As a shark swims by,
Santa asks, “Have you been good?”
You answer, “Of course!”
Every visit to the Newport Aquarium is filled with wonder, intrigue and awe! You can pet a starfish, walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays and a friendly loggerhead turtle. You may also find yourself inches away from 14-foot-long Mighty Mike the alligator, or even crossing a 7-foot rope bridge that puts you mere inches away from sharks! The aquarium is definitely filled with fun all year round.
Around the holidays, there is a special sense of wonder, intrigue, and awe as “Scuba Santa” arrives with his reindeer and elf friends. Bubbles “snow” down as you make your way to meet the big man himself. Santa’s decked out in his typical attire, only one thing makes him truly unique … He is underwater, with sharks swimming all around him!
Scuba Santa has officially arrived, underwater, at the Newport Aquarium and his elves have even helped deck the halls. My family recently visited the aquarium to meet Scuba Santa, and we had a blast! While we waited in line to meet him, the elves and helpers sang songs and interacted with guests. When it was my dudes’ turn to talk to the man in red, he took his time to ask their names, if they had been good and what they wanted for Christmas. He did not rush, and each visit felt personal and special. During our trip, Santa even found out it was a young visitor’s birthday the next day, and the whole room erupted into “Happy Birthday!” It was a great experience, and we did not mind waiting in line, because it was fun to hear what everyone else wanted for Christmas!
Many of the exhibits included festive decorations to add to the holiday ambiance. We loved that the inhabitants of the Frog Bog had tiny presents in their encloses; and thought it was funny that reindeer were hanging out with alligators in the bayou. It really felt like an underwater winter wonderland!
Be sure to add the Newport Aquarium to your list of holiday must-see attractions this year! Speaking to Santa while a shark swims right by is something so unique that it must be experienced firsthand. Also, check out the new Shark Bridge while you are there, as an added bonus! My son Dominic was super excited to cross the shark bridge, so that was another highlight for him. Sharks and Santa, sounds like a good time! Check it out for yourself before Santa heads back to the North Pole!
Right now, buy 3 membership passes and get 1 free (through January 3, 2016)! Click here for details.
Or Check out the Newport Aquarium’s Winter Camp opportunity for children ages 5-16 on December 28-31 2015! Click here for details.
Newport Aquarium
1 Aquarium Way, Newport
