Odysea Aquarium

What Odysea Aquarium does

OdySea Aquarium is a privately held, single-site aquarium attraction located within the Arizona Boardwalk complex in Scottsdale, Arizona, on land within the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Opened in September 2016 by developer Amram Knishinsky, PhD and operated by OdySea Aquarium LLC under family ownership (Managing Partners Adi and Ran Knishinsky, President Greg Charbeneau), the facility spans 200,000 square feet and houses more than 6,000 animals representing over 300 species across 70+ exhibits, supported by 2 million gallons of water, 300 pumps, and 42,000 linear feet of piping. It is recognized as the largest aquarium in the US Southwest and among the top 10 aquariums in the United States, with unique attractions including the OdySea Voyager (described as the world's only rotating aquarium), SeaTREK indoor underwater helmet diving with Indo-Pacific species (unique among 50+ global SeaTREK locations), and a 360-degree projection-mapped Immersive Aqua Lobby.

The company operates a diversified consumer attractions revenue model anchored by general admission ($49.95 adult / $39.95 child) and complemented by Twilight discounted tickets, premium encounters (SeaTREK at $99.95, Penguin Encounter, Behind-the-Scenes Tours), memberships (Aquarium Annual Pass at $109.95, Triple Combo Annual Pass at $182.40, Combo Lifetime at $1,024.50), group and school field trip programs, private and corporate event hosting (10–2,800 guests via exclusive caterer Smith Hospitality), on-site F&B (Starbucks, Johnny Rockets, Frozen Penguin), retail (OdySea Treasures), and combo tickets bundling other Arizona Boardwalk attractions at up to 40% savings. Distribution combines walk-up box office, direct e-commerce via odyseaaquarium.com, and a dedicated B2B group sales team, with marketing across Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, email, PR, and cross-promotion with Arizona Boardwalk partners.

The business holds several regulatory and certification moats: AZA accreditation (held by less than 10% of USDA-registered animal exhibitors, granting access to Species Survival Plan programs), Certified Autism Center designation (IBCCES, with 80%+ staff training), PAL Place certification, Wheel the World Accessibility Verified status, and WCAG 2.1 Level AA web conformance. The affiliated 501(c)(3) OdySea Aquarium Foundation supports education and conservation, including Title 1 school scholarships. Customer segments span families with children, school groups (PreK-12), corporate groups, private event hosts, summer camp families, and tourists to the Scottsdale/Phoenix area.

Name

Odysea Aquarium

Legal name

OdySea Aquarium LLC

Website

https://odyseaaquarium.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2016

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

OdySea Aquarium is a privately held, single-site aquarium attraction in Scottsdale, Arizona, housing 6,000+ animals across 70+ exhibits and serving families, school groups, tourists, and corporate event clients through admissions, memberships, encounters, and venue rentals.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aquarium Attraction / Marine Education and Entertainment

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens (Educational Collections) (THAJADAL)

akta.pro secondary industry

Zoo & Aquarium Parks (Ticketed Wildlife Attractions) (THAJAEAE)

Keywords

• Aquarium attractions
• Marine exhibits
• Animal encounters
• Educational field trips
• Private event venues

Headquarters

HQ city

Scottsdale

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Admission Tickets: Single-day admission tickets for general entry, priced by age category. Core revenue stream from individual visitors and tourists.
2. Annual Passes & Memberships: Unlimited annual access passes including Aquarium-only, Triple Combo (with Butterfly Wonderland and Mirror Maze), and Combo Lifetime Membership. Provides recurring revenue and customer loyalty.
3. Animal Encounters & Experiences: Premium add-on experiences including SeaTREK helmet diving ($99.95), Penguin Encounter, Behind-the-Scenes Tours. Separate pricing from general admission.
4. Private Events & Venue Rental: Corporate events, weddings, receptions, and private gatherings. Catering through exclusive partner Smith Hospitality. Can accommodate 10 to 2,800 guests.
5. Food & Beverage: On-site dining through Starbucks (inside aquarium), Johnny Rockets (AZ Boardwalk second floor), Frozen Penguin ice cream. Revenue share or lease arrangements.
6. Retail/Merchandise: OdySea Treasures Gift Shop selling marine-related merchandise including jewelry, books, stuffed toys, and clothing.
7. Combo Tickets & Bundles: Bundle tickets with other Arizona Boardwalk attractions (Butterfly Wonderland, Museum of Illusions, Laser & Mirror Maze, UFO Experience, Pangaea Dinosaurs) with savings up to 40%.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

OdySea Aquarium is a multi-level indoor aquarium attraction in Scottsdale, Arizona, housing more than 6,000 animals across 300+ species in 70+ exhibits. It sells general admission tickets, premium animal encounters (SeaTREK, Penguin Encounter, Behind-the-Scenes Tours), annual passes and lifetime memberships, school field trips, summer camps, and private event venue rental. The facility features the world's only rotating aquarium (OdySea Voyager) and immersive projection mapping technology, serving families, tourists, schools, and corporate clients.

Product overview

OdySea Aquarium is a multi-level aquarium attraction and experience venue located at Arizona Boardwalk in Scottsdale, Arizona. The company operates as a single unified attraction featuring a core general admission product complemented by signature experiences, encounter programs, educational offerings, and event hosting services. Core offerings include the OdySea Voyager (the world's only rotating aquarium), the Immersive Aqua Lobby with projection mapping technology, and SeaTREK underwater helmet diving. The aquarium also offers educational programs (field trips, summer camps), annual memberships, combo tickets bundling with other Arizona Boardwalk attractions, private event venue rental, and special events like Fish & Sips Happy Hour. The facility houses over 6,000 animals across 300+ species in 70+ exhibits, and is recognized as the largest aquarium in the Southwest and one of the top 10 in the United States.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• OdySea Aquarium Foundation: 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation that supports education, conservation, and community outreach programs for OdySea Aquarium, including Title 1 school scholarships and volunteer opportunities
• Camp Ocean
• SeaTREK

Products and services

• General Admission Standard single-day admission to OdySea Aquarium, allowing guests to explore all exhibits and galleries featuring over 6,000 animals across more than 300 species in 70+ exhibits. Adult (13+) tickets priced at $49.95; Children (2-12) at $39.95.
• OdySea Voyager The world's only rotating aquarium exhibit where guests board a ride that takes them on a 20-minute journey through the ocean's diverse ecosystems, including views of sea turtles, sea lions, and sharks.
• Immersive Aqua Lobby Experience A 360-degree floor-to-ceiling immersive environment that mimics being at the bottom of the ocean with nine globe-shaped aquariums suspended from the ceiling and cutting-edge projection mapping creating ocean scenes.
• SeaTREK Underwater Helmet Diving Underwater helmet diving experience where participants wear a SeaTREK helmet and wetsuit to walk underwater at approximately 8ft depth surrounded by thousands of marine creatures including fish, stingrays, and sharks from the Indo-Pacific region. Priced at $99.95 per person with 20-25 minutes underwater.
• Penguin Encounter Exclusive behind-the-scenes experience with African penguins, allowing guests to join the Animal Care & Education team to learn about penguin behavior, diet, and reproduction while observing and participating in playtime and training demonstrations.
• Twilight Tickets Reduced-price admission tickets available after 4:30pm, offering 30% savings on regular adult admission ($34.95 per person) for the same evening experience.
• Fish & Sips Happy Hour Adults-only (21+) evening event featuring OdySea Aquarium in a unique atmosphere with live music, engaging animal talks, games, food, drinks, and access to the Aqua Lobby Immersive Experience and OdySea Voyager.
• Field Trips & School Groups Curriculum-aligned educational field trips for preschool through 12th grade, featuring self-guided tours following the journey of a drop of water, grade-specific activities, and educator resources tied to AZ State Standards and Next Generation Science Standards. Student rate $15.25 (plus tax); chaperones free within ratio.
• Camp Ocean Summer Camps Award-winning day camp programs for grades 1-8 exploring oceans and marine biology through classroom activities, behind-the-scenes tours, and interactive learning experiences about aquatic species, ecosystems, and conservation. Voted Best Day Camp for 2025 by AZ Foothills Magazine.
• Private Events & Corporate Events Venue Rental Event hosting services including weddings, corporate gatherings, and private celebrations with access to various aquarium spaces including Deep Ocean Theater, Great Barrier Reef Tunnel, and Ocean Art gallery, accommodating 10 to 2,800 guests across 200,000 square feet.
• Group Discount Packages Discounted admission for groups of 10 or more, offering 15% off regular admission (Adults $42.45, Children $33.95) with personalized planning support and flexibility to add attractions at Arizona Boardwalk.
• Annual Pass & Triple Combo Annual Pass Unlimited admission passes for one year to OdySea Aquarium (Aquarium Annual Pass starting at $109.95) or to OdySea, Butterfly Wonderland, and Laser + Mirror Maze (Triple Combo Annual Pass starting at $182.40), including 10% discounts on encounters, cafes, and gift shops.
• Combo Lifetime Membership Unlimited lifetime visits to OdySea Aquarium and Butterfly Wonderland for adults starting at $1,024.50, providing permanent access to two of Arizona's most immersive attractions.
• Combo Tickets (Arizona Boardwalk Bundles) Bundle tickets for OdySea Aquarium with other Arizona Boardwalk attractions including Butterfly Wonderland, Museum of Illusions, Laser + Mirror Maze, UFO Experience, and Pangaea Dinosaurs, with savings up to 40% when combining 4 or more attractions.
• Self-Guided Audio Tours Self-guided audio tours available via SoundCloud featuring narration for various aquarium exhibits and galleries, with headphones required for participation.
• Behind-the-Scenes Tours Guided behind-the-scenes tours of the aquarium at $14.95 per person (ages 6+), with closed-toed shoes required. Includes access to animal care areas and educational insight.
• Touch Exhibits (Stingray Shores & Tidal Touch Pool) Interactive touch pool experiences including Stingray Shores and Tidal Touch Pool where guests can safely interact with stingrays, sea urchins, anemones, and other marine animals.

Quantifiable outcome

• Home to more than 6,000 animals representing over 300 species
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOdySea Aquarium is an AZA accredited institution, one of less than 10% of animal exhibitors to achieve this recognition. Participation in Species Survival Plan (SSP) programs for conservation of wild species through population management.
• AZA Safe (Saving Animals From Extinction)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipates in AZA's SAFE program enhancing conservation of wild species through collaborative efforts.
• OdySea Aquarium FoundationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation supporting education, conservation, and care initiatives. Provides scholarship opportunities for Title 1 schools and underserved communities.
• Arizona State University Shark LabminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partnership for shark research and conservation education initiatives.
• Southern African Foundation for Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation partnership supporting African penguin conservation efforts, supporting the breeding program at OdySea Aquarium.
• Monterey Bay Seafood WatchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership promoting sustainable seafood practices and education.
• Reef AllianceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting coral reef conservation and education.
• Phoenix Herpetological SanctuaryminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal partnership for reptile and amphibian conservation education.
• Trout Unlimited & Arizona Council of Trout UnlimitedminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for freshwater conservation and watershed protection education.
• Arizona Game & Fish DepartmentminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState agency partnership for wildlife conservation and education.
• United States Forest ServiceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFederal agency partnership for conservation and environmental education.
• Arizona State Parks and TrailsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState partnership for conservation and outdoor education initiatives.
• Natural RestorationsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal nonprofit partnership for habitat restoration and conservation projects.
• Recycle CityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership supporting recycling initiatives and environmental sustainability education.
• Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocated on the eastern boundary of SRPMIC. Native American design features incorporated into building structure. Community closely involved in construction with cultural design elements including cattails, river walkways, and bird flight patterns.
• Smith Hospitality GroupcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExclusive caterer and event management company for OdySea Aquarium. Handles all food and beverage arrangements for events. Contact: Diana David, Catering & Events Director.
• Smith Hospitality (Exclusive Caterer)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExclusive caterer and event management company for private events at OdySea Aquarium. Manages all food and beverage minimums, bar service, and event catering.
• SeaTREK (Licensed Technology)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerLicensed SeaTREK underwater helmet diving technology. OdySea Aquarium is the only indoor location with Indo-Pacific species among 50+ locations worldwide.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Shedd Aquarium: One of the largest indoor aquariums in the US, located in Chicago. Comparable in AZA-accredited public aquarium model, immersive exhibits, animal encounters, and strong education program.
• Newport Aquarium: For-profit aquarium in Newport, Kentucky, also developed by OdySea's founder Amram Knishinsky. Closely comparable for-profit aquarium model, walk-through galleries, and encounter-style exhibits.
• Aquarium of the Pacific: Large public aquarium in Long Beach, California, with comparable scale, touch pools, animal encounters, and California/Southwest regional tourism overlap with Arizona visitors.
• Georgia Aquarium: Largest aquarium in the United States, operating a 501(c)(3) public aquarium in Atlanta with 500+ species, including whale sharks. Directly comparable in mission, animal encounter upsells, and large-scale life-support infrastructure.
• SEA LIFE Aquariums (Merlin Entertainments): Global chain of mid-size aquariums operated by Merlin Entertainments. Comparable in walk-through aquarium model, family ticketing, and bundled multi-attraction passes (e.g., LEGOLAND combos).
• National Aquarium: Major Baltimore-based nonprofit aquarium with similar exhibit scale, AZA membership, conservation programming, and immersive galleries. Closely comparable in operating model and educational positioning.
• Monterey Bay Aquarium: Iconic West Coast public aquarium known for Seafood Watch and conservation leadership. Comparable in AZA accreditation, conservation partnerships (Monterey Bay Seafood Watch is also an OdySea partner), and education focus.
• Audubon Aquarium of the Americas: AZA-accredited aquarium in New Orleans, comparable in immersive galleries, animal encounters, and school field trip programming for a regional audience.
• Downtown Aquarium (Landry's): For-profit aquariums in Houston and Denver operated by Landry's. Comparable in for-profit ownership structure, themed dining, event hosting, and family entertainment positioning.

Broad incumbents

• SeaWorld: Larger multi-park marine theme park operator with aquarium-grade exhibits, animal encounters, and education programs. Overlaps with OdySea's marine mission but at much larger scale and as part of a broader theme park portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/OdySeaAquarium
• YouTubeyoutube.com/c/Odyseaaquarium
• Facebookfacebook.com/odyseaaquarium
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/odysea-aquarium
• Instagraminstagram.com/odyseaaquarium

Compliance5 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Odysea Aquarium