New England Aquarium

Key Highlights

• ✓Mesmerizing Giant Ocean Tank with a spiral ramp offering views of sea turtles, sharks, moray eels, and diverse tropical fish across multiple levels.
• ✓Engaging and 'endlessly entertaining' open penguin enclosure, where you might see them fed near opening or even play a game with them.
• ✓Interactive touch tanks where visitors can gently interact with rays and small sharks (though patience may be needed due to crowds).
• ✓Clean, well-organized exhibits and facilities suitable for all ages, from toddlers to seniors.
• ✓Abundant educational displays and staff who are happy to answer questions.
• ✓Convenient location on the waterfront near Long Wharf, easily accessible by public transit, foot, and close to other major Boston attractions like Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall.

Standout Features

• ⭐The 'must-visit' Giant Ocean Tank with its unique spiral viewing ramp.
• ⭐The lively and interactive penguin habitat.
• ⭐The opportunity for direct interaction with marine life at the ray and shark touch tank.
• ⭐Well-executed educational content within the exhibits.
• ⭐High level of cleanliness and organization throughout the venue.
• ⭐Proximity to an associated IMAX theater (though in a separate building, requiring re-entry with aquarium tickets).
• ⭐Excellent downtown Boston location, making it easy to combine with other sightseeing.

Perfect For

Ideal For

🍎Food Policy

• • Food, drink, and gum are prohibited in exhibit areas.
• • Harbor View Café is available for dining.

🛡️Safety Policy

• • Unruly or unsafe behavior that endangers people or animals, disrupts other guests’ ability to enjoy their visit, or interferes with business operations will not be tolerated and can result in ejection without a refund and/or prosecution.
• • Uncourteous behavior (violence-inciting, abusive, disorderly, disruptive, hostile, or threatening behavior) will not be tolerated and can result in ejection without a refund.
• • Verbal and written comments, harassment, and abuse directed at other visitors or Aquarium team members based on protected characteristics will result in immediate removal from the premises with no refund and/or the revoking of membership privileges.
• • Firearms and other weapons (knives, explosives, items requiring a License to Carry or Firearms Identification card, and any item deemed a potential hazard) are prohibited on Aquarium property, with exceptions for on-duty law enforcement and preapproved visitors.
• • Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, laser pens and pointers, glow sticks, noise-making devices (horns, whistles, etc.), balloons, tobacco products and e-cigarettes, and selfie sticks are prohibited items.
• • Any bag larger than 12” x 12” x 12” will not be permitted in the Aquarium main building and the Simons Theatre (exceptions for diaper bags and carriers for medical supplies). Bags, strollers, backpacks, and packages are subject to inspection.
• • Shirts and shoes must be worn on Aquarium property at all times. Clothing with offensive or vulgar language is prohibited.
• • Smoking is prohibited on Aquarium property; the Aquarium is a smoke-free environment.
• • Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defined service dogs are welcome, but must be always under control.
• • Soliciting for signatures, distributing literature, or selling goods/services is not allowed unless authorized.
• • Visitors may be filmed, videotaped, or photographed by or on behalf of the New England Aquarium; admission serves as permission for use of image.

📅Booking Policy

• • Tickets should be purchased online before your visit to guarantee entry, as the Aquarium frequently sells out on weekends.
• • A limited number of tickets are available on-site daily when the Aquarium opens.
• • For groups of 10 or more, advanced reservations are required to receive discounted rates.
• • For field trips, groups of 10 or more should reserve two weeks in advance to receive discounts and express entry.
• • EBT/WIC online ticket sales are final and honored only on the date and time noted.

🚗Parking Information

• • No owned parking facilities, but five garages within 0.3 miles of the Aquarium.
• • Parking validation available at the Aquarium Information Desk on Level 1 for participating garages (Harbor Garage validation for members/Whale Watch guests only).
• • SpotHero: Search and compare prices at thousands of parking facilities. (Rates up to 50% off regular prices).
• • Rowes Wharf Garage (0.2 miles): Weekday with validation $28, without $42. Weekend with validation $9, without $10.
• • Garage at Post Office Square (0.3 miles): Weekday with validation $37.80 (before 4pm) / $9 (after 4pm), without $42 (before 4pm) / $10 (after 4pm). Weekend with validation $10, without $14.
• • 75 State Street (0.2 miles, entrance 5 Broad Street): Weekday with validation (booked via 75statestreetgarage.com) $39 (before 5pm) / $15 (after 5pm), without $42. Weekend with validation $15, without $18.
• • International Place (0.3 miles): Weekday without validation $43 max (before 4:30pm) / $14 (after 4:30pm). Weekend with validation $16, without $18.
• • Harbor Garage (0.1 mile, closest): Daily without validation $42 (over 80 minutes). With Member or Whale Watch validation: $32 for up to 8 hours every day.
• • Bus Drop-off and Pickup: Designated turnaround with a 10-minute window.
• • Bus Parking Recommendation: 300 Terminal Street (2.3 miles from Aquarium). Call 617-293-6247 for current parking fees.
• • Pricing information may change, verify directly with the parking facility.