New England Aquarium
New England Aquarium
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
As a global center for ocean exploration and marine conservation, New England Aquarium is a great place for adults and kids alike to meet amazing sea creatures and learn more about our oceans. Here, you can touch sharks and rays at the Touch Tank, watch northern seals play at the Marine Mammal Center, and say hello to Myrtle the turtle at the four-story high Giant Ocean Tank. Be sure to join the Whale Watch too, which will take you out by boat to Boston Harbor to spot wild whales jumping out of the Atlantic Ocean. – Tripadvisor
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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from ₹2,903.21
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown
The largest area of the city, Downtown is rich with historical and iconic sites in Boston. Stroll through one of Boston’s most famous green spaces, the Boston Public Gardens, check out and make way for duckling statues, picnic under a beautiful tree overlooking the pond, and walk over the iconic footbridge where, during summer time, you will catch a swan boat toting children and eager tourists through the pond. Have your camera ready to capture its peaceful beauty in the middle of a bustling city. Continue on through the Gardens and take in some open green space at the Boston Common, where you can spend time throwing a frisbee, sitting on a park bench, or, in the winter time, skating on the frog pond. Head north from the end of the Common to see the golden dome of the State House, and travel through government center to Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall, both a historic and popular destination worth a quick visit for a first time to Boston. Head to Long Wharf to visit the Aquarium, or catch a boat to Charlestown or even Cape Cod.
How to get there
- Aquarium • 2 min walk
- State • 8 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- Kim HShalimar, Florida18 contributionsA nice aquariumThe New England Aquarium was nice. It was packed which made it hard to navigate especially with someone in a wheelchair, but we managed. Did you know, wheelchair bound people get free admission? Neither did I, but was pleasantly surprised. Overall was fun, I would try going on a non rainy day so hopefully it's not as packed.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 July 2023
- twin123185Atlantic City, New Jersey1,287 contributionsGreat For KidsI live aquariums and I do like this one. It’s geared more for kids than I expected but it’s well laid out and easy to get around. I enjoyed the penguins the most. I feel it’s a little pricey - a family of four gets expensive. However it’s worth to check out once.Visited August 2023Travelled soloWritten 21 September 2023
- R PChicago, Illinois10 contributionsGreat main tank, but that is about itThis review might be a bit unfair as I am from Chicago and the Shedd Aquarium is amazing. The main tank here is amazing! The coral arrangement and sea life in that, about 50-60 foot deep, tank is beautiful. There is a ramp that spirals from top to bottom so you can see the different levels. There is a penguin environment below and all around the tank that is very nice. It was quiet the day we were there and we could easily look into the tank, but if it were busy it could be an issue. Other than the tank, that is about it. There isn’t much else of interest. There is a small pool with three seals.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 October 2023
- GrandTour452506329 contributionsFun aquarium to visitWe chose to go here as it was covered with our GoCity pass. My uncle had visited here and said we should stop in to see it. This was a good recommendation. We were only able to stay for a few hours but it was fun to see. There was so much we didn't see as there was so much. Some of the exhibits had no sea life that we (or anybody else) could see.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 October 2023
- LBCdovsNew Jersey291 contributionsMehhhI don’t know, maybe it’s just me, but I feel like once you’ve seen one aquarium, you’ve seen them all??? It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t stand out either. It was part of the goboston voucher so we checked it out. In the aquarium’s defense, we really aren’t aquarium people, so I’d probably say that if you have the time, swing by and check it out. But if you’re looking for something extraordinary and unique, this isn’t it.Visited November 2023Travelled with familyWritten 13 November 2023
- christopherbO9687MPActon, Massachusetts719 contributionsExcellent collection of ocean displays & tanks, concentrating on New England's baysThe New England Aquarium has an excellent collection of ocean displays & water tanks, concentrating on New England's bays and the wildlife swimming thru them. The literal centerpiece of the Aquarium is a multi-story plexiglass tank that held fishes that swam at various depths in a reef. The spiral walkway around this tank gives you a chance to see the differences at different depths. The Aquarium also has a range of side displays & tanks to show the residents of different oceanographic environments. The large displays of seals & penguins were particularly good, particularly during feeding time. An enjoyable way to spend a few hours.Visited February 2024Travelled soloWritten 28 February 2024
- Tara HeageleHamilton, New Jersey1,130 contributionsStrict with Timed TicketsThis is a cute little aquarium with the most lovely and interesting exhibits. The aquarium animal caretakers were friendly, kind, and knowledgeable. I saw one gentleman answer about 100 questions from a little girl with great patience and humor. If visiting on a weekend, I absolutely recommend that you get timed tickets. This aquarium was packed on a cold, rainy, spring Saturday afternoon. They are very strict with your time on your ticket (no getting in early). While the aquarium was very busy, we rarely had to wait to view a tank or exhibit. Highlights for me included the rare blue lobster, dwarf seahorses, penguins, and the IMAX movie about blue whales.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
5,836 reviews
Excellent
2,400
Very good
1,886
Average
1,113
Poor
306
Terrible
133
JFLeBlanc
Moncton, Canada4,775 contributions
Recently came here for a visit. Lots of sea animals to see here. Staff members were friendly and helpful with questions. Highly recommend this location!
Written 18 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anna P
Brooklyn, NY61 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
Small but a concise aquarium.
We spent about 2 hours in there.
The touch tank is cute. We were surprised not to see any sharks (there is a shark exhibit but no live sharks).
We spent about 2 hours in there.
The touch tank is cute. We were surprised not to see any sharks (there is a shark exhibit but no live sharks).
Written 28 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J E
Fredericksburg, VA11,049 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
This is a nice way to spend an afternoon inside. Definitely worth checking out, even though it’s not very big inside, it does have lots to see. They have a few amazing penguin exhibits here too, which are really nice!
They offer a AAA discount, as well as a senior discount.
Buying our tickets on site easy a quick and easy process.
Like I said, stop in and check it out!
They offer a AAA discount, as well as a senior discount.
Buying our tickets on site easy a quick and easy process.
Like I said, stop in and check it out!
Written 27 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David S
Greasby, UK144 contributions
Given the hype and size of the aquarium we were very excited.
We love visiting aquariums as a family (we visited 3 in a 10 day trip).
The good… the price wasn’t totally crazy, the cafe had a lot of choice (so long as you didn’t want popular branded drinks like Coke, Sprite, Fanta).
The bad… “touch zone” to feel the rays was good but poorly controlled, he spiral layout of the main building was a bit weird and it didn’t feel like there was enough to do given the price and size.
We love visiting aquariums as a family (we visited 3 in a 10 day trip).
The good… the price wasn’t totally crazy, the cafe had a lot of choice (so long as you didn’t want popular branded drinks like Coke, Sprite, Fanta).
The bad… “touch zone” to feel the rays was good but poorly controlled, he spiral layout of the main building was a bit weird and it didn’t feel like there was enough to do given the price and size.
Written 16 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tara Heagele
Hamilton, NJ1,130 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
This is a cute little aquarium with the most lovely and interesting exhibits. The aquarium animal caretakers were friendly, kind, and knowledgeable. I saw one gentleman answer about 100 questions from a little girl with great patience and humor. If visiting on a weekend, I absolutely recommend that you get timed tickets. This aquarium was packed on a cold, rainy, spring Saturday afternoon. They are very strict with your time on your ticket (no getting in early). While the aquarium was very busy, we rarely had to wait to view a tank or exhibit. Highlights for me included the rare blue lobster, dwarf seahorses, penguins, and the IMAX movie about blue whales.
Written 9 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee M
San Francisco, CA149 contributions
Oceans cover 75% of the earth but we know little about them. NE Aquarium helps teach what’s out there. New exhibits on the importance of sharks, the interactive Great Ocean Tank dive where you can ask questions to the diver in the tank, and the immersive IMAX films are all worth a visit. Be aware that the entrance plaza is long and not covered if you visit during rain/snow.
Written 26 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kate G
Detroit, MI56 contributions
This is a nice & pretty compact aquarium. I’m not an aficionado, but love a good aquarium. This is on a much smaller scale than the likes of Baltimore or Chicago, but still lovely, & if you’re from out of town as we are, it doesn’t consume your entire day. No super large tanks with for instance dolphins or sharks (sharing just in case you have little ones who would be disappointed). Lots of small penguins which I could literally watch for hours even when they’re just standing around! We spent 2h total & that included a 45 min 3D film (the arctic one, very enjoyable). We also don’t have small kids anymore, who slow any experience like this. Loads of beautiful fish, large central tank that is a spiral walk around with all sorts of species doing lap after lap. We didn’t have many jellies or seahorses; alas all tanks need their work at some point. I could see this place feeling pretty crowded in summer, we were here at a slower time, late Feb mid week 11am. I think worth the price (especially if you stay longer) & you’ll enjoy it. 🐠
Written 1 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
christopherbO9687MP
Acton, MA719 contributions
Feb 2024 • Solo
The New England Aquarium has an excellent collection of ocean displays & water tanks, concentrating on New England's bays and the wildlife swimming thru them. The literal centerpiece of the Aquarium is a multi-story plexiglass tank that held fishes that swam at various depths in a reef. The spiral walkway around this tank gives you a chance to see the differences at different depths.
The Aquarium also has a range of side displays & tanks to show the residents of different oceanographic environments. The large displays of seals & penguins were particularly good, particularly during feeding time. An enjoyable way to spend a few hours.
The Aquarium also has a range of side displays & tanks to show the residents of different oceanographic environments. The large displays of seals & penguins were particularly good, particularly during feeding time. An enjoyable way to spend a few hours.
Written 28 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kimberly W
343 contributions
Visited here recently with my sister and we were quite disappointed as it was rated the best aquarium in New England but it was tiny! You walk in and see the penguins and then follow the path up to the top but thats pretty much it. We visited as part of the Boston pass.
Written 27 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Leah-Anne
United Kingdom138 contributions
Feb 2024 • Friends
The aquarium is sort of average, have visited many other better ones. It just seems like one giant tank in the centre and not much else around it really. We went as part of the city pass but I would’ve been pretty disappointed if I paid $34 to enter otherwise. The sea lion bit was cool but we missed half the talk as there didn’t seem to be any information on talks anywhere for us. We didn’t spend half as long as I expected there, because there’s hardly anything to look at. There’s 100% much better aquariums out there
Written 27 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cuánto tiempo lleva recorrerlo? Es recomendable si voy un solo día a Boston?/ How long is it take to visit it? Is it a good idea if I go only one day to Boston?
occams-razor
Antioch, IL87 contributions
Is this comparable to, say, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago or is it on the smaller side/less species? Any info is appreciated! Thanks!
Shedd is a significantly higher caliber aquarium than NEA. Shedd has 32,000 animals of 1500 species, and NEA has 15,000 animals of 600 species. Shedd has a 5 million gallon tank and NEA has a 200,000 gallon tank.
Trvlbug49
Vermont379 contributions
Would you recommend visiting on a Friday or a Saturday? Thinking Friday would be less busy than a Saturday, but then we might run the risk of school groups. This would be April 24th or 25th. Thank you!
mattryan76
3 contributions
We were there during the week on a thursday and it wasn't that busy, but I think it might be busier on saturday than friday.
DorAN87
Burgess Hill, UK20 contributions
We are planning to visit both Boston and Toronto this summer; if we were to visit one aquarium, should it be New England in Boston or Ripley in Toronto?
Shop D
New York City, NY227 contributions
Never been to Toronto, but do report, if you will go! Boston Aquarium is very interesting. It has more, then I expected to see. Week days are probably less crowded. It is a real treat to see how the fish being fed! Stingrays are the funniest, they get all over diver's face to get food! I loved it! And I pet one or two of those too!
Hervé G
france11 contributions
Peut-on payer par carte de crédit sur place?
Patricia C
Mexico City, Mexico44 contributions
Oui
nytraveler1111883
New York City, NY
On average, how long do people spend time there? Trying to plan ahead and wondering if it is a 1-3 hour half day thing or a whole day for the kids.
Shop D
New York City, NY227 contributions
That really depends on how much you can last! I went for 3 hours or so, after that I was very tired. So, about 3 hours should do)
do you have scooters for rent for people who cannot walk long distances, and what is the charge for the day. Thanks
Debra H
Jacksonville Beach, FL228 contributions
There are manual W/C free on first come first serve basis, must have ID. Prices range from $19.00 for children to 28.00 for adults, there is a military and seniors discount.
Can you skip the line if you buy tickets in advance?
Joanne M
New Hampshire42 contributions
I believe it may be a shorter time if you buy your tickets online. We did not buy our tickets online so we had to go to the ticket booth first then go to the entrance. I am not sure about if you can skip the line. I suggest calling them. Enjoy the aquarium!
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