New England Aquarium, Boston: Photos, Reviews & Location

A giant glass tank spiraled by a multilevel walkway is the main draw at this waterfront attraction.

At a glance

#105 of 114 Tourist attractions in Boston

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.40

1.1 km from the center of Boston

Rating breakdown

5 ★63%
4 ★23%
3 ★9%
2 ★2%
1 ★2%

1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110

neaq.org

(617) 973-5200

Photos of New England Aquarium (148)

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Quick facts

What is the rating of New England Aquarium?: New England Aquarium is rated 4.4 out of 5 based on 22,147 reviews.
How does New England Aquarium rank in Boston?: New England Aquarium is #105 of 114 Tourist attractions in Boston by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is New England Aquarium located?: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110 — 1.1 km from the center of Boston.
How can I contact New England Aquarium?: Phone: (617) 973-5200 · Website: neaq.org

Reviews (8)

Des 2023 Sep 25

The aquarium is quite compact and spans over 4 floors upwards, centered by a huge round middle tank. Its very easy to navigate and the amount of fish and other creatures is amazing. I do recommend going in the week if possible as I went on a Sunday and it was incredibly busy.

Mira Crudel 2023 Sep 04

This was by far the largest aquarium I've ever been to. Sadly, I was on cruise so my stop at Boston was short and their tickets sold out pretty fast, early in the day and only got to go in at 3:20pm but I enjoyed every second! They had so many beautiful penguin babies and a massive tank with loads of different animals, including a beautiful turtle. The touch tank was fun, and my husband got to pay a stingray. It's a three floor deal, and it has a pretty big entrance with a sea lion enclosure.

Erik Ross 2023 Aug 27

Amazing aquarium! The exhibits are beautiful and educational, and the aquatic life is so diverse. The staff truly makes this place inviting and there is plenty of space full of nooks and crannies with different wildlife and viewpoints.

Word of warning, buy your tickets in advance for a quick and easy entrance.

Second word of warning, if you are a guest and you can't live without a cigarette, then leave, don't find some hidden corner of the aquarium and light up thinking no one can see you or smell your stink - it's rude to everyone else attending, and it's rude to the employees.

Paul Mallia 2023 Aug 14

Nice aquarium worth visiting in Boston, with plenty of different aquatic species, as well as penguins and seals. The 3D theatre shows are great, especially the one about preserving the blue whale population. Admission is not the cheapest, but it's worth it to keep the animals safe. If you like aquariums, a must do while in the area!

Gro Goo 2023 Aug 05

Very very crowded. Parents have huge baby carriages ans show no respect for other people around them. They run your feet over, clog walking areas, let their kids run around and bang on the fish tanks. Pretty expensive to go at about $40 a person. Timed tickets required. Best get a discounted library pass. The penguins are cute. Good Harbor views.

Kathryn Hipe 2023 Aug 03

The stingray touching piece was closed when I went and that’s why I was so excited to go so you can imagine my disappointment when it was closed. I had planned for that day so I couldn’t go another day /: they should def offer a pass to this for the people who can’t go when it’s closed imo

There are lots of viewing spots for the main pool and you’re not crowded with people which is nice.
The line was rather long, I waited for a while. But getting the ticket was very quick. I showed my student ID and got a little discount. Maybe two dollars, but a discount is a discount.

Everything else was good, very clean. Staff was nice. I enjoyed talking with the two men at the shark jaw/turtle shell/ whale vertebrae station; they were cool.
The gift shop was cool, lots of items and the line was quick. Staff there was also very friendly.

Christen Francescone 2023 Jul 31

Not the best but not the worse aquarium we've been to. This aquarium has the largest penguin exhibit we've ever seen and it was nice to see people in there cleaning the exhibit and the attention to detail while feeding the different birds. The flow of traffic through was a bit chaotic too, but I feel we were there at a busy time. I do highly recommend the whale watch associated with the aquarium, that was an absolutely wonderful experience and I'd do it again right now!

Kurt P 2023 Jul 11

Gorgeous aquarium with an amazing pillar tank housing a spiral ramp to ascend levels. Fun Penguins play at the base while the iconic whale skeleton looms over head. The outdoor sea lion show is fun for the kids along with a "touching tank" of stingrays ain't tiny sharks. Clean and easily accessible this aquarium will not disappoint. Buy your tickets by appointment online and it is smooth sailing upon arrival. Parking is relatively close with a small walk along the harbor to the aquarium. Great family fun and memorable experience.