East Idaho Aquarium
Guest Blogger – East Idaho Adventures
Sitting with the rays at the East Idaho Aquarium in Idaho Falls→ is an exciting experience that you wouldn’t believe is in Idaho Falls, Idaho! If you’ve ever dreamed of getting up close and personal with rays, this is your chance—and it’s right here in East Idaho! The best part? You can actually sit in a shallow ray tank with these amazing creatures swimming all around you. It’s like being part of their world for a little while, and it’s an experience you won’t forget anytime soon.
Up Close and Personal with Rays
Picture this: you’re sitting in the water, and the rays are gliding all around you, brushing against you and cuddling close. It’s such a peaceful experience. Seeing these incredible creatures move so effortlessly through the water is mesmerizing.
One of the best parts? You get to feed the rays! The aquarium provides the food, and you’ll see the rays flock to you as soon as you start offering it. It’s amazing how the rays swim right up to you, almost as if they’re curious about you, too. They aren’t shy and will let you feed them and stroke their smooth backs. I had a special moment with a ray who just let me pet him as he floated there in front of me. Watching them is both calming and exciting, and it’s a fun way to connect with these awesome animals. You can learn a lot by watching them up close. You don’t even have to go to the ocean to experience it.
Starfish & More!
It’s not just about the rays! You also get a chance to hold the starfish. If you’ve never had the chance to touch a starfish before, it’s a unique experience. Their rough, bumpy texture is so different from what you might expect. It’s not every day you get to interact with these animals, so when you do, it’s a learning experience that sticks with you and to you. As you hold the starfish, they start to suction to your hand. Have you had that experience before?
The aquarium has a variety of other marine creatures to check out, too. You’ll see sea anemones, jellyfish, sharks, and lots of fish species. Each exhibit offers something new and interesting to explore, and the aquarium’s staff is often there to share fun facts about each animal. The aquarium is an interactive aquarium and has many exhibits where you can use tokens to feed the animals yourself!
Comfort and Ease
The East Idaho Aquarium makes it easy to enjoy. You don’t need to worry about bringing a bunch of gear—just bring a swimsuit, sandals, and a bag to put your dry clothes in. The aquarium provides everything else: towels, wetsuits (from kids’ sizes all the way to 3XL!), and food for the rays. After you’ve had your fun in the tank, you just change back into your regular clothes, return the wetsuit and towel to the front desk, and you’re all set.
The experience lasts about 10-20 minutes, which is the perfect amount of time to get to know the rays, feed them, and enjoy the peaceful vibe of the tank. Plus, the water is warm and relaxing.
Affordable Fun for Everyone
At just $30 per person, the ray encounter is a super affordable way to get a one-of-a-kind experience. If you’re an aquarium VIP member, the encounter may be included in your annual pass, depending on how many people are in your family. It’s a great deal considering how unique and memorable the experience is. Plus, the aquarium makes it so easy for everyone to get involved, whether you’re a kid, a family with little ones, or an adult just looking for something cool to do. The ray encounter only allows two people at a time in the ray tank. This is to not overwhelm the rays. You can book the encounter back-to-back however and hang out by the tank. You’ll probably want someone to record the experience for you anyway!Â
It’s not every day you get the chance to sit with rays, so this is a rare opportunity that’s well worth the price. You get the chance to experience something special, learn about marine life, and just have fun. It’s the kind of thing that’s perfect for family outings or even a fun solo adventure. There are many animal interactions you can book at the aquarium. Would you love to have the chance to swim with sharks? You can do that and more at the East Idaho Aquarium! You may want to go to the aquarium a few times to experience it all.Â
Here is a short video of our experience with the rays!
Why East Idaho is Lucky to Have This
Living in East Idaho, it’s easy to forget how lucky we are to have an attraction like the East Idaho Aquarium right here in our backyard. It might seem like this kind of experience is only for people living near the ocean, but thanks to the aquarium, we get to have this kind of marine life encounter. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, it’s something you definitely don’t want to miss.
Not only is the experience fun, but the aquarium also does a fantastic job of educating visitors about the importance of ocean conservation. Getting up close with these animals helps create a sense of connection and responsibility, and it’s a great reminder of how important it is to protect marine life and their habitats.
Ready to Dive In?
If you’re ready to check out this awesome experience for yourself, all you need to do is go to this link https://eastidahoaquarium.com/animal-encounters/→ and book the encounter! Whether you’re planning a family outing, a fun date, or just something unique to do on a weekend, sitting with the rays is sure to be an adventure you’ll never forget.
Grab your swimsuit, your sandals, and your sense of adventure—and head over to the East Idaho Aquarium for a fun-filled, interactive experience you won’t find anywhere else in the area. The rays are waiting for you, and trust me, you won’t want to miss this!
Lisa Jones
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