If you live on Long Island, visiting Atlantis Marine World in Riverhead is a must. Celebrating its 10th birthday this year, the aquarium is offering free admission on your birthday.
According to their website, "Beginning June 15, 2010 and ending June 14, 2011, Atlantis Marine World is offering guests a one-day regular Aquarium Admission ticket to any patron during the week of his or her birthday (seven days prior or past). Simply show proper ID (a driver's license, government-issued photo ID, or a government-issued passport). Guests under 18 without proper ID need to show an original or certified copy of their birth certificates. And that's all there is to it!"
Keeping this offer in mind, Sachem residents should also be drawn to the aquarium for the plethora of activities and exhibits it offers. In addition to sea lion shows, otter feedings and information shark feedings, Atlantis Marine World has interactive exhibits. For $2, the price of food, guests are welcome to feed sting rays in the people-friendly sting ray pool.
Find out what's happening in Sachemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Aquarium employees placed around the park offer instruction and interaction with snakes and various other animals.
For an additional cost, the aquarium runs exciting programs. For instance, brave participants have the opportunity to shark dive, and come "nose-to-nose" with sharks. Atlantis provides the necessary equipment and leaves you with various souvenirs including a photo of your experience. The dive costs $155 for non-members of the aquarium and $140 for members.
Find out what's happening in Sachemwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Another worthwhile adventure takes place on an educational floating tour. According to the aquarium, "The Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat takes you down the Peconic River and into Flanders Bay. Conducted by Aquarium Educators, the adventure offers plenty of opportunity for hands-on exploration while promoting environmental awareness and education about the Peconic Estuary." Each ride is limited to 72 participants, and cost $17 per person for children and seniors and $19 per person for guests of all other ages.
Adult participants are invited to enjoy this tour boat on Saturday nights for Taste Long Island, a cheese and wine tour aboard the Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat. Local wines are sampled and the ride is $29.95 per person.
Atlantis Marine World, which is owned by Sachem grad James Bissett, welcomes birthday parties and has a variety of packages prepared, ranging in price per person and party length, in the aquarium. Each party option includes admission to the aquarium and a tour with a personal party host.
In addition, the aquarium can accommodate up to 500 people for weddings, proms, reunions, and other various social events. Extensive menus are preplanned, yet the facility is also willing to customize a menu for particular tastes and needs.
With the endless possibilities available at Atlantis, the aquarium welcomes hundreds of visitors a day. The aquarium is also home to an animal rescue center, which is New York State's only authorized stranding and research facility. The center is dedicated to rescue, rehabilitation and release of various animals in need.
Atlantis Marine World is located at 431 East Main Street in Riverhead. It is open year-round from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and can be reached at 631-208-9200.
