I recently attended a media preview night for the unveiling of two special gifts to the Newport Aquarium. Scuba Santa delivered two rare white American Alligators named Snowball and Snowflake to make the Water Wonderland experience even better.
Scuba Santa has been a Newport Aquarium tradition for 10 years and aquarium members and guests look forward to his visit each year.
Scuba Santa provides a unique under water dive show to enjoy. Scuba Santa also shares a special underwater reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas” that younger audiences love .
Scuba Santa’s special gift truly brings a rare experience for aquarium guests. Snowflake and Snowball are two of less than approximately 100 known white alligators in the world. The fact that the aquarium has a pair of white alligators to see is even more incredible!
Guests at Newport Aquarium can also view the alligators up close with more natural light than normal because the alligators are shielded from dangerous UV rays in the Rainforest Exhibit. The rare alligators have a low rate of survival because they are so visible with their lack of camouflage and sensitivity to UV rays.
Snowball, the male, weighs 85 pounds and measures roughly 6 feet in length. Snowflake, the female, is 65 pounds and also is around 6 feet long.
While you’re at the aquarium you can also see a large variety of sea life at the aquarium with several hands on exhibits.
This picture of Mighty Mike doesn’t really show you how HUGE he is!
There are several tunnels to walk thru and make sure you take a few moments to pause and admire the beautiful jellyfish displays.
Scuba Santa is a great holiday tradition for the whole family to enjoy!
Make sure you take advantage of your opportunity to see Snowball and Snowflake because they are only here for a limited time!
Family Fun Activities Free with Admission:
- Play the Reindeer Roundup game and help Scuba Santa find his missing reindeer
- Visit Scuba Santa’s Post Office and write a letter
- Hear Scuba Santa talk from beneath the sea during magical underwater dive shows
Newport Aquarium Adult Admission (Ages 13+) $23
Newport Aquarium Child Admission (Ages 2 – 12) $15
Children under the age of 2 FREE
* There is currently a Newport Aquarium Annual Pass sale where guests who purchase three annual passes will receive a fourth annual pass for FREE! The Annual Pass Holiday Special ends on Dec. 31st.
Holiday Hours:
9 a.m – 6 p.m.
November 29 – November 30
December 26 – December 31
*There are no dive shows on Christmas Day.
The Newport Aquarium is located at One Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071.
