Encounter / Sea Otter
Sea Otter behind
-the-scenes encounter
Go behind the scenes with an Aquarium interpreter to learn more about these playful animals and get a hands-on training session with our marine mammal training team.
The Vancouver Aquarium will be temporarily closed to the public starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020 and all programming including animal encounters will be cancelled as a preventative measure to help slow the spread of COVID-19 through our community. Read more. If you have any questions about an animal encounter you have booked, please contact programs@ocean.org.
Overview
Up close and personal
Accompany an Aquarium interpreter to learn more about sea otters. You’ll spend time in the Animal Encounter room, learning why these animals are so important to their ecosystem. Then, meet with a member of the marine mammal staff to learn about animal care and feeding. Finally, prepare yourself to get closer to the animals as you help with an otter training session. This experience is an exciting and educational trip that you won't soon forget.
Sea Otter Encounters are available twice per day, on Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
What you'll do
Go behind-the-scenes
This is a unique opportunity to view the Vancouver Aquarium with our trainers and observe these incredibly playful and affectionate animals up close.
What you'll do
Go behind-the-scenes
Get a glimpse into a day in the life of a marine mammal trainer and how they interact with these unique animals.
What you'll do
Go behind-the-scenes
Throughout this entire adventure, you’ll also get an intimate look at the many conservation and research programs and initiatives that the Aquarium conducts on an ongoing basis.
What you'll do
Go behind-the-scenes
Enjoy a special presentation with the Animal Encounter Team, complete with displays and props, and visit the marine mammals inside their habitats.
Be prepared to go behind-the-scenes
Book early - space is limited and fills well in advance
Call 604-659-3552 / 1-800-931-1186 or email programs@ocean.org to book. Booking office is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. - closed weekends and holidays. Day-of bookings for this encounter may be possible pending availability, please inquire at Guest Services Desk upon your arrival at the Aquarium.
Housekeeping
We take safety seriously
We want you to enjoy your behind-the-scenes experience. Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. No concern is too small; the more information you can provide about yourself, the better prepared we can be for your experience.
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Safety
Program requires participants to stand and kneel for extended periods of time, go up and down stairs, walk on wet and slippery surfaces and be above the water on an unstable dock. Closed-toed shoes are required. Please advise us of any special needs. Cameras are not permitted within the habitat for animal safety reasons.
Need a gift idea? Purchase a Vancouver Aquarium e-gift card online
for the amount of the encounter and admission to give the gift of aquatic wonder!
The Vancouver Aquarium will be temporarily closed to the public starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020 and all programming will be cancelled as a preventative measure to help stop the spread of COVID-19 through our community. Learn more.