Across TikTok and other social media platforms, Boca Aquarium has advertised itself as "an underwater oasis" and a "state-of-the-art facility" perfect for families and school field trips. In reality, it's located inside a jewelry showroom called Diamonds by Raymond Lee that offers free admission via its website and boasts exhibits that include a 2,000-gallon shark tank, a seahorse sanctuary, and a nano reef tank.
The facility went viral on TikTok in June after lifestyle vlogger Kaurie Raye visited with her two sons and deemed the experience "disappointing," contrasting her experience with what the website advertised.
"Imagine my surprise when I saw a bunch of glass cases and a security guard having to let me in," Raye says in the video.@thekaurieraye Definitely not what me or the kids expected but hey, it was something to do💁🏾♀️ #bocaraton #momthings #momof2 #boymoms #palmbeachcounty #thingstodo #explorewithus #travelmom ♬ original sound - Kaurie Raye | Food & Adventure
To date, Raye's video has accumulated more than half a million views, prompting a litany of reactions across social media. Many commenters criticize Diamonds by Raymond Lee for its misleading claims, and some speculate that it is an attempt at tax fraud. (Under Florida law, aquariums are tax-exempt if they are operated by a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.)
In response, Boca Aquarium fights fire with humor, remixing the haters' videos and serving them up to its own 10,500 TikTok followers, trolling critics who speak ill of the display. One such clip features a woman ranting, "So if I open up a business and I call it 'Two Piece and a Biscuit,' and I put chicken on the motherfucking website, and you walk in expecting two pieces of chicken and a biscuit, and I give you two motherfucking blows to the face...."
The aquarium's riposte features various shots of its fish tanks along with text that reads, "Boca Aquarium, count your days." (The fact that commenters tend to side with the critics apparently has not fazed the aquarium.)@bocaaquarium @ficjegey 2 piece and a biscuit #bocaaquarium ♬ original sound - The Boca Aquarium
Boca Aquarium's website does make mention of the fact that it's located "within a high-end jewelry store."
"Boca Aquarium was conceived from a passion for the ocean and its myriad of creatures," the shop states on its website. "Our founder, an avid marine enthusiast with a vision to share the beauty and mystery of aquatic life with the world, established Boca Aquarium to provide an accessible, educational, and interactive experience for all ages."
Boca Aquarium declined a New Times request for comment.
