tropical fish, rippling water, and ocean corals of so many shapes, colors, and sizes that they produce kaleidoscopic effects. Other ecosystem replicas concentrate on the lagoon habitat and mangroves, important environs for oysters, shrimp, crabs, and sponges. Both shallow reefs and deep water Oculina coral reefs are also featured. And last but not least are seagrass beds where manatees feed and sea turtles relax while tiny snapper fish and spiny lobster babies shelter during their earliest days. Don’t miss stopping by the aquarium’s touch tank. Grab the opportunity to experience optimum views and close-up interactions with fascinating organisms like horseshoe crabs, Florida fighting conchs, and sea cucumbers. The adjacent Education Station offers suggestions for self-guided enrichment activities, primarily for children.
When a scenic seaside community and the legendary Smithsonian Institution join forces to create a public aquarium, great things are bound to happen! Do quiet coastal towns and awesome aquariums appeal to you and your fellow campers? Take the roads less traveled to visit these three Southern gems—Alabama Aquarium, Georgia Sea Turtle Center and St. Lucie County Aquarium.
FOR MORE INFORMATION Alabama Aquarium at Dauphin Sea Lab: www.disl.edu/aquarium/
Georgia Sea Turtle Center: gstc.jekyllisland.com
St. Lucie County Aquarium: www.stlucieco.gov/departments-and- services/parks-recreation-department/ aquarium-smithsonian
Each tank in the line-up of the facility’s semi-circular design is a mesmerizing sight to behold.
THREE AWESOME SOUTHERN AQUARIUMS
COAST TO COAST MAGAZINE SUMMER 2023 | 26
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