Newport Aquarium sits inside the Newport on the Levee entertainment complex in Newport, Kentucky, directly across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati. Opened on May 1, 1999, the aquarium quickly became one of the region’s top family attractions, drawing visitors through five acrylic tunnels that let guests walk beneath sharks, rays, and other marine life circling overhead.
The facility spans 70 exhibits across 14 themed galleries, holding roughly 1 million gallons of water and housing around 20,000 animals representing more than 90 species. Newport Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and, in 2007, became the first aquarium in the world to successfully breed shark rays, a milestone that reflected its growing role in marine conservation and research.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Newport, Kentucky (Cincinnati metro area)
- Opened: May 1, 1999
- Size: About 1,000,000 gallons of water across 70 exhibits and 14 galleries
- Species: More than 90 species, around 20,000 animals
- Annual visitors: Not officially disclosed; nearly 20 million total guests since its 1999 opening
- Famous for: First aquarium to successfully breed shark rays; home to Snowflake, a rare albino alligator
Inside the Exhibits
Newport Aquarium’s signature feature is its network of acrylic underwater tunnels, totaling more than 200 feet in length, which let visitors walk directly beneath sharks and other large marine animals. Galleries cover a wide range of ecosystems, from coastal shark habitats to touch pools and penguin displays, giving guests close encounters across dozens of themed spaces.
The aquarium is also home to Snowflake, a female albino American alligator measuring about six feet long and weighing nearly 95 pounds. Albino alligators are exceptionally rare in the wild, with fewer than 100 known to exist worldwide, making Snowflake one of the aquarium’s most recognizable residents.
Tickets and Planning Your Visit
Newport Aquarium runs on a timed-entry, plan-ahead pricing model for general admission: guests select an entry window when they book, and ticket cost can shift depending on the date and how busy that day is expected to be. Booking online further in advance typically costs less than buying at the gate, and hourly capacity is limited, so reserving ahead is strongly recommended for weekends, holidays, and summer visits when popular time slots can sell out. Tickets can be printed at home or shown on a mobile device, and children under 2 are admitted free every day.
For frequent visitors, Newport Aquarium offers tiered annual memberships (Silver, Gold, and Platinum), each adding more perks such as discounts on food and souvenirs, bring-a-friend free days, free parking vouchers, and reservation-free entry at the higher tiers. Families with young children can also check for seasonal free or discounted Pre-K membership promotions. Because pricing, hours, and offers change throughout the year, it’s worth checking Newport Aquarium’s official admissions page directly before finalizing a trip.
Explore more: Explore more zoos and aquariums.
Newport Aquarium FAQs
Where is Newport Aquarium located?
Newport Aquarium is located in Newport, Kentucky, inside the Newport on the Levee complex, directly across the Ohio River from downtown Cincinnati.
Do I need to buy Newport Aquarium tickets in advance?
Yes. Newport Aquarium uses timed-entry, plan-ahead pricing with limited hourly capacity, so booking online ahead of your visit is recommended, particularly on weekends and holidays. Children under 2 are admitted free.
Does Newport Aquarium offer annual memberships?
Yes, Newport Aquarium offers tiered annual memberships (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) with benefits like discounts, bring-a-friend free days, and reservation-free entry at higher tiers, plus seasonal Pre-K membership promotions for young children.
What is Newport Aquarium known for?
It’s known for its walk-through acrylic shark tunnels, being the first aquarium to successfully breed shark rays, and housing Snowflake, a rare albino American alligator.
Get More from Newport Aquarium
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Newport Aquarium, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.
Photo: yvonne n from willowick, usa / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.