Newport’s Oregon Coast Aquarium reopening with limited viewing for small groups

Oregon Coast Aquarium

A tufted puffin swims in the rain in the Seabird Aviary exhibit at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport. File photo. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian

After five months of shuttered exhibits because of coronavirus restrictions, the Oregon Coast Aquarium will reopen to the public Monday, but the experience will be different than it was for visits before the pandemic.

Visitors will have access to outdoor exhibits only and attendance will be limited to 10 guests per reservation period. Guests will be led through a one-hour facilitated tour featuring five exhibits: Vultures, Otters, Seals and Sea Lions, Seabird Aviary and the Rocky Habitat.

Oregon Coast Aquarium

Map of outdoor exhibits open during coronavirus restrictions.Courtesy of Oregon Coast Aquarium

Each station will be hosted by interpretive experts who will share information about the featured animals. Aquarium staffers say the animals are eager to see visitors again.

All tickets must be purchased online for a specific time period. A 5-minute late-gate grace period is in effect, and no refunds will be given to late guests. Social distancing and masks will be required. No food or beverages will be allowed.

Guests are reminded that most exhibits will be closed, including the playground and café. Admission has been reduced to $15 for all ages.

The aquarium is booking admission times up to two weeks in advance via the website. Members should contact the aquarium directly for information on member admission.

The Oregon Coast Aquarium is at 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Road, Newport. Available reservations hours are 10:15 a.m.-4:45 p.m. daily until further notice. Contact: aquarium.org or 541-867-3474.

In the spring, the Newport attraction furloughed about 80 percent of its employees, leaving a skeleton crew of 26 to care for the animals, as well as 30 senior staff to manage the business.

— Rosemarie Stein, rstein@oregonian.com

Oregon Coast Aquarium

An otter eats a meal at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport. Oregonian file photo. LC- The Oregonian

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