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.

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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
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

When visiting the New England Aquarium in Boston, you can enjoy various activities nearby, such as taking a ride on the iconic swan boats, exploring educational displays, and embarking on a Boston adventure. This vibrant area also offers opportunities to engage in sports and appreciate local art, making it a perfect destination for both relaxation and exploration.

Shopping

Faneuil Hall Marketplace, located 483m from the New England Aquarium, offers vibrant shopping and entertainment. Boston Public Market, only 644m away, features local goods with a city vibe. If you're up for a drive, the Boston Design Center is 1.6km away, showcasing unique design items.

Recreation

MGM Music Hall at Fenway offers lively concerts, creating an energetic atmosphere just 4.8km from the aquarium. Agganis Arena, located 6.4km away, hosts thrilling sports events, while the William J. Devine Municipal Golf Course, also 6.4km away, invites you to enjoy outdoor golfing in a scenic setting.

Adventure

At Courageous Sailing Center, 1.4km from the New England Aquarium, you can engage in thrilling water sports. Explore the scenic Irish Heritage Trail, located 483m away, perfect for hiking enthusiasts. For a leisurely outdoor experience, stroll along the Deer Island HarborWalk, 8.0km from the aquarium.

Nightlife

Enjoy an evening at the Orpheum Theater, just 966m from the aquarium, for a mix of culture and entertainment. The Wilbur Theatre, 1.6km away, offers a romantic atmosphere. For a unique experience, don’t miss the Charles Hayden Planetarium, also 1.6km 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

While visiting the New England Aquarium in Boston, you can explore a variety of attractions that cater to culture, family experiences, and urban adventures. Notable points of interest include urban parks, historic colleges, and event venues, all within reach. Additionally, consider enjoying the scenic views of Boston Harbour to enhance your trip. This vibrant area offers a perfect blend of educational and recreational activities for every traveller.

  • Fenway Park: Experience the charm of Fenway Park, one of the oldest baseball stadiums in the U.S. With its iconic Green Monster and rich history, it's a must-visit for sports enthusiasts and culture lovers alike, only 4.8km from the aquarium.
  • TD Garden: A premier event venue, TD Garden hosts everything from sports games to concerts. Located just 1.3km away, it offers a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in Boston's business and entertainment scene.
  • Boston Common: As America’s oldest public park, Boston Common is a beautiful urban oasis located 1.4km from the aquarium. It's ideal for families and outdoor lovers, offering picnic spots, walking paths, and seasonal events.

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 on your trip to the New England Aquarium, consider visiting during the off-peak months of December to February for lower accommodation rates. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and preferences, and arrange results from lowest to highest price. For additional savings, consider booking a package that combines your hotel, flights, and activities. Look for special deals like free nights to maximize your budget while enjoying the aquarium and nearby attractions.

  • 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 preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel that suits you best. To find the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel reservation near the New England Aquarium with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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