Long Island Aquarium
Dive into a world of marine wonders at the Long Island Aquarium, featuring captivating exhibits, interactive experiences, and engaging shows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Long Island Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into a world of marine wonders at the Long Island Aquarium, featuring captivating exhibits, interactive experiences, and engaging shows.
"A fabulous place to go with tons of activities to fill the day!"
🎟️ Library Coupon Hunt
Check your local library for discount coupons to save on admission!
🎂 Birthday Freebie
Visit within a week of your birthday for free admission!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sea Lion Show
Watch intelligent sea lions perform tricks and interact with trainers in a lively and entertaining show.
Butterfly Garden
Wander through a lush habitat filled with hundreds of colorful butterflies fluttering all around you.
Shark & Ray Exhibits
Marvel at majestic sharks and graceful stingrays in impressive, well-maintained tanks.
Interactive Boat Ride
Embark on a unique boat tour that often includes hands-on learning about local marine life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Plan Your Day Around Shows
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Library Coupon Hunt
Check your local library for discount coupons to save on admission!
🎂 Birthday Freebie
Visit within a week of your birthday for free admission!
🚢 Don't Miss the Boat Ride
The interactive boat ride is a highlight, offering hands-on learning.
🚗 Shuttle Service Available
A shuttle runs from the parking lot to the main entrance.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Library Coupon Hunt
Check your local library for discount coupons to save on admission!
🎂 Birthday Freebie
Visit within a week of your birthday for free admission!
🚢 Don't Miss the Boat Ride
The interactive boat ride is a highlight, offering hands-on learning.
🚗 Shuttle Service Available
A shuttle runs from the parking lot to the main entrance.
💰 Consider Admission Costs
Some find admission pricey compared to other attractions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Long Island Aquarium for its diverse marine life, engaging shows like the sea lion performance, and the enchanting Butterfly Garden. The interactive boat ride is a standout experience for families. However, some find the admission price high and note that certain animal habitats could be improved.
"A fabulous place to go. We have been going here over 25 years since they opened. . Make sure to catch the sea lion show and beautiful butterfly exhibit!
We finally got to do the boat ride which was so amazing The boat gets beached at a beach historical habitat. On the way back it was hands on learning from our wonderful guide ( I think his name was Lincoln) . who lets you touch all the creatures found in the waters there. Very informative and good for kids and families .
FYI. It’s about 1 and 1/2 hours. Bathroom on board.
Shout out also to the captain of the boat.
Some libraries have discount tickets."
Nancy Lynn
"I’ve been coming to the Long Island Aquarium with my family for as long as I can remember. It’s always been a great spot for a fun day out, especially for families with young kids.
There’s a wide variety of sea animals and exhibits to explore. Some of the highlights for us include the butterfly exhibit, shark tank, feeding the sting rays, the octopus, and the sea lion show. When they’re visible, the sea otters are also a favorite.
That said, there are a few areas that could use improvement. Admission is definitely on the expensive side, and the food court is a bit overpriced for what you get. The touch tank could use more interactive elements, and the outdoor marsh area feels like it’s missing something, it could benefit from a few more engaging features.
Still, it’s always a nice time when we go. The staff are friendly, and the experience is consistently enjoyable. A solid destination for a family outing on Long Island."
James Wood
"Excellent aquarium! So much to see and wonderful! The butterfly place is really cool. They have tons of cool fish and setup very nicely. Been there
Any times and will go back again."
AJ Jacobs
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Long Island Aquarium is located at 431 E Main St, Riverhead, NY 11901. It's accessible by car via I-495 (Long Island Expressway). Public transportation options are limited, but some bus routes may serve the Riverhead area. Parking is available on-site.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the Long Island Aquarium. A shuttle service operates from the parking lot to the main entrance, which can be convenient.
From NYC and western Long Island, take the I-495 E (Long Island Expressway) to Exit 71. Follow NY-202 E/Old Country Road and then turn right onto NY-105 S/East Main Street. The aquarium will be on your left.
Yes, there are several hotels located near the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, making it convenient for an overnight stay. Popular options include hotels along the main roads in Riverhead.
Public transportation to the Long Island Aquarium is limited. While buses serve Riverhead, direct routes to the aquarium may not be available. It's best to check local transit schedules or consider driving.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You can purchase Long Island Aquarium tickets online through their official website, or at the ticket counter upon arrival. Keep an eye out for potential discounts.
Yes, discounts for the Long Island Aquarium are often available. Check your local library for coupons, look for birthday specials, or search for online deals.
The Long Island Aquarium hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check their official website for the most up-to-date operating hours before your visit.
Ticket prices for the Long Island Aquarium can be around $50 per person, though this may vary. It's advisable to check their website for current pricing and any available discount options.
Yes, discount tickets for the Riverhead Aquarium are sometimes available through local libraries or special promotions. It's worth exploring these options to save on admission.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the vibrant Butterfly Garden, the impressive shark and ray tanks, and the engaging sea lion shows. The interactive boat ride is also a popular experience.
Absolutely! The Long Island Aquarium is very family-friendly, with interactive exhibits, animal encounters, and shows that children of all ages will enjoy.
Beyond viewing exhibits, you can enjoy sea lion shows, an interactive boat ride, feeding stingrays, and exploring the butterfly conservatory. Some exhibits offer hands-on learning opportunities.
Yes, there are touch tank experiences where you can interact with certain marine creatures, like stingrays. The boat ride also offers hands-on learning with marine life.
A typical visit to the Long Island Aquarium can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours, depending on your pace and whether you catch all the shows and activities. The boat ride itself is about 1.5 hours.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The food court at the Long Island Aquarium is generally considered affordable, offering a decent value for families.
The aquarium typically offers standard family-friendly fare at its food court, such as burgers, sandwiches, and snacks.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to check the aquarium's policy on outside food. Many attractions prefer visitors to dine at their onsite facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of colorful fish in the tanks, the vibrant butterflies, playful sea lions, and the scenic boat ride. The shark and ray exhibits also make for dramatic photos.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the Long Island Aquarium for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals.
Try to minimize reflections on the glass by getting close or shooting at an angle. Use a higher ISO in darker exhibits and be patient to capture animals in interesting poses.
The Butterfly Garden offers a unique backdrop, and the large viewing windows of the shark and ray tanks provide excellent photo opportunities. The outdoor areas also offer scenic views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of your family visit, plan your day around the sea lion shows and check the schedule for any animal feeding demonstrations. While the food court is convenient, packing some snacks might be a good idea for picky eaters. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the largest crowds and ensure a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
Look for deals on discount tickets to Long Island Aquarium online or through group rates if applicable. While the onsite food court is available, it can be pricey. Consider bringing your own snacks or planning a meal outside the aquarium to manage food costs.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Tips for capturing the best images include minimizing reflections on the glass by getting close and shooting at an angle. In darker exhibits, using a higher ISO can help, and patience is key to catching animals in interesting poses. The interactive boat ride also presents unique photographic possibilities, especially if you can capture the educational interactions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Marine Life
One of the standout features is the Butterfly Garden, a lush, tropical environment where hundreds of butterflies flutter freely. This exhibit offers a unique sensory experience and fantastic photo opportunities. For those seeking more interactive encounters, the touch tank allows visitors to gently feel creatures like stingrays and sea stars, fostering a direct connection with marine life. The sea lion shows are another major draw, showcasing the intelligence and playful nature of these animals through entertaining performances.
While the aquarium excels in showcasing marine life, some visitors have noted areas for improvement. Certain animal habitats, particularly for reptiles and birds, have been described as dark or lacking adequate space. However, the overall experience remains positive for most, with the aquarium's commitment to education and conservation evident throughout its exhibits.
Interactive Experiences and Activities
For a more direct engagement, the touch tank provides a chance to feel the textures of various sea creatures under supervision. This is particularly popular with younger visitors, offering a tactile way to learn about marine biology. The sea lion shows are not just entertaining but also educational, highlighting the animals' behaviors and the importance of conservation efforts.
While the core exhibits are impressive, some visitors suggest that certain interactive elements could be enhanced. However, the overall emphasis on hands-on learning and engaging performances ensures that a visit to the Long Island Aquarium is an active and enjoyable experience for families and individuals alike.
Planning Your Visit: Tips and Considerations
Budget-conscious visitors can find ways to save on admission. Checking with local libraries for discount coupons or taking advantage of birthday specials can significantly reduce the cost. While the aquarium offers an onsite food court, some reviews suggest it can be a bit pricey, so consider this when budgeting for your day.
Accessibility is generally good, with a shuttle service available from the parking lot to the main entrance. For those traveling from further afield, there are several hotels near the Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, making it feasible to turn a day trip into an overnight stay.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit