Famous Places: Visiting the New England Aquarium, Boston

Visiting the New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts is an exciting activity.

It opened in 1969 and has continued to attract visitors from around the globe.

Fun Facts About the New England Aquarium

The Aquarium has a Giant Ocean Tank, which is the centerpiece of the aquarium.

The tank holds 200,000 gallons of water and is designed to look like a Caribbean coral reef.

Myrtle, the green sea turtle, has lived in the Giant Ocean Tank for 54 years.

She is at least 74 years old.

She was taken in by the New England Aquarium in 1970.

There is also a skeleton of a juvenile North Atlantic Right Whale that is hanging from the ceiling. It is very impressive to look at especially when you realize that it is not a fully grown adult whale.

The aquarium’s penguin exhibit houses over 60 African and southern rockhopper penguins.

The aquarium is also home to the Shark and Ray Touch Tank, where visitors can touch some Atlantic stingrays.

Admission and Visiting Details

There are different packages on the New England Aquarium’s Website. There are standard prices for aquarium only visits and additional costs if you would like to include a movie.

• Admission:
  • Adults: $39
  • Children (3-11): $30
  • Seniors (60+): $37
  • Children 2 and under: Free

If you purchase tickets through CityPASS, this aquarium, just like the Museum of Science, is one of four places that you can select to visit.

If you are a New England resident, you will get a $5 discount to visit the Aquarium.

• Hours: Monday–Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Weekends and holidays: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Closed on Thanksgiving Day).

• Tickets: I would recommend that you purchase tickets in advance. This is important especially during weekends and school vacations.

What It’s Like to Visit

Walking up to the aquarium, you will notice some harbor seals on the outside. They are fun to watch especially when they swim upside down.  They are a bit of showoffs if you ask me!

As soon as you walk into the aquarium, you will notice the African and Rockhopper penguins.

They are fun to look at and crowds usually gather around this area to observe how the penguins interact with each other.

You will also notice a Giant Ocean Tank and a spiral stairway that goes all the way to the top.

You can walk over to interactive exhibits like the Shark and Ray Touch Tank.

This section is a hit for children! Here, you will roll up your sleeves and if you are up for it, touch some sharks and rays.

Walking up the spiral stairway, you will notice the Indo-Pacific Coral Reef section.

This is a floor-to-ceiling section and is full of very colorful fish.

Then there were the Jellyfish! These were my favorites. They photographed very well too.

I also liked the Lionfish. It is beautiful to look at.

Before you leave the aquarium be sure to check out the dolphins on the main level.

The dolphins are a joy to watch. I tried to take a photo of them out of the water but they were a little to quick for me and the images came out blurred!

Tips for Visiting

• Arrive Early: The aquarium gets super busy, especially during weekends and holidays, so it’s a good idea to arrive early. Although this is not a very large space, arriving early would give you enough time to explore the aquarium with less crowd.

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: The exhibits involve walking and standing for extended periods, so wear shoes that you are comfortable in.

Nearby Attractions

The New England Aquarium is conveniently located on Boston’s waterfront and close to several iconic attractions:

• Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market: A historic shopping and dining destination just a short walk away.
• Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum: An interactive museum that brings history to life.
• Boston Harborwalk: A scenic trail along the waterfront, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
• Old State House: A historic landmark and museum that tells the story of the American Revolution.

Best Time for Visiting the New England Aquarium

The best times for visiting are weekdays and early mornings especially if you would like to avoid crowds. The aquarium is open year-round.

Spring and summer months are popular for whale-watching tours, while the offseason offers a quieter experience for exploring the exhibits.

Have you been to or are you considering visiting the New England Aquarium? If you have, how was your visit? Let us know if this is somewhere you would like to visit someday or any tips you may have for new visitors.