SEA LIFE San Antonio
Rating
Family of 4
$70-$100 for 2 adults + 2 kids (buy online for best price)
Duration
1.5-2.5 hours
Best Ages
2–13
About
SEA LIFE San Antonio is an indoor aquarium experience located inside the Rivercenter Mall in downtown San Antonio, offering marine life exhibits, a signature walk-through ocean tunnel, shark displays, tropical reef tanks, and interactive touch pools.
The ocean tunnel is the centerpiece of the experience: a clear acrylic walkway that puts visitors surrounded by marine life above, below, and on both sides. For children, this immersive format creates a different quality of experience than standing in front of flat glass panels — it places you inside the ocean environment rather than observing from outside it.
With 796 reviews at 4.1 stars, SEA LIFE draws consistent tourist traffic from the Rivercenter Mall complex. The location alongside LEGOLAND Discovery Center in the same building creates a natural combo visit opportunity. Combo tickets for both attractions are typically available and offer savings versus separate entry.
The facility is fully indoor and air-conditioned, making it weather-independent and a smart choice during San Antonio's summer heat. The downtown location means parking is paid — factor this into the family budget or plan to walk from the River Walk if you're already in the tourist corridor.
Runtime is approximately 1.5-2.5 hours, making it best paired with another nearby attraction for a full downtown day. The River Walk dining options immediately adjacent make post-visit meals easy.
Sunday hours begin at 11AM rather than the 10AM opening on other days. Purchase tickets online in advance to access lower pricing and avoid any queue.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Available
Kid Meals
Limited
Setting
Indoor
Rainy Day
Great option!
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Weekday mornings at 10AM opening
Wait Times
15-20 min on busy tourist weekends
Nearby Food
Rivercenter Mall food court. San Antonio River Walk directly adjacent with extensive dining options.
Why Kids Love It
SEA LIFE San Antonio is a walk-through aquarium in Rivercenter Mall featuring ocean tunnel experiences, shark exhibits, tropical reef displays, and interactive touch pools. The ocean tunnel, where you walk through a clear acrylic tube surrounded by marine life, is the signature experience that creates genuine awe in children of all ages.
What Parents Say
“They have a nursing room and adult changing room and separate family bathroom.”
From Reddit Parents
“If you're a parent, it's a great way to get your kids engaged in a visit to the aquarium.”
Pro Tips from Parents
- Located in Rivercenter Mall, same complex as LEGOLAND Discovery Center — combo ticket available
- Ocean walk-through tunnel is the highlight — plan to linger there
- Smaller footprint than standalone aquariums — best paired with another attraction for a full day
- Air-conditioned throughout — practical for San Antonio summers
- Sunday opens at 11AM vs. 10AM on other days
- Downtown location means paid parking — factor into budget
What to Bring
- Camera
- Comfortable walking shoes
Cost Info
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$70-$100 for 2 adults + 2 kids (buy online for best price)
Tips to Save
- Buy tickets online — door prices are higher.
- Combo tickets with LEGOLAND Discovery Center (same complex) typically offer savings.
- Under-2s often free — check at purchase.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- 10AM-5PM
- Monday
- 10AM-5PM
- Sunday
- 11AM-5PM
- Tuesday
- 10AM-5PM
- Saturday
- 10AM-5PM
- Thursday
- 10AM-5PM
- Wednesday
- 10AM-5PM