One Good Reason to Visit Camden, NJ
Written: Apr 04 '01
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Small, but well done.
Cons: Not as big and flashy as some other attractions nearby.
The Bottom Line: Not the biggest or flashiest aquarium, but they keep it interesting.
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| beebuzby's Full Review: New Jersey State Aquarium |
When you think of marine tourist attractions, face it, New Jersey is probably not the first place that comes to mind. What possessed the State of New Jersey to build their aquarium in Camden of all places? Probably the fact that that perennial tourist attraction, the City of Philadelphia is directly across the Delaware River. The New Jersey State Aquarium is just a pleasant boat ride across the river from Penn's Landing, a newly renovated conglomeration of restaurants, parks,stores, museums and clubs on the Philadelphia waterfront.
The aquarium itself may not be the biggest or the best, but it is interesting-and maybe more importantly-ever-changing. There is a small pen where visitors can actually touch a small sand or leopard shark, or ray. Under the watchful eye of attendants (more for the protection of the animals than the visitors) adults and children alike can let their fingers run over the backs and fins of some of the most dangerous creatures on our planet. I wouldn't try that in the big shark tank right around the corner though. Hammerheads, Great Whites, and Blue Sharks careen around and around accompanied by giant groupers, drums, sea-turtles, and other denizens of the sea.
Visitors can also see divers clean the big tank. This is an impressive site in the amphitheatre where the entire front wall is the side of the shark tank. The aquarium has a program for local divers who want to volunteer time and get up close and personal time with the occupants of the tank. I think I'll pass.
Upstairs visitors will find some of the more exotic sea creatures, such as urchins, an octopus, and various lizards, tarantulas, and even a fish that walks on land. Don't blame me if you can't find all these animals when you go. Over the many trips we made to the New Jersey State Aquarium we found old exhibits gone and new ones taking their places.
If you go, make a day of it. Take a boat ride, enjoy the Philadelphia skyline, and wonder just what strange and magnificent creatures might be swimming along side of you, just beneath the waves.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
beebuzby
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Member: DJ Wyre
Location: Newark, DE
Reviews written: 21
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
Happy, simple southern girl who loves God, my family, writing, my horse, and dogs.
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