When the lights go out, corals, starfish, and other nocturnal marine creatures come to life.
Visitors can experience this firsthand at Aquarium After Dark at the St. Lucie County Aquarium, returning Friday, December 6.
Come see brightly colored corals that “glow in the dark” and watch corals feed on plankton. At night, the cleanup crew comes to life.
Brittle stars and sea cucumbers emerge from the shadows, and you might even spot a sleeping parrotfish.
This exciting and popular tour for children ages 6 and up begins before sunset with pizza on the patio, followed by a brief presentation on the fascinating nightlife in the ocean and what to expect during the event.
Aquarium After Dark will take place Friday, December 6, January 10, and February 7 from 5:45 to 8 p.m. Admission to Aquarium After Dark (dinner included) costs $15 for adults/$13 for children (ages 5 and up) for non-members and $13 for adults/$11 for children (ages 5 and up) for members.
To register, call: 772-465-3271 or email: SMSEducation@si.edu.
After sunset, guests enter the darkened aquarium with special flashlights that allow participants to see without disturbing the mysterious inhabitants of the dark.
Explore each marine ecosystem with our marine educators and discover what secrets unfold on the underwater night shift.
Registration and advance payment are required as space is limited for this exciting night of family fun and discovery.
The Smithsonian Marine Station, in partnership with St. Lucie County and other community partners, created the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Exhibit. A branch of the National Museum of Natural History of the Smithsonian Institution.
The Marine Station is dedicated to understanding the character and diversity of Florida’s marine and estuarine habitats.
Located at 420 Seaway Drive on South Hutchinson Island, the St. Lucie County Aquarium is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays from noon to 4 p.m., and seasonally (January through March) on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visitors can enjoy guided “feeding frenzy” tours at 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. led by Smithsonian educators.
For more information or to volunteer, call 772-465-3271. Follow us on social media (@SmithsonianSMS) and visit our website at StLucieCo.gov/Aquarium.
Image: Smithsonian Marine Station
