SeaQuest

Who loves to look at the creatures that live in the ocean? Now you do not need to live by the water to experience, and learn about the animals that live in or near the beautiful blue waters. SeaQuest is a new interactive Aquarium that has come to the shores of the Great Salt Lake in Utah. Located in the Layton Hills Mall, this new feature is establishing itself as an experience the whole family will enjoy.

When you first enter the doors of the aquarium, you will see a gift shop with many different souvenirs. You can get lost just looking at the fun items that are on the shelves. They have a little something for every member of the family. There is even house décor for the lady of the manor.

The gift shop is also where you would purchase your tickets, or check in if you have a season pass. The prices are very reasonable compared with other attractions in the area. After purchasing the tickets, you enter the amazing world of the Amazon.

Caiman

To your left, as you enter the room, will be the Caiman. Don't miss these fun creatures. Their size can make it easy for you to pass them over. There are three Caiman living here. For a few tokens (which you can purchase at the gift shop), you can feed them with the help of a fishing pole. It is a thrilling experience as you watch them chopping down on the fish with their strong jaws.

Another fun interaction experience is the Lizard habitat. You enter into an encaged area where several lizards of every size will be waiting for you to pet them. Its relaxing to see them sunning themselves on the log. The lights are set to gives them the feel of being in the sun.

In every exhibit, there is a person that can give you information on the animal you are seeing.

Lizard Habitat

When going into the cage area, you will note how the worker will tell you to watch where you step and shuffle your feet. They do this because every animal is free to roam the floors in that area. Sometimes the lizards can even crawl up on you. Don't be afraid as they are not aggressive. The interactive experiences are all safe as long as you follow the rules.

There is a fun canoe in this area as well. The canoe is a replica of one that might be found floating on the Amazon river.

River Canoe

Adults can even go into the canoe and dream about going down the Amazon river with the sun beating down on them and the rustling of the trees along the shore. Just make sure all hands and feet are kept in so the piranhas do not attack. After the brief, but enjoyed, nap the family can continue on into the next area of the Pacific Coast.

Jellyfish

This area is so tranquil, watching the beautiful jellyfish float in the water. The area also has one of the most amazing animals, the octopus. The octopus is a fascinating animal that has no bones. Because the octopus has no bones, it is able to fit into any space and can even go through the neck of a bottle.

Shaking the tentacles of the octopus is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The octopus suction cups stick to you as the tentacles snake up your arm. It is difficult to detach yourself from the octopus. Once you are detached, you can wash up in a sink that is close by.

Octopus

Another interesting sight to see is the inside of a shark egg while the embryo is growing. In one of the smaller wall aquariums, you can actually see an embryo of a shark. The egg shell was cut and a see-through material was placed on the egg so you can look in and view the development of a shark. It is amazing how small the shark starts out in life. Another animal that starts out so small are the sea horses. It is spectacular to see hundreds of little sea horses sprouting out of the pouch of the male sea horse.

There is a beautiful tank in the middle of the room that contains other types of fishes. It is very colorful and makes you want one in your front room.

One-Eyed Willy

Next stop is the pirate ship. In this large aquarium is housed a replica of a sunken ship with treasures and its own skeleton pirate One-Eyed Willy, the pirate with one eye and a peg leg. The children can climb up and look inside the tank, as well as the tank having large glass windows to view the fish that swim in these waters. A large pirate ship flag hangs on the wall for a great picture backdrop.

This is also where the party room is located. People can host birthday parties, work parties, or any type of party. With the parties, there are many interactive activities that come with the packages. The animal workers bring out the animals to play with the party guest. Large snakes, turtles, and the large birds are brought into the room just for the guests to learn about, hold, and feed.

Pirate Cove

This is the Penske family. Like many other visitors, they were enjoying the sites at the aquarium. In the photo ,you can see that you do not need to be a child to enjoy going to the aquarium and interacting with the animals. Many teenage kids are seen at the aquarium with friends, and it does make a good date.

Located on the wall exiting into the next area is the treasure map. You can tell your kids it is a treasure map and if they figure out where it leads, they can keep the treasure.

Map

After going on the pirate ship you might experience sea legs, so take a moment to stretch, because the next area you enter is the Egyptian Desert. With entertaining turtles, snakes, and more lizards, this is a reptile haven. The décor is exquisite featuring Egyptian statues and a dessert landscapes. The turtles are roaming around the area and you are able to pet them. For a token, you can buy food for the turtles. The little children can even interact with them and not have any problems. Hold onto your shoes, because one of the tortious does have a shoe fetish. There are many picture moments in the aquarium. This area hosts a statue of a turtle. Climb on up and get a picture riding the creature.

Tortoise

This guy is as big as a foot stool and quite fast. He is given wide range of the land as he meanders around through the people to find a quiet place to relax. This tortoise weighs over 70 pounds and can knock you over if you are in his path. If you see him coming, be careful. He might make a snack out of the tips of your shoe.

Feeding the Turtles

The Mayan Jungle is the next area with an enclosure for the native birds. You are able to enter the cage of the birds and feed them for a fun interactive experience. There is also a bird show where they educate visitors about the birds and where they live when in their natural habitat. You can purchase bird seed or nectar to feed the birds. Just know that if you have this in your hands, you will have birds all over you.

Feeding the Birds

In the jungle, another animal that comes to mind is the large boa. The aquarium has a large boa that is about 14 feet long and can take several people to hold it if doing a full body picture. The boa is an incredible snake with amazing muscles. The boa uses the muscles in its body to squeeze its prey to death. Then the prey is swallowed whole. You can see the lump as the food moves through the body being digested.

Face to Face with the Boa

The last and biggest area is the Caribbean Coast. This is the largest, and pool-type aquarium, because people are able to swim with the rays and sharks. Yep, you can pay to scuba with these wondrous animals. If you do not want to swim with them, you can purchase food with your tokens to feed them. It is amazing to watch them as they eat food from your hands. Watch out, though. You could get splashed as they jump from the water to get your attention.

Scuba Diving with the Rays

As mentioned previously, if you are brave enough you can snorkel with the rays and sharks. There is an instructor with you in the pool to help with any questions or problems while you swim with these wonderful creatures.

In this same area, there are special tanks where you can get a pedicure done. You need to make an appointment for this activity. You can do this online or in person. The pedicure is different than the ones you would get at a salon, but it is an experience you can tell your friends and family about. There is also an area that is open for all visitors to get a manicure for the fish. Just put your hands in and the fish eat off your dead skin. It is a weird feeling, but one you should try if you get the chance.

Pedicure area

When you think nothing can top your interactive experience, you come to the shark tank. This is usually the highlight of the visit, watching the majesty of this animal as it swims through the waters. It is impressive how fast and agile the shark is. There are little fish you can get to feed these animals. Drop the feed into the tank as you do not want to get bitten by holding on to the fish, like you can with the rays.

Shark Tank

Visitors come out on the opposite end of the gift shop. It is a smaller area, but packed full of fun, interactive adventure. SeaQuest aquariums can be found in Las Vegas, Nevada and Layton, Utah, and soon to be opened in Houston, Texas.