New England Aquarium - Boston

Activity Overview

The New England Aquarium in Boston is located on Boston's scenic waterfront. Colorful & educational exhibits feature more than 8,000 aquatic creatures, including 2 seal habitats and the playful penguin pool.

The unique, and enormous central tank is the main attraction complete with small sharks, coral reefs, many varieties of fish, eels and a huge sea turtle. visitors can stroll the corkscrew ramp all the way to the top where you can view the coral reef from above. Nearly 2,000 animals are on view in the Giant Ocean Tank.

Things to See & Do

The Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank features sharks and rays in a 25,000-gallon tank surrounded by shallow edges and viewing windows, allowing visitors to experience a close encounter with these animals. This beautiful space replicates a large mangrove area. The rays glide around the tank where visitors have the opportunity to reach right in and touch these graceful creatures.The New England Aquarium is home to the Simons IMAX Theatre showcasing animals and habitats too big, too rare or too dangerous to be seen in the Boston Aquarium. The theatre features IMAX and IMAX 3D film technology, 12 000 watts of digital sound and New England's largest screen. See what's playing at the Simons IMAX Theatre or call for show times: 1-866-815-IMAX (4629).

The Aquarium also runs a Whale Watch in Boston Harbor from April through October. Their high-speed catamaran takes participants to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary - the only whale feeding sanctuary in the United States! Trips last approximately 3-4 hours. Reservations are highly recommended. Call 617-973-5206.

Insider Tips for Visiting the New England Aquarium

• Take advantage of your local library passes! Many offer a free pass that will admit up to 4 people; (September - June only).
• Parking can be costly - the parking garage affiliated with the Aquarium that is on the pricey side. Look around for alternative garages in the area or try to find nearby street parking. (Street parking may include a short walk).
• It seems to work best to visit the Aquarium when it first opens or later in the afternoon, rather than mid-day when it can be crowded and when the sea animals are a bit sluggish.
• The New England Aquarium is wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly.
• The Harbor View Café offers a variety of burgers, pizzas, deli sandwiches, soups, salads, beverages and snacks. It is located on the upper level with floor-to-ceiling windows offering a spectacular view of the city skyline and Boston Harbor.
• There are also many other dining options around the Aquarium, including full-service restaurants nearby and refreshment carts on the Aquarium Plaza during the summer.