AquariumConnecticut, US

Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk offers an incredible window into Long Island Sound's rich aquatic life.

About

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk offers an incredible window into Long Island Sound's rich aquatic life. This vibrant destination invites visitors of all ages to embark on a fascinating journey through the marine world, focusing on the unique ecosystem of the Long Island Sound and extending to other diverse habitats. With over 7,000 to 8,000 animals across more than 300 species, the aquarium provides an immersive and educational experience that sparks curiosity and inspires conservation.A visit to The Maritime Aquarium is a dynamic adventure filled with engaging exhibits and up-close animal encounters. Guests can marvel at the sleek movements of sand tiger sharks in the "Ocean Beyond the Sound" exhibit and observe the playful antics of harbor seals in the expansive "Pinniped Cove." Interactive touch tanks allow for hands-on learning, where visitors can gently feel the textured skin of cownose rays and Atlantic sturgeon, or experience the unusual sensation of touching moon jellies at the "Jiggle-a-Jelly" station. Beyond the local marine life, the "Meerkats!" exhibit offers a charming glimpse into the social lives of these desert mammals, demonstrating surprising connections between terrestrial and marine environments.Adding to the excitement, the aquarium features a cutting-edge 4D theater that brings nature films to life with sensory effects such as scents, bubbles, and wind, making viewers feel truly part of the action. Throughout the day, "Meet the Keeper" talks provide fascinating insights into animal care and behavior. The Maritime Aquarium is more than just an exhibition; it's a hub for environmental education, offering programs and seasonal cruises on its unique hybrid-electric research vessel, the R/V Spirit of the Sound, allowing guests to explore Long Island Sound itself. This commitment to hands-on learning and direct engagement with wildlife makes the aquarium a truly worthwhile and enriching visit for families, students, and marine enthusiasts alike. Be ready to snap and learn! Get the Snappit app to identify any nature species you find here.

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk began its journey as the "Maritime Center," opening its doors to the public on July 16, 1988. Its establishment was a key component of the South Norwalk Revitalization Project, an initiative aimed at revitalizing the historic SoNo neighborhood. The aquarium occupies a renovated 1860s iron works factory, and remnants of its industrial past, such as original wood floors and beams, can still be seen by visitors today.In July 1996, the institution officially changed its name to "The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk" to better reflect its growing focus on live animal exhibits. Over the years, the aquarium has undergone significant expansions and upgrades to enhance its visitor experience and educational capabilities. Notable additions include the "Jellyfish Encounter" in 1995, the "River Otters" and "Ray Touch Pool" in 1996, and a major expansion in 2001 that introduced the "Giant Sea Turtles" exhibit and a new Environmental Education Center. More recently, the aquarium has replaced its IMAX theater with a new 4D theater in February 2021 and opened the "Pinniped Cove" harbor seal habitat in June 2021, part of a phased expansion and facility upgrade.

What to do here

Engage with touch tanks, catch a 4D film, attend daily seal feedings and "Meet the Keeper" talks, and explore the diverse range of exhibits. During warmer months and winter, consider taking a seasonal cruise on the R/V Spirit of the Sound for marine life study or seal and bird spotting.

Seasonal info

Winter is ideal for Seal-Spotting & Birding Cruises. Warmer months offer Marine Life Study Cruises and other outdoor attractions. Special events and exhibitions are held throughout the year, so check the aquarium's schedule in advance.

Accessibility

The Maritime Aquarium is ADA compliant, offering ramps and elevators throughout the facility to accommodate strollers and wheelchairs. Certified service dogs are welcome. A first aid room can also serve as a calming area or adult changing room. Complimentary admission is provided for caregivers assisting guests with disabilities.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Most visitors can easily spend half a day exploring the exhibits, with some sources suggesting a longer visit if including a 4D film. A thorough visit can last 2.5 hours or more.
Best time to visit: Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. Arriving early on any day can also help avoid peak visitor times. The majority of exhibits are indoors, making it an excellent destination for cold or rainy weather.
Location: Connecticut, US
Species in this guide: 11

Best for

Families With Children: Engaging, Interactive Exhibits And Touch Tanks Cater To All Ages.Couples: A Unique And Educational Date Experience, Especially With The 4d Theater And Seasonal Cruises.Students And Educators: Strong Focus On Marine Science, Environmental Education, And Long Island Sound Ecology.Nature And Marine Life Enthusiasts: An Excellent Opportunity To Learn About And Connect With Aquatic And Some Terrestrial Species.

Official website Open in Maps

Don't miss

Pinniped Cove

Observe the playful and charismatic harbor seals, including recent arrival Kaya, Gracie, Sono, and Mikey. Daily seal feedings are held at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Ocean Beyond the Sound

Witness sand tiger sharks, lemon sharks, and other large marine species in this impressive 110,000-gallon habitat.

Journey with Jellies

Explore a mesmerizing gallery of various jellyfish species, and don't miss the "Jiggle-a-Jelly" touch experience with moon jellies.

Shark & Ray Touch Pool

Safely interact with cownose rays, Atlantic sturgeon, and even some species of sharks.

Wildlife you might spot

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

Harbor Seal

Cownose Ray

Meerkat

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

North American River Otter

Sturgeon

Octopus

Lionfish

Diamondback Terrapin

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

Plan your parking

The Maritime Garage is located directly across the street from the aquarium. Consider prepaying online for parking to save money and ensure a space during busy times. Remember to take your parking ticket with you inside to pay at a station before returning to your car.

Check daily schedules

Upon arrival, check the schedule for seal feedings (daily at 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.), "Meet the Keeper" talks, and 4D film showtimes to plan your visit effectively.

Utilize accessibility features

The aquarium is stroller and wheelchair friendly with ramps and elevators throughout. Strollers can also be rented at the front desk.

Consider a membership

If you plan on visiting more than once a year, a membership can offer significant savings and often includes benefits like free or discounted parking.

Outside food policy

Outside food and beverages are generally not allowed inside the aquarium's cafe. However, picnic tables may be available outside for use during good weather.

Public transport access

The aquarium is easily accessible via Metro North Railroad to South Norwalk Station, followed by a short 10-minute walk. Package deals that combine train fare and admission might be available.

Frequently asked questions

: Visitors to The Maritime Aquarium can safely touch several fascinating species at dedicated touch tanks. These include cownose rays, Atlantic sturgeon, and various intertidal animals. Additionally, the popular "Jiggle-a-Jelly" exhibit allows guests to gently touch live moon jellyfish. There is also a Shark & Ray Touch Pool where you can interact with certain shark and ray species.
: The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk is primarily devoted to the Long Island Sound, an "Estuary of National Significance." Its mission is to ignite a connection to this vital ecosystem and inspire visitors to protect it for future generations, while also offering insights into global marine environments through living exhibits, marine science, and environmental education.
: Yes, The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk features a "Meerkats!" exhibit. This popular display allows visitors to observe a "mob" of meerkats, including Xander, Willow, Diesel, Turbine, and Simon, highlighting the surprising connections between different ecosystems.