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National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey Now Open in Times Square!

New York has welcomed its newest attraction: “National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey” in Times Square. This breathtaking experience gives visitors the chance to explore the ocean like they never could before thanks to state-of-the-art technology and a brilliant team of designers. Short of a submarine, you'll be hard pressed to find a better way to experience life as it's lived under the sea.

The Experience

national geographic encounter

Ocean Odyssey is an exciting and immersive experience that creates the feeling of being right in the middle of the ocean. With the latest technology, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a National Geographic documentary. The venue is 60,000 square feet of video maps, photo animations, giant screens, and sounds that will immerse you in a simulated ocean with each step. Possibly the coolest aspect of this experienceand that’s a tough call to makeis the live audience tracking that will give visitors the ability to virtually interact with creatures of the deep like sea lions, dolphins, humpback whales, Humboldt squids, and great white sharks. You won’t want to miss any of the action that Ocean Odyssey is bringing to Times Square starting Friday, October 6th.

National Geographic Encounter is not a museum, exhibit, movie, aquarium or virtual reality; instead, the producers consulted with dozens of technologists and scientists to create a new kind of immersive experience that guests can walk through to share stunning ocean encounters with friends and family. Blockbuster new sciencesome of it not even published yetwas used in its creation. National Geographic Encounter is also working with marine biologist, professor and National Geographic Emerging Explorer David Gruber, Chief Science Advisor to the experience and who specializes in bioluminescent and biofluorescent marine animals.

Fun Facts

seal national geographic encounter

The coral reef was built from a process called photogrammetry, using more than 1,300 photos taken on location in the Solomon Islands to assemble 3D models of coral.

Guests have close enounters with some of biggest species on Earth, including sharks up to 20 feet long and a 50-foot Humpback whale.

120,000 fish appear in the grand finale!

Once visitors “resurface” to land, they can learn about their experience, track their trip, and listen to sounds of the animals they encountered along the way.

The Team

This National Geographic Encounter has been put together thanks to SPE Partners, a creative team that produces incredibly imaginative and one-of-a-kind experiences like this one. Falcon’s Creative Group is an attraction design firm that creates immersive experiences like this one all over the world. Pixomondo is the visual effects company responsible for the likes of Hugo and the “Game of Thrones” dragons. Mirada Studios does its work in storytelling, such as with virtual reality applications. Finally, David Kahne, award winning producer and composer, is a part of the teamadding to his impressive resume of producing records for Sir Paul McCartney, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Tony Bennett, Sublime, and Kelly Clarkson, in addition to various films and ballets. With such great collaboration happening behind the scenes of Ocean Odyssey, you’re sure to be in for a real treat. 

Tickets

national geographic encounter

Tickets for reserved-time slots at National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey range in price from $32.50 for children ages 6 to 12, $36.50 for seniors 65+, and up to $39.50 for adults (tax not included). If you go in a group of 10 or more, you’ll get a special 15% discount, so start assembling your crew now. If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, you can even rent out the entire venue for up to 1,000 people. National Geographic Encounter is a timed ticketed walk-through experience that lasts approximately 90 minutes.

National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey, 646-308-1337, 226 W. 44th St. (btw. Seventh & Eighth Aves.), New York, NY 10036.

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