New England Aquarium Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the New England Aquarium. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• City Cruises Salem High Speed Ferry to/from Boston

• Boston Private City Tour

• 1- or 2-Day Hop-On & Hop-Off Narrated Trolley Tour of Boston

• Boston CityPASS®

• Boston Shore Excursion: Boston Hop-On Hop-Off Trolley Tour

Admission to the New England Aquarium starts at US$39.95 for adults, US$30.95 for kids (aged 3–11), and US$37.95 for seniors (aged 60+). Residents of and college students in New England states—Massachusetts, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont—get US$5 off the regular admission price. US military and veterans get US$10 off the regular admission price, and their dependents get US$5 off.

Yes, the New England Aquarium is definitely worth visiting, especially if you're interested in wildlife and marine biology or traveling with kids. It's a great indoor destination when the weather outside is hot, cold, or wet. Some hop-on hop-off bus tours and multi-attraction admission passes include the aquarium, and they are a convenient way of visiting independently while enjoying the ease of transportation or prearranged tickets.

Per one customer who booked the New England Aquarium Admission Ticket in Boston, "Easy pace, never rushed, great signage for information, fun to touch a stingray. Very clean, and the turtles, so graceful!"

Allow at least two hours to go through the New England Aquarium. You’ll need an additional 3-4 hours to take a whale-watching tour, and 35-45 minutes to watch an IMAX screening.

Yes, you can bring a small backpack to the New England Aquarium. However, bags larger than 12 inches by 12 inches by 12 inches (30 centimeters) are not allowed inside, with the exception of diaper bags and carriers for medical supplies.

No, booking tickets for the New England Aquarium in advance isn’t required. However, booking is highly recommended as the aquarium has a timed entry system, and availability for walk-up purchases isn’t guaranteed. Those arriving without reservations may find their preferred time slot sold out.

Yes, you can bring a camera and take pictures inside the New England Aquarium—the aquarium encourages sharing them on social media. However, tripods and stands are prohibited, and flash photography and flashlights are restricted in certain parts of the aquarium, as they can cause distress to animals.

Yes, if you have an errand to run or want to eat lunch off-site, you can leave the New England Aquarium and return on the same day. Just make sure to retain your ticket, as it’s valid for the full day of your visit.

The last timed entry to the New England Aquarium is 80 minutes before closing. Opening and closing times vary throughout the week and the year but are typically between 9am and 5pm or 6pm. Check the schedule on the aquarium website before planning your visit.

There are tons of fun things to do when you're done visiting the New England Aquarium. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Boston:

• Faneuil Hall Marketplace

• Boston Common

• Boston North End

• Quincy Market

• USS Constitution

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Boston.