exhibits & presentations

Touch Pool

Get hands-on with the rugged and fascinating creatures of the shallow reef.

Back to Exhibits & Presentations

exhibits & presentations

Touch Pool

Get hands-on with the rugged and fascinating creatures of the shallow reef.

Back to Exhibits & Presentations

presentation Schedule

9:00-12:15, 12:45-3:30

Open-Air Marine Terrace

at a glance

Roll up your sleeves and reach into the fascinating world of tide pools and shallow reefs. Our Touch Pool gives visitors of all ages the rare opportunity to gently feel the unique textures of marine invertebrates, sea stars, and resilient coastal creatures that call the Caribbean shoreline home.

daily Happenings

Meet our marine educators poolside! They will guide your hands, share fascinating facts, and show you the safest way to interact with our invertebrate ambassadors.

Ecosystem

Caribbean Intertidal Zones & Shallow Reefs

Viewing and presentations included with General Admission ticket. Book an immersive encounter for an additional fee.

Survival in the Shallows

Animals living in intertidal zones and shallow reefs must survive crashing waves, changing tides, and intense sunlight. They have developed incredible ways to thrive in these harsh conditions:

Hydraulic Tube Feet

Sea stars use hundreds of tiny, water-filled tube feet to grip rocks tightly and pry open clam shells.

Tough Exoskeletons

Crabs and lobsters rely on hard, armor-like shells to protect them from predators and pounding waves.

Regeneration

Many sea stars and sea cucumbers have the remarkable ability to regrow lost limbs or body parts as a defense mechanism.

Camouflage & Defense

Urchins use sharp spines for protection, while conchs retreat deep into their thick, spiraled shells when threatened.

Animals in this Exhibit

• Sea Stars & Sea Urchins.
• Hermit Crabs & Sea Cucumbers.
• Queen Conch (Lobatus gigas).

Fun Fact! Sea stars can regrow lost arms—and some species can grow an entirely new sea star from a single arm.

Respecting Our Ocean Neighbors

The animals in our Touch Pool are delicate and require a gentle hand. By interacting with these creatures under the guidance of our educators, visitors learn the importance of leaving tide pool animals undisturbed in the wild. Through hands-on education, immersive experiences, and our partnership with the Coral World Ocean and Reef Initiative (CWORI), we foster deep respect and appreciation for marine life.

Snorkel with juvenile sharks, and see these incredible predators up close.

Learn More

From $64

Book Now