Both had a passion for marine life from an early age, and spent over two years planning for opening their own aquarium.

[2] Originally, it was planned that an aquarium would be built in an empty landfill in the Lincolnville neighborhood.

The St. Augustine City Commission voted not to continue the project in April 2014, citing concerns from the community that the aquarium would worsen already slow traffic in the area.

[3] In late 2014, the Hiesters bought five acres of land located off of State Road 16 in St. Augustine, Florida, and started construction.

[4] However, the snorkel experience did not open until December 2016, and indoor exhibits are still in the designing and permitting phase.