New England Aquarium

New England Aquarium
New England Aquarium
New England Aquarium
New England Aquarium
New England Aquarium


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 Harbour. 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 harbour 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 favourite 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 theatre 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

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
26
5 - Excellent 46%
4 - Good
23
4 - Good 40%
3 - Okay
8
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Try to be there when they are feeding the penguins, They were so funny!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

We did this as part of our Go Boston ticket after the Whale watching tour, quite dark inside

Popular places to visit


Top New England Aquarium Hotel Deals

The Dagny Boston

The Dagny Boston

4 out of 5
89 Broad Street, Boston, MA
The Dagny Boston
Harborside Inn Of Boston

Harborside Inn Of Boston

4 out of 5
185 State St, Boston, MA
Harborside Inn Of Boston
citizenM Boston North Station

citizenM Boston North Station

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

Seaport Hotel Boston

4 out of 5
1 Seaport Lane, Boston, MA
Seaport Hotel Boston
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
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
The Langham, Boston

The Langham, Boston

5 out of 5
250 Franklin St, Boston, MA
The Langham, 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 activities including captivating boat and harbour tours, as well as engaging city excursions. The aquarium also offers special packages for a more immersive experience and provides event space for gatherings. With its blend of sports and art nearby, it promises an enriching day out for all ages.

Shopping

The nearest shopping experience is Faneuil Hall Marketplace, only 483m from the New England Aquarium, offering a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. John Lewis, Inc, situated 1.6km away, is perfect for gifts. If you're up for a drive, Copley Place, 3.2km away, features high-end stores and family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

Experience live music at House of Blues Boston, just 3.2km from the New England Aquarium, where the vibrant atmosphere lifts your spirits. Alternatively, enjoy a concert at Boston Symphony Hall, also 3.2km away, or catch an exciting event at Agganis Arena, located 6.4km away, for a thrilling sports experience.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of sailing at Courageous Sailing Center, located 1.4km from the New England Aquarium, offering exhilarating water sports. For a scenic hike, explore the Irish Heritage Trail, only 483m away, where you can enjoy beautiful outdoor vistas.

Nightlife

The nightlife near the New England Aquarium is vibrant and diverse. Enjoy a show at the Orpheum Theater, just 966m away, or immerse yourself in the cosmos at the Charles Hayden Planetarium, 1.6km away. For a whimsical experience, visit the Frog Pond Carousel, located 1.4km from the aquarium.

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

Find the best attractions near New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium in Boston offers a wealth of attractions for visitors, including urban parks, historic colleges, and conference venues. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, or a taste of the city's vibrant atmosphere, there is plenty to explore. Nearby highlights include Boston Harbour, Long Wharf, and various hotels that cater to tourists looking to experience the charm of this waterfront area.

  • Fenway Park: Immerse yourself in the rich history of Fenway Park, one of America’s oldest baseball stadiums. Experience the electric atmosphere of a Red Sox game or take a guided tour to learn about its storied past and iconic features, such as the Green Monster.
  • TD Garden: Discover the bustling energy of TD Garden, a premier venue for sports and entertainment. Home to the Boston Celtics and Bruins, it offers an array of events, from concerts to conferences, making it a hub for business and culture.
  • Boston Common: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Boston Common, the oldest public park in the United States. With its beautiful landscapes, playgrounds, and tranquil ponds, it’s a perfect spot for families to relax and enjoy the outdoors in the heart of the city.

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 travelling between December and February, when accommodation prices are lower. Sundays typically offer the best hotel rates, while Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Utilise Expedia’s search tools to find budget-friendly options by sorting hotels from lowest to highest price and filtering for eco-friendly stays. Additionally, save more by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into a package. Walking is also a cost-effective way to explore the area, as many attractions are within a short distance.

  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you see the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at the New England Aquarium with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.