Beluga Encounter
Meet the belugas! Standing with a caretaker on an underwater ledge, you’ll step into chest-deep water and come face to face with a beluga whale in this 75-minute experience.
Highlights
- Put on waders and have the opportunity to look a beluga whale in the eye
- Touch a beluga whale
- Try a few training techniques
- Enjoy a few surprises!
Requirements
For the safety of the animals and guests, no one under 5 feet (60 inches) tall may attend the experience.
Participants up to 17 years old must be accompanied by a participating paid adult age 18 or older.
Dates
April - December at 9:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.
Price
$205 per person
$165 per member
Admission to the aquarium is included with the purchase of a Beluga Encounter.
Time
Beluga Encounters begin promptly at 9:45 a.m. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled encounter time.
Select dates also have a 2:15 p.m. or 3:15 p.m. session. Please arrive 15 minutes early for this time slot as well.
Requirements
Participants must be at least 60 inches (5ft or 1.5 meters) tall. Children up to 17 years-old must be accompanied by a participating paid adult age 18 or older.
A waiver must be signed by all participants. A parent or guardian must sign for any participant 17 years or younger.
We recommend that guests with shellfish and seafood allergies do not participate in this encounter as well as those who are at risk for lymphedema.
Guests will need to understand information and instructions given in English or arrange for a paying translator to participate.
Accessibility
We strive to remove barriers to your Shedd Aquarium experience. If you have an accommodation request related to a disability, please contact us at [email protected] or 312-692-3355. We review each request individually against the participation requirements and will follow up with you as swiftly as we can.
Program includes
- Standing in cold water for 20 minutes (without assistance)
- Use of stairs
- Lifting arms
- Ability to walk/wear chest waders
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Please meet at the Extraordinary Experiences kiosk in the main galleries a minimum of 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time. Please note, late comers may not be able to join the encounter and will forfeit the program. Please be on time for your experience.
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Those in your party who are not participating in the experience are not permitted to follow along and are not allowed in the behind-the-scenes areas. Please arrange a time and place to meet with your party after your experience.
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For the safety of the animals, no one under 5 feet (60 inches) tall may attend the experience.
Participants up to 17 years old must be accompanied by a participating paid adult age 18 or older.
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You will be provided with neoprene waders during the encounter, so please wear comfortable clothing. All participants must wear socks, a short-sleeve shirt, and either shorts, jeans, or slacks. A bathing suit or wetsuit is not necessary, as you will not be swimming in any of the habitats. We recommend bringing a change of clothes, as you may get wet during the encounter. Towels will be provided for guests. Please note that participants cannot wear jewelry (including wedding rings) or artificial fingernails. Lockers will be available for storing personal belongings.
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The waders are based on shoe size. Only whole sizes are available, not half sizes. They range from a size 6, which has a 36 inch waist, to a size 15, which has a 52 inch waist.
Gift certificates
Beluga Encounters are an extraordinary gift idea! Purchase a gift certificate online, redeemable for Extraordinary Experiences, general admission, or membership. Or call us at 312-692-3355. Certain restrictions apply.
Pricing
$205 a person ($165 for members)
Entry
Participating guests should meet at the Extraordinary Experiences kiosk on the day of their visit.
Questions?
Email us or call 312-692-3355 with questions. We are unable to take reservations by email.
Accessibility Needs
If you have any accessibility needs, please contact us.
Photography
Photography and video recording are not allowed while participating in the Beluga Encounter. However, a photographer will be in the area taking photos of the experience. You will receive one free image with the option to purchase more.
Refund Policy
No refunds. Participants who need to reschedule may do so up to 10 days before their scheduled experience. Otherwise, date and time exchanges cannot be accommodated. For additional details, see our refund and cancellation policy.