New England Aquarium Tours

New England Aquarium featuring marine life
New England Aquarium which includes marine life and interior views
New England Aquarium featuring marine life
New England Aquarium which includes marine life and interior views
New England Aquarium which includes marine life


From sea lions to sharks, this modern aquarium on Boston’s waterfront brings the ocean world to your fingertips. 

The jutting angles and glittering glass panels of the New England Aquarium exterior look almost like shards of ice cracking in Boston Harbor. Within its modern walls, get acquainted with the thousands of marine animals that call this aquarium home.

As you approach the entrance, you are greeted by harbor seals. Stand nearby to watch a training session and witness the extraordinary intelligence of these creatures.

The Giant Ocean Tank is the centerpiece of the aquarium. Sharks, turtles, stingrays and countless other creatures swim in this massive three-story fishbowl. As you walk around, inspect the side exhibits where you can get a closer look at specific species. Learn all about penguins on the first floor exhibit or head upstairs to discover the plants and animals of the Amazon rainforest.

Get even closer to the wildlife at the Shark and Ray Touch Tank. This crowd favorite allows you to touch epaulette sharks, Atlantic rays and other creatures in a simulated mangrove swamp.

Sit back and enjoy the show in the Simons IMAX Theatre. The theater screens 3-D films featuring animals that are either too rare or too dangerous to live in the New England Aquarium.

If you visit between April and October, take advantage of the Whale Watch. Go on the aquarium’s high-speed catamaran to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, where you are guaranteed to see whales and dolphins.

Vsit the aquarium any day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Entry to the aquarium, IMAX Theatre and Whale Watch all require their own tickets, but combination tickets are available.

The aquarium is centrally located in the heart of Boston’s historic downtown waterfront. You can easily get here by foot, subway or car. If you’re driving, note that finding parking downtown can be difficult.

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Reviews of New England Aquarium

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
1003
5 - Excellent 60%
4 - Good
495
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
127
3 - Okay 8%
2 - Disappointing
34
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
19
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

The duck tour was worth every penny

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

This was an outstanding excursion....the aquarium was HUGE and the staff was very knowledgeable.....also, we got the package that added the IMAX movie.... Turtles Journey narrated by Russell Crowe....that was GREAT

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Theres something for everyone. Its a sanctuary for rescued wild life or catured animals. An amazing experience.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Loved the aquarium. Going on a weekday was good because it wasn’t crowded.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

It was a great place but super packed full of people. I was very uncomfortable.

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

The aquarium was very expensive for what it had to offer, it was extremely crowded making it difficult to stop and read the exhibits, they really didn’t have anything spectacular to see other than the penguins when you first walk in we were done the facility in an hour (Ripleys is way better). Do not go during high tourist season it’s too crowded to enjoy and the amount of people with strollers in such a small facility is enough to lose your mind.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near New England Aquarium

The Dagny Boston

The Dagny Boston

4 out of 5
89 Broad Street, Boston, MA
The Dagny Boston
The Langham, Boston

The Langham, Boston

5 out of 5
250 Franklin St, Boston, MA
The Langham, Boston
citizenM Boston North Station

citizenM Boston North Station

4 out of 5
70 Causeway Street, Boston, MA
citizenM Boston North Station
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport

4 out of 5
450 Summer Street, Boston, MA
Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
Harborside Inn Of Boston

Harborside Inn Of Boston

4 out of 5
185 State St, Boston, MA
Harborside Inn Of Boston
Seaport Hotel Boston

Seaport Hotel Boston

4 out of 5
1 Seaport Lane, Boston, MA
Seaport Hotel Boston
Club Quarters Hotel Faneuil Hall, Boston

Club Quarters Hotel Faneuil Hall, Boston

4 out of 5
161 Devonshire St, Boston, MA
Club Quarters Hotel Faneuil Hall, Boston
Omni Parker House

Omni Parker House

4.5 out of 5
60 School St, Boston, MA
Omni Parker House
YOTEL Boston

YOTEL Boston

4 out of 5
65 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA
YOTEL Boston
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near New England Aquarium

At the New England Aquarium in Boston, visitors can enjoy a variety of engaging activities, including boat tours and sailing opportunities. Water sports enthusiasts will find plenty to explore, while the vibrant nearby arts scene and sports events add to the excitement of the area. With so much to do, the aquarium serves as a perfect starting point for your Boston adventure.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Faneuil Hall Marketplace, only 483m from the New England Aquarium, offering a lively atmosphere with diverse shops. Additionally, Boston Public Market is 644m away and features local goods. If you're up for a drive, visit the Boston Design Center, located 1.6km away.

Recreation

Experience live music at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, just 4.8km from the aquarium, where the vibrant atmosphere enhances your enjoyment. Alternatively, visit Agganis Arena, 6.4km away, for thrilling sports events, or unwind at William J. Devine Municipal Golf Course, also 6.4km away, surrounded by nature.

Adventure

At Courageous Sailing Center, located 1.4km from New England Aquarium, you can enjoy thrilling water sports in a vibrant outdoor setting. The Irish Heritage Trail, only 483m away, offers scenic hiking adventures. For a leisurely stroll, head to Deer Island HarborWalk, situated 8.0km from the aquarium.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the New England Aquarium by catching a show at the Orpheum Theater, just 966m away, or enjoy the family-friendly entertainment at the Charles Hayden Planetarium, 1.6km away. For a romantic evening, visit the Wilbur Theatre, also 1.6km away.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near New England Aquarium

Visiting the New England Aquarium in Boston offers a fantastic blend of urban parks, historic colleges, and event venues, making it ideal for culture enthusiasts and families alike. Explore the amazing aquarium, enjoy the beautiful Boston waterfront, and discover noteworthy attractions nearby. Whether you’re seeking family experiences or cultural insights, there’s something for everyone to enjoy within this vibrant area.

  • TD Garden: Located 1.3km from the New England Aquarium, TD Garden is a premier venue for sports and entertainment. Experience the electric atmosphere as you catch a Boston Celtics game or a concert, all while enjoying modern amenities and a vibrant business vibe.
  • Fenway Park: A historic sports stadium situated 4.8km away, Fenway Park is a must-visit for baseball enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of the Red Sox, and witness the excitement of America's pastime in this iconic ballpark.
  • Boston Common: Just 1.4km from the aquarium, Boston Common is the oldest public park in the U.S. Enjoy a leisurely stroll, picnics, and outdoor activities in this family-friendly urban oasis that beautifully blends nature and city life.

Best time to go to New England Aquarium

The best time to visit New England Aquarium can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around New England Aquarium falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around New England Aquarium falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January30.0°F (-1.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February31.5°F (-0.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April48.2°F (9.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June66.6°F (19.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
July73.6°F (23.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August72.7°F (22.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September65.7°F (18.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
November44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December36.3°F (2.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for New England Aquarium

To save money on your visit to the New England Aquarium, consider traveling during the low season from December to February when prices drop. Sunday is the best day for affordable accommodations, while Saturday tends to be the most expensive. Utilize Expedia's search tool to find budget-friendly hotels, using filters like Eco-certified for sustainable options. Look for package deals that combine hotel stays, flights, and activities for extra savings. Don’t forget to check for exclusive perks and free nights to maximize your budget during your trip.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around New England Aquarium are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and September to October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around New England Aquarium is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around New England Aquarium is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly accommodations currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the New England Aquarium with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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