Express Entry and Early Entry
Visitors with special needs and their parties may purchase tickets at the Members’/Accessible entrance and gain immediate entry to the Aquarium, thereby avoiding the chance of a wait if tickets are purchased at the main ticket center.
The First Saturdays and First Sundays program allows all visitors with disabilities and their guests to enter 30 minutes before the Aquarium opens the first Saturday and the first Sunday of each month, for a leisurely, crowd-free visit. Tickets are available at the Members’/Accessible entrance on the ground level.
Services for Visitors With Hearing Loss
Deaf Awareness Days
The Aquarium celebrates two Deaf Awareness Day events, every spring and fall. During these events, sign language interpreters are onsite to narrate public presentations, dolphin shows, exhibit dives, and animal encounters. » Get more information about this year's events.
Audio Induction Loop and Assistive Listening Devices
If you have t-switch capabilities, an induction loop is available in specially marked seating for the dolphin show. Anyone whose hearing aid is not equipped with a t-switch may obtain a receiver from the ticket taker at the entrance to the dolphin show in the Pier 4 Pavilion.
An assistive listening system is available in the 4-D Immersion Theater. Please ask a theater attendant for a headset prior to seating.
Presentation Scripts
Printed scripts for all public presentations, including Our Ocean Planet: The New Dolphin Show, animal feedings, and encounters, can be obtained at the information desk in the Level 1 lobby. A script for the 4-D film can be picked up at the Immersion Theater entrance from the theater attendant.
Interpreters
An interpreter who is accompanying a visitor who is deaf or hard of hearing in order to interpret for that deaf visitor is admitted free. During Deaf Awareness Days, interpreters take part in public presentations. With two weeks' advance notice, interpreters are available upon request. For more information, contact the special customer liaison.
TTY Phones
A public TTY phone is located off of the lobby of the main Aquarium. All public phones are equipped with amplification mechanisms.
TTY Phone Line
Visitors may contact the Aquarium on the TTY line at 410-727-3022.
Services for Visitors With Vision Loss
Audio Wireless Tour
An audio wireless tour highlighting exhibits and providing directional information allows visitors who are blind vastly improved access to the Aquarium’s exhibits. The unobtrusive audio device consists of a receiver, no larger than a cell phone, and an earpiece. Once wearing the device, a guest can travel, in any order, among 22 audio stations positioned throughout the Pier 3 Pavilion and the Pier 4 Pavilion. This device can be picked up from the stroller check with deposit of photo identification.
Braille Tour
A Braille tour of the main Aquarium is available at the information desk in the lobby of the Aquarium.
Touch Bag and Hands-on Experiences
A touch bag of tactile items representing animals in the exhibits is available to borrow from the stroller check. Additionally, there are many hands-on experiences throughout the Aquarium. Many of the Education staff’s presentations and carts in the galleries have interactive elements that encourage touching animals and objects; check out the digital message boards for presentation times. Staff are also present throughout the galleries to give detailed descriptions of the exhibits.
Groups and Tour Guides
Groups of special needs visitors may be eligible for a reduced admission rate; find out by contacting Central Reservations and begin the booking process at least three weeks in advance. Please inform the reservationist of any special needs of your group or special requests at the time you schedule the tour. Call 410-576-3833 or click here to learn about groups.
Specially trained guides can be provided to accompany your group with two weeks' advance notice. An interpreter accompanying a visitor who is deaf or hard of hearing, or blind or low-vision who is attending in order to interpret for that visitor may be admitted free of charge with prior arrangements. For more information, contact the special customer liaison prior to your visit.
