Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

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3D IMAX(r) Theater
Joining the Under the Sea 3D and Dolphins and Whales 3D film line-up February 19 is the newly released film Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D. This film follows nine-time World Champion surfer Kelly Slater and Tahitian surfer Raimana Van Bastolaer as they explore the nature of waves and hunt for the ultimate wave-riding experience at the famed Pacific surf site of Teahupo'o, Tahiti. From astounding 3D surfing action to the chaos of ocean storms, the film leads audiences on a quest to understand the science behind one of this planet's most intriguing and dramatic phenomena. For more information about the film visit: http://www.ultimatewavetahiti.com. For the Aquarium's film schedule call (757) 385-FISH or visit: www.virginiaaquarium.com. Call Guest Services at (757) 385-0300 for credit card charged reservations.

Barbie(tm) and You Aquarium Weekend
March 6 & 7, 9:30 - 4 p.m.

Join us for a special weekend of Barbie related-events as we kick off the release of the Barbie(tm) in a Mermaid Tale(tm) DVD. Guests can participate in Barbie themed activities, games, and crafts throughout the weekend. All events will be held at the Virginia Aquarium Marsh Pavilion.

* Barbie in a Mermaid Tale will be shown in the Interactive Theater at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

* Tea with your Barbie - Bring your Barbie and have tea and cookies in the Discovery Room while you listen to Barbie themed music, learn about and apply organic makeup, and make a necklace for you and your Barbie. Tea will be served from 11a.m. - 12 noon, 1 - 2 p.m., and 3 - 4 p.m.

* Pick up a "Barbie Safari" to be completed as you tour both the Marsh and Bay & Ocean Pavilions.

* Dress Like Your Barbie Fashion Show - Come dressed like your Barbie and parade down the pink carpet in the Micro Marsh. Barbie in a Mermaid Tale dolls will be given out as prizes for the best in show!

Taste of the Bay, Saturday, March 20, 6 - 9 p.m.
Join us for the next Virginia Aquarium Taste of the Bay dinner and wine tasting. This event combines a lovely Aquarium setting, delicious food, and great wines. The evening begins with an opportunity to learn about the Aquarium's Sustainable Seafood Program. This is followed by a cooking demonstration by one of Sodexo's executive chefs. Sodexo Corporation is the food-service provider for the Aquarium. Each course of the evening's menu from salad to dessert will be prepared in front of your eyes. All of this will be complimented by wines selected to perfectly accompany menu selections. Winery representatives will introduce and educate guests on the selected wines. The cost for this evening event is $70 per person. For more information call Karen Burns at (757) 385-0272 or to make reservations, call Guest Services at (757) 385-0300.

Edible Aquatic Treasures (EAT) of Hampton Roads Want to learn about local Sensible Seafood choices such as oysters, clams, rockfish, spot/croaker, and soft shell crabs in an interactive and tasty way? Join Chef Patrick Evans-Hylton, Hampton Roads Magazine's Senior Food and Wine Editor, in a culinary adventure that will examine the history of our region's seafood culture one delicious species at a time.
All Edible Aquatic Treasures sessions will be unique and held at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. The Aquarium's culinary team, led by Sodexo Chef Robbie Delaney, will educate participants about selecting and cooking with local, fresh and sustainable products and prepare a variety of delightful tastes based on the day's topic. Participants will sample each of the delicious creations and the chefs will be available to answer questions.
Each session will run from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. and will be offered on the following Saturdays: February 20, March 6, March 20, April 10, May 1, and May 8. Edible Aquatic Treasures is offered through the Culinary Institute of Virginia's recreational cooking program, Casual Gourmet. Each session costs $30 and registration can be completed at www.chefva.com. For further information contact Karen Burns at (757) 385-0272 or kpburns@virginiaaquarium.com.

Seasonal Boat Trips
Whale Watching Boat Trips
Through March 14: Thursdays and Fridays at 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays, Sundays, and Holiday Mondays (January 18 and February 15) at 9 a.m., 12 noon and 3 p.m.
Experience a two and half hour adventure searching for humpback whales, fin whales and sea birds. Marine educators direct the trip and offer a hands-on experience with whale artifacts. Whale sightings are not guaranteed. Boat trips leave from the Virginia Beach Fishing Center at Rudee Inlet.
Visit VirginiaAquarium.com for information or call (757) 385-FISH for reservations.

FEE: $28 per adult (ages 12 and up), $24 per child (ages 4 to 11).

Dolphin Watching Boat Trips

Spring break and weekend trips begin in April. Visit VirginiaAquarium.com for details or call (757) 385-FISH for reservations. FEE: $20 per adult (ages 12 and up), $14 per child (ages 4 to 11).

Discovery Days ages 4 - 5
Programs include age appropriate discussions, activities and crafts.
Fee: $7 members, $10 non-members
Pre-registration is strongly recommended: call 385-0278 or email: programs@VirginiaAquarium.com. Space is limited in each program, and programs are subject to cancellation if a minimum number of participants have not enrolled two days prior. We cannot guarantee that "walk-ups" can be accommodated.

Defend and Protect, March 11, 2 - 3:15 p.m.
Some animals hide, some stink, and some look scary. Come and explore the many ways animals protect themselves from being a meal. Marsh Pavilion Discovery Room

Windy Weather, March 25, 2 - 3:15 p.m.
March is known for being a windy time of year. We will examine how wind is created and why it is important to many plants and animals. Marsh Pavilion Discovery Room

Bonus Experiences: Free with Aquarium Admission!

Member Mornings: Celebrate the Magic of the Ocean with Radio Disney March 13 The second Saturday of each month is a special morning for not only members, but all of our early morning guests! Join us in the Marsh Pavilion Interactive Theater at 9:15 a.m. for a family film on a big screen. Then enjoy activities, games and fun with Radio Disney hosts from 11 a.m. - 12 noon.

Sensational Snakes, March 13 & 14
Discover the intriguing world of these slithery reptiles. Learn about the myths and mystery surrounding these amazing animals. Live animal programs will take place at the Marsh Pavilion.

Party for the Planet, April 24

You are invited to a party, a party for planet Earth! This nation-wide celebration will help Aquarium guests discover ways to connect to the local environment and how we can all make a difference. Everyone loves a good party and there's no better place to celebrate than with our fabulous friends from land, sea, creek and river that make our beautiful planet the awe inspiring place that it is! Activity stations will include: live animal programs; building a "toad abode"; and creating your own conservation catcher. The 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. party is located in the Marsh Pavilion.