We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in Boston?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Boston each week.

  • Save New England Aquarium
  • E-mail this page

New England Aquarium


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 3.0 of 5 stars
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #123 of 326 attractions in Boston
Traveler Description: The 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank is the centerpiece of the Aquarium, Boston's most visited tourist attraction.
Familiar with New England Aquarium? Write your own description and share what you know with other travelers.
Attraction type: Aquarium, Other, Arena/stadium/field
Activities: Whale watching
Address: Central Wharf Boston, MA 02110
Tel: 617 973 5200

Traveler Reviews

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Save Review
1 of 5 stars
luv2goplaces 10 contributions
New York
Jul 2, 2009

The aquarium was small and in need of update, displaying the usual exhibits. Our family (including 2 boys ages 11 and 8) finished touring the aquarium within 1.5 hours, probably sooner if we didn't have to waste a lot of time pushing through the large crowd. Overall, this is an overpriced attraction. I would not recommend this to anyone who's... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
hotel2006av 117 contributions
USA
May 8, 2009

I love penguins so I really went just to see them and I was not disappointed, they are so cute and its easily to spend time watching them chirp and socialize. I spent a few hours here on a Monday afternoon and overall the crowds were reasonable. I loved the penguins, Jelly Fish exhibit and the huge 4 level tank... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
panbatrips 6 contributions
Southern California
Apr 16, 2009
3/3 found this review helpful

My family (husband and three children, ages 14, 12, and 8) and I are currently visiting Boston. After a day and half of historical sites they begged to go to the aquarium. I really didn't want to go because we've been to many major aquariums, the National Aquarium in Baltimore and Monterrey Bay Aquarium, so needless to say my expectations... more

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Baidoo 12 contributions
Wisconsin
Mar 27, 2009
1/1 found this review helpful

This was our second visit to the New England Aquarium and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The multi-story fish tank was fascinating and the exhibits varied and interesting. Compared to Shedd's Aquarium, the displays were more interesting. Doesn't have the dolphinarium like Shedd's but in my opinion a nicer aquarium. We visited during a school day and I think that also... more

Save Review
1 of 5 stars
Borrelli_Review 2 contributions
Borrelli_Review
Feb 21, 2009
0/4 found this review helpful

The New England Aquarium is terrible. First, I arrived there just 36 minutes after it opened and there was a line coming out of a big tent going or I should say strectching past the IMAX theater. There was thousands of people everywhere. The staff wasn't very oriented, They served hot choclate that tasted like tooth paste! Although they did... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
BC_Nix 5 contributions
Topsham Maine
Feb 13, 2009
3/3 found this review helpful

I recently took a family trip to the New England Aquarium. Great experience. We got there about 10 am and there was no line. We able to see all 4 levels in about 2 hours. The penguins are the highlight of the aquarium. It started to get extremely crowded around noon. When we left the line was about a block... more

Save Review
4 of 5 stars
HappyTransplant 66 contributions
Cortland, NY
Jan 20, 2009

This is a great aquarium. There is a large reef tank in the middle of the aquarium that has a wrap-around walkway which allows for great viewing of the tank. There are many other exhibits that offer information about the surrounding marine ecosystems. The exhibit on jellyfish was well done as well. Getting to the aquarium is a breeze from... more

Not bad.
Save Review
3 of 5 stars
CelticCail 4 contributions
New Jersey
Jan 7, 2009

I've been to the aquarium in Baltimore, which is amazing, so this was a little disappointing, but still worth the trip (but maybe not the price! $20 each plus $5 for IMAX show, which was kind of lame). The penguins are really cute and the large tank is vaguely interesting. It was annoying that the seals were outside (there's no... more

Eh.
Save Review
3 of 5 stars
Ziplocfan 3 contributions
Chicago, IL
Oct 28, 2008

We did a whale watch trip which was incredibly choppy on the way out but well worth the six humpbacks we got to see. The crew made everyone well aware of the conditions to expect before we even set foot on the boat, sold dramamine on board which they told folks to take it before we even left the dock... more

Pricey
Save Review
2 of 5 stars
Bonzai67 10 contributions
Boston
Jul 28, 2008
0/2 found this review helpful

If you park @ the garage the trip is very pricey. I took the T (the subway system) & there was a short walk which is nice. The main focus is the huge tank in the middle. The place is very dark. The penguins are a good visit. We went when they had the sharks & rays exhibit. They had... more

Travelers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
No photo provided
Location: Boston, MA
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Boston, MA
Price not available
Price not available
Write Your Own Attraction Review
Been to New England Aquarium? Share your experiences!
Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

New England Aquarium: Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owner's Page
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

New England Aquarium Address

Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110
Tel: 617 973 5200