Jungle Reef

Imagine a place where the boundaries between humans and wildlife blur. Jungle Reef is the first and only interactive aquarium in El Paso, located in the vibrant The Shoppes at Solana shopping center. This isn't just your typical marine life exhibit; it's a truly immersive entertainment center that introduces guests to the rich aquatic and terrestrial worlds of the USA and other corners of the globe.

Here, visitors can look forward to thrilling encounters with sharks, stingrays, curious otters, various reptiles, and tropical birds. The main feature of this place is its interactivity: the exhibits are designed so that guests can not only observe but also touch some of the inhabitants, immersing themselves in their natural habitat.

Carefully recreated ecosystems make a stroll through the aquarium both educational and transformative. It's an ideal location for family outings, school field trips, and anyone looking to swap the Texas cityscape for the exotic charm of tropical jungles and ocean depths for a moment.

To plan your visit and check for details, you can use the following contact information. The official website will help you review visiting rules and current programs in advance.

The main draw of this place is the opportunity for direct contact with the animals. You can literally touch marine life by participating in stingray feedings or watching graceful sharks from just an arm's length away. The interactive format allows you to be more than just a spectator behind glass; you become part of the process, making the experience truly immersive.

Special attention should be paid to the otter zone—these playful creatures leave no one indifferent. Additionally, exotic animal lovers will appreciate the reptile section and the aviaries with bright birds whose plumage is a stunning display of colors. All enclosures and aquariums mimic natural habitats, creating the feeling of a walk through a real wild forest.

For those who want to learn more about nature, educational activities and demonstrations are held. This makes the visit not only entertaining but also informative, allowing children and adults to explore the planet's biodiversity through play.

The complex is conveniently located on the city's west side in The Shoppes at Solana (formerly known as Sunland Park Mall). If you are traveling by car, take Sunland Park Dr—the shopping center offers spacious free parking for visitors.

For those who prefer public transportation, there are El Paso bus network stops within walking distance of the mall. A trip by taxi or services like Uber/Lyft from the city center will take approximately 15–20 minutes. If you're coming directly from El Paso International Airport (ELP), the drive by car is about 20 minutes.

The history of this place began quite recently—the project opened its doors about two years ago. Its creators are the Hepworth brothers, who decided to turn an ambitious idea of transforming traditional retail space into a unique family leisure destination into reality.

Interestingly, the aquarium occupies the space where a large Old Navy clothing store was previously located. This transformation was part of a strategy to revitalize the shopping mall and create innovative entertainment centers geared toward locals and tourists alike.

Today, the project is considered the first of its kind in the region, symbolizing a commitment to innovation and creating unforgettable experiences for the community. The creators' dedication to high-quality recreation of natural habitats has made it a significant point on the state's tourism map.

To explore all the exhibits without rushing and enjoy plenty of time with the inhabitants, it usually takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours. This is generally enough time to participate in interactive sessions and watch the animal feedings.

If you're planning a visit with children, it's worth setting aside a bit more time, as the tactile zones and meeting the otters or reptiles usually cause great excitement among young visitors, making them want to stay longer.

When planning your trip, please note that the complex's schedule varies depending on the day of the week. Keep in mind that final ticket sales end one hour before official closing time.

• Monday — Friday: 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM

A visit to the aquarium can easily be combined with other activities, as it's located in an area with a well-developed entertainment industry. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to have a busy day full of vivid emotions and activity.