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Connecticut (CT)
Norwalk
Things to Do in Norwalk
The Maritime Aquarium
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The Maritime Aquarium

See all things to do
See all things to do
The Maritime Aquarium
4.5
1,041 reviews
#2 of 28 things to do in Norwalk
Aquariums
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10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Easy access from I-95 or Metro-North Railroad, convenient covered parking next door, warm and spacious with two on-site cafes, gift shop and a 4D Theater, the Aquarium is a most excellent family outing, date or solo visit! The marine population we exhibit includes varieties of sharks, big and small, stingrays, harbor seals, sea turtles, game fish, jellies, crabs, lobsters, mollusks and more. We also exhibit tropical travelers that follow the Gulf Stream north to our waters. Plus we have some other fun animals, from tamarins to meerkats. We offer lots of touch experiences including stingrays, sharks, jellyfish and intertidal animals.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,041 reviews
Excellent
575
Very good
322
Average
99
Poor
23
Terrible
22
Afoodie65
Cold Spring, NY1,257 contributions
Time well spent
Sep 2021
Interesting visit with 4 teenagers and 3 adults.
Prices were high but that being said, the aquarium had some interesting displays and knowledgeable, friendly volunteers. A special shout out to the cashier at The Cafe who was exceptional friendly and helpful (sorry I did not get her name).
The jelly fish (referred to as 'jellies' by the staff since they are not actually fish) displays were remarkable, including a "touch the jellies tank." Another interesting feature was the ray touch tank. The harbor seals were fun to watch although they did not perform as much at feeding time as sea lions would.
The day we visited the otters must have had the day off.
The shark tank, octopus and giant sea turtles were also worth watching.
Could have skipped the 4D film about sharks (audio was not working properly).
Worth a visit although I am wondering where meerkats, a porcupine and a parrot fit into an aquarium.
Written September 4, 2021
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.
Camw423112
1 contribution
Lots of fun and educational
Jun 2021 • Family
Children (10 & 11 years old) and adults (grandmothers) had a great time. We learned a lot and had fun doing it. Lots of hands-on investigation for kids. The instructors were friendly as well as knowledgeable and related well with the children. The ship was clean, comfortable, a good size and well equipped for its function. Everyone involved from the crew, the staff and even the ticket sales seemed focused on making it a great experience.
Written June 29, 2021
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.
Roberta D
20 contributions
Great renovations, 4D movie poor substitute for the IMAX and new entrance not as convenient or accessible
Jun 2022
The renovations, larger tanks, and new additions are great, especially the butterfly house. The "animal encounter" show is not worth the time. The 4D movies, however, are a disappointing replacement for the IMAX. I would return to.the aquarium but would not waste the time and extra $10 again on the movie. I was there with someone in a wheelchair. While there is a covered parking garage across the street, it is not as convenient or easily accessible to the building as the lot facing the former IMAX at the end of the building that also easily accesses Washington Street. I also miss the previous choice to come only to see the IMAX movies.
Written June 3, 2022
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.
jess98ac
Newington, CT129 contributions
Not well run right now
Mar 2021 • Family
We had to pre-purchase tickets for a specific time which was supposed to mean limited capacity. While I do believe there were way less people than a normal Saturday, there was absolutely no enforcement or encouragement of social distancing. We didn't see a single employee walking around limiting the amount of people at any display, the "one way" signs weren't hung well so they were spinning around, and often times there was a "one way" exhibit with no way out unless you went back the wrong way. An interesting enough place, but not in a hurry to return.
Written March 6, 2021
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.
The Maritime Aquarium
Thanks for reaching out with your concerns. Please know that we are taking steps to respond, most notably adding staff whose main responsibility will be to watch for guests who are not properly socially distanced and to make sure that the one-way traffic flow is being properly followed.
Written March 19, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
KyleLucian
1 contribution
Sunset Cruise Canceled Without Notification
May 2021
Had a sunset cruise scheduled for May 8th at 6:30pm. There were four or five other groups waiting on pier waiting to board. At 6:45pm, someone from other group came across the cancelation notification on website. I had asked about cancelations when booked and was told I would get an email and text 3 hours before if canceled. Never happened and was not happy. Now, no one is answering at reservation department to get refund.
Written May 19, 2021
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.
Shannon415
Torrington, CT4 contributions
Never again!!
Apr 2021 • Family
Where do I begin? I wish I had read these reviews before bringing my 7 year old and 1 year old to the Maritime Aquarium. As others have posted, they claim in their website that they have put Covid guidelines in place including limited capacity and social distancing rules. This is not the case at all. The aquarium was mobbed. Parents and children not allowing for social distancing at all. Kids eating food all over the place near the exhibits. People cutting in front of us while we waited our turn to allow for spacing which I realize staff can not control but they defiantly could rope off areas to ensure that people are moving through the exhibits in the direction they are suppose to and hire more staffing. I was a nervous wreck the entire visit. I spoke to a staff member and he shrugged his shoulders and said that they didn’t have enough staff, that the governor has allowed for a higher capacity, and that everyone has a different view on the virus and some people are vaccinated. Exactly and my view is that I read the website stating they were keeping things organized and I have a right to view that as I was bringing my children to a safe environment. That same employee stood and watched two different families push past me and my children while we were waiting our turn to watch the seals. So very disappointed and I will never return.
Written April 15, 2021
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.
The Maritime Aquarium
Thanks for reaching out with your concerns, we are sorry to hear that you were uncomfortable during your visit. Please know that we are taking steps to respond, most notably adding staff whose main responsibility will be to watch for guests who are not properly socially distanced and/or to ask them to properly mask themselves. Thanks again for reaching out to us, we really appreciate your feedback - especially as we continue to make adjustments.
Written April 20, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rosanne S
The Villages34 contributions
Nice Visit with a 3 year old.
Feb 2020 • Family
My husband and I took our 3 year old grandson to the aquarium. Frankly, the venue was beyond our expectations. My grandson enjoyed touching the sting rays, sharks and jelly fish. We attended an IMAX movie, we had a choice of movies when purchasing our admission tickets . Due to my grandsons age, we chose the movie about training rescue dogs... Titled Super Heroes. It was well done and kept the interest of the 3 of us. Afterwards, we had lunch in the onsite cafe which was fine. There is a play area on the second floor for young children. My grandson enjoyed it. The fish tanks on the first floor were interesting. There is a tank for seals which looked a little sad, but I believe the seals were all rescues and perhaps wouldn’t live well outside an aquarium. There is also a gift shop on the main level. Parking is available in the garage ( for a fee) across the street, We spent the afternoon and had to coax our grandson out at 5 pm- closing time. It was a pleasant, educational afternoon.
Written February 25, 2020
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.
krivy05
Middlebury, CT72 contributions
Too many people for COVID
Oct 2020 • Family
Before going we researched online to make sure this was something safe to bring my child to during Covid times. Seeing we had to book tickets online for a certain time I felt like they were only allowing a certain amount of people in at once. Well that’s not the case because once you are in you are in for the day so there was a ton of people in there and large groups in the same areas. Unfortunately I did not feel safe with that many people in one area at the same time. I understand things are hard right now but we also have to make sure people feel comfortable and feel like you are doing what you can to keep people safe and unfortunately I had to rush my son through because it was not enjoyable. Once Covid is over I will
Go back and give it another chance but if you are someone taking Covid seriously I would steer clear for now :(
Written October 12, 2020
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.
The Maritime Aquarium
Thanks for reaching out with your concerns, we are sorry to hear that you were uncomfortable during your visit. The Maritime Aquarium follows all State of Connecticut and CDC guidelines, including operating at a reduced capacity. However, we are aware ... as attendance has gradually started to rebound since our reopening ... that "pinch points" develop in the galleries. Please know that we are taking steps to respond, most notably adding staff whose main responsibility will be to watch for guests who are not practicing social distancing. Thanks again for reaching out to us, we appreciate your feedback - especially as we continue to make adjustments.
Written October 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jessica B
Pleasant Valley, NY66 contributions
A bit expensive
Mar 2021 • Family
We went as a family of 4 on a Sunday just to get out of the house and do something new. The price was $93 for all of use without a movie. We walked slowly and took our time looking at everything, we were done in 2 hours. The exhibits were nice and varied but I felt for $93 we should have had a longer experience. I don’t think we’ll be back but it was a good adventure out of the house.
Written March 7, 2021
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, MA585 contributions
Excellent aquarium with emphasis on Long Island Sound coastal ecology
Aug 2021
The Maritime Aquarium is an excellent aquarium with an emphasis on Long Island Sound coastal ecology through a variety of water tanks and hands-on exhibits. Each major area concentrates on one major marine wildlife types, such as one for the sharks, one for the seals, one for the jellyfish, etc. Children will like the scheduled seal feeding times, where staff entice the harbor seals with fish to perform neat tricks (high 5!).

There's also a 4-D theater worth checking out. I saw the "Sharks" movies, which combined the sight of giant sharks devouring their prey with occasional jolts of your seat and sprays of real water. One of the better uses of 4-D theater technology.
Written August 21, 2021
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.
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The Maritime Aquarium (Norwalk) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about The Maritime Aquarium
The Maritime Aquarium is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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