SCOTTSDALE, Arizona — The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community is building the largest aquarium in the Southwest. Scheduled to open next July, the 16-acre OdySea Aquarium is part of Scottsdale’s $170 million OdySea in the Desert complex.
The first phase of the complex, Butterfly Wonderland, opened in May 2013, followed by OdySea Mirror Maze.
The OdySea Aquarium will feature floor-to-ceiling windows that offer aquatic life viewing — even in the restrooms — and underwater acrylic tunnels that lead to each level.
Coined “SeaWorld meet Disneyland,” OdySea Aquarium will explore marine life, from bayous and coral reefs to deep abysses, in exhibits such as “Rivers of the World,” Amazon Rivers” and “Penguins.” “The Bizarre and the Beautiful” will feature jellyfish, octopuses and seahorses.
The aquarium will also feature SeaTREK, an underwater walking program that allows visitors to descend deep into the water and meet marine life face-to-face.
