Cool, dark galleries wind from the shallows out to open ocean, past kelp forests, coral, and a two-story tank where sharks and rays circle overhead. The sea lions hold the outdoor pools at the far end, and the touch pool sits at the center of it all — rays, sea stars, and urchins in water shallow enough for the smallest visitors to reach.

Much of the work here happens behind the glass: sea turtles rehabilitating from injury, breeding programs for species that are struggling in the wild, and research shared with aquariums around the world.

The Boathouse handles lunch, with windows over the water and a raw bar at the far end.