Oregon Coast Aquarium Upcoming Events

Giant Pacific Octopus Encounter

Tue, 29 May 2012 12:00:00 -0700

Are you a sucker for the spineless? Go behind-the-scenes on a popular encounter to shake our octopus's hand... er, suckers. Learn about the exciting life of one of the most intelligent invertebrates on this planet!

Spineless... And Spectacular!

Octopuses live along the rocky shores and in tide pools, where they prowl the ocean bottom in search of crab, scallops, clams and other crustaceans. Their soft bodies are extremely flexible, allowing the animal to squeeze in and out of even the narrowest crevice. Their venomous parrot-like beak and the ability to eject ink into the water to blind other animals are some of the octopus’s most effective defensive and predatory tools. Perhaps just as effective, however, is the animal’s intelligence and adaptability. Although it was assumed for years that octopuses were unintelligent creatures, recent studies have demonstrated the animal’s ability to use simple tools, identify individuals, navigate mazes and access both long- and short-term memories. You can learn more about the Giant Pacific Octopus by clicking here.

How to Register

Pre-registration is required. Minimum of two participants and maximum of eight. Participants must be at least eight years or older and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a paying adult over 21 years of age. Call 541-867-3474 or purchase online. Full payment is required at the time of booking. In order to be provided a full refund or to be given the opportunity to select a different program date, please provide us with 48 hours notice if you can not participate in your scheduled program. Forty-eight hours notice will be provided if the program needs to be canceled.

Groups leave promptly at the appointed time. No refunds are issued for late arrivals or "no shows."

Click here to buy tickets online.

Behind The Scenes Tour

Tue, 29 May 2012 13:30:00 -0700

How do you work with a slimy Pacific Hagfish, a five-hundred pound California Sea Lion and a quirky, charismatic Tufted Puffin? Travel behind the scenes with us to explore the ins and outs of caring for over 20,000 animals everyday. You’ve walked through the Passages of the Deep tunnels, now see what’s above the water and discover how Aquarium staff feed, train and support these amazing ocean dwellers.

Tours are 30 minutes in duration. Participants must be at least 6 years of age and minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Sea Lion Kisses

Tue, 29 May 2012 14:30:00 -0700

No trip to the Aquarium is complete without a fishy kiss from a sea lion! Take a trip behind the scenes and meet one of our furry friends and get a memory you will never forget. Make sure to bring your camera!

This is a short, 15-minute program. For a more in-depth look at California Sea Lions, we suggest you consider our hour-long Sea Lion Encounter program.

Ages 8 and up. Maximum number of participants per encounter: 10

To make your reservation, call (541) 867-3474; or reserve with our admissions staff on the day of your visit (if availability allows). Groups leave promptly at the appointed time. No refunds are issued for late arrivals or "no shows."

California Sea Lions on the Oregon Coast:

California Sea Lions generally stay close to shore and it is rare to find them more than 10 miles (16 km) from the coast. They live in nearshore waters, both on open coasts and in bays and estuaries. “Haulout” areas include sandy beaches as well as isolated rocky shorelines. Sea lions can be found all along the Pacific coast from British Columbia to Baja California. Sea lions can often be seen body surfing in the waves off the Oregon coast. They will also rest at the surface, holding a front and rear flipper out of the water in a posture known as “jugging.” Sea lions, particularly males, are a common feature in the Yaquina Bay in Newport. They begin arriving in early fall and reach a seasonal peak in September and October. They will stay through the winter all along the coast, but will head south to warmer waters in the spring to breed.

Behind The Scenes Tour

Wed, 30 May 2012 13:30:00 -0700

Tours are 30 minutes in duration. Participants must be at least 6 years of age and minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Sea Lion Kisses

Wed, 30 May 2012 14:30:00 -0700

This is a short, 15-minute program. For a more in-depth look at California Sea Lions, we suggest you consider our hour-long Sea Lion Encounter program.

Ages 8 and up. Maximum number of participants per encounter: 10

California Sea Lions on the Oregon Coast:

Giant Pacific Octopus Encounter

Thu, 31 May 2012 12:00:00 -0700

Spineless... And Spectacular!

How to Register

Groups leave promptly at the appointed time. No refunds are issued for late arrivals or "no shows."

Click here to buy tickets online.

Behind The Scenes Tour

Thu, 31 May 2012 13:30:00 -0700

Tours are 30 minutes in duration. Participants must be at least 6 years of age and minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Sea Lion Kisses

Thu, 31 May 2012 14:30:00 -0700

This is a short, 15-minute program. For a more in-depth look at California Sea Lions, we suggest you consider our hour-long Sea Lion Encounter program.

Ages 8 and up. Maximum number of participants per encounter: 10

California Sea Lions on the Oregon Coast:

Behind The Scenes Tour

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 13:30:00 -0700

Tours are 30 minutes in duration. Participants must be at least 6 years of age and minors under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Sea Lion Kisses

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:30:00 -0700

This is a short, 15-minute program. For a more in-depth look at California Sea Lions, we suggest you consider our hour-long Sea Lion Encounter program.

Ages 8 and up. Maximum number of participants per encounter: 10