquarium.
Includes:
- •Behind-the-scenes exploration
- •Animal encounters
Shark Behind-the-Scenes Tour
$50-$65 Per PersonBehind-the-scenes tour focused on sharks.
Includes:
- •Behind-the-scenes access to shark exhibits
Dolphin Tour
$55-$65 Per PersonAn experience to come face to face with dolphins.
Includes:
- •Dolphin encounter
Events & Schedule
Special Events(Last 2 months - Next 6 months)
Member Evening
Thursday
Special evening event for members.
First Saturday
Monthly
Monthly event held on the first Saturday.
📅Booking Policy
- • Timed entry to tours and experiences is available.
- • Activities and events are subject to change without notice.
Photos
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 3 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Can get crowded during peak times (mentioned in 2 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Karen
a year agoSuper excited to be able to see the dolphins 🐬 they are so beautiful! First time visiting this huge Aquarium is worth the money to be able to be able to see all this beautiful undersea creatures. From sharks to jelly fish to rain forest, excellent experience. Great family time 🥰🥰
Courtney Valdes
a year agoSo, when we arrived at the Marine Mammal Pavillion to see the dolphins, the entrance had a sign posted saying they were no longer offering any dolphine shows. I didn't get a picture of the sign, and unfortunately, I was unable to speak to anyone working in that area as they were all busy at that time, but I'm still unclear if this is a temporary situation or if its a permanent change. The area is very large - lots of seating surrounding the massive marine mammal tank, with splash zones and handicap accessibility. The way the layout is designed allows for great views anywhere you're sitting in the audience. Even though they were not offering any dolphin shows, we did get to see about 4-6 different dolphins interacting with a few trainers during our time there. The trainers were practicing different tricks with them all for quite some time, so it was almost like getting a show anyway, lol. It was so awesome to be able to observe these beautiful animals up close and get to watch them practice various tricks and swim around. I would definitely come back to visit them again, whether or not they're still offering shows. It's definitely worth a visit! The only reason I'm giving this a 4* instead of 5* is because I feel like there was not enough clarity on the dolphin shows. I would have liked being able to ask someone there that day, but like I said earlier, I was unable to. I would have also appreciated the experience more had there been some more information displayed around the area about dolphins in general, and maybe even about those specific ones we got to see in person, since the trainers are no longer giving shows and educating the public. I had a great time otherwise, I would have just liked learning more about dolphins and the exhibit itself.
Ellie
a year agoThis section of the aquarium was really great. The dolphins were fun to see, the cafe was busy, but there were tables available, and the food didn't take very long, and the portion sizes were reasonable for the prices. The best part, though, was the jellyfish exhibit! It was very well done.
Stephanie Jones
a year agoThe aquarium is exciting for all ages. The various types of jellyfish were beautiful. Also, the sharks were breathtaking. Unfortunately, they no longer have the dolphin show but you are able to watch the dolphins swim around. It was truly a fun day.
Andrea Grumbles (cat)
5 years agoThis is in the second half of the National Aquarium in downtown Baltimore. This pavilion has shows in for the dolphins. In the first few rows are splash zones so pay attention to the signs if you do not want to get splashed. There is also a jellyfish exhibit here. It is a beautiful place. I recommended for anyone who loves aquariums, dolphins, and jellyfish.