--- title: New England Aquarium slug: new-england-aquarium-boston type: attraction sub_type: aquariums source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/new-england-aquarium-boston city: Boston state: MA country: US address: New England Aquarium, 1 Central Wharf geo: lat: 42.35914 lng: -71.04975 cancellation_policy: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. extracted_at: 2026-06-16T20:30:33.258Z price_from: amount: 33.75 currency: USD unit: per_adult availability: InStock rating: value: 4 count: 5958 scale: 5 ticket_options: - group: Other Options options: - name: Aquarium General Admission price: 33.75 regular_price: 39.95 savings: 6.2 ticket_types: - name: Adult (12-59 yrs) min_age: 12 max_age: 59 - name: Child (3-11 yrs) min_age: 3 max_age: 11 - name: Infant (0-2 yrs) min_age: 0 max_age: 2 --- ## Overview The New England Aquarium features educational exhibits that allow guests to get close to incredible sea life and marine animals, including more than 80 penguins, hundreds of Caribbean reef animals, fish, manta rays, and more. This experience is suitable for all ages and will keep the entire family entertained. ## What's Included - Admission to the New England Aquarium and access to its various exhibits. ## Ticket Options - **Aquarium General Admission** — $33.75 (regularly $39.95, save $6.20) - Adult (12-59 yrs) - Child (3-11 yrs) - Infant (0-2 yrs) ## 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. ## FAQs ### 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. ## 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 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: Visit aquatic creatures like the lionfish, leafy seadragon, green sea turtle, and California sea lions in action. Explore the Exhibits: Learn about sharks, see Pacific Northwest marine animals in the Olympic Coast exhibit, explore a Caribbean reef, and see dozens of penguins. Marine Mammal Center: Watch northern fur seals interact with their trainers in the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center, one of only three U.S. aquariums caring for these marine mammals. Featured Exhibits include: - Indo-Pacific Coral Reef: A 9,000-gallon habitat featuring an Indo-Pacific coral reef. - Atlantic Harbor Seals: A 42,000-gallon exhibit located outside near the front plaza. - Shark and Ray Tank (Viewing Only): Mangrove-themed tank with sharks and rays. - Giant Ocean Tank: Four-story Caribbean coral reef with over 120 species. - New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center: Open-air exhibit with seals and sea lions. - Olympic Coast: Marine life from the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary. - Penguin Colony: Over 60 penguins around the Giant Ocean Tank. Whether traveling with kids or solo, the aquarium offers education, conservation, and close encounters with ocean life.