If you’re looking for an awesome way to explore the wonders of the ocean without leaving the city, the New England Aquarium in Boston should be at the top of your list. Located right on the waterfront, this place is packed with thousands of sea creatures, interactive exhibits, and stunning displays that’ll keep you entertained and fascinated for hours. Whether you’re a marine life enthusiast, visiting with family, or just looking for a cool place to hang out, the New England Aquarium is Boston’s very own marine life wonder.
A Quick Look at the New England Aquarium’s History
The New England Aquarium opened its doors back in 1969, and it’s been a staple of Boston’s waterfront ever since. With a mission to educate people about marine life and promote conservation efforts, the aquarium has grown into one of the top aquariums in the U.S. Over the years, it’s expanded its exhibits, welcomed thousands of animals, and become a favourite destination for locals and tourists alike.
With its prime location by the harbor and its proximity to other Boston attractions like Faneuil Hall, it’s easy to spend a fun day at the aquarium while exploring the city.
The Must-See Exhibits at the New England Aquarium
The aquarium is packed with amazing exhibits, and it’s hard to know where to start. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a rundown of the best ones you won’t want to miss:
The Giant Ocean Tank
The Giant Ocean Tank is the showstopper of the aquarium. This four-story, 200,000-gallon tank is home to a vibrant Caribbean coral reef with over 1,000 sea creatures, including turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish. You’ll get a 360-degree view as you walk around the tank, watching the animals swim by at every level.
One of the stars of the tank is Myrtle, a 90-year-old green sea turtle who’s been delighting visitors for decades. As you wind your way from the bottom of the tank to the top, you’ll get a closer look at life in the reef and can even catch a glimpse of the animals from above.
Penguin Colony
Who doesn’t love penguins? At the Penguin Colony, located at the base of the Giant Ocean Tank, you’ll find three types of penguins: African penguins, rockhopper penguins, and little blue penguins. These little guys are always busy swimming, waddling, and diving around their rocky habitat.
The penguin feeding times are super fun to watch, as you’ll see them in action and learn more about their diet and habits from the aquarium staff. It’s a perfect spot for snapping some adorable photos!
Marine Mammal Centre
At the Marine Mammal Center, you can get up close to some of the aquarium’s most playful residents—seals and sea lions. This outdoor exhibit lets you watch these smart, curious animals swim and dive through their coastal habitat. The underwater viewing areas give you a unique view of them in action.
If you time your visit right, you might catch one of the daily training sessions or presentations, where the aquarium staff work with the seals and sea lions to show off their amazing behaviours.
Shark and Ray Touch Tank
For an interactive experience, the Shark and Ray Touch Tank is a must. You can actually reach into the shallow water and gently touch small sharks and stingrays as they glide by. Don’t worry—it’s totally safe, and there are staff on hand to guide you on how to touch the animals properly. Kids love this one, and it’s a great way to get hands-on with marine life.
Indo-Pacific Coral Reef
The Indo-Pacific Coral Reef exhibit is a colorful, lively display of fish, coral, and other sea creatures that call tropical reefs home. It’s packed with vibrant fish and intricate coral formations that will have you feeling like you’ve been transported to an underwater paradise.
It’s also a great chance to learn about the delicate balance of reef ecosystems and the environmental threats they face.
The Giant Ocean Tank
The Giant Ocean Tank is the showstopper of the aquarium. This four-story, 200,000-gallon tank is home to a vibrant Caribbean coral reef with over 1,000 sea creatures, including turtles, stingrays, and tropical fish. You’ll get a 360-degree view as you walk around the tank, watching the animals swim by at every level.
One of the stars of the tank is Myrtle, a 90-year-old green sea turtle who’s been delighting visitors for decades. As you wind your way from the bottom of the tank to the top, you’ll get a closer look at life in the reef and can even catch a glimpse of the animals from above.
The Must-See Exhibits at the New England Aquarium
The exhibits are just part of what makes the New England Aquarium special. There are a couple of extra experiences that are worth checking out if you want to make your visit even more exciting.
Simons IMAX Theatre
Right next to the aquarium is the Simons IMAX Theatre, where you can catch stunning nature documentaries on a giant six-story screen. The films usually focus on the ocean or other parts of nature, and the jaw-dropping visuals will make you feel like you’re right there in the middle of the action.
Whale Watching Tours
If you want to take your marine adventure out to the open ocean, hop on one of the whale watching tours that leave from the aquarium. These tours take you to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, where you can spot whales, dolphins, and other marine life in their natural habitat. It’s an amazing experience for nature lovers and anyone who wants to see whales up close.
Saving the Oceans: Conservation and Education at the Aquarium
The New England Aquarium isn’t just about showing off cool animals—it’s also a place dedicated to protecting marine life and educating people about the importance of conservation. The aquarium actively works to raise awareness about issues like overfishing, pollution, and climate change, encouraging visitors to make small changes that can have a big impact.
They also run a Rescue and Rehabilitation Program for injured marine animals like sea turtles and seals. The goal is to help these animals recover so they can be released back into the wild. It’s inspiring to see how much the aquarium is doing to make a difference for our oceans.
Plan Your Visit to the New England Aquarium
The New England Aquarium is located on Central Wharf on the Boston waterfront, making it super easy to get to whether you’re walking around the city or taking public transportation. It’s open year-round, and you can grab tickets online ahead of time to avoid lines.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Boston or looking for a fun day out with the family, make sure to stop by the aquarium. It’s not just one of Boston’s top attractions—it’s an adventure that lets you explore the wonders of the ocean, right in the middle of the city. From sea turtles and penguins to hands-on touch tanks and giant sharks, the New England Aquarium is truly Boston’s marine life wonder.
