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Ocean World

4.6
·3k reviews·Crescent City, United States

Dive into interactive marine life encounters, from petting sharks to enjoying lively sea lion shows. A hands-on adventure for all ages!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal

CrowdLow
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Surfs up dude

Ocean World

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more personal

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Dive into interactive marine life encounters, from petting sharks to enjoying lively sea lion shows. A hands-on adventure for all ages!

4.6
(3k reviews)

"The best parts were being able to actually touch and pick up various invertebrates, shark petting, and a little show with some well-trained harbor seals and sea lions. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book a Tour

Tours offer the best way to experience Ocean World and ensure you see the shows.

✋ Hands-On Fun

Don't miss the chance to pet sharks and touch sea creatures in the interactive tanks!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Shark Petting Tank

Shark Petting Tank

Designated petting area

Get up close and personal with friendly sharks in a supervised, hands-on encounter. A truly memorable experience!

Reddit+1
Sea Lion & Seal Show

Sea Lion & Seal Show

Show arena

Enjoy entertaining and educational performances by talented sea lions and seals. A crowd-pleaser for all ages!

Reddit+1
Tide Pool Touch Tank

Tide Pool Touch Tank

Tide pool exhibit

Explore and touch a variety of local marine invertebrates in this interactive tide pool exhibit.

Reddit+1
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Planning Your Visit

Hands-On Marine Encounters

Ocean World offers a unique, interactive experience with marine life. Beyond just viewing tanks, you can pet sharks and invertebrates. Tours are highly recommended for the full experience, ensuring you don't miss the engaging sea lion and seal shows. Reddit

Timing Your Visit

While tours run frequently, groups can get large. Arriving earlier in the day or during weekdays might offer a more intimate experience. The shows are a highlight, so plan your visit around their schedule to avoid missing out. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more personal
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon showtimes
Why
Catch the entertaining seals
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

I was sold a beach town vacation. This is a crack neighbourhood. #crescentcitycalifornia
@olivialou_1991
4.8M likes • 25.7M views

🎯 Book a Tour

Tours offer the best way to experience Ocean World and ensure you see the shows. Reddit

✋ Hands-On Fun

Don't miss the chance to pet sharks and touch sea creatures in the interactive tanks! Reddit+1

Is that a flare? #crescentcity #pacificocean #flare #help
@mycrazylife707
170.6K likes • 1.9M views
¿Listos para Semana Santa? 🙌🏻 Te esperamos en Ocean World… ☀️ 🌴 Información y reserva: 809 291 1000 ☎️
oceanworldrd
465 likes • 33.4K views

📸 Photo Opportunities

Plenty of cute spots for memorable photos, especially during the shows. Reddit

🛍️ Gift Shop Finds

Souvenirs and toys available, though some items can be a bit pricey. Reddit

“Someone was always watching. In this entire f***ing city, territory, and world, someone was always watching” 👀 #crescentcity #bryceandhunt #brycequinlan #ccscenes #sarahjmaas
@lunathionsitgirl
97.6K likes • 1.2M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book a Tour

Tours offer the best way to experience Ocean World and ensure you see the shows. Reddit

✋ Hands-On Fun

Don't miss the chance to pet sharks and touch sea creatures in the interactive tanks! Reddit+1

📸 Photo Opportunities

Plenty of cute spots for memorable photos, especially during the shows. Reddit

🛍️ Gift Shop Finds

Souvenirs and toys available, though some items can be a bit pricey. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(3k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Ocean World for its engaging, hands-on marine encounters, particularly the shark petting and sea lion shows. The staff are consistently noted for their friendliness and helpfulness, contributing to a positive experience. While some find the aquarium exhibits on the smaller side, the interactive elements and well-executed shows make it a highly recommended stop for a few hours of fun and learning. Reddit+2

"What a great little adventure! I stopped in with zero expectations, assuming a tiny overpriced aquarium. I was then told they only do tours, so I was a little skeptical, but wow we loved it!

Every single staff member I interacted with (4 people) had a great attitude and was helpful and friendly. The price for the tour was well worth it. There weren’t a ton of aquariums, but the ones they had were well stocked with interesting creatures and fun to look at. The best parts were being able to actually touch and pick up various invertebrates, shark petting, and a little show with some well-trained harbor seals and sea lions.

The tour wasn’t too long to where it dragged, but we also never felt rushed. Plenty of cute little photo ops along the way.

The gift shop had a ton of souvenirs and decently priced toys for kids.

Highly recommended if you’re driving through and looking for an hour or two stop to stretch the legs."

Ryan Wallace

"What a cool place. You get to pet a shark… that actually loves being pet. The animals all seem very happy and well cared for. It’s a really awesome hands on experience well worth the money. The staff were all awesome and happy too. Highly recommend!"

Tyler Giraud

"One of the reasons we stopped was because of the tide pools touch tank. We love exploring tide pools. The aquarium was neat, on the small side and there was a cute show with the sea lions at the end. Nice gift shop."

Jemily H

What People Like

Hands-on animal encounters
Entertaining sea lion shows
Friendly and helpful staff

What People Dislike

Small aquarium exhibits
Souvenir prices can be steep

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Ocean World is located in the Dominican Republic. If you're driving, it's accessible via local roads. Many visitors arrive as part of a day trip or excursion from nearby resorts. Instagram

Information on public transport options can be limited. It's often easier to reach via taxi, resort shuttle, or a pre-booked tour. Instagram

Ocean World is located in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Follow coastal roads towards the resort areas; signs for Ocean World should be visible. Instagram

Yes, Ocean World typically offers parking facilities for visitors arriving by car. Instagram

Absolutely! Ocean World is a popular destination for day trips, offering a few hours of marine exploration and entertainment. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission prices can vary depending on packages and tours. It's best to check their official website or contact them directly for the most current pricing. Instagram

Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or holidays, to secure your spot and potentially get better rates. Instagram

Standard admission usually includes access to the animal exhibits and shows. Special interactive programs like shark petting or dolphin encounters may require separate booking and fees. Reddit

Ocean World typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon. It's advisable to check their official schedule for exact times, especially for showtimes. Instagram

Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or group bookings. Keep an eye on their website or local travel agencies for potential deals. Instagram

🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience

Ocean World features a variety of marine life, including sharks, seals, sea lions, rays, and numerous fish species in their tanks. Reddit

Yes, Ocean World offers supervised opportunities to touch sharks and invertebrates in designated tide pool and petting areas. Reddit+1

The sea lion and seal shows are highly recommended and a highlight for many visitors, offering entertainment and education. Reddit+1

Ocean World is very family-friendly, with interactive exhibits and engaging shows that children typically enjoy. Reddit

A visit usually lasts about 1-2 hours, depending on how long you spend at each exhibit and if you attend the shows. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Ocean World usually has on-site restaurants or snack bars offering food and beverages for visitors. Instagram

Policies on outside food and drinks can vary. It's best to check Ocean World's guidelines before your visit. Instagram

Expect typical theme park fare, including snacks, light meals, and possibly some local Dominican dishes. Instagram

Options may be limited, but it's worth inquiring at the food outlets about available choices. Instagram

On-site dining can be moderately priced, similar to other attractions. Bringing snacks might be a budget-friendly alternative if allowed. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed in most areas of Ocean World for personal use. Reddit

Flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibits to protect the animals. Always check for signage. Reddit

The shark petting tank, the sea lion show, and the various marine exhibits offer great photo opportunities. Reddit

Drone usage is typically prohibited at attractions like Ocean World to ensure guest safety and animal welfare. Instagram

Some attractions offer professional photo services, especially during shows or special encounters. Inquire on-site. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Ocean World is a fantastic destination for families. The interactive tide pools and shark petting tank are huge hits with children, offering a thrilling and educational experience. The sea lion and seal shows are highly entertaining and keep young audiences engaged. Reddit+1

Plan your visit around the showtimes to maximize the fun. The gift shop also offers a good selection of souvenirs that kids will love, though be mindful of the pricing. It's a great way to spend a few hours learning about marine life in a fun, hands-on environment. Reddit

🚗 Road Trippers

If you're driving through the Dominican Republic, Ocean World makes for an ideal stop to stretch your legs and experience something unique. It's often cited as a great place for a 1-2 hour break from driving. Reddit

The shark petting and sea lion shows are memorable highlights that break up a long journey. The interactive nature of the exhibits means everyone can get involved, making it a refreshing stop for all passengers. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Interactive Marine Encounters

Ocean World distinguishes itself with its emphasis on hands-on experiences. Visitors can actively participate in feeding and touching various marine creatures, a stark contrast to passive aquarium viewing. The shark petting tank allows for direct interaction with these fascinating animals, while the tide pool touch tank provides a safe way to explore smaller invertebrates. These activities are often highlighted as the most memorable aspects of a visit. Reddit+1

Beyond touch experiences, the sea lion and seal shows are a significant draw. These performances are not only entertaining but also educational, showcasing the intelligence and training of these marine mammals. The staff's positive attitudes and helpfulness are frequently mentioned, contributing to the overall enjoyable atmosphere. Reddit+1

While the aquarium exhibits themselves might be considered small by some, the interactive elements and shows elevate the experience. It's a place where you can truly connect with marine life, making it a worthwhile stop for those seeking more than just a typical aquarium visit. Reddit

Planning Your Visit: What to Expect

Ocean World is best described as a compact yet engaging marine park. Reviews suggest that while the number of tanks might not be extensive, the quality of the exhibits and the interactive opportunities make up for it. The tours are particularly recommended, as they guide visitors through the park and ensure they catch the scheduled shows. Reddit

Groups can sometimes be large, which might affect the intimacy of the experience. For those seeking a less crowded visit, aiming for weekday mornings is often advised. The shows, especially the sea lion and seal performances, are a major highlight and are well worth planning your visit around. Reddit+1

The gift shop offers a range of souvenirs, though some visitors note that prices can be a bit steep. Overall, Ocean World is positioned as an excellent stop for a couple of hours, perfect for breaking up a road trip or as a dedicated half-day excursion. Reddit

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