Our mission is to engage people with animals, inspire appreciation for our seas, and support wildlife conservation.

We are an educational resource, and environmental steward and a lead in economic development for our visitors, our community and our world. The Aquarium relies on general admissions, memberships, retail sales, event rentals and the generous support from donors to maintain its operations. The Texas State Aquarium receives no city, state or federal funding for its operations.

The idea for the Texas State Aquarium was conceptualized by its founders early on to focus on the species in Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea. The exhibits would contain representatives of the area’s main marine ecosystems. The Gulf of Mexico opened in 1990 with a commencement from former President Bush speaking to a front lawn packed full of supporting visitors. After years in the making, the Caribbean Journey, part of the original vision, opened its doors in 2017. The Caribbean Journey doubles the size of the aquarium and provides homes to an exciting collection of sea and land creatures. It is here that you can break into the mesmerizing secrets of the underwater and jungle world. For those wishing to spend time in an extraordinary place, a promising unforgettable experience awaits.

The Texas State Aquarium is the perfect platform for people and families to learn, bond and discover together. Visit us when you are considering things to do in Corpus Christi, Texas.