Endless Holiday

Situated on Boston’s picturesque waterfront is The New England Aquarium, which boasts colorful and interesting exhibits featuring thousands of sea creatures and birds, including penguins and a giant sea turtle. Offering both a fun and educational experience for individuals of all ages, the Aquarium is a great place to add to one’s must-see list when visiting Boston.

Giant Aquatic Tank and Natural Stingray Habitat

The main attraction of the New England Aquarium is a giant water tank, which is home to thousands of fish, small sharks, and a huge sea turtle believed to be over 75 years old. This massive aquarium holds approximately 25,000 gallons of water, and is equipped with observation windows and shallow edges to allow guests a clear view of the many sea creatures that call the tank home. In addition, a man-made mangrove area houses beautiful and graceful stingrays, which visitors can reach out and touch, if they so desire.

Whale Watching

In addition to the attractions outlined above, the Aquarium also hosts a whale watching excursion in Boston Harbor on an annual basis, from April through October. During the whale watch, participants can board a catamaran, which takes them to the country’s only whale feeding sanctuary, the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. Additionally, the annual whale watch expedition features a full galley, board naturalists, and ultimately, guaranteed whale sightings.

Science of Sharks Exhibit

The New England Aquarium’s newest exhibit is the “Science of Sharks,” which is a highly anticipated interactive exhibit that gives visitors a chance to get up close and personal to various shark species. Hands-on activities allow guests of the Aquarium to understand the impressive adaptations that give sharks their ability to behave as they do in their underwater habitat.

Family Programs and Events at the Aquarium

The Boston Aquarium also provides programs, classes, and events for children of all ages. Because such programs are both fun and educational, they are a great choice of activities for vacationing families. However, such programs change on a weekly basis, particularly during summer, and therefore it is wise for those who are interested to check with the Aquarium prior to visiting the area.

Simons IMAX Theater

The New England Aquarium is also home to the Simons IMAX Theater, which is located directly on the Aquarium’s property. The Theater gives individuals a chance to learn about habitats and animals that are too dangerous, rare, or large to be housed within the facility.

Vacationers visiting the Aquarium should plan to spend approximately three to four hours at the establishment in order to fully experience everything it offers. It is recommended that families and groups make reservations, as hours vary depending on the time of year and the day of the week. Various ticket packages are available, but all options include access to the Aquarium’s primary exhibits, cafe, and gift shop. Extra fees apply for IMAX films or participation in a whale watching tour. Regardless of when one visits the New England Aquarium in Boston, he or she is sure to have an unforgettable experience.