By Irene Toscano

Times Square might be the most chaotic intersection in the entire world bustling with fluorescent LED lights, gigantic billboards, thousands of thousands of people but since last week Times Square has become a bit more "nature"-friendly.  The new National Geographic Installation has open its door right in the middle of the popular Theater District and you can now immerse yourself in 1-hour long interactive walk across the oceans. From the pitch-black darkness of 300 feet below sea level to the shallow waters of a colorful coral reef,  from the heartwarming dolphins and see turtles to the much scarier sharks and killer squids, you will have a chance to immerse yourself in the life below see-level like never before & much more important while still breathing! 

The Experience

It wall all very spontaneous .... On a rainy New York afternoon, my friend Vera called me last minute with an extra Ticket in her hands and I just couldn't refuse! My love for the oceans has always been a "love from afar" kind of love. Very little can scare me and fascinate me at the same time like the obscure unknown abyss.  I think I've been overly impressed by the movies like Jaws, Sphere, Deep Blue Sea, Flipper, and Nemo of course, or perhaps I'm just entice with the idea of the how something so beautiful and mysterious can be so dangerous. Anyhow, I was thrilled to go and experience the underwater world while remaining safe and sound with 2-feet on the ground!

The exhibit features a full-immersion experience through 6 thematic rooms and even an underwater maze! All the rooms have some combination of visuals, sounds, and 3D effects. You will visit different oceanic ecosystems from the Coral Reef to the Deep See. 

It's one of those Attractions that you can visit with friends and kids and just have a great time. At the end of the walk, you will have the chance to learn more about the oceans and the preservations efforts National Geographic, along with meany oceanographers, scientist and evironmental organizations, are taking to ensure the protection of our oceans. You can also take personal pledges helping in the fight against pollution! 

Some Facts about the Oceans:

• Oceans cover 70% of Earth

• Over 1 million known species of plants and animals live in the sea.

• Oceans contain so much water that you could fill up an entire cube that with edges of 621 miles (1000 km) in length.

• The Deep See is on average 2-mile (3.5 km) deep with the Mariana Trench being the deepest known area of Earth’s oceans with an astounding depth of almost 7 miles (11 km). 

• Each year hundreds of thousands of animals die from pollution and these are some numbers --  One million seabirds + Three hundred thousand dolphins + One hundred thousand sea mammals and many others, unfortunately.  

• Off the coast of California, there is an island made completely out of trash that it TWICE the size of Texas!  There, there is a 6-to-1 ratio of plastic pieces to marine life. 

General Information

• Website: https://natgeoencounter.com
• Opening Hours: Open daily at 10:00am - Sunday–Thursday until 10:30pm. Friday & Saturday until 12 midnight. (Last ticket sold one hour prior to closing)
• Ticket: Adult$39.50 -  Senior (65+)  $36.50 - Child (12 and under) $32.50
• Address: 226 W 44th Street, New York City (see map)