Photo Collage: Behind The Glass At Virginia Aquarium

By Lily Lovette--Eagle Staff Writer

If you're ever in the Norfolk/Virginia Beach/Newport News area, you've got to make time for the underwater wonders of the the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center. Located just a couple minutes from the Virginia Beach beach front, the has over 800,000 gallons of fresh and salt water exhibits showcasing hundreds of different fish, reptile, and amphibian species.

Being one of the biggest tourist attractions near Virginia Beach, it's an excellent place to visit during spring break or your summer vacation. I went during spring break and these pictures only show a glimpse of all of the amazing species they have there.

"Unda da sea - doo doo doo doo!" (Photo by Lily Lovette)

This dwarf pea puffer fish looks incredibly offended by an anchor. (Photo by Lily Lovette)

A smiley sandbar shark. (Photo by Lily Lovette)

This southern stingray glides through the water with grace and a smile. (Photo by Lily Lovette)

A gopher rockfish hiding in plain sight. (Photo by Lily Lovette)

Baby chain dogfish sharks try to escape their enclosure. (Photo by Lily Lovette)

A lumpy grey tree frog sits on a log. (Photo by Lily Lovette)

A bicolored dart frog tucked in among the foliage. (Photo by Lily Lovette)

This golden dart frog looks up lovingly at his terrarium. (Photo by Lily Lovette)

This yellow bellied slider turtle is just grooving. (Photo by Lily Lovette)