Feeding sea turtles in the wild may seem harmless, but it can actually cause serious harm to both the animals and their ecosystems. When turtles are fed by people, they can become habituated to humans, losing their natural wariness and associating boats or swimmers with food. This increases the risk of boat strikes, entanglement, and injury.
Human food also lacks the proper nutrition sea turtles need and can lead to malnutrition, illness, or digestive problems. In addition, feeding alters natural foraging behavior, which can disrupt seagrass beds and coral reef ecosystems that turtles help keep healthy. This is a major reason turtle rescue facilities don't just let us feed sea turtles. The hope is to get the "patient" out there in the ocean doing sea turtle things again.
Because of these risks, feeding sea turtles is illegal in many places and strongly discouraged by conservation organizations. Observing sea turtles from a respectful distance helps protect their health, preserves natural behaviors, and supports long-term conservation efforts.
But. What if I really like sea turtles and really really want to feed one someday? Well, there is an option out there..... New Jersey's Adventure Aquarium.
What the Sea Turtle Experience Is
At Adventure Aquarium, you can book a Sea Turtle Encounter — a special add-on experience where you get to help care for and tong-feed green and loggerhead sea turtles from a floating dock above the Ocean Realm exhibit. It’s an up-close, educational moment perfect for animal lovers and families with older kids. (Adventure Aquarium)
Where It Is
The aquarium is located at 1 Riverside Drive, Camden, New Jersey, right on the Delaware River waterfront — just across from Philadelphia and easy to reach by car or public transit. (Adventure Aquarium)
Cost
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The Sea Turtle Encounter costs about $89.99 per person plus tax as an add-on to your regular admission ticket. (Adventure Aquarium)
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General admission tickets to the aquarium are required in addition to the encounter and typically range roughly $31.99–$51.99 for adults, with discounts for kids and seniors. (Adventure Aquarium)
Schedule & Rules
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The sea turtle session usually runs daily at 1 PM and lasts around 45 minutes. (Adventure Aquarium)
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Age restriction: Participants must be 8 years or older, and those under 18 must be accompanied by a paid adult. (Adventure Aquarium)
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Safety/requirements: Closed-toe shoes and life jackets are required; all participants must be able to navigate entry and exit points safely. (Adventure Aquarium)
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Animal interaction: Except for designated touch exhibits, touching animals is not allowed due to New Jersey state law. (Adventure Aquarium)
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Reservations: Advance online reservations are strongly recommended for both aquarium entry and the turtle encounter to secure your spot. (Adventure Aquarium)
Tips for Your Visit
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Arrive at least 15–30 minutes early for check-in. (Adventure Aquarium)
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Encounters are non-refundable but can usually be rescheduled with notice. (Adventure Aquarium)
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Purchase standard admission ahead of time to avoid sold-out entry times. (Adventure Aquarium)