AquariumNew York, US

Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center

The Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center offers an immersive journey into marine life, captivating visitors with its diverse aquatic and terrestrial exhibits.

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About

The Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center offers an immersive journey into marine life, captivating visitors with its diverse aquatic and terrestrial exhibits. Located in Riverhead, New York, this destination features one of the largest all-living coral reef displays in the Western Hemisphere and a substantial 120,000-gallon shark tank. It provides a unique blend of education and entertainment, aiming to inspire appreciation for marine environments.

Beyond its impressive aquatic displays, the aquarium extends its offerings with engaging outdoor and interactive experiences. Guests can marvel at playful African penguins, enjoy entertaining sea lion shows, and explore an indoor butterfly garden teeming with vibrant species. Other highlights include touch tanks where visitors can interact with marine invertebrates, and exhibits featuring North American river otters and Japanese snow monkeys. The aquarium is home to over 5,000 individual animals representing approximately 565 species.

A visit to the Long Island Aquarium promises memorable encounters with fascinating creatures and educational opportunities for all ages. With its commitment to marine life preservation and a wide array of interactive programs, it’s a dynamic destination for family fun, learning, and unforgettable aquatic adventures. Be ready to snap and learn! Get the Snappit app to identify any nature species you find here.

Construction on the Long Island Aquarium began in 1999, and it officially opened its doors on June 15, 2000, initially known as Atlantis Marine World. The Town of Riverhead had acquired the land in 1995 with the vision of a rehabilitation project for the Peconic waterfront, although the initial operator, the Okeanos Foundation, could not secure funding. Developers James J. Bissett and Joseph M. Petrocelli provided the original $15 million in funding. In July 2011, the facility underwent a significant $24 million expansion, which included the addition of a new Exhibition Center and the Sea Star Grand Ballroom, leading to its renaming as the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center. The aquarium has gained recognition for its significant coral reef display, noted as one of the largest all-living, closed-system coral reef displays in the Western Hemisphere.

What to do here

Attend daily sea lion presentations and penguin talks/feed sessions. Participate in interactive experiences like the touch tanks and seasonal boat tours on the Peconic River. Consider add-on adventures such as shark dives or penguin encounters (book in advance).

Seasonal info

Warmer Months (Memorial Day through Labor Day): Don't miss the Atlantis Explorer Boat Tour, which takes you down the Peconic River into Flanders Bay for estuary science activities.

Year-round: Indoor exhibits and animal shows are available. The aquarium is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Accessibility

The entire aquarium is wheelchair accessible, with paved or stone outdoor areas. There's an elevator for access to upper levels and dedicated wheelchair seating in the Sea Lion Coliseum. Accessible restrooms with baby-changing stations are available.

Don't miss

Lost City of Atlantis Shark Exhibit

A 120,000-gallon tank featuring sand tiger sharks and rays, with opportunities for cage dives for those aged 12 and up.

All-Living Coral Reef Display

One of the largest in the Western Hemisphere, showcasing a vibrant ecosystem with numerous fish species.

Sea Lion Coliseum

Enjoy entertaining shows with highly trained sea lions.

Penguin Pavilion

Observe African penguins waddling and swimming, with optional penguin encounters.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Sea Lion

Southern Stingray

North American River Otter

Sea Anemone

Octopus

Green Tree Python

Horseshoe Crab

Flounder

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Check the daily schedule

Arrive early and check the schedule for sea lion shows, feeding times, and talks to plan your visit efficiently.

Go on a weekday afternoon

To avoid the largest crowds, visit after 1:00 PM on a weekday during the school year.

Wear comfortable shoes and dress in layers: You'll be doing a lot of walking, and some exhibits are indoors (climate-controlled) while others are outdoors.

Consider add-on experiences

For a more unique visit, book special animal encounters like shark dives or penguin encounters in advance, as they fill up quickly.

Don't miss the Butterfly, Bugs & Bees Exhibit: This indoor tropical garden is a favorite, but be mindful of butterflies resting on the ground.

Parking

Look for signs for municipal parking a block past the aquarium or use the paid lot on Ostrander Avenue.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, the Long Island Aquarium provides numerous interactive experiences, including touch tanks where you can feel stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and sea stars. They also offer add-on adventures like shark cage dives, penguin encounters, and seasonal boat tours.
: While there is no dedicated parking lot directly adjacent to the aquarium, free 3-hour municipal parking is available in the Riverhead Parking District, often a block away across Main Street. A paid parking lot on Ostrander Avenue is also an option.
: The Long Island Aquarium is generally open daily from 10 AM to 4 PM on weekdays and 10 AM to 5 PM on weekends. It is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.