The opening Thursday of Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion expansion practically puts people in the water, to explore and better understand one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems on the other side of the Pacific.

It took years to construct but is proving to be well worth the wait.

Where to learn about Aquatic Sea Life

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Geek Wire explains Its three main habitats, are dedicated to the tropical waters around Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia. Known as the Coral Triangle, the region is often referred to as the “Amazon rainforest of the ocean.”

    • “The Reef,” now the aquarium’s largest habitat at nearly 500,000 gallons, puts visitors up close with such species as leopard sharks, eagle rays, blue-spotted stingrays, and thousands of other fish typically only seen in the Indo-Pacific ocean.
    • “The Archipelago” features an Indonesian mangrove forest at the surface with a colorful ecosystem of coral reefs below.
    • “At Home in the Ocean” is a kid-friendly set of habitats designed to put younger guests up close with species such as clownfish, seahorses, leaf scorpionfish, and more.

I think this sounds so intriguing and definitely something I'd like to see myself and also take my Grandkids to.

Seattle has many amazing attractions for visitors of all ages.

Seattle Aquarium is a must-see!

I went on a "Shark Expedition once located off the Channel Islands of California. We were at Sea for 6 days and chummed for sharks and went Scuba diving and even walked on the floor of the ocean to examine the silent and amazing life living under the sea.

How long does it take to go through an Aquatic Sealife Aquarium

It was one of the most incredible experiences I've ever had, (And I am terrified of the Ocean) I learned how to Scuba Dive and it was far more enjoyable and amazing than I could have imagined. We even tagged baby sharks so they could be tracked and studied.

We saw a Mako Shark too while we were in the water and had to quickly make our way back to the boat. I guess those are pretty dangerous because they strike from underneath and you just can't see them coming.

We also each spent time in a Shark cage out in the ocean where the sharks would come up and eat the meat placed outside the huge cage. We got an up-close look at the enormous jaws of biting teeth. It was just like in the movies.

That adventure goes on my list of one of the most interesting ones I've taken. What are yours? Send me an App Chat on the 98.3 The Key Mobile App and let me know!

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