Team ECCO Aquarium & Shark Lab
Discover aquatic wonders and fascinating reptiles at Team ECCO Aquarium & Shark Lab, a local gem for family fun and education.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Feeding time excitement!
Team ECCO Aquarium & Shark Lab
Best Time
Feeding time excitement!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover aquatic wonders and fascinating reptiles at Team ECCO Aquarium & Shark Lab, a local gem for family fun and education.
"Awesome time! Loved the feeding and explanation of all the fish, sharks, and more! Good way to spend your afternoon. Kiddos love it!"
🎯 Plan for Feeding Time!
The animal feedings around 1:30 PM are a highlight. Arrive early to snag a good viewing spot!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Approved Fun
This place is a huge hit with children! They love seeing the fish, sharks, and reptiles up close.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shark Feeding Frenzy
Main Aquarium Tanks
Witness staff hand-feed sharks and learn fascinating facts about these incredible predators. A must-see for all ages!
Charlotte the Pregnant Stingray
Dedicated Stingray Exhibit
Follow the journey of Charlotte, the resident pregnant stingray. A heartwarming and educational experience for the whole family.
Diverse Reptile & Amphibian Displays
Various Terrariums
Explore a fascinating collection of axolotls, turtles, bearded dragons, and more. Get up close with creatures beyond the sea.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Around Feeding Times
Support a Local Gem
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Plan for Feeding Time!
The animal feedings around 1:30 PM are a highlight. Arrive early to snag a good viewing spot!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Approved Fun
This place is a huge hit with children! They love seeing the fish, sharks, and reptiles up close.
💡 Ask the Experts
Staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer all your questions about the animals.
🌐 Check Website for Offerings
It's more than just an aquarium; explore their website for other unique programs and exhibits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Plan for Feeding Time!
The animal feedings around 1:30 PM are a highlight. Arrive early to snag a good viewing spot!
👨👩👧👦 Kid-Approved Fun
This place is a huge hit with children! They love seeing the fish, sharks, and reptiles up close.
💡 Ask the Experts
Staff are friendly, knowledgeable, and happy to answer all your questions about the animals.
🌐 Check Website for Offerings
It's more than just an aquarium; explore their website for other unique programs and exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Team ECCO Aquarium & Shark Lab for its engaging animal feedings and the knowledgeable, friendly staff, making it a hit with families. While the educational aspect and unique exhibits like Charlotte the stingray are highly appreciated, some reviews express concerns regarding the long-term health and conditions of certain animals, suggesting room for improvement in animal care resources.
"Awesome time. Loved the feeding and explanation of all the fish, sharks, and more! Good way to spend your afternoon. Kiddos love it"
Jedhel Somera
"Absolutely wonderful experience for my kids! We got to see one of the staff hand-feed sharks. There are dozens of fish and reptiles to learn about. The owner was friendly and knowledgeable. We will be back!"
Clare Chambers
"Let me start by saying that I truly appreciate having a place in Hendersonville where both adults and children can learn about reptiles, amphibians, fish, and other aquatic creatures. The concept is wonderful, and I want to see a facility like this succeed.
That being said, the negligence and lack of knowledge regarding the health of some of the animals is heartbreaking. During my visit, I observed a clownfish and an urchin in wall tanks whose conditions made their survival unlikely without immediate intervention. I sincerely hope they have since been removed and treated appropriately.
It is clear that some of the staff members genuinely care for the animals entrusted to them and are doing the best they can. Unfortunately, it also appears that the owner(s) are unwilling to invest in the proper equipment, resources, and training necessary to ensure the animals’ well-being.
I hope that moving forward changes can be made to better prioritize the health and safety of the animals, because this facility has the potential to be an incredible educational space for the community."
Blue Rea
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Team ECCO Aquarium & Shark Lab is located in Hendersonville. While specific public transport options might be limited, driving is the most common way to access it. Check local maps for the best route from your starting point.
Parking information is not extensively detailed in reviews, but it's generally expected that there will be parking available for visitors. It's advisable to check their official website or call ahead if you have concerns about parking availability.
Operating hours can vary, but many visitors mention visiting on Saturdays and planning around the 1:30 PM feeding time. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices are not explicitly stated in the provided reviews. However, the general sentiment is that it's a worthwhile experience for the cost, especially for families. It's recommended to visit their official website or contact them directly for current ticket prices.
There's no mention of needing to book tickets in advance. Most visitors seem to purchase tickets upon arrival. However, for special events or peak times, it might be a good idea to inquire.
Information regarding discounts is not available in the reviews. It's worth checking their website or inquiring at the entrance if you qualify for any special rates (e.g., military, senior, or group discounts).
Weekday mornings are generally less crowded than weekends. If you plan to visit on a Saturday, arriving before the 1:30 PM feeding time can help you experience the exhibits with fewer people.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of aquatic life including dozens of fish and sharks, as well as reptiles like axolotl salamanders, baby box turtles, bearded dragons, and tortoises. They also feature a pregnant stingray named Charlotte. +1
Absolutely! Visitors consistently rave about how much children love the experience, from seeing the animals to learning from the staff. It's described as an 'awesome time' and 'wonderful experience for my kids.' +1
The animal feedings, including sharks, are typically held daily around 1:30 PM. Planning your visit around this time is highly recommended for an engaging experience.
While direct interaction might be limited, the staff are very engaging and informative, answering questions and providing explanations during feedings. This allows for a rich learning experience without direct handling. +1
The 'Shark Lab' likely refers to their focus on shark education and potentially research or conservation efforts. Visitors can learn about sharks during feeding times and through various exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Information about food and dining options within the aquarium is not provided in the reviews. It's advisable to check their website or plan to dine at nearby restaurants in Hendersonville.
There are no mentions of policies regarding outside food and drinks. It's a good practice to assume that outside food might not be permitted, or to call ahead and confirm.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed and encouraged, as visitors share their experiences online. However, be mindful of any posted signs regarding flash photography, especially around sensitive exhibits.
The shark feeding sessions, the pregnant stingray exhibit, and the diverse reptile displays offer great photo opportunities. Capturing the vibrant colors of the fish and the unique features of the amphibians is also recommended.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip: Make sure to time your visit for the daily feeding around 1:30 PM – it's the highlight for many young visitors! It's a great way to spend an afternoon learning and having fun together.
💡 Budget-Conscious Explorers
Consider visiting on a weekday to potentially enjoy a less crowded experience. Checking their website for any special offers or family packages could also help maximize your budget for a fun and informative outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Animal Care
However, some reviews raise concerns about the well-being of certain animals, citing observations of poor conditions in some tanks. These reviews express a hope for increased investment in proper equipment, resources, and training to ensure the health and safety of all creatures. It's important for potential visitors to be aware of these varied perspectives when planning their visit.
Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment from many visitors, especially families, is overwhelmingly positive, emphasizing the educational value and the enjoyable experience provided by the dedicated staff.
A Family-Focused Educational Experience
Beyond the aquatic exhibits, the inclusion of reptiles and amphibians broadens the learning scope, offering children a chance to discover diverse ecosystems. This multi-faceted approach ensures that there's something to capture the interest of every young visitor. The positive feedback from parents underscores its success as a place where kids can have fun while expanding their knowledge of the natural world.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit