Throughout this journey guests will learn more about exotic island and underwater wildlife in a relaxed setting.

Tropically clad Santa divers will lead visitors on an adventure through a spectacular coral reef filled with big, toothy sharks and a multitude of colorful fish.  Move into the shallows at Shark Island where keepers will be feeding guitarfish, stingrays and bamboo sharks. Relax and reach out.  All of the aquatic residents at Shark Islandare friendly and welcome the human touch.

In the distance the call of the hyacinth macaws beckons. Through the lush vegetation the brilliant blue and vivid yellow of the largest member of the parrot family really stands out.  Each day visitors will get a chance to see these “Parrot Heads” display some remarkable behaviors during a special keeper talk that is engaging for all ages.

Guests can recharge by meandering through a tropical forest filled with hundreds of beautiful butterflies.  Every day dozens are hatched and released to swirl around the exotic plants that provide nectar and shelter.  Festive looking wood partridges can be seen strutting among the butterfly trees searching for seeds and fruit.  Peaceful, relaxing and awesome are words visitors use to describe this slice of paradise.

The fun extends throughout both buildings at the Tennessee Aquarium.  Unplug while enjoying the exotic animals that dwell in the tropical habitats in the Rivers of the World gallery in River Journey.  Or check out the high energy antics of the river otters during “enrichment” time.  See what happens when treats like ice and toys mix with the Aquarium’s wacky otters.  There are always amazing moments with seahorses and seadragons. Enjoy watching these animals “Slurpin’ a Cheeseburger in Paradise” with our seahorse experts during an afternoon feeding show.

“Ho, Ho, H20” daily schedule - Nov. 16, 2007 - Jan. 6, 2008
(The Aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.)

• 10:15 a.m. – See keepers surface feed stingrays & bamboo sharks -- Ocean Journey – Tropical Cove, Shark Island, Level 4
• 10:30 a.m. – Delight in the first flight of butterflies when they are released into a lush tropical garden – Ocean Journey – Butterfly Garden, Level 4
• 11 a.m. – Talk to tropical “Santa” divers as they take you on a shark-filled journey through spectacular coral formations – Ocean Journey -- Secret Reef, Level 2
• 11:15a.m. - You otter chill out with the river otters during “enrichment” time. See what happens when treats, ice and toys mix with two playful otters – River Journey – Cove Forest, Level 4
• 11:30 a.m. - Talk to tropical “Santa” divers as they take you on a shark-filled journey through spectacular coral formations – Ocean Journey -- Secret Reef, Level 2
• 1 p.m. -- Get a gander at one of the real “Parrot Heads,” the highly social hyacinth macaw, during this program that explores the bold behaviors and adaptations of the largest member of the parrot family – Ocean Journey – Tropical Cove, Level 4
• 1:45 p.m. – Hang Six! The surf’s up in Penguins’ Rock with a cool keeper talk – Ocean Journey – Penguins’ Rock, Level 3
• 2 p.m. -- Talk to tropical “Santa” divers as they take you on a shark-filled journey through spectacular coral formations – Ocean Journey -- Secret Reef, Level 2
• 2:30 p.m. - Talk to tropical “Santa” divers as they take you on a shark-filled journey through spectacular coral formations – Ocean Journey -- Secret Reef, Level 2
• 3:30 p.m. -- Join the seahorses for their version of “Slurpin’ a Cheeseburger in Paradise” and discover what these steeds of the deep really eat – River Journey, Level A
• 4 p.m. – Surround yourself with butterflies and meet their perfect compliment, two partridges living near the trees - Ocean Journey – Butterfly Garden, Level 4

Relax and enjoy a 3D film experience across the street from the Aquarium at the IMAX 3D Theater.  Slip below the waves and experience either Deep Sea 3D or Sea Monsters 3D.  Or get in a festive mood with Polar Express.  Special pricing for this full-length (one hour and 40 minute) IMAX 3D feature film, “The Polar Express”: Adults 12 and older – $9.95; Children – $7.50.