The New England Aquarium is a popular must-see attraction right on the Boston waterfront. It offers a rich and multifaceted experience of marine life, from a giant penguin colony to a giant circular Caribbean tank that reaches across all floors of the aquarium. Here are some of its major attractions:
Giant Caribbean coral reef
The centerpiece of the aquarium, this 200,000-gallon cylindrical tank offers an immersive look at a Caribbean coral reef. Visitors can see an array of marine life, including Myrtle, the 90-year-old green sea turtle, sharks, stingrays, and countless colorful fish.
Penguin Colony
At the base of the Giant Ocean Tank, the penguin exhibit is home to African, Rockhopper, and Little Blue Penguins. Watching their playful antics and learning about their distinct behaviors offers a unique and delightful experience for all ages.
Harbor Seals
The Marine Mammal Center showcases adorable and intelligent harbor seals. Interactive training sessions and educational talks highlight their natural behaviors and the care they receive.
Hands-On Experiences
Edge of the Sea Touch Tank: This exhibit allows visitors to get up close and personal with tide pool animals like starfish, crabs, and sea urchins.
Shark and Ray Touch Tank: Located in the Science of Sharks exhibit, this tank provides a safe opportunity to touch small, gentle sharks and rays, deepening the understanding and appreciation of these fascinating creatures.
Whale-watching tours are departing from the aquarium, providing an unforgettable adventure. These tours take visitors to the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary, where they can see humpback whales, finbacks, and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat.
Accessibility
The aquarium is fully accessible, with ramps and elevators to accommodate all visitors.
More about the New England Aquarium
Restaurants near the New England Aquarium
Trattoria Il Panino | Italian | North End | $$ | Exceptional | |
Citrus & Salt | Contemporary Mexican | Seaport | $$ | Awesome | |
Union Oyster House | Seafood | Faneuil Hall | $$ | Awesome | |
Legal Sea Foods - Harborside | Seafood | Seaport | $$ | Awesome | |
Serafina Seaport | Italian | Seaport | $$ | Exceptional | |
Moxies - Boston Seaport | American | Seaport | $$ | Awesome | |
Pink Taco - Boston | Mexican | Seaport | $$ | Excellent | |
Lucia Ristorante | Unspecified | North End | $$ | Awesome | |
Hook + Line | Seafood | Seaport | $$ | Awesome | |
Quattro | Italian | North End | $$ | Exceptional | |
TreMonte Restaurant - North End | Italian | North End | $$ | Awesome | |
Panza | Italian | North End | $$ | Exceptional | |
Vinoteca di Monica | Italian | North End | $$ | Exceptional | |
casarecce | Italian | North End | $$ | Exceptional | |
Ristorante Saraceno | Italian | North End | $$ | Exceptional | |
Massiminos Cucina Italiana | Italian | North End | $$ | Exceptional | |
Nico | Italian | North End | $$ | Exceptional | |
Rosa Mexicano - Boston | Mexican | Seaport | $$ | Awesome | |
STREGA Italiano – Seaport | Italian | Seaport | $$ | Exceptional | |
Tradesman - Charlestown | American | Charlestown | $$ | Exceptional | |
Prima | Italian | Charlestown | $$$ | Exceptional | |
Mare | Italian | North End | $$$ | Exceptional | |
The Daily Catch - Waterfront | Seafood | North End | $$$ | Exceptional | |
Ciao Roma | Italian | North End | $$$ | Exceptional | |
Joe’s Waterfront | American | North End | $$$ | Awesome | |
Silver Dove Afternoon Tea | Afternoon Tea | Faneuil Hall | $$$ | Exceptional | |
Strega North End | Italian | North End | $$$ | Awesome | |
Tresca | Italian | North End | $$$ | Exceptional | |
Lucca North End | Italian | North End | $$$ | Exceptional | |
Aqua Pazza | Seafood | North End | $$$ | Exceptional | |
Libertine | Italian | North End | $$$ | Awesome | |
Arya Trattoria | Italian | North End | $$$ | Exceptional | |
Legal Sea Foods - Long Wharf | Seafood | Faneuil Hall | $$$ | Awesome | |
Isabella | Italian | North End | $$$ | Exceptional | |
The Florentine Cafe | Italian | North End | $$$ | Exceptional | |
Limani Grille - Seaport | Mediterranean | Seaport | $$$ | Exceptional | |
Mamma Maria | Italian | North End | $$$ | Exceptional | |
Tuscan Kitchen - Seaport | Unspecified | Seaport | $$$ | Awesome | |
Villa Francesca | Italian | North End | $$$ | Awesome | |
Umbria | Italian | North End | $$$$ | Awesome | |
The Nautilus Pier 4 | Pan-Asian | Seaport | $$$$ | Exceptional | |
Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse - Boston | Steakhouse | Seaport | $$$$ | Exceptional |