DAYTONA BEACH – After months of construction, the Daytona Aquarium & Rainforest Adventure is set to open to the public on Wednesday, February 21st. The doors will open at 11:00 am, debuting what’s becoming one of the largest animal-based attractions in Volusia County.
The aquarium was constructed at 1008 W International Speedway Blvd, in the space that was occupied for years prior by Burlington Coat Factory. It only became known in July that Daytona Beach would be receiving an aquarium, and now in barely half a year’s time, the attraction is set to open to the public.
The building is 55,000 square feet, and is prepared to feature a wide variety of tropical and aquatic animal life. Attractions include a shark tank, stingray pool, reptile area with snakes, alligators, and frogs, a rainforest area, and a party room and gift shop.
The aquarium’s official website already has tickets for sale, with large crowds expected to attend on opening day. A job fair was held on February 1st in which over 250 people attended, according to the aquarium personnel.
“Welcome and congratulations to everyone who will be working at this exciting addition to our community,” said Daytona Beach Mayor Derrick Henry following the job fair. The attraction will fill the opening created by the gap between Marineland Dolphin Adventure just south of St. Augustine and SeaWorld in Orlando.
Chris Gollon is a Flagler County resident since 2004, as well as a staple of the local independent music scene and avid observer of Central Florida politics, arts, and recreation.
Paul Adragna
February 22, 2024 at 3:47 pm
Thanks for the info Chris.