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New England Aquarium

Visit the New England Aquarium in Boston and discover fascinating marine life, from sea turtles to penguins. Located on the historic waterfront, it's a great spot for families, couples, and anyone exploring the city. Enjoy a fun, educational experience with easy access and convenient ticket options.
Loved by over 53 million guests worldwide
Slide 1 of 13, New England Aquarium exterior with modern glass and wood design.
New England Aquarium exterior with modern glass and wood design.
Explore at your pace
  • Your New England Aquarium admission includes timed access to all exhibits, daily presentations, and interactive animal feedings.

  • Marvel at the Giant Ocean Tank, home to sea turtles, cownose rays, and hundreds of vibrant reef fish.

  • Get hands-on at the Shark and Ray Touch Tank, where you can feel the unique textures of these fascinating creatures.

  • Did you know? Each visit to this aquarium helps support ocean conservation and inspires action to protect marine life.

More details
  • Your New England Aquarium admission includes timed access to all exhibits, daily presentations, and interactive animal feedings.

  • Marvel at the Giant Ocean Tank, home to sea turtles, cownose rays, and hundreds of vibrant reef fish.

  • Get hands-on at the Shark and Ray Touch Tank, where you can feel the unique textures of these fascinating creatures.

  • Did you know? Each visit to this aquarium helps support ocean conservation and inspires action to protect marine life.

from
$39.69
Slide 1 of 10, Catamaran docked at New England Aquarium for whale watching cruise.
Catamaran docked at New England Aquarium for whale watching cruise.
3 hrs 30 mins
  • Set sail on a 3 to 4-hour whale watching cruise, led by naturalists from the New England Aquarium—one of the world’s leading marine conservation and research institutions.

  • Spot varieties—humpback, fin, & minke whales and even dolphins, all in their natural habitats at Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary.

  • Step out onto the spacious outdoor viewing decks or sit comfortably inside, taking in panoramic views through large glass windows.

  • Ask the expert naturalists questions you may have about all that you see—marine life, their behaviours, and habitats.

More details
  • Set sail on a 3 to 4-hour whale watching cruise, led by naturalists from the New England Aquarium—one of the world’s leading marine conservation and research institutions.

  • Spot varieties—humpback, fin, & minke whales and even dolphins, all in their natural habitats at Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary.

  • Step out onto the spacious outdoor viewing decks or sit comfortably inside, taking in panoramic views through large glass windows.

  • Ask the expert naturalists questions you may have about all that you see—marine life, their behaviours, and habitats.

from
$85.58

Pro tips to help you make a pick

Pick your ticket by visit length: standard dated general admission is the base option, while the Simons Theatre combo adds a film and more time on site.

About New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium pairs an urban waterfront setting with a visit organized around one central exhibit: the four-story Giant Ocean Tank. That layout, plus penguins, touch tanks, marine mammals, and seasonal whale watch departures from the adjacent dock, makes it a different kind of aquarium experience from larger campus-style wildlife attractions.

Did you know?

The aquarium’s main entrance is on Central Wharf, but tickets are scanned at turnstiles inside the lobby rather than outside at the street.

Why visit New England Aquarium?

Four-Story Giant Ocean Tank at the Core

The aquarium’s best-known feature is the four-story Giant Ocean Tank at the center of the building. Self-guided circulation wraps around this main exhibit, so it shapes the rhythm of the whole visit rather than functioning as a side gallery.

Plan your visit

Main Entrance - Central Wharf

Located on the street side at Central Wharf, this is the aquarium’s main public entrance for all visitors. Tickets are scanned at the turnstiles inside the lobby. If you need to buy tickets on site or pick up vouchers, use the ticket purchase/Will-call line; all guests then join the general entry line into the building. Buying online can help you skip the on-site purchase line, but not the main entry/security queue. The available research does not verify entrance-specific ramp or elevator features; inside the aquarium, visitors report that limited elevator capacity can slow movement for strollers and wheelchairs.

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What our guests say

Rick H

United States
Couple
2 weeks ago
The crew new where to go to find the whale's, Seen 20 humpback and 5 seals. The captain stayed a little longer, said he was having fun watching also.

Boston Whale Watching Cruise by New England Aquarium

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