At Newport Aquarium, we are continuously working to improve the experience for each and every guest who enters our doors. The accessibility and comfort of every guest is a top priority and, because of this, we have created an overview of the many services and access options available at Newport Aquarium.
All guests should enter Newport Aquarium at the main entrance on the east side of the building on the Newport on the Levee plaza.
There are elevators just off the lobby to take guests to the lower/exhibits level.
Visitors should park in the Newport on the Levee parking garage and take the elevator to the plaza (PL) level.
There are numerous accessible parking spots available around the central elevator column and near the east elevator bay.
All restrooms at Newport Aquarium feature accessible stalls. Restrooms are located on the lower level: near the entrance escalator, by Sharky's Café, and near the Frog Bog.
Family and Companion restrooms are available on the lower level near the main elevator and Sharky’s Café. We will always do our best to provide accommodation in any way we can for other bathrooms. Please see a member of Guest Services for assistance.
Wheelchairs are available from guest services at the entrance on a first come first serve basis.
Users must give a photo ID for deposit that will be returned when the wheelchair is turned back in.
Lighted magnifying glasses are available for rent from guest services at the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.
Noise-cancelling headphones are available for rent from guest services at the entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.
While Shark Bridge is an able-bodied experience, guests can use a periscope to get a 'fish-eyed' view of the shark tank.
During your visit, please ask an Newport Aquarium team member at Shark Bridge for assistance.
Newport Aquarium offers 'touch' experiences in several locations: Animal Encounters, Stingray Hideaway and the Discovery Hut, Shark Central, and the Tide Pool in Shore Gallery.
Visitors who require paid Personal Care Attendants (PCA) may be accompanied by them at no additional cost during their visit to Newport Aquarium. This applies to all ticketed events that the visitor is attending. This also applies to individual, annual membership, complimentary and group sales tickets.
Visitors who wish to purchase advance tickets should contact 1-800-406-3474 to request complimentary companion tickets for a paid PCA. These tickets must be picked up in person by the visitor and the paid PCA at the ticket window.
This policy also applies to group visitors. For groups visiting with members having disabilities, we offer free admission for Personal Care Attendants (PCA). Groups can book in advance by calling 859-815-1471.
Service animals are permitted for visitors that require them. If there is doubt about a service animal, we reserve the right to ask 2 questions:
Service animals must be harnessed, leashed or tethered, unless these devices interfere with the service animal’s work or the individual’s disability prevents using these devices. In that case, the individual must maintain control of the animal through voice, signal or other effective controls. For the health and safety of your animal and ours, service animals are restricted from the following areas:
Newport Aquarium does not offer a relief area for service animals. To leave the building and return, please be sure to bring your ticket with you.
Newport Aquarium reserves the right to reject service animals that become a nuisance or distraction to other guests if the handler does not take effective action to control it.
For the health and safety of your animal and ours, emotional support, comfort and/or therapy animals are not allowed at Newport Aquarium.
Service animals that are being trained are permitted in Newport Aquarium.
Trainers should be able to present documentation showing that they are professional trainers.
