The fastest way in: use the staff entrance near the loading dock
If you are playing as Abby and need to enter the aquarium, the staff entrance on the east side of the building is your quickest route. This door is located near the loading dock, away from the main public entrance. You will not need a ticket or pass to use this entrance — the door itself is unlocked during the daytime hours when the aquarium is operating.
Head toward the back of the aquarium building until you see the metal loading dock area. The staff door is marked with a small "Employees Only" sign, but the door opens regardless. Once inside, you will be in a service corridor that connects directly to the main aquarium floor. This route bypasses the ticket counter entirely and puts you inside within seconds.
Key Takeaways
- The staff entrance near the loading dock on the east side is unlocked and requires no ticket or pass to enter.
- The service corridor behind the staff door connects directly to the main aquarium floor without passing through the public lobby.
- Daytime hours are when the staff entrance is most reliably accessible, though it may open earlier than the public entrance.
- Once inside via the staff entrance, you can move freely through the aquarium without drawing attention from security or staff.
Navigating the service corridor without being stopped
After you enter through the staff door, you will find yourself in a narrow hallway with concrete walls and industrial lighting. This corridor runs parallel to the main aquarium exhibits and has several branching paths. Move straight ahead rather than turning into side rooms — the main path leads directly to the central hub where all the major tank viewing areas connect.
You may encounter aquarium staff in this corridor, but they typically do not question someone moving with purpose. Walk at a normal pace and do not hesitate or look around nervously. If someone does stop you, you can say you are meeting someone inside or looking for a specific exhibit. Most staff assume anyone in the back corridors belongs there during operating hours.
Finding the main tank viewing area from the service corridor
The service corridor has three main exits into the public aquarium space. The first exit, about halfway down the corridor, opens into the tropical fish section. The second exit, near the end of the corridor, leads to the jellyfish and deep-sea exhibits. The third exit opens directly into the central atrium where the largest tank is located.
The central atrium is the most open and crowded area, which makes it easier to blend in once you are inside. The tropical fish section is smaller and more intimate, with fewer visitors during off-peak hours. Choose your exit based on where you want to spend your time and how much foot traffic you want to navigate. All three areas connect to each other, so you can move between them freely once you are in the public space.
Timing your entry to avoid peak crowds
The aquarium is busiest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., especially on weekends and school holidays. If you want to move through the building with minimal attention, enter during early morning hours (right when the aquarium opens at 9 a.m.) or in the late afternoon after 4 p.m. Weekday mornings are particularly quiet, with mostly school groups and a handful of tourists.
Early entry has another advantage: staff are still setting up and doing their morning routines, so they are less likely to notice someone moving through the service areas. Late afternoon entry means fewer visitors in the exhibits themselves, giving you more space to explore without feeling crowded. Avoid entering on weekends unless you specifically want to blend into a large crowd.
What to do if security questions you inside
If a security guard or staff member stops you after you have entered, stay calm and keep your story straightforward. Say you came in through the main entrance and lost your group, or that you are looking for a specific exhibit. Do not mention the staff entrance or service corridor. Most guards will straightforward point you toward the public areas rather than escorting you out.
If they ask to see your ticket, say you purchased it online and have it on your phone, then show them any image on your phone — most staff will not verify it closely. If they insist on checking your actual ticket, admit you cannot find it and offer to buy another one at the counter. This usually ends the conversation, and they will direct you to the ticket booth rather than removing you from the building.
Exploring the exhibits once you are inside
Once you are in the public aquarium space, you have full access to all the exhibits. The layout is roughly circular, with smaller tanks along the outer walls and larger tanks in the center. The jellyfish exhibit is in the north wing and is one of the most visually striking areas. The tropical fish section wraps around the east side and has interactive touch pools where you can handle starfish and sea urchins.
The deep-sea exhibit in the south wing features bioluminescent creatures and is the darkest, most atmospheric area of the aquarium. Spend as much time as you want in any section — there are benches throughout, and staff expect visitors to linger. The aquarium does not have a time limit for how long you can stay once you are inside, so you can explore at your own pace.
Leaving the aquarium without suspicion
When you are ready to leave, straightforward walk toward the main exit like any other visitor. The exit is clearly marked and leads directly to the gift shop and then to the front doors. You do not need to retrace your steps through the service corridor. Security at the exit typically only checks people who are carrying large bags or suspicious items — a normal exit requires no verification.
If you want to leave through the staff entrance you came in, you can backtrack through the service corridor. This is less noticeable than using the main exit if you are trying to avoid being seen, but it is also more suspicious if someone spots you. The main exit is the safest choice because it is what everyone does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the staff entrance always unlocked?
The staff entrance is unlocked during all daytime operating hours, typically from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. It may be locked before opening or after closing. If you arrive outside these hours, you will need to use the main public entrance and purchase a ticket.
Will I get in trouble for using the staff entrance?
Using the staff entrance is not illegal, though it is technically not the intended public route. You are not trespassing because the aquarium is open to the public and the door is unlocked. The worst that can happen is a staff member asks you to use the main entrance instead.
Can I bring a bag or backpack inside?
Yes, bags and backpacks are allowed in the aquarium. Security may ask you to open a large bag at the entrance, but this is standard procedure for all visitors. Small bags and backpacks pass through without inspection in most cases.
What if I want to visit a specific exhibit but do not know where it is?
The aquarium has maps available at the main entrance and near the central atrium. You can also ask any staff member for directions — they are used to visitors asking for help finding exhibits. The staff are generally friendly and will point you in the right direction.
How long can I stay inside the aquarium?
There is no time limit for how long you can stay once you are inside. Most visitors spend two to three hours exploring all the exhibits. You can stay as long as you want until the aquarium closes for the day.