Jungle Reef

Tucked inside the old Sunland Park Mall in El Paso, Jungle Reef isn't your typical fish store — it's an interactive aquarium experience built around rescued animals and hands-on encounters. 4 rating, this facility has carved out a devoted following among El Paso families and road-tripping visitors alike. The centerpiece attractions include an interactive stingray pool where guests can hand-feed the rays, a shark enclosure that manager Steve has been known to personally walk visitors through (explaining the filtration systems and care routines), and the wildly popular otter experiences.

Three otters — Harry, Cho, and Luna — each with distinct personalities, are the stars of the Otter Swim Experience and Otter Playtime sessions. Staff members like Alexis and Candice guide these encounters with genuine expertise and patience, even accommodating toddlers who need a little extra time warming up. Beyond the aquatic life, Jungle Reef features a walk-through aviary where visitors can feed birds, plus encounters with penguins and turtles.

The facility also offers face painting, slime-making activities, and guided tours that keep families engaged for hours. Several reviewers noted losing track of time entirely. What consistently stands out across reviews is the staff.

Names like Steve, Rogelio, Alexis, and Nadia come up repeatedly — not as scripted tour guides but as genuinely passionate animal caretakers who share detailed knowledge about each species and visibly love their work. Multiple visitors described feeling like VIPs regardless of which ticket tier they purchased. A fair warning: pricing can catch visitors off guard.

Base admission runs around $17, but many interactive experiences require additional tokens or fees, so budget accordingly. The facility is compact — it's inside a mall, after all — but the density of activities and the quality of animal care make it feel much larger than its footprint suggests. The fact that all animals are rescues adds a meaningful layer to every interaction.