What To Expect

What‘s Included

Reviews

• My family and I had a...

  Mary L,Apr 6, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  5.00

  My family and I had a wonderful time. I loved the layout...and the giftshop was affordable! Wish we could have seen some dolphins :(

• Ok visit. A little disappointed

  S P,Apr 1, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  3.00

  The sea turtles were a favorite. The aquarium is on the smaller side. The workers at the touch tank were very friendly and interacted with everyone. We walked to the top floor where we were at the top of the large tank in the center. A woman came out to feed the fish. That was cool seeing some of the fish eat. What would have been better is if she spoke to us or even made eye contact. She didn't even smile or make mention of what she was doing.

  

  

  

  

• Our favorite part was the...

  Stephanie H,Mar 30, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  4.00

  Our favorite part was the seal exhibit but it was a little disappointing that the interior of the glass was so dirty you couldn’t really see or take pictures. Still, we love seals! The inside was smaller than expected and very crowded. Strollers everywhere making it hard to navigate the walkways. But that was because people parked their strollers in the middle of the path while they walked up to the tanks.

• A busy place so try and find a day and time that might enhance the experience

  kagP663XM,Mar 25, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  3.00

  Although March should be a 'slow' month for Boston tourism, the aquarium was packed with visitors, which limited the experience, especially for small children who had a difficult time viewing the fish tanks. However, the staff were very knowledgeable an helpful and more than willing to provide information and answer questions.

• Packed with gross people...

  Hunter S,Mar 23, 2026

  - Review from Viator

  1.00

  Packed with gross people who have no caring for their surroundings and will change their kids on a bench in front of everyone

• Great displays and cool sea life

  7Serendipity7,Mar 22, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  On a frigid day in Boston this was a great option for something to do. The enclosures were well laid out, where you could get close to the sea life. I loved the penguins and the turtles but the whole thing was great. We spent a couple of hours walking around and could have even taken longer.

  

  

  

  

  

  

• Fun!

  Passport65181147324,Mar 22, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Had such a fun time here. Being from the UK I was shocked and delighted as to how huge the place was. Spent a cpuple of hours in here seeing everything and had the best time.

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

• The Largest Aquarium In The Northeast

  SUBZEROSKIDD10,Mar 21, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  3.00

  I haven’t been to the New England Aquarium since I was a kid and I remember back then it feeling massive. Sitting right on the edge of the ocean in Boston, the New England Aquarium draws people from all over the world. I went on a Saturday afternoon where admission was free as part of a promotion for residents of the town of Salem in September 2025. Once inside, it wasn’t as large as I remembered but still had the massive multi-story tank with every fish and sea creature you could imagine. It is still mesmerizing to see the schools of fish swimming in circles, followed by the giant manta rays and gargantuan sea turtle. Their live shows are fun as well but I didn’t partake. If I had paid for my ticket, I would have. There were hundreds of kids running around inside, sometimes making it hard to walk, but as one of those kids back in the day, I don’t have any room to complain. Overall it was nice to check out the New England Aquarium again but I don’t think I need to return any time soon.

• Wonderful visit

  nataliejN171QY,Mar 4, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  5.00

  Due to snow we decided to visit the aquarium and were not disappointed. Plenty to see and well worth the money.

  

  

  

  

• Pretty Decent Aquarium, Parking is Rough

  LeafPeoductions,Jan 30, 2026

  - Review from Tripadvisor

  4.00

  The New England Aquarium is one of the highlights of any Boston Trip for me, but there are a few, relatively small shortcomings from this facility I would be remised if I didn't cover, so I would like to start with those first and foremost. One of the biggest issues to me for this facility is accessibility, which to me is a great shame. Space is limited around this place, with a predatory parking garage directly next door with quite absurd pricings. As someone who was once a member to the New England Aquarium as well, the price discount for said parking garage is minimal, too - something I wish the membership gave just a little bit more towards. My recent trip, I had lucked out with street parking about two blocks away, but on a busy, summer day in the city, I wouldn't even chance it with that. (Boo-Hoo, "take the train") My other main complaint stems from the Sea Lion and Fur Seal pool, which to me personally is one of the more lacking exhibits in the entire facility. With a place with such beautiful rockwork and decorations both on the inside and the outside of tanks throughout the building, I've always never favored this setup that looks very much like a YMCA Swimming Pool. I am certain that the space is actually quite adequate for the species in here, the issue moreso stems from the view of the guest. Now with the slight criticism out of the way, I can continue to sing the praises of one of the best aquariums in New England. The New England Aquarium has an incredible array of fish, reptiles, invertebrates, and even birds from across the world. Being an AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) facility, I am certain that they're doing the best they possibly can for these species in house. Education is a huge factor here too, and with so many plaques and signage around to help educate guest, both young and old on the habitats of the world, the efforts that NEAQ is putting forth in house for the local waters, is so important to me, and I am happy to see that. While it can get relatively busy on the weekends, I highly suggest taking advantage of some of the down-time that this place might have. I was able to go on a rainy Saturday afternoon the last time, and had an absolutely delightful surprise when I saw that less than 100 other patrons were at the aquarium at the time, leaving me more time at each display to fully appreciate the species on hand, and not only that, but the beautiful aquascapes and more that each exhibit has. I understand that many people think that this facility is a quick hour and then you're out, but I really do think that there's value in spending more time at each exhibit, listening and interacting with the keepers and docents they have around, ready at a whim to tell you about the species they care for here. I think overall, the New England Aquarium is a very good facility. It's worth a visit every year from myself, the issues moreso stem from the outside forces that result in being placed in a location as cramped as Boston can feel sometimes. About me... I am a passionate zoo and aquarium enthusiast, dedicated to exploring facilities both near and far. From local treasures in New England to renowned locations around the world, I've visited over 60 animal facilities in my quest to discover the very best. My goal is to promote those that stand out for their quality, value, and commitment to animal care and conservation. All opinions are entirely my own. I personally pay for admission to these facilities to ensure my reviews are authentic and reflect what I genuinely believe to offer the best value.

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