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New England Aquarium
Aquarium
Waterfront, Boston
"Coffee and seal watching just may be the perfect remedy."(20 Tips)
"Love seeing all the jelly fish and the touch tanks are fun."(11 Tips)
"Check out the penguin exhibit!!"(7 Tips)
"The new shark and ray touch tank is fantastic!"(5 Tips)
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Many exhibits are, unfortunately, a bit outdated. But, they're redoing the Great Ocean Tank between Sept 2012 and July 2013. Aquarium will be open during construction.
Brian KaiserNovember 10, 2017The stingray tank where you can touch rays as the swim by is my favorite!
JohnMay 31, 2013Meet and greet the fur seals was awesome!! Patty did a great job and Cordova (the fur seal) was so smart and fun.
Richard EfthimApril 25, 2015Shark and Ray tank! Knowledgeable and friendly staff and volunteers. IMAX.
Marina ButovichJune 9, 2017Amazing place to spend time with your children or friends. We definitely enjoyed our visit!
Noel FisherSeptember 2, 2010If you're planning an upcoming event consider having it here. My husband and I had our wedding at the NEAQ. We were married in front of the peguin tank while our friends and family stood on the ramp a
Gwen CummingsSeptember 8, 2014Awesome exhibits and very well-cared for animals. A definite gem of Boston
Vivian VoNovember 29, 2014Sharks aren't always in the big tank but if you're patient a turtle will swim by :)
Brad HinesJune 6, 2014When taking photos, smart to keep camera behind railing in case you'd drop it into water.
Courtney ThompsonAugust 8, 2012Any organization that researches preservation of our waters and animals is great in my book. Great penguin and touch tank exhibits.
John LeMaireApril 27, 2015A must see attraction in Boston. Tons of fish in the multilevel center tank!
Cory BrownJanuary 9, 2016Crowded on the weekend but has an amazing multi leveled aquarium with a badass sea turtle
Kris FridayApril 22, 2011If there is a long line spend the extra $5 for an imax ticket and buy the aquarium tickets at the threatre. You can skip the movie and long line and go straight into the aquarium.
Pat AddamsAugust 22, 2014they will take a group picture when you enter, they will print out a copy for you when you leave, take this one, it's free
Brian d'EonAugust 26, 2014The touch aquariums are pretty cool. Ask the staff where to find sharks if you don't see them.
JillDecember 11, 2011Don't scream when the rays touch you in the touch tank. Also, if you catch the penguin caretaker's presentation, watch it! They're really interesting & knowledgeable.
Jonathan YuNovember 22, 2015Check out the penguin exhibit, large fish tank and the sting ray petting tank.
FamilyFunMarch 15, 2012There's lots to explore in Boston but the aquarium is a favorite. Be sure to see the divers feed the fish! - Brand Development Manager
Indivly RewardsJuly 3, 2012P Sherman 42 Wallaby Way Sydney? Anyone? The Aquarium is a great place to spend an afternoon with the kids, or even to book for a private party!
Yechi EngelJune 15, 2013Amazing place for adults and kids. Loved the sea lions, dogs, cats and other mammals...
- Brad HinesJune 6, 2014We used passes from our lical library (check yours) to get in for $10 instead if $25.
Enfys HolmesApril 4, 2015Very expensive, quite small for the price but had a really big tank in the middle. There is also two tanks where you are allowed to touch stingrays, sharks, starfish and crabs.
Daniel GoldinAugust 5, 2012Explore an Underwater World, Experience the Dolphin Show, Watch the Penguins Clown Around and Watch the Divers Feed the Fish at Mealtimes!
Marques StewartOctober 14, 2014If you're short on time, start at the top of the ocean tank and work your way down.
Bloomingdale'sAugust 12, 2010Stare at stingrays from the spiral staircase of the Great Ocean Tank (so big, they actually built the aquarium around it) or cradle a hermit crab (carefully) in the Touch Tank.
Ben BaronMay 20, 2016Drab on the outside but an amazing place inside. Pet the rays just inside the entrance.
REDBOOKDecember 2, 2010Sea turtles, sharks... even penguins! Need we say more? Just make sure you eat beforehand — everything in this touristy area of the city is on the expensive side.
Dan WeissNovember 13, 201230 Rowe Warf (just a block south of the aquarium) has validated $18 parking. Call the aquarium and press zero (operator) if you get lost.
ToneDecember 28, 2014Nice to see the Penguins and the giant turtles but this place is too small to deal with the massive Saturday crowds
Marvic CarrascoDecember 31, 2014I like the aquarium, but it is a small one. Consider buying the city pass
Chloe WarffordSeptember 11, 2016Definitely take advantage of the student discount for a small bit of savings
Charity ZiertenJune 30, 2012They need to provide cover/shade and fans for the ticket line and benches outside for the handicap and parents of young children. Very hot!!!
Eliza RosenberryApril 20, 2010Wait for the student afternoons or discounted times. See the sea lion show, the huge cylindrical tank in the center, and see an IMAX about sharks. The penguins are hilarious.
Lindsay WilliamsJuly 12, 2013This place is small and full of children. There should be an adult section with a bar that had fish themed cocktails. Just sayin.
Luiz SteinFebruary 20, 2017It gets crowded during the weekend, hard to walk around. Not really worth the time or money.
Jessica Allan SchmidtNovember 16, 2011Always go upstairs to the big tank first and then work your way down. On the ground floor, the entire centre is made up of a penguin tank.
Secret B says this place is interesting if you're under 8, but I (and most people) would say that it's great for people of ALL ages.
Boston UniversityDecember 3, 2012Save $2 on admission with your Terrier Card. College students can purchase tickets for $20.95 (regularly $22.95).- Tessa RosenberryDecember 19, 2011The new shark and ray touch tank is fantastic! And the turtles are always worth visiting!
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New England Aquarium
1 Central Wharf (at Old Atlantic Ave)
Boston, MA 02110
United States
Boston, MA 02110
United States
The Aquarium is a leader in ocean exploration and conservation and a premier visitor attraction in Boston welcoming over 1.3 million visitors yearly.
Open until 7:00 PM (Show more)
- Mon–Fri
- 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
- Sat
- 9:00 AM–7:00 PM
- Sun
- 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
(617) 973-5200
Features
Reservations
Yes
Credit Cards
Yes (incl. NFC Payments & American Express)
Wi-Fi
Free
See More
Places inside New England Aquarium
- 7.6
"Absolutely worth at least one visit, especially with the family. Really well kept and organized. Tickets at the booth can be pricey so try to find deals online."
Anonymous, since 2018 - 8.8
"Getting to pet stingrays is so awesome! Plus they have a great variety of jellyfish."
Jessica Nisly - 7.3
"Great views and prime location if you're just looking to have a beer outside & on the water on a beautiful day!!"
Andrea Lee
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