Atlantis Marine World Aquarium - Riverhead, NY - Aquarium and Rescue Facility

Atlantis Marine World Aquarium is located on Long Island on Main Street in Riverhead. Its street address is 431 East Main Street, which is along the Peconic River. The aquarium opened in 2000. The aquarium is based on the theme of the Lost Legend of Atlantis. Joseph Yaiullo is the lead curator and co-founded the aquarium.

There are over 20 indoor exhibits. These include the Coral Reef, Amazon Aviary, Moray Eels, Cuttlefish, Electric Eels, Jellyfish, and Seahorses. The Coral Reef exhibit is the largest all-living, contained reef in the Western Hemisphere. The exhibit consists of a 30 foot long, 200,000 gallon exhibit that depicts a natural reef. The reef is a special project of curator Joseph Yaiullo. The reef ecosystem on exhibit includes a variety of coral, anemones, and algae. There are also over 800 species fish and marine life in the exhibit.

There are ten outdoor exhibits including the Koi Pond, Otter Falls, and Shark Reef Lagoon. The Koi Pond was an addition to the aquarium in 2007. It contains several species of koi fish. Koi fish are also called Japanese carp. These fish are typically kept for ornamental and decorative purposes. They are extremely hardy fish that can live over 150 years. The Koi Pond also contains water vegetation such as lilies, hyacinth, and canna. Canna is the genus of at least 15 different species of large flowering plants.

Otter Falls is a 1,200 square foot exhibit that is home to two otters, PB and J. PB and J are river otters, which is a type of weasel. They are a semi-aquatic mammal with a thick coat of fur. They are excellent swimmers and can stay underwater between 4 and 8 minutes. They are very playful animals. Capitalizing on the playfulness of the otters, the exhibit includes two waterfalls, one 12 foot and one 9 foot. There are multiple viewing windows including underwater viewing windows and den views.

The aquarium is open all year from 10am - 5pm. They are closed December 25. Admission for adults (over 18) is $21.50. Seniors (62 years and older) and children 3-17 years of age pay $18.50. Children 2 & under are free. The aquarium is handicapped accessible.

There are also group admission rates. These rates also apply to school groups. Groups with ten people or more are charged based on grade or age level. Pre-K - 6th grade are $12. 7th grade - 12th grade $14.50 and groups of adults 18 - 61 are $14.50.

The aquarium has a catering and banquet facility that can be rented for special events. They welcome weddings, proms, reunions and more. The facility can seat 500 people. There are a variety of menu options including butler-passed hors d'oeuvres, cocktail party, buffet dinner, or a seated dinner reception. Interested parties can contact 631-208-9200, ext. 244 for more information on the facility.

The aquarium is also home to the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation. This is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of stranded or injured marine life. The Foundation seeks to raise public awareness of marine ecology and environmental factors. They also maintain a hospital to treat animals. Donations can be made by calling 631-369-9840.