It is not often that one is floored by fish, but the remodeled Adventure Aquarium in Camden, N.J. succeeds in providing hours of jaw-dropping entertainment.
The privatization of the former state aquarium, as well as the $53 million dollars spent in renovations, make the half-hour trip a necessity for even the average lazy college student.
Since its May 25 opening, more than 500,000 visitors have frequented the locale, at a price of $17 per adult.
"We've had an extremely positive reaction from visitors" since our opening, spokesman Bill Larson said, "particularly from people who were at the old New Jersey State Aquarium."
The revamped aquarium on Camden's waterfront boasts a staff clad in Hawaiian shirts and acoustic guitar players who greet patrons and help to negate the effects of the bustling crowds by providing a laid-back, relaxing atmosphere.
Though most visitors are not college students, there is something for everyone.
Attractions range from the Touch-A-Shark Tank to the movie-theater-style Ocean Realm Theater where viewers can sit and watch tremendous eels, sea turtles and stingrays.
The facility even offers the more adventurous type the opportunity to take a guided tour of the shark tank with a professional diver.
A "4-D theater" is home to interactive 3-D movies that splash viewers with water and bubbles.
The Jules Verne Gallery -- easily the spookiest exhibit -- presents jellyfish, huge spider crabs and a giant octopus.
The Creature Lab offers a more hands-on experience geared for younger children and an outdoor portion features both penguin and seal displays.
The more breathtaking moments come in the Shark Realm and the West African River Experience.
The former, not for the faint of heart, provides visitors with the opportunity to walk through a glass tunnel while sharks swim next to and directly over them.
The West African River Experience is home to two large hippopotami, Button and Genny, as well as porcupines and birds that fly around the heads of the unsuspecting crowd.
Because the Adventure Aquarium is the first in the country to house hippos, they are the centerpiece of the gallery.
Overall, a day of "Adventure" definitely tops the average aquarium visit because of the fantastic exhibits.
Not even the ironic fish fillet on the cafe menu could sour the unbelievable experience.
Getting there - Take the Market-Frankford El (Blue Line) to 8th and Market - Transfer to the Port Authority Transportation Company (PATCO), heading east - Get off at the first stop across the river, Camden City Hall - Walk east; Aquarium is the big white dome on the river
