You can learn about marine life along the Gulf Coast at this vast, flashy attraction. The main exhibits, on a circular course, include a huge tank replicating the environment around offshore oil rigs, complete with sharks, grouper and red snapper (but no leaks). Other popular features include turtles, otters, alligators and a ‘stingray lagoon’. The aquarium also keeps captive dolphins which may concern some visitors. Animal welfare groups claim keeping dolphins in enclosed tanks is harmful for these complex animals.
