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New England Aquarium in Boston, MA

New England Aquarium • Boston, MA 02110

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Giant Pacific Octopus at the New England Aquarium

Myrtle the 550-pound green sea turtle in the Giant Ocean Tank at the New England Aquarium. Photo Credit: W. Chappell

California Sea Lion Pups. Photo Credit: K. Ellenbogen

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Overview

The New England Aquarium features educational exhibits that allow guests to get close to incredible sea life and marine animals! The aquarium is home to more than 80 penguins, hundreds of Caribbean reef animals, fish, manta rays, and more! This experience is wondrous for all ages and will keep the entire family entertained.

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Good To Know

Family-friendly activity.
Great photo opportunities!
It takes about 2 hours to explore the aquarium.
The middle of the day is the busiest time. Plan to visit at 9:00 AM or after 3:00 PM to avoid the crowds.
The Trust Family Shark and Ray Touch Tank is currently a view-only experience to avoid crowding at that exhibit.
The Edge of the Sea touch tank is closed.

Description

The New England Aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic animals—from northern fur seals to giant Pacific octopus to little blue penguins.

The Aquarium also offers a wide range of exhibits, including the largest shark and ray touch tank on the East Coast and the Giant Ocean Tank, a four-story coral reef home to Myrtle the green sea turtle and hundreds of other Caribbean animals.

Meet the Animals
There are thousands of aquatic animals to visit at the Aquarium. From the fearsome lionfish to the delicate leafy seadragon, lumbering green sea turtle, and spry California sea lions in action, visit all of the animals that await you at the New England Aquarium!

Explore the Exhibits
Discover the Science of Sharks and meet some small but mighty sharks in our exhibit. The Olympic Coast exhibit features two giant Pacific octopus, plus many colorful and diverse marine animals from the Pacific Northwest. Explore a four-story Caribbean reef and squawk hello to dozens of penguins worldwide.

Marine Mammal Center
Discover Life According to Fur Seals! Watch the frisky and flexible northern fur seals fly through the water and interact with their trainers on the decks of the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center. The Aquarium is one of only three aquariums in the U.S. that cares for these remarkable marine mammals.

Featured Exhibits
Indo-Pacific Coral Reef
This 9,000-gallon, floor-to-ceiling, concave habitat highlights one of the most happening neighborhoods in the ocean: an Indo-Pacific coral reef.
harbor seal lounges in its outside exhibit at the New England Aquarium
Atlantic Harbor Seals
The 42,000-gallon harbor seal exhibit is located outside on the Front Plaza, to the left of the Aquarium’s front doors.
Shark and Ray Tank Viewing Only
The Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Tank features sharks and rays in a mangrove-themed tank surrounded by shallow edges and viewing windows, allowing visitors to experience an exceptionally close encounter.
Giant Ocean Tank
Enjoy 360-degree views around a spectacular, four-story Caribbean Coral reef teeming with hundreds of animals and more than 120 different species.
New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center
The seals and sea lions are always at play! Watch California sea lions dart through the water and limber northern fur seals frolic in the beautiful open-air exhibit space.
Olympic Coast
Explore marine life found in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.
Penguin Colony
The Aquarium is home to more than 60 penguins living in the bustling penguin colony surrounding the Giant Ocean Tank. Watch them swim, eat, preen, and bray!

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Marine Mammal Center at New England Aquarium. Zoe the California sea lion pup. Photo Credit: K. Ellenbogen

Shark and Ray Touch Tank at the New England Aquarium. Photo Credit: S. Cheng

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New England Aquarium photo submitted by Cynthia Pullman

New England Aquarium Reviews

Based on 5,622 reviews

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jeffrD3909WJ

"Fantastic aquarium"

Reviewed November 11, 2024 NEW

Tanks full of fish, seastars, coral, sponges, sea lions, sea horses, seals, penguins, anacondas, sea cucumbers, eels. Some of the best tidal pool environments we've ever seen on display. Does get extremely crowded on a weekend/holiday.

211myasiac

"0/10 wouldn't recommend"

Reviewed November 11, 2024 NEW

Aquarium was extremely underwhelming; it was so over booked my child could not see anything and was pretty much being trampled all over by ADULTS who were quiet Literally stuck to the tanks the entire time we were there leaving no room for the children to even get a peek at the fish. Finished the whole aquarium in under 30 minutes. Penguins looked very sad and not clean even my child asked me why they looked so sad and she's 5. When calling the aquarium to inquire about a refund before my trip on one of my tickets even though their website says they do provide refunds 24hrs before trip, I was denied a refund and told "I should have booked accordingly" Like life doesn't happen. For $40 a ticket I wouldn't waste my time or money coming here again.

matto470

Tring, Hertfordshire, England

"Worth a visit"

Reviewed November 04, 2024 NEW

The aquarium while not the most impressive one I’ve ever visited, is still more than worth a visit. It has lots of interesting exhibits and information, and the penguin colony was particularly good.

amahurin

Belle Isle, Florida

"Murphy & more!"

Reviewed October 24, 2024 NEW

This was an awesome day! We probably spent 3 hours here! There is construction. The cafe is upstairs and the gift shop is upstairs and the signage isn’t great but the critters are numerous and beautiful and well taken care of. What an awesome aquarium! I hope everyone that visits Boston goes and visits Murphy! He is an added bonus!

421suzanneh

Bracknell, Berkshire, England

"The rays were epic"

Reviewed October 21, 2024

This was an amazing aquarium, it was so fun with all the seals and all the sharks and more! The shark and ray touch tank was the best as you get to touch the rays and sharks. The theatre was also a highlight, we watched The secrets of the sea and it was like our planet (national geographic). This was a wonderful experience, definitely worth visiting.

View all 5,622 Tripadvisor Reviews

New England Aquarium is located at New England Aquarium • Boston, MA 02110

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Frequently Asked Questions about New England Aquarium

What are the hours of operation?

Operating hours depends on the season. For fall / winter hours are Monday-Friday at 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday at 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. For the summer season, they open at Monday-Sunday at 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Check the selection above to see the availability of your preferred dates!

What should I wear?

Shirts and shoes must be worn in the Aquarium.

Where is the Aquarium located?

The Aquarium is located near Long Wharf and close to Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market at 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110.

Is the Aquarium appropriate for children?

Yes, the Aquarium is family-friendly.

Are stroller/wheelchair rentals available?

While they do not rent strollers at the Aquarium, strollers are permitted in all areas. They do offer a complimentary stroller check, located behind the main Information Desk. The Aquarium offers complimentary manual wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis as there is a limited number available. You may pick up a wheelchair at the Aquarium’s Information Desk. All that is required is a valid photo ID that you leave with us. When the wheelchair is returned, you will receive your photo ID back.

Is the aquarium wheelchair accessible?

Yes.

Can I leave and re-enter on the same day?

Yes. You will receive a hand stamp upon entering the Aquarium that allows you to go and return any time during the day of your visit.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes. However, tripods and stands are forbidden as they can obstruct the exhibit paths. Flash photography and flashlights are also restricted in certain areas as they can distress some animals.

How long is the tour?

The Aquarium part of the tour is approximately 2 hours long.

Can I bring my own food/beverages?

Yes, but food, drink, and gum is not permitted in our exhibit areas. Picnic tables are available on the Aquarium Plaza, and, weather permitting, you can sit at the tables in the Harbor View Café on a space-available basis.

Can I bring a bag to the Aquarium?

Bag size: Any bag larger than 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, or 12 inches tall will not be permitted, except for diaper bags and carriers for medical supplies. Bags, strollers, backpacks, and packages are subject to inspection.

Does the Aquarium have storage lockers?

Storage lockers are available to the left of the glass doors leading into the Penguin Exhibit. A large locker is $7 for a full-day rental, and a smaller locker is $5. Complimentary storage for large pieces that will not fit in the lockers is also available. Please ask at the main Information desk.

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