May 4 Opening Date Announcement

March 10, 2021

New Jersey SEA LIFE® Aquarium today announced the grand opening date of May 4, 2021.

Over the last several months, SEA LIFE New Jersey has welcomed thousands of creatures and approximately 100 species to it’s “City Under the Sea” themed aquarium, from piranhas to jellyfish. The highly choreographed fish arrival process involved curating species from all over the world, arranging for their safe transport, coordinating a seamless arrival, and ensuring a supportive acclimation process.

“We are thrilled to celebrate the Grand Opening of both New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey on May 4,” said General Manager Camille DePascale. “Welcoming our amazing sea creatures over the last few months has been an exciting process and we can’t wait to entertain and educate our guests about the ocean, its inhabitants, and future preservation of our world oceans.”

*Please note our opening date has since been moved since this announcement.

Spring 2021 Opening Announcement

September 29th, 2020

 Merlin Entertainments Ltd announced New Jersey SEA LIFE® Aquarium will open in spring 2021. The under-construction attraction was on track to debut in spring 2020, however due to the Covid-19 pandemic, opening dates were shifted to implement safety measures in accordance with state guidelines.

 

“The health of our guests, staff and sea creatures is of utmost importance and we are taking every step to prepare for a safe and exciting opening next year,” said General Manager Camille DePascale. “Our number one priority is to create fun and educational experiences for families at New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium and LEGOLAND Discovery Center New Jersey, all within a safe and comfortable environment.”

Ceremonial Water Fill

February 19th, 2020

New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium reached a new construction milestone today with the filling of its water tanks with nearly 250,000 gallons of water.

 

Camille DePascale, General Manager of New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium and Rich Weddle, New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquairium’s Curator commenced the water fill with a ceremonial bucket pour into the grand ocean tank.

 

“The water fill is an exciting milestone for us because it takes us one step closer to opening day and gives a sneak peek into this one-of-a-kind SEA LIFE location with its ‘City Under the Sea’ theming,” said DePascale. “We can’t wait to entertain and educate our guests about the ocean, its inhabitants and future preservation.”  

"City Under the SEA" Theming Officially Unveiled

November 15th, 2019

Merlin Entertainments Ltd unveiled the unique theming of New Jersey SEA LIFE Aquarium, a 35,000-square-foot aquarium at the revolutionary American Dream in East Rutherford, N.J. The aquarium, set to open in Spring 2020, will be themed around New York City’s most iconic moments and landmarks and is dubbed “City Under the Sea.”

Through more than ten interactive exhibits, visitors will experience the creatures of the rock pool that are the ‘Athletes of the Shores,’ the seahorses that are the ‘Ballet Dancers of the Ocean,’ the piranhas that are the ‘Wall Street Wolves’ and the jellies that are the ‘Disco DJs of the Deep.’