Mariner Enterprises announces the closure and decommissioning of the Oregon Undersea Gardens. The public is welcome to come down to view and say goodbye to the aquarium now through the 8th of September at no charge. This closure aligns with the company’s commencement of a renovation to the Ripley’s, Believe it or Not! and Wax Works attractions. Merchandise related to the attractions will continue to be sold through the Undersea Gardens gift shop until the 11th of October.
“For more than 46 years, the Oregon Undersea Gardens provided unique insight and education to children and the public about our undersea world. It has been a great journey, but it is time to move on,” said David Heater, General Manager of Mariner Square. Oregon Undersea Gardens was built in 1964 as a floating barge aquarium and has been home to over 1,000 species of fish and other aquatic species native to Oregon’s coastal waters. In addition to hosting daily dive shows, the Oregon Undersea Gardens has a unique gift shop for locals and visitors to Newport’s Historic Bayfront.
Based on changing interests of our guests, the very difficult decision has been made for Mariner Enterprises to close the aquarium indefinitely. “We are thrilled to have been able to share this oceanside experience with millions of visitors over four decades. This popular attraction has been a unique experience for guests to the Yaquina Bay area. The support we’ve received from our dedicated Crew and local community has been remarkable. We thank you immensely.”
The company is working closely with local authorities and organizations to relocate the fish and other aquatic species featured in the aquarium. Local contractors have also been engaged to remove the floating barge in the coming months. The process is very involved and will be handled with utmost care to the environment, natural surroundings and waterway.
Visitors will be excited to know the company is breaking ground on an exciting renovation to transform Mariner Square into a one of a kind attraction with a variety of experiences for all ages. Stay tuned to hear more about the Ripley’s Believe it or Not! World of Adventure which will include updates to the wax museum and a totally new Ripley’s attraction”, says David Heater, GM of the Mariner Square. The updated attractions are expected to re-open late spring 2020.
The PNWNE Crew will be at the Undersea Gardens Saturday at noon. The public is invited to come by and say hi and share your memories.