Unbelievable Animal Encounters
This encounter is currently unavailable. View the list of available Extraordinary Experiences.
In this new Extraordinary Experience offering, you’ll come face to face with a sea otter, sit front and center during an aquatic presentation and have one of Shedd’s experts lead you on a personal front-of-scenes tour of your favorite animals. But that’s not all! We have a surprise additional animal encounter waiting just for you! Then, after your exciting morning, enjoy a private lunch overlooking the Abbott Oceanarium.
If that’s not enough, you can visit the rest of the aquarium at your leisure. Guests will receive digital photos to commemorate their Extraordinary Experience.
VIRTUAL ENCOUNTERS ARE AVAILABLE
Highlights
- Come face to face with a sea otter.
- VIP seats at the aquatic presentation.
- Enjoy a private animal encounter.
- Lunch overlooking the Oceanarium
Includes admission
A general admission ticket is included. Participants have access to express entry to the aquarium, admission to all exhibits and VIP seating to the aquatic presentation.
Requirements
Minimum age is 6 years old. Guests ages 6 to 17 must be accompanied by a paying adult, age 18 or older.
Be sure to wear rubber-soled shoes such as sneakers. For your safety, please do not wear heels or flip-flops on this encounter.
Crouching and kneeling throughout the tour are required to participate in parts of the experience
Guests will walk/stand for one to two hours (with breaks) and must be able to follow instructions given by tour leader.
If you or someone in your party uses a wheelchair, please contact our office at 312-692-3355 before making a reservation.
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.
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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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All participants must be at least 6 years old, and children 6-17 must be accompanied by a paying participating guardian.
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Pictures will be allowed at the appropriate time and will be guided by Shedd team members.
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Check in at the Northern Trust Suite (right side of Main Foyer) at least 10 minutes before your scheduled encounter. Late arrivals may not be able to join the encounter, in which case the experience is forfeited.
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Please wear comfortable clothing and something you don’t mind getting dirty or wet. Be sure to wear rubber sole shoes- sneakers are recommended. For your safety, please do not wear heels or flip-flops on this tour.
Gift certificates
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
$750 for two participants
Age
Minimum age is 6 years old. Guests ages 6 to 17 must be accompanied by a paying adult, age 18 or older.
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 during this 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.