Can you touch animals at the New England Aquarium?

Yes, visitors can gently touch cownose rays, Atlantic rays, and several species of sharks, including bonnethead sharks and epaulette sharks, in the Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank. Educators are present to guide interactions.

How long does it take to go through the New England Aquarium?

It is recommended to allow at least 2.5 to 4 hours for a comprehensive visit to the New England Aquarium, especially if you wish to see all the exhibits, attend presentations, or watch an IMAX film. Your time inside is not limited.

Is parking available at the New England Aquarium?

The New England Aquarium does not have its own parking facility but is surrounded by several parking garages within easy walking distance. Parking validation is available at participating garages for Aquarium visitors, and members or Whale Watch guests may receive discounts at Harbor Garage.

AquariumMassachusetts, US

New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium, situated on Boston's scenic Central Wharf, offers an immersive journey into the wonders of the aquatic world, making it a beloved attraction for both locals and visitors.

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About

The New England Aquarium, situated on Boston's scenic Central Wharf, offers an immersive journey into the wonders of the aquatic world, making it a beloved attraction for both locals and visitors. This family-friendly destination is renowned for its diverse marine life, interactive exhibits, and a commitment to ocean conservation. Stepping inside, guests are greeted by a vibrant array of more than 8,000 aquatic creatures, housed in thoughtfully designed habitats. The centerpiece of the Aquarium is the breathtaking, four-story Giant Ocean Tank, a 200,000-gallon cylindrical exhibit that immerses visitors in a Caribbean coral reef teeming with over 1,000 Caribbean fish and other marine animals. Here, you can marvel at various species of sea turtles, stingrays, barracudas, moray eels, and brilliantly colored tropical fish.

Keep an eye out for Myrtle, the iconic green sea turtle, who has called the Giant Ocean Tank home since 1970 and continues to delight generations of visitors. Visitors can ascend a spiraling pathway around the tank, offering different perspectives and opportunities to observe the marine inhabitants. Beyond the main tank, the New England Aquarium boasts a variety of captivating exhibits. The playful Penguin Colony is a perennial favorite, home to African and Southern Rockhopper penguins, which visitors can watch being fed and interacting. The Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank provides a unique hands-on experience, allowing guests to gently touch cownose rays, Atlantic rays, and even small shark species like bonnethead sharks and epaulette sharks in a mangrove-themed habitat.

The Simons IMAX Theatre, adjacent to the main building, offers an expansive screen for nature documentaries, showcasing marine life too large, rare, or dangerous to exhibit live. The Aquarium is more than just an exhibition space; it's a hub for conservation and education. Through its Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, the Aquarium conducts vital research on marine animals, including long-running studies on North Atlantic right whales and rescue and rehabilitation efforts for sea turtles. Daily presentations, animal encounters, and educational programs further enhance the visitor experience, fostering a deeper connection to the ocean and inspiring action to protect it. Turn your visit into a safari! Use the Snappit app to scan and log wildlife sightings here.

The New England Aquarium first opened its doors to the public on June 20, 1969, making it one of the world's first modern aquariums. Designed by Peter Chermayeff of Cambridge Seven Associates, the Aquarium played a significant role in the revitalization of Boston's waterfront. A year later, in 1970, Myrtle, the beloved green sea turtle, became a resident of the Giant Ocean Tank, where she remains a star attraction. In 1974, a multi-storied barge named "Discovery" was added, serving as a marine mammal pavilion for dolphins and sea lions, though it was later decommissioned. The Aquarium has continuously evolved, with significant renovations, such as a major update to the Giant Ocean Tank, and the introduction of new exhibits like the Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank in 2011.

What to do here

Observe daily presentations at the Marine Mammal Center, Giant Ocean Tank, and Harbor Seal Exhibit. Watch penguin feeding sessions. Engage with educators at the Shark and Ray Touch Tank. Look for Hoover's grandson, Chacoda, among the Atlantic harbor seals; Hoover was a famous "talking" seal from the Aquarium's past. Consider a Whale Watch excursion to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (April through October).

Seasonal info

Summer: Extended hours, and whale watch cruises are available. Can be very crowded. Holidays: The Aquarium often hosts special activities, such as shark-themed programming and ice sculpture carving during the holiday break. April through June: The Aquarium can be busiest during weekday mornings due to school groups.

Accessibility

The New England Aquarium is wheelchair accessible and stroller friendly, with elevators located throughout the building. Many exhibit tanks extend to the floor or feature eye-level viewing. Wheelchairs can be borrowed for free with an ID. Visitors using wheelchairs and those with visual impairments receive free entry. Sensory-inclusive bags with headphones and fidgets are available for guests with sensory needs, and designated quiet cool-down spaces exist. Whale Watch boats also offer wheelchair access to the main deck and a wheelchair-accessible restroom. Service dogs are welcome, but emotional support animals are not.

Plan your visit

Suggested duration: Allow at least two and a half to three to four hours to fully experience the exhibits. If you plan to see an IMAX film or attend animal presentations, you might want to allocate more time. Your time in the Aquarium is not limited or restricted once you've entered.
Best time to visit: It's generally best to visit the Aquarium when it first opens or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds. Weekday mornings, especially outside of school holidays and summer, can also be less crowded. The Aquarium is busiest from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. during April through June.
Location: Massachusetts, US
Species in this guide: 16

Best for

Families With Children Of All AgesMarine Life Enthusiasts And Aspiring ConservationistsPhotography (especially For Unique Animal Shots And The Giant Ocean Tank)Educational Outings And School Groups

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Don't miss

Giant Ocean Tank

The four-story central exhibit featuring Myrtle the green sea turtle, sharks, rays, and thousands of Caribbean fish.

Penguin Colony

Home to African and Southern Rockhopper penguins. Don't miss feeding times!

Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank

An interactive exhibit where visitors can touch sharks and rays.

Harbor Seals

View these playful marine mammals at the outdoor exhibit.

Wildlife you might spot

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

Northern Fur Seal

Common Tern

Harbor Seal

Loggerhead Sea Turtle

Sea Turtle

Electric Eel

Anaconda

Blue Tang

Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle

Sea Lion

Southern Stingray

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

Arrive Early or Late

To avoid the biggest crowds, aim to visit right when the Aquarium opens or later in the afternoon.

Check Daily Schedules

Consult the daily schedule upon arrival for animal feeding times (especially penguins) and presentations at the Giant Ocean Tank and Marine Mammal Center to maximize your experience.

Use Public Transportation or Plan Parking: The Aquarium is located on Central Wharf and easily accessible via public transport (MBTA Blue Line, Aquarium stop). If driving, research nearby parking garages in advance and inquire about validation at the Aquarium's Information Desk.

Consider a CityPASS or Membership

If you plan to visit multiple Boston attractions or revisit the Aquarium, a Boston CityPASS or an Aquarium membership can offer cost savings and benefits like discounted parking.

Wear Short Sleeves for Touch Tank

If you plan to participate in the Shark and Ray Touch Tank experience, short sleeves are recommended for easier interaction.

Skip the Stroller if Possible

The Aquarium can be crowded, especially on weekends, making stroller navigation challenging. Baby-wearing is an alternative for families with very young children.

Frequently asked questions

: Yes, visitors can gently touch cownose rays, Atlantic rays, and several species of sharks, including bonnethead sharks and epaulette sharks, in the Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank. Educators are present to guide interactions.
: It is recommended to allow at least 2.5 to 4 hours for a comprehensive visit to the New England Aquarium, especially if you wish to see all the exhibits, attend presentations, or watch an IMAX film. Your time inside is not limited.
: The New England Aquarium does not have its own parking facility but is surrounded by several parking garages within easy walking distance. Parking validation is available at participating garages for Aquarium visitors, and members or Whale Watch guests may receive discounts at Harbor Garage.