VIA Aquarium

VIA Aquarium is an indoor aquarium in Schenectady's Viaport Rotterdam Mall, with more than 50 exhibits exploring aquatic biodiversity across oceans, rivers, and local freshwater habitats. Its collection includes more than 2,000 creatures from around the world, while the aquarium has expanded its focus to include reptiles alongside marine and freshwater life. The indoor setting and broad mix of habitats give it a distinctly accessible character for visitors interested in aquatic ecosystems without traveling to a large coastal aquarium.

Interactive experiences are central to the visit. Guests can hand-feed cownose stingrays, participate in reptile programs involving snakes, lizards, and turtles, or book guided and behind-the-scenes tours covering conservation, animal care, filtration, feeding, and aquarium operations. Educational programs introduce live marine invertebrates, sharks, reptiles, and concepts such as adaptations, habitats, ecosystems, and conservation. VIA Aquarium suits travelers looking for a hands-on aquarium experience with opportunities to learn directly from educators and aquarists rather than simply viewing exhibits.