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Looking at Shark at Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Self-Guided Groups

The Aquarium offers a group discount for self-guided groups of 20 or more, with advance registration. We recommend trips are booked at least 1 week in advance.

Cost & Payment

Adults (ages 13+): $17.95 per adult
Child (ages 2 – 12): $11.95 per child

  • Payment must be made in a single transaction 72 hours in advance.
  • Credit cards are the only accepted payment types.
  • Bus drivers will receive a complimentary ticket.

Please Note: These rates are only available for self-guided groups scheduled in advance. Walk-in groups will be charged general admission rates and allowed entry pending Aquarium capacity. The Aquarium has no refund policy on all purchased tickets, annual passes, and experience packages.

Schools & Summer Camps

  • We require 1 adult chaperone per 10 students for grades pre-K to 12.
  • Students must always be with a chaperone while in the building.
  • Groups with 20 more must split into smaller groups (10 or fewer) while exploring the Aquarium.
  • Students must be chaperoned in groups of 10 or fewer while in the gift shop.

Adult Tour Groups

  • Groups with 20 more must split into smaller groups (10 or fewer) while exploring the Aquarium.
  • Deeper discounts available when booking a same-day cruise with Lady Caroline. Book your cruise first.

Scheduling Tips

  • Trips should be booked at least 72 hours in advance
  • Groups with 50+ guests should book at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • The Aquarium closes at 5pm, with last entry at 4pm
  • We recommend planning 60-90 minutes for self-guided visits
  • Check out our Daily Activities to see what is happening during you visit
  • Use the Request a Trip button to request your trip
  • If emailing or calling, please be prepared to provide all information on the request form
  • Your visit is officially scheduled when you receive your invoice

How To Book

To book a program, please fill out a request form.

Email groups@greaterclevelandaquarium.com for questions or additional information.

For groups of 19 and fewer, general admission tickets can be purchased here.

FAQs

Are teachers and chaperones offered complimentary tickets?

No, groups sales are discounted admission tickets, they do not include free tickets for teachers or chaperones. The Aquarium does offer complimentary teachers and chaperones with guided educational programs, additional information can be found here.

Is the Aquarium accessible?

The Aquarium is wheelchair accessible and is located on the lower floor of the building. A single wheelchair capacity lift is available to navigate from the lobby entrance to the Aquarium.

If your group has 5 or more guests using wheelchairs, please let us know at booking. A larger capacity elevator is available in a different area of the building. Additional information on Aquarium accessibly can be found here.

If you are booking a group with special needs, please click here for more information. 

Where do we go when we arrive?

The group leader should check in at the ticket counter with our Guest Experience team. Please have your tickets and final head count ready. Tickets are emailed prior to the visit and can be either printed or on a phone.

Where can busses park?

Buses are permitted to park in the rear of the parking lot. Bus parking is free.

Do you offer lunch space?

Yes, there is a shared indoor lunch space, with limited seating, subject to availability. Lunch space can be requested during the booking process. Lunches can be stored in this area during your visit, but we do not recommend leaving valuable items in this shared space.

Outdoor picnic-style areas are available on a first-come, first-served basis, weather permitting. The Aquarium does not provide storage space for groups eating outside, lunches should be left on the bus.

Can we reschedule our visit?

The Aquarium has a no refund policy on all purchased tickets. We will be happy to reschedule your entire group’s visit for a future date with advance notice. Visits must be scheduled within 1 year of original visit date. We are not able to reschedule partial groups.

Do you have a space to store coats and backpacks?

The Aquarium does not offer a secure place to store coats and backpacks. It is recommended that coats and backpacks are left on the bus or in the car if possible. A coat rack is available outside the Aquarium entrance. The Aquarium is not responsible for lost or stolen items.