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New England Aquarium in Boston, MA

New England Aquarium • Boston, MA 02110

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Indo-Pacific Coral Reef at New England Aquarium

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Based on 5,953 reviews

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About New England Aquarium

Overview

The New England Aquarium features educational exhibits that allow guests to get close to incredible sea life and marine animals! The aquarium is home to more than 80 penguins, hundreds of Caribbean reef animals, fish, manta rays, and more! This experience is wondrous for all ages and will keep the entire family entertained.

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Good To Know

Family-friendly activity.
Great photo opportunities!
It takes about 2 hours to explore the aquarium.
The middle of the day is the busiest time. Plan to visit at 9:00 AM or after 3:00 PM to avoid the crowds.
The Trust Family Shark and Ray Touch Tank is currently a view-only experience to avoid crowding at that exhibit.
The Edge of the Sea touch tank is closed.

Promotional Images (41)

Interior of the Aquarium featuring the Giant Ocean Tank

Customer Photos (1)

New England Aquarium photo submitted by Cynthia Pullman

Description

The New England Aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic animals—from northern fur seals to giant Pacific octopuses to little blue penguins.

The aquarium also offers a wide range of exhibits, including the largest shark and ray touch tank on the East Coast and the Giant Ocean Tank, a four-story coral reef home to Myrtle the green sea turtle and hundreds of other Caribbean animals.

Meet the Animals
There are thousands of aquatic animals to visit at the aquarium. From the fearsome lionfish to the delicate leafy seadragon, lumbering green sea turtle, and spry California sea lions in action, visit all of the animals that await you at the New England Aquarium!

Explore the Exhibits
Discover the science of sharks and meet some small but mighty sharks in our exhibit. The Olympic Coast exhibit features two giant Pacific octopuses, plus many colorful and diverse marine animals from the Pacific Northwest. Explore a four-story Caribbean reef and squawk hello to dozens of penguins worldwide.

Marine Mammal Center
Discover Life According to Fur Seals! Watch the frisky and flexible northern fur seals fly through the water and interact with their trainers on the decks of the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center. The aquarium is one of only three aquariums in the U.S. that cares for these remarkable marine mammals.

Featured Exhibits:
Indo-Pacific Coral Reef
This 9,000-gallon, floor-to-ceiling, concave habitat highlights one of the most happening neighborhoods in the ocean: an Indo-Pacific coral reef.

Atlantic Harbor Seals
The 42,000-gallon harbor seal exhibit is located outside on the Front Plaza, to the left of the aquarium’s front doors. Harbor seals lounge in their outside exhibit at the New England Aquarium.

Shark and Ray Tank Viewing Only
The Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Tank features sharks and rays in a mangrove-themed tank surrounded by shallow edges and viewing windows, allowing visitors to experience an exceptionally close encounter.

Giant Ocean Tank
Enjoy 360-degree views around a spectacular, four-story Caribbean coral reef teeming with hundreds of animals and more than 120 different species.

New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center
The seals and sea lions are always at play! Watch California sea lions dart through the water and limber northern fur seals frolic in the beautiful open-air exhibit space.

Olympic Coast
Explore marine life found in the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary.

Penguin Colony
Theaquariumm is home to more than 60 penguins living in the bustling penguin colony surrounding the Giant Ocean Tank. Watch them swim, eat, preen, and bray!

New England Aquarium Reviews

Based on 5,953 reviews

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flygirl75

Montreal, Quebec

"Limited hours & Overpriced"

Reviewed March 09, 2026 NEW

We visited the Aquarium recently during March Break. The selection of animals was great. The fact that they do not offer a late afternoon option for payment, nor do they offer a student price, is not good. Also, they close the exhibits 15 minutes prior to officially stated closing time. They do not mention that when buying the tickets. You simply find out via an announcement made 1 hour prior to closing. For a venue visited by tourists, I found the closing hours of 5 pm very limited. The layout is someone confusing and there is only one washroom at the main entrance, so you need to go around the spiral staircase to make it. The gift shop was nice, although they shut the lights out as I was trying to make a payment. Overall, I would recommend but I would say it is way too overpriced for what there is.

shaydes

Newport, Northeast Kingdom, Vermont

"Gorgeous but small"

Reviewed March 01, 2026

It was beautiful but so much smaller than I expected which is why I'm giving it 4 stars. We spent an hour there total and we saw the same things multiple times. My son is 3.5 years old and he had a blast though. Parking was a bit outrageous considering we paid $40 for only an hour of parking.

CarolusvL

The Hague, South Holland Province

"Spacious, engaging and family friendly"

Reviewed January 27, 2026

The aquarium is a tiiiiny bit on the expensive side, so a Go City pass is worth considering. But the money goes to their conservation and preservation efforts, so hey, what's a few extra bucks. I visited on a Sunday, so it was very kid-heavy, but the space is large enough that it never felt overwhelming. The central Caribbean tank is impressive, with multiple levels surrounding it with each a different region of the world and/or aquatic 'biodome'. Lighting is quite dark in places (obviously), but everything is easy to navigate. The seal feeding outside was a highlight and very informative. The shark area was a bit underwhelming, but the touch tank was fun. Overall, a solid and enjoyable visit for a freezing Sunday morning in mid-January.

638natashad

New York City, New York

"Cute, Compact, and Kid‑Approved – A Splash of Fun at the Boston Aquarium!"

Reviewed November 03, 2025

On our first visit to Boston, my partner and I were searching for fun things to do and decided to add the New England Aquarium to our list. It turned out to be a charming spot—especially if you’re traveling with little ones who love exploring the underwater world. The aquarium’s design is unique, built in a circular layout that spirals upward around a central tank. As we made our way up, we spotted playful penguins on the lower level, friendly sea lions ready to greet visitors at the entrance, and a hands‑on stingray touch pool that kids seemed to love. I didn’t see any sharks, though—maybe the tank was under renovation. Compared to larger aquariums like Atlanta or San Diego, this one is smaller and simpler, but it has enough exhibits to keep children under 12 entertained for a few hours. It’s a solid family stop for a relaxed afternoon by the harbor—and a nice way to add a splash of sea life to your Boston adventure!

New England Aquarium is located at New England Aquarium • Boston, MA 02110

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Frequently Asked Questions about New England Aquarium

What are the hours of operation?

Operating hours depends on the season. For fall / winter hours are Monday-Friday at 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, and Saturday-Sunday at 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. For the summer season, they open at Monday-Sunday at 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Check the selection above to see the availability of your preferred dates!

What should I wear?

Shirts and shoes must be worn in the Aquarium.

Where is the Aquarium located?

The Aquarium is located near Long Wharf and close to Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market at 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110.

Is the Aquarium appropriate for children?

Yes, the Aquarium is family-friendly.

Are stroller/wheelchair rentals available?

While they do not rent strollers at the Aquarium, strollers are permitted in all areas. They do offer a complimentary stroller check, located behind the main Information Desk. The Aquarium offers complimentary manual wheelchairs on a first-come, first-served basis as there is a limited number available. You may pick up a wheelchair at the Aquarium’s Information Desk. All that is required is a valid photo ID that you leave with us. When the wheelchair is returned, you will receive your photo ID back.

Is the aquarium wheelchair accessible?

Yes.

Can I leave and re-enter on the same day?

Yes. You will receive a hand stamp upon entering the Aquarium that allows you to go and return any time during the day of your visit.

Can I bring my camera?

Yes. However, tripods and stands are forbidden as they can obstruct the exhibit paths. Flash photography and flashlights are also restricted in certain areas as they can distress some animals.

How long is the tour?

The Aquarium part of the tour is approximately 2 hours long.

Can I bring my own food/beverages?

Yes, but food, drink, and gum is not permitted in our exhibit areas. Picnic tables are available on the Aquarium Plaza, and, weather permitting, you can sit at the tables in the Harbor View Café on a space-available basis.

Can I bring a bag to the Aquarium?

Bag size: Any bag larger than 12 inches long, 12 inches wide, or 12 inches tall will not be permitted, except for diaper bags and carriers for medical supplies. Bags, strollers, backpacks, and packages are subject to inspection.

Does the Aquarium have storage lockers?

Storage lockers are available to the left of the glass doors leading into the Penguin Exhibit. A large locker is $7 for a full-day rental, and a smaller locker is $5. Complimentary storage for large pieces that will not fit in the lockers is also available. Please ask at the main Information desk.