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Private Encounters

A couple stands in the cold water of Shedd's oceanarium, as a beluga whale sticks its head out of the water to peer curiously up at them from less than a foot away.

Plan the perfect proposal with penguins, ring in your birthday with belugas, celebrate an accomplishment with sea otters and more! 

Private encounters are customizable, personal experiences for only you and your group that will bring you closer than ever to the aquatic animal world.

Date, Time and Price

Dates, times and prices vary based on the type of encounter.

How to Book

Email us at [email protected] or call 312-692-3355 to learn more and book your private encounter. Requests must be submitted at least 3 weeks in advance to provide you with the best experience.

Admission to the aquarium is included with the purchase of a Private Encounter.

Two adult Shedd guests participate in a Penguin Encounter, gently touching the waterproof feathers that make penguins so at home in the water.

Choose Your Private Encounter

Pick from any of our Extraordinary Experiences:

  • Must See Tour
  • Sea Lion Encounter
  • Sea Otter Encounter*
  • Penguin Encounter*
  • Beluga Encounter*
  • Shark Feeding Tour

*These encounters offer a proposal package

A beluga whale lifts its head from the water, holding a buoy with the message 'Happy Birthday!' written on it in a playful sans-serif font.

Celebrating a Birthday?

Add a “Happy Birthday” buoy that a beluga can bring to you during the encounter! Plus, take the buoy home to remember your experience.

A man and woman pose with a beluga whale with a buoy that reads "Will you marry me?"

The Perfect Proposal

Get down on one knee with a little help from Shedd staff and incredible aquatic animals. Choose from one of our proposal packages or share your ideas with us so we can help make the moment as special as possible. Please fill out this form to tell us what you’re looking for!

Each package comes with:

  • A private encounter with space for six, eight or 12 participants (depending on the type of encounter)
  • A dedicated photographer to capture your entire experience, including interactions with the animals and the proposal
  • A comprehensive photo package
  • And more surprises!

Requirements and Special Considerations

Please note: Requirements may vary based on the type of encounter selected.

Accessibility

We believe there should be no boundaries 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.

Questions?

Email us at [email protected] or call 312-692-3355 with questions or to book your Private Encounter. Requests must be submitted at least 3 weeks in advance to provide you with the best experience.

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.