New England Aquarium
Dive into a vibrant underwater world at the New England Aquarium, home to sharks, penguins, and a massive ocean tank.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
New England Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into a vibrant underwater world at the New England Aquarium, home to sharks, penguins, and a massive ocean tank.
"The New England Aquarium experience is a MUST DO attraction when you’re visiting Boston!"
🎯 Arrive at Opening
Beat the crowds by arriving right when they open and starting from the top exhibits.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Tickets can sell out, especially on busy days. Book in advance to secure your spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Giant Ocean Tank
Center of the Aquarium
A massive 40-foot-wide, 200,000-gallon tank teeming with marine life, including sharks and turtles.
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Penguin Exhibit
First floor
Meet playful Southern Rockhopper and other penguin species in their lively habitat.
Shark and Ray Touch Tank
Discovery Center
Get up close and personal with gentle sharks and rays in this interactive exhibit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Ticket Smarts: Book Ahead
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive at Opening
Beat the crowds by arriving right when they open and starting from the top exhibits. +1
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Tickets can sell out, especially on busy days. Book in advance to secure your spot.
🚶♀️ Pace Yourself
You can explore the aquarium in about an hour if you're not with kids.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The aquarium is kept around 65°F (18°C), so bring a sweater or jacket.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive at Opening
Beat the crowds by arriving right when they open and starting from the top exhibits. +1
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Tickets can sell out, especially on busy days. Book in advance to secure your spot.
🚶♀️ Pace Yourself
You can explore the aquarium in about an hour if you're not with kids.
🧥 Dress in Layers
The aquarium is kept around 65°F (18°C), so bring a sweater or jacket.
💰 Discounted Entry
Consider the EBT/WIC card program for a $5 admission.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the New England Aquarium to be a captivating experience, with the Giant Ocean Tank and penguin exhibits being major highlights. While some note the crowds can be intense, especially on weekends, the variety of marine life and interactive elements make it a worthwhile visit for all ages. The cafe offers decent food with a nice view, though some found it a bit pricey or the food temperature inconsistent.
"I thought it was great! Any aquarium that has the penguins exhibit first thing in the door wins big in my book! There were some other wonderful exhibits too!! We saw a sea lions performance, got to pet small rays in the shark exhibit, and watch a giant tank with a huge selection of fish as well as two turtles! I thoroughly enjoyed our visit. We also liked our lunch at the cafe, although the fish in the fish and chips could have been hotter, I thought it was a touch on the cold side. We did have quick service and the check out was an interesting process. The macaroni and cheese side was delicious, along with a fabulous view of the bay!"
Dana Wall-Oakley
"Didn't go to the aquarium itself but did the whale watch which was awesome. Would highly recommend and fun for all ages. The crew is very help and knowledgeable about the not only the animals but the history of the Harbour and surrounding areas. Excellent for all ages. Special shout out to Chaz. He was great giving the history of the Harbor on the way out and back"
Benjamin Ross
"Pretty simple aquarium reminiscent of the one in Baltimore. It was pretty easy to navigate. Not sure if it's the particular Friday we went and the fact we went at towards the end of the day, but there was no crowd. Loved all the species, one unique one we hadn't seen before was an Anaconda! Very fun time overall!"
Pro Kumar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The New England Aquarium is located at 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110. It's easily accessible by public transportation, including the MBTA Blue Line (Aquarium station) and various bus routes. Driving is also an option, with several parking garages nearby, though they can be pricey.
Yes, there are several parking garages near the New England Aquarium, including the Aquarium Garage and the Harbor Garage. Be aware that parking in downtown Boston can be expensive.
Absolutely! The MBTA Blue Line's Aquarium station is just a short walk from the New England Aquarium, making it a convenient public transit option.
For convenience and to avoid parking hassles, taking the MBTA subway (Blue Line to Aquarium station) is often recommended.
While not a direct ferry stop, the aquarium is located on the waterfront, and ferry services operate in Boston Harbor, offering scenic views of the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary by age, typically ranging from $20-$35 for general admission. It's best to check their official website for the most current pricing and to purchase tickets online.
Yes, it's highly recommended to buy tickets online in advance, especially for weekends and holidays, as the aquarium uses timed entry and can sell out.
The New England Aquarium's hours can vary seasonally. It's always best to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Yes, discounts are available for children, seniors, and sometimes through special programs like the EBT/WIC card, which offers $5 admission. Check their website for details.
The aquarium uses timed entry tickets to manage crowd flow. Your ticket is valid for entry at or after the printed time. Arriving too late might require waiting for the next available slot.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the iconic Giant Ocean Tank, the playful penguin exhibit, and the interactive shark and ray touch tank. The jellyfish and seahorse exhibits are also popular.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the aquarium. If you take your time and enjoy all the exhibits, you could easily spend half a day or more.
Yes, the New England Aquarium is very family-friendly, with interactive exhibits, engaging animal presentations, and plenty of marine life to fascinate children of all ages.
Yes, the aquarium features a touch tank where you can gently pet certain species like rays and small sharks.
The indoor temperature at the New England Aquarium is generally kept around 65°F (18°C), so it's advisable to wear layers.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the aquarium has a cafe that offers various food options, including seafood dishes, sandwiches, and snacks. Some visitors enjoyed the macaroni and cheese and the view of the bay.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the New England Aquarium. It's best to check their specific policies or plan to dine at their cafe.
The cafe offers a range of items, from fish and chips to macaroni and cheese, as well as lighter snacks and drinks.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the New England Aquarium for personal use. However, flash photography may be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals.
The Giant Ocean Tank offers stunning photo opportunities with its diverse marine life. The penguin exhibit and the jellyfish displays are also very photogenic.
Video recording is typically permitted for personal use, similar to photography. Be mindful of other visitors and the animals' well-being.
While general photography is allowed, avoid using flash, especially near sensitive exhibits or during animal presentations, as it can disturb the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The Giant Ocean Tank provides a mesmerizing visual spectacle that can captivate even the youngest visitors. +1Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the largest crowds and make navigating with strollers easier. The aquarium's layout is generally manageable, and the educational aspects are presented in an engaging way. Don't forget to check for any special programs or animal feedings that might be scheduled during your visit to enhance the experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
This makes a visit to the New England Aquarium significantly more accessible. If you don't qualify for that discount, consider visiting on a weekday to potentially avoid higher weekend ticket prices or crowds. Packing your own snacks or a light lunch to enjoy outside the aquarium can also help save money, though dining options inside offer a convenient experience with bay views.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The jellyfish exhibits and the penguin colony are also highly photogenic. Remember to disable your flash to protect the animals and ensure better photo quality in the often dimly lit exhibits. Experiment with different angles and levels as you move around the spiral ramp of the main tank for unique perspectives.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Giant Ocean Tank
+1This immersive experience allows visitors to feel as though they are truly underwater. The sheer scale and the constant movement of the creatures create a mesmerizing spectacle. It's a prime spot for photography, though remember to be mindful of flash usage. The tank itself is a marvel of engineering, simulating the ocean environment with incredible detail.
+1Penguins: A Fan Favorite
Watching these charismatic birds waddle, dive, and interact is a pure delight. Their playful antics and unique behaviors make them a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Be prepared for the distinct, albeit memorable, smell associated with the penguin habitat – a common observation among returning visitors.
Interactive Encounters
Staff members are often present at these interactive exhibits to answer questions and ensure the well-being of both the animals and visitors. These moments of direct engagement are often cited as memorable highlights, offering a deeper appreciation for the ocean's inhabitants.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit