Maritime Aquarium Norwalk
Dive into an ocean of wonder at The Maritime Aquarium, featuring diverse marine life, interactive exhibits, and captivating IMAX films.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Maritime Aquarium Norwalk
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into an ocean of wonder at The Maritime Aquarium, featuring diverse marine life, interactive exhibits, and captivating IMAX films.
"This place is not too large but there is so much to see and learn! We were able to touch the stingrays, jellyfish and the sturgeon. Spectacular."
📚 Library Pass Hack
Check your local library for free passes to save on admission! :ticket:
💧 Bring a Water Bottle
Stay hydrated with free water refilling stations. Save money and the planet! :droplet:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jellyfish Gallery
Second Floor
Mesmerizing displays of diverse jellyfish species, a truly captivating experience for all ages.
Touch Tanks
Various Locations
Get hands-on with stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and other marine life. Fun and educational for kids!
Seal Habitat
Main Exhibit Hall
Watch playful seals during their feeding times – a crowd favorite and a highlight for many visitors.
+1
Shark & Ray Tank
Main Exhibit Hall
Marvel at the impressive 110,000-gallon tank filled with toothy sharks and other fascinating ocean dwellers.
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Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📚 Library Pass Hack
Check your local library for free passes to save on admission! :ticket:
💧 Bring a Water Bottle
Stay hydrated with free water refilling stations. Save money and the planet! :droplet:
⏰ Allow 3-4 Hours
You'll want time for exhibits, touch tanks, and maybe the IMAX. :stopwatch:
🅿️ Parking Strategy
Parking is in a garage across the street, usually around $6. :parking:
Tips
from all over the internet
📚 Library Pass Hack
Check your local library for free passes to save on admission! :ticket:
💧 Bring a Water Bottle
Stay hydrated with free water refilling stations. Save money and the planet! :droplet:
⏰ Allow 3-4 Hours
You'll want time for exhibits, touch tanks, and maybe the IMAX. :stopwatch:
🅿️ Parking Strategy
Parking is in a garage across the street, usually around $6. :parking:
📱 Book Tickets Online
Purchase tickets in advance to save time and ensure entry, especially on busy days. :iphone:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Maritime Aquarium for its engaging exhibits, particularly the mesmerizing jellyfish and interactive touch tanks that delight children and adults alike. The knowledgeable staff and focus on local marine life are also frequently highlighted as positives. While not the largest aquarium, it offers a rich and educational experience for a family day out.
"This place is not too large but there is so much to see and learn! We were able to touch the stingrays, jellyfish and the sturgeon. Spectacular.
The jellyfish were memorizing to watch and we were estatic they have sea horses!
There are sharks, seals, turtles and all kinds of fish to look at. There is also some land animals on the second floor and we had a good laugh watching the meerkats in action.
The staff was very knowledgeable and passionate about their work and the mission of the aquarium and they are happy to answer any questions.
It makes for a nice day for families with children or even adults only. Not too much walking, but enough to get some energy out. There is a elevator.
There is a cafe with snacks and sandwiches, a gift shop, and water refilling stations so bring your reusable water bottle. Restrooms too and they were clean.
The Imax theater is an extra cost and parking is across the street in a pay to park garage for the aquarium."
Denise A.
"We stopped here on a trip back from seeing family. I’ve been to many aquariums and this one was pretty awesome and ranks highly for me. Many touch tanks for the kids, stingrays, baby horseshoe crabs, etc. I liked the sea turtles and the jelly room was cool too. A lot of animals and fish I’ve never seen before. Lots of cool turtles and tortoises too. Parking was easy at the garage and was only $6.
Those chicken tenders hit hard too! Good at the cafe was the best museum food I’ve had."
Brian Garcia
"The Aquarium is bigger than I thought it was going to be. It has an extensive collection of different varieties of jellyfish. Several touch tanks for the kids and many displays of local and tropical fish. They do have some other animals and owls on display in one of the wings that seemed a little random but other than that overall a very impressive experience."
Michael Menna
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Maritime Aquarium is located at 10 North Water Street, Norwalk, CT 06854. It's easily accessible by car via I-95. For public transport, you can take the Metro-North Railroad to the South Norwalk station, which is a short walk from the aquarium.
Yes, there is a pay-to-park garage located across the street from the aquarium. Parking fees are typically around $6.
From NYC, taking the Metro-North Railroad's New Haven Line to South Norwalk station is a convenient option. The aquarium is a short walk from the station. Driving is also feasible, but be mindful of potential traffic.
While specific transportation discounts aren't widely advertised, utilizing public transport like the Metro-North can be a cost-effective way to reach the aquarium.
If driving, take I-95 North or South to Exit 15 for US-1 S/Norwalk. Follow US-1 S to North Water Street. The aquarium is well-signposted.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission prices can vary, but typically range around $33.95 for adults and $28.95 for children (ages 3-12). It's always best to check their official website for the most current pricing.
Yes! A great tip is to check your local public library for free passes. Some community organizations may also offer discounts. Keep an eye on their website for special promotions.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the door, but buying them online in advance is recommended to avoid potential queues and ensure entry, especially during peak times.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official Maritime Aquarium website for the most up-to-date hours of operation before your visit.
Yes, a family season pass is available and can be very worthwhile if you plan on visiting multiple times throughout the year.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the mesmerizing jellyfish gallery, the interactive touch tanks, the playful seals, and the impressive shark and ray tank. The exhibits focusing on Long Island Sound wildlife are also highly recommended.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic destination for families. Kids love the touch tanks, the seal feedings, and the interactive elements.
Yes, the Maritime Aquarium features an IMAX theater that shows educational films. Please note that IMAX tickets are an additional cost.
Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering snacks, sandwiches, and even surprisingly good food according to some visitors.
You can see over 300 species, including sharks, seals, sea turtles, jellyfish, seahorses, stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and a variety of fish from freshwater rivers to the open ocean.
📸 📸 Photography
The jellyfish exhibits offer stunning, ethereal shots. The seal habitat during feeding time is also very photogenic. Many of the larger tanks provide great opportunities for capturing marine life.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals.
For low-light conditions, a wider aperture and higher ISO are often necessary. Using a tripod can help with stability, but check if they are permitted. Many visitors use their smartphones effectively.
The touch tanks offer unique close-up photo opportunities. The large panoramic tanks, like the shark tank, provide a sense of scale and depth.
Yes, video recording is typically permitted for personal use. Capturing the movement of marine life can be very engaging.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Don't miss the seal feeding demonstrations – they're lively and entertaining. +1 The aquarium's size is perfect for little legs, and the IMAX theater offers captivating films for an extra dose of wonder. 💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 or the impressive marine life in the large shark and ray tank. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Marine Life
The aquarium excels in creating immersive environments that mimic natural habitats, allowing guests to feel as though they are truly exploring underwater worlds. Interactive exhibits are a cornerstone of the Maritime Aquarium experience. The popular touch tanks allow visitors of all ages to get hands-on with creatures like stingrays and baby horseshoe crabs, providing a memorable and educational encounter.
The knowledgeable and passionate staff are often on hand to answer questions, further enriching the learning experience. While many exhibits focus on local fauna, the aquarium also showcases a variety of tropical fish and other fascinating creatures. The jellyfish gallery is frequently cited as a highlight, with its mesmerizing displays of these ethereal beings.
Family Fun and Activities
The touch tanks are a major draw for kids, providing a safe and exciting way to interact with marine life. +1Beyond the exhibits, the aquarium often hosts special events and programs. The seal feeding demonstrations are a particular hit with families, offering a lively and informative spectacle.
+1 For an additional experience, the IMAX theater presents captivating nature documentaries that can further enhance a family's understanding of the marine world. Practical considerations for families include the availability of a cafe with kid-friendly options and clean restrooms. Bringing a reusable water bottle is also a smart move, as water refilling stations are available.
Maximizing Your Visit: Tips and Tricks
A significant money-saving tip shared by visitors is to check your local public library for free passes. Many libraries offer these passes, making a visit much more affordable.
Allocate at least 3 to 4 hours for your visit to fully explore the exhibits, enjoy the touch tanks, and perhaps catch a show at the IMAX theater.
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