New England Aquarium Tickets

Dive into the wonders of the New England Aquarium with a flexible ticket, and explore four levels of marine life at your own pace.

Getting started

Arrive at the main entrance on Central Wharf, Boston, and present your ticket for entry. After a quick security check, you’re free to begin your self-guided journey through the Aquarium’s exhibits.

What to expect

New England Aquarium Ticket

The New England Aquarium is a leading marine conservation center, home to a diverse collection of ocean life and interactive exhibits. Your visit directly supports efforts to inspire ocean protection and education.

Features

• Giant Ocean Tank: Marvel at a four-story Caribbean coral reef teeming with sea turtles, cownose rays, and hundreds of tropical fish—an iconic centerpiece of the Aquarium.

• Shark and Ray Touch Tank: Get hands-on with gentle sharks and rays in a unique touch experience, designed to foster curiosity and respect for marine species.

• Marine Mammal Center: Watch California sea lions and northern fur seals demonstrate their agility and learn about their care during daily presentations.

• Penguin colony: Observe three species of penguins as aquarists feed and interact with these charismatic birds, offering insight into their behaviors and habitats.

• Daily presentations: Enjoy scheduled feedings and educational talks at key exhibits, with opportunities to ask staff about animal care and conservation.

New England Aquarium Tickets

Discover the New England Aquarium on this comprehensive sightseeing tour that includes timed entry to all exhibits, daily presentations, and interactive animal feedings. Explore the Giant Ocean Tank, home to sea turtles, cownose rays, and hundreds of vibrant reef fish, and get hands-on at the Shark and Ray Touch Tank, where you can feel the unique textures of these fascinating creatures. The tour covers over 200,000 square feet across multiple galleries and exhibits, including the Trust Family Foundation Gallery of Birds, the Tropical Rain Forest exhibit with its free-flying birds and butterflies, and the Northern and Southern Right Whale Research Galleries. This guided experience is available in English and Spanish audio guides, ensuring a rich educational journey for all visitors. The aquarium opened its doors to the public on October 21, 1969, making it one of Boston's most beloved landmarks. With over 300 species of animals and thousands of individuals, the New England Aquarium is dedicated to ocean conservation and inspiring action to protect marine life.

Explore the Giant Ocean Tank

Your tour stops at the Giant Ocean Tank where you can marvel at the vibrant ecosystem home to sea turtles, cownose rays, and hundreds of reef fish species. Built in 1969, this iconic tank is a centerpiece of the aquarium, boasting a volume of over 200,000 gallons and an impressive diameter of 24 feet. Visitors can view the stunning array of marine life from various vantage points, including underwater viewing areas that provide a unique perspective on these fascinating creatures. The Giant Ocean Tank not only showcases the beauty of coral reefs but also educates visitors about the importance of conservation efforts for endangered species such as green sea turtles and loggerhead turtles. With its interactive exhibits and educational programs, this landmark stands out among similar attractions by offering immersive experiences that foster a deeper connection with marine life.

Interact at Shark and Ray Touch Tank

At the Shark and Ray Touch Tank, guests can feel the unique textures of various shark species and rays. This interactive exhibit was introduced in 2016 to enhance visitor engagement and understanding of these often misunderstood creatures. The tank spans an area of approximately 45 feet by 18 feet and features a variety of species including cownose rays, southern stingrays, and smooth dogfish sharks. Visitors can gently touch the animals under the guidance of aquarium staff, providing a memorable hands-on experience that is both educational and entertaining. Unlike other touch tanks, this one offers a safe and controlled environment for close encounters with marine life, making it a unique highlight of any visit to the New England Aquarium.

Tour Highlights

• Timed entry to all exhibits
• Daily presentations at 11 AM and 2 PM
• English and Spanish audio guides available
• Interactive animal feedings with marine biologists
• Giant Ocean Tank featuring sea turtles and rays
• Shark and Ray Touch Tank for hands-on experiences
• Trust Family Foundation Gallery of Birds with free-flying birds and butterflies
• Northern and Southern Right Whale Research Galleries showcasing conservation efforts

Perfect for families, nature enthusiasts, and marine biology students, this comprehensive tour provides an in-depth exploration of Boston's premier aquarium. The guided experience allows you to marvel at the Giant Ocean Tank, interact with sharks and rays at the Touch Tank, and learn about whale research initiatives, giving you a unique insight into ocean conservation efforts while enjoying the rich biodiversity of New England.