New England Aquarium Tours and Activities

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 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 mid-May and November, 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.

Plan a trip to see New England Aquarium

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Best Lodging Options Near New England Aquarium

Seaport Hotel Boston

Seaport Hotel Boston

4 out of 5
1 Seaport Lane, Boston, MA
Seaport Hotel Boston
Harborside Inn Of Boston

Harborside Inn Of Boston

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

citizenM Boston North Station

4 out of 5
80-120 Causeway Street, Boston, MA
citizenM Boston North Station
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
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
YOTEL Boston

YOTEL Boston

4 out of 5
65 Seaport Blvd, Boston, MA
YOTEL Boston
The Bostonian Boston

The Bostonian Boston

4 out of 5
26 North St, Boston, MA
The Bostonian 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 exploring nearby aquariums and taking a scenic ride on the iconic swan boats. Don't miss the chance to experience whale watches for a thrilling adventure. For an enhanced visit, consider an aquarium package that offers exclusive perks, ensuring a memorable and engaging day for all.

Shopping

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, located 483m from the New England Aquarium, offers a vibrant shopping experience with family-friendly entertainment. Boston Public Market is just 644m away, showcasing local goods. If you're up for a drive, the Boston Design Center, 1.6km away, is ideal for unique finds.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of MGM Music Hall at Fenway, where you can enjoy live music performances. For sports enthusiasts, Agganis Arena offers thrilling events. For a tranquil escape, relax at Larz Anderson Park, a serene space perfect for unwinding amidst nature.

Adventure

The Irish Heritage Trail offers a scenic hiking experience with a blend of adventure and history, located 483m from the aquarium. For water sports enthusiasts, the Courageous Sailing Center, situated 1.4km away, provides thrilling sailing opportunities. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Deer Island HarborWalk, 8.0km from the aquarium, surrounded by beautiful outdoor vibes.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the New England Aquarium. Catch a show at the Orpheum Theater, just 966m away, or enjoy family-friendly fun at the Charles Hayden Planetarium, located 1.6km away. For an enchanting evening, visit the Charles Playhouse for a captivating performance, also 1.6km from the aquarium.

Find the best attractions near New England Aquarium

Whether you're seeking culture, family fun, or a vibrant city experience, the New England Aquarium in Boston offers a variety of attractions nearby, including urban parks, historic colleges, and event venues. With excellent reviews highlighting the fantastic aquarium and its surrounding areas, you'll find plenty of activities to enjoy. Be sure to explore the awesome sights and experiences that make this Boston gem truly special.

  • Fenway Park: Experience the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of Fenway Park, one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the United States. Located 4.8km from the New England Aquarium, it's a must-visit for sports enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into Boston's passionate baseball culture.
  • TD Garden: Just 1.3km away, TD Garden is a premier venue for concerts and sporting events. Feel the buzz of energy in this bustling arena, which hosts everything from NHL games to major concerts, making it a hub for both business and entertainment.
  • Boston Common: A short 1.4km stroll leads you to Boston Common, the oldest city park in the U.S. Enjoy outdoor activities, family picnics, and beautiful scenery in this urban oasis, perfect for relaxation amidst the city's hustle.

Best time to go to New England Aquarium

The best time to visit New England Aquarium is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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

When visiting the New England Aquarium in Boston, consider saving by exploring nearby free attractions like Boston Common, Harvard University, and Copley Square. The most economical months for accommodation are December to February, with Tuesday being the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia to compare hotel options and find special deals by sorting prices from lowest to highest. You can further save by bundling your hotel, flights, and activities with Expedia packages, which often offer affordable rates and extra nights.

  • 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 Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around New England Aquarium is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize the search tool on Expedia to refine your choices based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. To find the most affordable options and special offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some money by combining your hotel stay near the New England Aquarium with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.