Located right on Boston's Central Harbor, the New England Aquarium boosts a coral reef, seals, penguins, and more. But it's pricey!
Staff at the New England Aquarium in Boston, Mass give the distinct impression that they are first and foremost stewards of the creatures that live there. Visitors have ample opportunity to see that stewardship in action—looking into the Aquarium Medical Center, for instance, or watching aquarium staff interact with various sea creatures.
In some aquariums, showmanship is a big part of the daily events. But the atmosphere at Boston’s NE Aquarium is decidedly more subdued. A staff member might give an introductory explanation regarding what is about to happen, but then people go about their business, feeding penguins or cleaning the giant coral reef tank or training the seals, without much ado to all the gawking tourists. Still, there is plenty to see and do:
Giant Ocean Tank
This four-story, 200,000-gallon tank is the center-piece of Boston’s aquarium, both literally and figuratively. A spiral ramp winds its way up the outside of the tank, giving visitors a clear view of sharks, sea turtles, barracudas, puffer fish, trumpet fish, and more. In all, there are over 120 species of fish in the tank, including the exotic moray eel. The man-made reef inside the tank was inspired by over 35 species of sponges and coral. Visitors can regularly see divers feeding fish or doing routine maintenance in the tank. Talks are given at the top of the tank (not wheel chair accessible), where visitors get an open view of the 24 feet of water below.
Penguin Exhibit
The bulk of the first floor is taken up by the 140,000 gallon penguin pool. The aquarium houses three species: the pretty African penguins, with their not-so-pretty braying sounds; the rockhopper penguins, with their bright yellow tufted feathers; and the little blue penguins, which measure only 8 inches in height. Visitors can see aquarium staff hand-feed each penguin during the day.
Seal Exhibits
The front of the aquarium has a harbor seal exhibit; aquarium entrance is not required to view these lively creatures. An exhibit in the back houses harbor seals. Visitors can watch trainers interact with both these species at various points during the day.
More Aquarium Exhibits
The New England Aquarium has exhibits featuring sea creatures from the tropics and the gulf of main, from the depths of the oceans, to rivers and streams. Aquarium visitors can see sea horses and their exotic cousins, the sea dragons; the funny looking cuttle fish; giant groupers; and more.
Special Exhibit
A rotating two-story exhibit highlights a specific group of animals.
Harbor View Café
The café, which is accessible from the outside of the building, is actually a cafeteria-style eatery. Food selections include a variety of pizzas, burgers (including veggie burger), fries, sandwiches, salads, and wraps. There is also an impressive drink selection ranging from fountain sodas to gourmet coffee to bottled juices and milk. A wheelchair and stroller entrance is available on the second floor.
Special Events
Every month, Boston’s aquarium holds many special events for everyone from toddlers to adults. Visitors can use the aquarium’s interactive calendar to find an event for them.
IMAX Theater
Housed in a separate building near the New England Aquarium, the IMAX Theater features Boston’s only six-story flat screen. Most of the ever-changing movies are shown in 3D. Tickets can be purchased in combination with aquarium admission or separately.
Price
Most things in Boston are expensive, and the New England Aquarium is no exception. In fact, despite the award-winning popularity of the aquarium, many people think the price is not worth the value of the visit. Buying a CityPass or Go Boston card might make the admission price more reasonable. Get current price information.
Subway
The watery museum is located a block away from the conveniently-labeled “Aquarium” stop.
