National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey to Open in Times Square This October

National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey will open in Times Square on Friday, Oct. 6.

By Kathryn Sheridan September 29, 2017

New Yorkers will get a rare chance to journey through the depths of the ocean via National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey, an entertainment experience opening Oct. 6 in Times Square.

National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey is using groundbreaking technology to create a first-of-its-kind immersive experience where guests can virtually interact with ocean life. Guests will be able to get up close to life-size and "photo-real" versions of dozens of species, including massive sharks, battling Humboldt squids, playful sea lions, and a 50-foot Humpback whale, according to a press release.

The adventure starts in in the Solomon Islands, as visitors drift through the Pacific Ocean to the California coast. There, they can virtually play with dolphins and rays as they take in the glowing splendor of the coral reef at night.

“National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey brings National Geographic’s long-standing belief in the power of storytelling to life in a deeply experiential way,” said Declan Moore, National Geographic Partners CEO in a press release.

The all-sensory experience is being produced by SPE Partners, LLC, a New York-based entertainment developer, under a licensing agreement with National Geographic Partners. The team of Academy Award, Grammy, and Emmy-winning composers, sound engineers, and designers includes the Oscar-winning visual effects team behind HBO’s Game of Thrones and Martin Scorsese’s Hugo.

“Audiences will come away entertained and inspired with a greater understanding of the mysteries of the world’s oceans and marvel at the creatures that inhabit them,” Moore said.

Once guests have taken the virtual dive underwater and "resurface" to land they'll be able to hear from renowned ocean explorers and marine biologists via transparent multimedia screens. There will aslo be a gaming challenge to clean up the ocean and the opportunity to play with holograms of big ocean creatures.

The 60,000 square-foot venue will also feature versatile private event space for school groups, social events, and corporate functions.

"It is thrilling to harness new innovations in media, technology, and storytelling to bring to life this iconic brand in an entirely new and experiential way. This immersive entertainment experience will be a first-of-its-kind journey for New Yorkers and tourists from all over the globe,” said Lisa Truitt, Chief Creative Officer and Partner of SPE Partners, in a press release.

National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey will be located at 226 W. 44th St. between Broadway and 8th Avenue. Ticket prices start at $39.50 for adults for the 90-minute walk-through experience. For more information, visit natgeoencounter.com.

Main image: Guests will be able to virtually interact with ocean creatures at National Geographic Encounter: Ocean Odyssey.
Courtesy National Geographic