New England Aquarium
New England Aquarium
4
9:00 AM - 6:00 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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The area
Address
Neighborhood: 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 travelers are saying
- christopherbO9687MPActon, Massachusetts748 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 2024Traveled soloWritten February 28, 2024
- Tara HeageleHamilton, New Jersey1,287 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 2024Traveled with familyWritten April 9, 2024
- ripcordzzDenver, Colorado431 contributionsA Good Way to Entertain Kids for a Couple of HoursWhile this aquarium is pretty small compared to other aquariums we’ve visited, the setup is pretty unique and fun. You can walk up a spiral ramp that wraps around a huge tank with lots of fish and three sea turtles, one of which is huge! The penguin setup all around the bottom floor of the aquarium is pretty cool, giving everyone great views of the penguins swimming and just waddling around. The touch tank was a nice touch. We wished there were more sharks, octopus, and sea mammals to check out, but it’s a pretty small aquarium and they do manage to pack a lot into the place. We would recommend visiting the aquarium with small kids, pre-teens, and even younger teens.Visited June 2024Traveled with familyWritten June 27, 2024
- Mrs3JPerrysburg, Ohio9 contributionsNo dolphins, large sharks or otters at all. Not worth the $We were not really impressed with this aquarium. We paid $34 each for admission and just didn’t feel like there was that much to see that warranted that admission price. Yes, there are tons of little tanks with different colorful fish, anemones etc. However, the shark area is only comprised of tiny sharks the size of adult arms approximately and though there was a touch tank of small sharks and rays, the bigger specimens really are non-existent here. Also, there are no otters at all and only 3 sea lions. And to boot, the majority of the 1st floor is penguins. Very cute, but why not get otters in some of that space? Also, no dolphins. Also, the place is very disorganized. We were given no map and the signage mostly says things like “Exhibit 1, 2, 3” etc. Even in the elevators (which take forever) the floors are marked with exhibit numbers and not (sharks, penguins) etc. If you are a lover of the Atlanta Aquarium or something similar with large specimens of sharks and large collections of otters, dolphins etc., then I think you will be greatly disappointed in this experience.Visited July 2024Traveled with familyWritten July 6, 2024
- Jay06480Levis, Canada155 contributionsInteresting but not indispensableAquarium friendly to visit but without more, the central cylindrical aquarium is a good Attraction but I find it lacks appeal and animals for such a large aquarium... Skates are difficult to touch, seals are not so visible and other small aquariums are not of interest. The penguins are cool around the cylindrical basin but we do not stay for an hour to admire them. It made us spend 2 hours in the morning and it remains nice to visit.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 10, 2024
- 195508Anonymous260 contributionsGreat Sea Life in a Lovely SettingThis is not a large Aquarium but it is a great experience for all ages. The touching pool for stingrays is great, as are the sea lions, large turtles and penguins. The smaller tanks represent much sea life and we actually walked through the Aquarium twice which was kind of cool.Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 23, 2024
- Malika BBoston, Massachusetts2 contributionsA must see when in bostonNot our first time at the New England Aquarium. We went with friends on a rainy day, so it was a bit crowded but we were still able to enjoy it. The kids loved the ray and shark touch tank. I recommend going early as it starts getting crowded after 1 p.m.Visited October 2024Traveled with familyWritten October 17, 2024
- Suzanne HBracknell, United Kingdom20 contributionsThe rays were epicThis was an amazing aquarium, it was so fun with all the seals and all the sharks and more! The shark and ray touch tank was the best as you get to touch the rays and sharks. The theatre was also a highlight, we watched The secrets of the sea and it was like our planet (national geographic). This was a wonderful experience, definitely worth visiting.Visited October 2024Traveled with familyWritten October 21, 2024
- amahurinBelle Isle, Florida7 contributionsMurphy & more!This was an awesome day! We probably spent 3 hours here! There is construction. The cafe is upstairs and the gift shop is upstairs and the signage isn’t great but the critters are numerous and beautiful and well taken care of. What an awesome aquarium! I hope everyone that visits Boston goes and visits Murphy! He is an added bonus!Visited October 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 24, 2024
- Nicolas BAngouleme, France349 contributionsFor children who never tire...Bof, bof,... If you have seen aquariums like La Rochelle or Nausicaá in Bologna sur Mer, remember to forget to tell your children that there is also an aquarium in Boston. Otherwise you will sweat for 2 hours around a central aquarium a little dull decorated with small peripheral aquariums without any interest, because children, they, never tire of aquariums... If you’ve never seen an aquarium, there will be more opportunities, and there are so many more interesting things to see in Boston! This city is fantastic!Visited November 2024Traveled with familyWritten November 2, 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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
5,892 reviews
Excellent
2,423
Very good
1,899
Average
1,123
Poor
310
Terrible
139
EWiew
Long Beach, NY27 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
So many penguins! You can always see them as you ascend or descend the ramps. The aquarium is built like NYC’s Guggenheim Museum, with swirling ramps going around in a circle. Here the center is occupied by a multistory tank with hundreds of (or more) fish and other animals. Frequent presentations by staff. Glad we caught the stingray & shark pool on our way out. We could touch them.
Written December 24, 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.
R P
Chicago, IL10 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
This 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.
Written October 6, 2023
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.
Michelle T
New York City, NY656 contributions
Jul 2021
We were in Boston during the Fourth of July week and I was struggling to find a museum or indoor attraction that was open on July 4th. It's been a hot and humid summer in NY, so I didn't want to risk being outdoors in the heat with my in-laws.
I had purchased tickets in advance online. It looks like there are only about 120 tickets per time slot, so there is some kind of reduced admission involved. However, it was pretty packed when we arrived at 9am. When we left around 11am, the line to get in and buy tickets was looong.
This review is based off of 4 adults visiting. We have no idea if any of the exhibits were interactive enough or easily understandable enough for children.
I enjoyed my time at the NEA. The penguin exhibit was really cool - most aquariums have enclosed penguin exhibits where the glass is so stained that you can't even see them clearly. This was not the case here. You can see the penguins being fed and staff cleaning the enclosures.
The big tank in the middle of the aquarium was pretty neat. We walked all the way up to the top, where you can see the turtles surfacing to breathe. We caught an intern working with the divers so he answered a ton of questions about the tank and the animals inside. Super cool.
It does get crowded and masking is not enforced if you're unvaccinated. We're all vaccinated, but kept our masks on since there were so many children around. If you're uncomfortable with this type of situation, I would recommend that you do not visit at this time.
I had purchased tickets in advance online. It looks like there are only about 120 tickets per time slot, so there is some kind of reduced admission involved. However, it was pretty packed when we arrived at 9am. When we left around 11am, the line to get in and buy tickets was looong.
This review is based off of 4 adults visiting. We have no idea if any of the exhibits were interactive enough or easily understandable enough for children.
I enjoyed my time at the NEA. The penguin exhibit was really cool - most aquariums have enclosed penguin exhibits where the glass is so stained that you can't even see them clearly. This was not the case here. You can see the penguins being fed and staff cleaning the enclosures.
The big tank in the middle of the aquarium was pretty neat. We walked all the way up to the top, where you can see the turtles surfacing to breathe. We caught an intern working with the divers so he answered a ton of questions about the tank and the animals inside. Super cool.
It does get crowded and masking is not enforced if you're unvaccinated. We're all vaccinated, but kept our masks on since there were so many children around. If you're uncomfortable with this type of situation, I would recommend that you do not visit at this time.
Written July 13, 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.
d f
Ontario, CA7 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
If you have been to other large aquariums, there isn't much to be gained by attending the NEA. Dated, dirty interior, very choppy layout, massive amounts of people and small viewing windows. Overpriced for what you get. Parking in the area also adds to the cost ($50 for 2 hours). Don't miss the touch tank located in another area of the building.
Written October 3, 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.
James S
14 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
This place is absolutely amazing! A gorgeous architectural design, both interior and exterior. Accessibility, however, is a problem, considering that they only have one elevator! The exhibits are beautiful, they feed the penguins twice a day, and extremely fun for all ages, and humane for the animals. Detailed descriptions of the animals, including how to tell them apart, what their habitat is, and what they eat! Unfortunately, they do not offer reciprocals from other museums, so unless you are a member, you have to pay. But I really do wish I lived in Boston, so this could be my go-to aquarium!
Written November 23, 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.
Adiewolfe1
Montreal, Canada31 contributions
Jan 2025 • Family
Great time at the aquarium! Kids (7,10) had a great time at the sting ray touch tank. Lots to see and do. We also payed $5 extra for the imax movie which was interesting and fun for the kids. Don’t miss this aquarium!
Written January 6, 2025
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.
Samantha
Alden, NY27 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
The aquarium itself was great! The staff keep the exhibits super clean and you can tell that they take pride in their aquarium. However for being a weekday it was way too crowded, and other customers lack respect. People plow through tight spaces with their strollers and block off areas to see and view exhibits, it's super frustrating. Also, even when waiting patiently people and their kids would cut in front to view exhibits. I was also disappointed that the touch tanks were closed. I'm assuming they are due to COVID, however I went to another aquarium in PA that had their touch tanks open last month. I would have liked to spend more time in the aquarium but due to to the crowds it just wasn't as enjoyable as I hoped it would be!
Written July 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.
Cat D
11 contributions
Jan 2020
I remember this aquarium being much more fun as a kid and it being a lot bigger than what it was. (not sure if some things were closed because of it being winter) but I was slightly disappointed. Went by so quick and was so packed. Would be great for kids. the penguins were great as was the huge tank that you get to walk all the way to the top to see. However, the little tanks on the side were just okay. Cafe on the top level is way overpriced (suggest eating elsewhere) and buy tickets ahead of time as the line gets very long.
Written February 11, 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.
twin123185
Atlantic City, NJ1,377 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
I 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.
I feel it’s a little pricey - a family of four gets expensive. However it’s worth to check out once.
Written September 21, 2023
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.
Dominique G
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Family
As a family of 4 it did cost 118$. I was expecting much more for the price. It’s beautiful but it is a short activity. After 1h15-1h30 it is done and you are wondering if there is something else to see. I was expecting to see more species of Sharks too. For the cost, in addition to the parking tickets to leave the car nearby (23$) it is a very expensive activity for the lenght. However what there is to see is Nice.
Written August 16, 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.
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?
Written April 19, 2022
Is this comparable to, say, Shedd Aquarium in Chicago or is it on the smaller side/less species? Any info is appreciated! Thanks!
Written March 10, 2021
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.
Written February 27, 2022
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!
Written January 28, 2020
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.
Written January 28, 2020
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?
Written April 18, 2018
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!
Written May 15, 2018
nytraveler1111883
New York City, New York
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.
Written May 25, 2017
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)
Written May 15, 2018
do you have scooters for rent for people who cannot walk long distances, and what is the charge for the day. Thanks
Written May 9, 2017
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.
Written May 9, 2017
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!
Written March 24, 2017
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