New England Aquarium | Boston

New England Aquarium – In Detail

The New England Aquarium, located on Central Wharf along Boston’s historic waterfront, is one of the city’s top attractions and a global leader in ocean education, conservation, and marine science. Since its opening in 1969, the aquarium has welcomed millions of visitors, offering immersive exhibits, close-up animal encounters, and dynamic experiences that reveal the complexity and beauty of life beneath the waves.

It is both an entertainment destination and a scientific institution, housing thousands of marine animals across multiple ecosystems and operating one of the most important sea turtle rescue and rehabilitation centers in North America.

Architectural and Spatial Design

The aquarium’s main building is shaped around a central open cylinder, where the towering Giant Ocean Tank rises through all four floors. This structure gives visitors 360-degree views as they spiral upward or downward along the ramped pathway that wraps around the tank. The interior is dimly lit in many areas to evoke a sense of descending into the deep ocean, while exterior exhibits make use of Boston’s harbor air and natural light.

Adjacent to the main aquarium are outdoor habitats, a café terrace, gift shop, IMAX-style Simons Theatre, and dock space for the seasonal Whale Watch tours.

Major Exhibits and Attractions

1. Giant Ocean Tank

The centerpiece of the aquarium, this 200,000-gallon Caribbean coral reef exhibit stretches four stories high.

It features over 1,000 animals including reef sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, moray eels, angelfish, barracudas, and more.

Visitors can follow the spiraling walkway to observe sea life at various depths, culminating in a surface-level overlook at the top, where divers feed animals and answer questions.

Myrtle the Green Sea Turtle, resident since the 1970s, is a beloved fixture of this ecosystem.

2. Penguin Colony

Located in the base level surrounding the Giant Ocean Tank.

Home to several species including African Penguins and Southern Rockhopper Penguins.

The habitat mimics rocky coastlines with temperature-controlled pools and nesting areas.

Visitors can watch penguin feedings and learn about conservation efforts to protect endangered seabirds.

3. Shark and Ray Touch Tank

The largest of its kind on the East Coast, this shallow, interactive exhibit invites visitors to gently touch cownose rays, epaulette sharks, and Atlantic rays as they glide by.

Mangrove-style roots and warm water conditions replicate the animals' natural environment.

Educators are always present to ensure safe interaction and provide insight into the species.

4. Marine Mammal Center

Located outside, this area is home to California sea lions and Northern fur seals, many of whom were rescued and rehabilitated.

Features include training demonstrations, behavioral enrichment, and underwater viewing panels.

The habitat is designed to mimic the rocky shores of the Pacific Northwest and includes deep pools and haul-out areas.

5. Harbor Seals Exhibit

Open-air exhibit at the front plaza, accessible without a ticket, allowing the public to view harbor seals swimming, basking, and engaging with trainers.

Enclosure includes underwater viewing and interpretive signage.

6. Freshwater and Themed Galleries

Amazon Rainforest Gallery: Exotic fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds living in a humid, tropical setting with lush vegetation and overhead canopy.

Gulf of Maine Exhibit: Native New England species such as cod, lobsters, sea stars, and flounder, replicating the region's frigid, rocky waters.

Jellyfish Gallery: Ethereal moon jellies, lion’s mane jellyfish, and other species displayed under colored lighting in circular tanks.

Olympic Coast: Cold-water marine life from the Pacific Northwest, including anemones, sea cucumbers, and giant Pacific octopuses.

Education, Research, and Conservation

The New England Aquarium is also a serious marine research institution. Its conservation arm, the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, conducts cutting-edge work in:

Sea turtle rehabilitation: Rescuing hundreds of cold-stunned turtles annually, with survival rates exceeding 80%.

Shark research and tagging: Supporting shark population studies and marine predator conservation.

North Atlantic right whale monitoring: Aiding protection efforts for one of the most endangered whale species in the world.

Marine policy and advocacy: Working with governments and international coalitions to support ocean protection laws.

The aquarium also operates a rescue facility on Cape Cod, where stranded marine mammals and reptiles are treated and eventually released back into the wild.

Programs and Special Experiences

Daily Animal Presentations: Scheduled feedings and trainer talks occur at the Giant Ocean Tank, Penguin Colony, Harbor Seals Exhibit, and Marine Mammal Center.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Visitors can book premium experiences to see the food prep kitchens, medical labs, or dive training areas.

Animal Encounters: Unique opportunities include penguin feedings, seal training sessions, and meet-and-greets with marine mammals.

Simons Theatre: A large-format cinema showing nature documentaries on marine life, ecosystems, and conservation, often produced in partnership with National Geographic and the BBC.

Whale Watch Tours

From April to October, the aquarium offers high-speed catamaran tours departing from its private dock. These cruises venture to the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, one of the world's best whale-watching spots.

Visitors often spot:

Humpback whales

Finback whales

Minke whales

White-sided dolphins

Occasionally, North Atlantic right whales

Naturalists accompany each voyage to provide interpretation and help identify individual whales by name and dorsal fin pattern.

Visitor Services

Hours: Open daily, typically 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended summer hours.

Tickets: General admission ranges from $39 to $44. Children, seniors, and Massachusetts residents may receive discounts.

Dining: On-site options include the Harbor View Café and seasonal outdoor Reef Bar, both offering sustainable and ocean-friendly menus.

Gift Shop: Stocks books, plush animals, eco-friendly toys, and marine-themed gifts, with proceeds supporting conservation.

Accessibility: Fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers; ASL interpretation, tactile exhibits, and sensory-friendly resources are available.

Cultural and Scientific Impact

The New England Aquarium has played a major role in advancing public understanding of the ocean, inspiring ocean stewardship across generations. It emphasizes:

Hands-on learning

Inclusive outreach to underserved communities

Multilingual programs

Curriculum development for schools and teachers

Its exhibitions, ethics, and programming reflect a deep commitment to biodiversity, sustainability, and education.

Conclusion

The New England Aquarium is not just a place to see marine animals-it’s a place to connect with the ocean in meaningful, memorable ways. It combines immersive exhibits with real-world conservation science, engaging every age group in the urgent mission to protect marine life. Whether touching a stingray, watching a seal dive, or locking eyes with a sea turtle, the experience is educational, emotional, and deeply impactful.