New York Aquarium | New York

The New York Aquarium is one of the oldest and most renowned aquariums in the United States, offering a rich combination of marine life exhibits, conservation education, and interactive experiences. Located on Coney Island in Brooklyn, it sits along the iconic Riegelmann Boardwalk, providing visitors with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean alongside a deep dive into oceanic ecosystems.

Location and History

Address: 602 Surf Avenue, Coney Island, Brooklyn, NY 11224

Founded: 1896, originally in Battery Park, Manhattan. It moved to its current location in 1957 to accommodate larger exhibits and a growing number of visitors.

Operator: Managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation and public education.

Size: The aquarium spans approximately 14 acres of land on the boardwalk.

The aquarium was established to foster public education about marine life and to support marine conservation efforts. Over the years, it has grown into a major attraction and research center, emphasizing sustainability and the protection of aquatic environments.

Exhibits and Attractions

The New York Aquarium offers a wide array of exhibits that showcase marine species from around the world and educate visitors about ocean conservation:

Ocean Wonders: Sharks!
This is one of the aquarium’s flagship exhibits. It features a massive 500,000-gallon tank housing 18 species of sharks and rays, including blacktip reef sharks, zebra sharks, and large stingrays. The exhibit is designed to immerse visitors in the sharks’ environment, with underwater viewing tunnels and interactive displays explaining shark biology and their ecological role.

Spineless
This exhibit highlights the incredible diversity of invertebrates such as octopuses, moon jellies, sea stars, and zombie worms. It explores their unique adaptations and importance to marine ecosystems, encouraging visitors to appreciate often-overlooked ocean creatures.

Sea Change
This gallery focuses on the impacts of climate change on marine habitats and species. It features animals like California sea lions, harbor seals, African penguins, and river otters, demonstrating how changing environmental conditions affect aquatic life.

PlayQuarium
A family-friendly, hands-on exhibit where visitors, especially children, can touch and learn about local marine invertebrates such as horseshoe crabs, sea urchins, and crabs. It encourages interactive learning and sensory engagement.

Aquatheater Shows
The aquarium hosts live animal presentations, typically three times daily, showcasing the behaviors and intelligence of sea lions, seals, and other marine animals. These shows are both entertaining and educational, highlighting animal care and conservation messages.

Wild Encounters
Seasonal special programs allow visitors to meet animals up close, including opportunities to observe feeding and training sessions with penguins and sea lions, providing deeper insight into their lives and conservation.

Conservation and Education

The New York Aquarium is deeply involved in conservation science, focusing on research, species rehabilitation, and public education programs. It works closely with marine biologists to protect endangered species, restore habitats, and address environmental challenges such as pollution and climate change.

Educational programs include guided tours, school field trips, summer camps, and workshops that cover marine biology, ecology, and sustainability. The aquarium aims to inspire visitors to become stewards of the ocean through knowledge and hands-on experience.

Visitor Information

Hours:

Varies seasonally, generally opening at 10:00 AM with closing times ranging from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM.

Last admission is typically one hour before closing.

Admission Fees:

Peak season: Adults around $33, children (ages 3-12) around $28, seniors about $30.

Off-peak season: Slightly lower rates, with children and seniors receiving discounts.

Children under 2 are admitted free.

Accessibility: The aquarium is wheelchair accessible, with accommodations and services for visitors with disabilities.

Getting There and Parking

Subway:
Take the D, N, or Q trains to the Coney Island–Stillwell Avenue station, which is a short walk to the aquarium entrance.

Bus:
Several bus routes serve the area, including the B36 and B68, stopping near Surf Avenue.

Parking:
Parking is available nearby with hourly rates ranging from $18 for up to 3 hours, increasing for longer stays. However, parking can be limited, so public transit is often recommended.

Nearby Attractions

The aquarium’s location on Coney Island means visitors can also enjoy:

Coney Island Beach: A sandy public beach with lifeguards on duty during the summer months, ideal for swimming and relaxing.

Boardwalk: Filled with shops, restaurants, and amusements like Luna Park, the historic amusement park.

Other Attractions: The Cyclone roller coaster, the New York Aquarium’s adjoining New York Aquarium Playground, and seasonal events.

Summary

The New York Aquarium offers a dynamic and engaging experience for visitors of all ages, combining fascinating marine life exhibits with important messages about conservation and environmental stewardship. Its ocean-themed attractions, educational programs, and convenient location on Coney Island make it a must-visit destination for those interested in marine biology, wildlife, and family-friendly activities.

The aquarium continues to evolve, adding new exhibits and interactive features to inspire a deeper connection between people and the ocean, supporting efforts to protect marine ecosystems for future generations.