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New England Aquarium

New England Aquarium: Our most recommended tours and activities

Boston: Hop-on Hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour

1. Boston: Hop-on Hop-off Old Town Trolley Tour

Enjoy a hop-on hop-off tour aboard Boston’s charming orange and green Old Town Trolley and visit more than 100 points of interest in the city at your own pace. Enjoy the freedom to hop on or off all day and discover sights like the Boston State House, Liberty Wharf, and the Charlestown Navy Yard. Take in double-decker height views while protected from the elements. The comfortable enclosed trolleys allow you to experience elevated viewing come rain, snow, or shine. Choose between 1-day and 2-day ticket options with free unlimited re-boarding. The Boston Trolley tour covers all the major areas including downtown, Beacon Hill, Back Bay, the theater district, and the waterfront. Conductors narrate the tour, offering a fun mix of trivia and humorous stories. There are 14 stops conveniently located close to over 100 points of interest in Boston, these are: • Stop 1: New England Aquarium/Faneuil Hall Marketplace • Stop 2: Historic North End • Stop 3: USS Constitution/Charlestown Navy Yard • Stop 4: North Station/TD Bank Garden • Stop 5: Old State House * Stop 6: Beacon Hill/Antique Row • Stop 7: Cheers Bar "The Original" • Stop 8: Prudential Center/Skywalk Observatory (Currently closed due to construction) • Stop 9: Christian Science Plaza/Symphony Hall • Stop 10: Copley Place Shopping Galleries • Stop 11: Copley Square/Trinity Church • Stop 12: Old Town Trolley Welcome Center • Stop 13: Boston State House/ Boston Common/Beacon Hill • Stop 14: Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum (discounted admission included)

Boston: New England Aquarium Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket

2. Boston: New England Aquarium Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket

Enjoy a skip-the-line entry ticket to the New England Aquarium. Start your visit to the New England Aquarium at the charming penguin colony, before experiencing 360-degree views of the spectacular new 4-story Caribbean coral reef teeming with more animals than ever before. Take a stroll on the spiral walkway around the reef as sea turtles, sharks, moray eels, and tropical fish glide through their vibrant habitat. From sea jellies to sea dragons, you will explore the planet without leaving downtown Boston. The Aquarium is a treasure trove ready for exploration by families and ocean lovers. Your admission ticket includes entrance to the following exhibits: Amazon Rainforest Head to the Amazon rainforest without leaving Boston. The New England Aquarium’s 6 Amazon exhibits allow you to dive into the Amazon River and climb through the dense forest without getting wet or needing bug spray. Several of the exhibits feature large windows that reach nearly to the floor, providing perfect viewing opportunities for small children. Atlantic Harbor Seals The harbor seals exhibit is the only one you can actually visit before buying your Aquarium ticket. Watch the seals swim, play, and sleep, and learn more about them during a free training session. The 42,000-gallon harbor seal exhibit is located outside on the Front Plaza, to the left of the Aquarium’s front doors. The exhibit is open to the New England weather, which suits these New England creatures perfectly. Blue Planet Action Center This dynamic exhibit presents the serious challenges facing the oceans and showcases the Aquarium's global leadership in searching for solutions, through its interactive displays, interpretive presentations, and small live animal exhibits. Coral Reef Center At the top of the Giant Ocean Tank, a glass railing maximizes your view of many of the predators swimming high in the water column. You can now easily recognize creatures resting on the tank’s bottom more than 24 feet below. That exceptional viewing is enhanced by a theatrical-quality lighting system that is built into a beautiful blue reflective ceiling dome. A new exhibit gallery on the same level showcases reef biodiversity and gives visitors a closer look at a hidden world populated by unique coral reef animals. The Giant Ocean Tank The 4-story Giant Ocean Tank features a brand new coral reef, an underwater communications system, large windows, and hundreds of Caribbean reef animals, including sea turtles, stingrays, eels, and fish. At its deepest point, the exhibit goes down 26 feet, is 40 feet wide, and holds 200,000 gallons of salt water. The water is heated to between 72 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the perfect temperature range for this tropical exhibit. The exhibit is so big that it was built first and then the rest of the Aquarium was constructed around it. Gulf of Maine The Gulf of Maine stretches from Cape Cod to Canada and includes Boston Harbor and the Stellwagen Bank. The water is cold but bursting with life. As you explore exhibits ranging from shore to deep-water boulder reefs and sandy sea floors, you will encounter lobsters, cod, goosefish, and giant sea stars. The 6 Gulf of Maine exhibits cover more than half of the Aquarium’s third level. Pacific Community Reef Dive into the tropical waters of a Pacific coral reef and get to know some of the rainbow-colored fish that call it home. This 5,100-gallon exhibit houses nearly 70 different kinds of tropical reef fish. Marine Mammal Center Watch California sea lions dart through the water and limber northern fur seals lope in this beautiful open-air exhibit space. Learn about the challenges marine mammals face in the wild, and get a new perspective on these fascinating marine mammals. Penguins The Aquarium is home to more than 80 penguins who live in a bustling colony found on Level 1 surrounding the Giant Ocean Tank. The Aquarium breeds African penguins as part of a Species Survival Plan and promotes educational programs about penguins. Seadragons Every visit to the New England Aquarium should include a stop at the seadragon exhibit. There are only 2 seadragon species in the world, and this stunning exhibit displays both of them. The leafy seadragon and the weedy seadragon both use their exceptional camouflage to hide from hungry predators. Challenge yourself and see how many seadragons you can find during your visit.

Boston: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 40+ Attractions

3. Boston: Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 40+ Attractions

The Boston All-Inclusive Pass by Go City provides you access to over 40 of the area’s top activities, attractions, and tours for a single low price. Enjoy planning your own itinerary while saving up to 45% compared to the cost of individual attraction tickets. Choose a 1, 2, 3, 5, or 7-day pass and visit as many attractions as you like during that time. Take a Trolley Tour, visit the New England Aquarium, or explore the Museum of Science. These and many other options are included in the cost of your Boston All-Inclusive Pass. A free digital guide helps you decide what to do, where to go, and how to get there. Below, "(R)" means that reservations are required. Included attractions with your Boston All-Inclusive Pass: TOURS AND ACTIVITIES • Historic Sightseeing Cruise (Seasonal - April to October) • CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Boston Trolley Sightseeing Tour: 2-Day Ticket (Seasonal - April to November) • Fenway Park Tour • Swan Boats of Boston (Seasonal - April to September) • The Harvard Tour • Boston Movile Mile Walking Tour (Seasonal - April to October) (R) • Boston Bike Rental • Battle Green Tour • Hyannisport Harbor Cruise (Seasonal - May to October) • Cape Cod Canal Cruise (Seasonal - May to October) • Liberty Ride (Seasonal - April to October) • Boch Center Wang Theatre Tours MUSEUMS AND PLACES OF INTEREST • New England Aquarium • Old State House Museum & Old South Meeting House Combo Ticket • USS Constitution Museum • Museum of Science • Paul Revere House • Museum of Fine Arts • Salem Witch Museum (R) • Boston Children's Museum (R) • Harvard Museum of Natural History (R) • JFK Presidential Library and Museum • Plimoth Patuxet plus Mayflower II or Grist Mill Combo (Seasonal - April to November) • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston • Franklin Park Zoo • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum • Peabody Essex Museum • Institute of Contemporary Art • House of the Seven Gables • Buckman Tavern • Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology (R) • Otis House Museum • Concord Museum • Old Sturbridge Village • John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum (Seasonal - April to September)

Boston: Harbor Champagne Sunset Sail from Rowes Wharf

4. Boston: Harbor Champagne Sunset Sail from Rowes Wharf

Embark on a sightseeing sunset cruise on Boston harbor and soak up the views of the famous skyline. Admire city highlights, including the Inner Harbor Islands and the Boston Fish Pier.    Board an elegant sailing yacht, the ' Adirondack III.' Travel in style on a classic 80 foot pilot schooner that is comfortable and spacious. Glide smoothly over the water and have the option of purchasing a refreshing drink at the onboard bar. Admire views of the historic scenery of Boston Harbor as you pass by the Boston Fish Pier and the Moakley Federal Courthouse at Fan Pier. Capture pictures of Castle Island and the Donald McKay monument. Cruise through the Inner Harbor Islands. Step back in time as you cruise by the historic Charleston Navy Yard. Go by the lush greenery of the Waterfront Park and take in the modern architecture of buildings like the New England Aquarium. Take a selfie in front of the Boston skyline. Have your questions about the sights and history of Boston Harbor and its surrounding areas answered by the attentive crew. Hear facinating facts and old-time legends about the maritime world of Boston. Return to your meeting point at the end of the tour.

Boston: Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley Ticket

5. Boston: Hop-On, Hop-Off Trolley Ticket

Discover Boston onboard an enchanting hop-on and hop-off trolley to see all the historic sights at your own pace. Choose from a 1-day or 2-day hop-on hop-off open-air trolley ticket, providing access to 9 stops, all conveniently located close to the city’s premier attractions. Friendly tour guides are on board, ready to narrate your tour, and you can join and end the tour at any of the stops along the route. Jump off in neighborhoods such as North End and Beacon Hill to explore further. Take the full 1-hour circuit non-stop to get a great orientation of downtown Boston or explore in your own time. Hop-on and hop-off trolley stops: • New England Aquarium - Shuttle and Ferry - Quincy Market – Faneuil Hall • Paul Revere House - Little Italy • North End - Old North Church • USS Constitution - Old Ironsides • North Station - TD Bank Garden Sports Museum • Old State House - Faneuil Hall – Boston Massacre - Government Center • Boston Common - Public Garden • State House - Beacon Hill • South Station - Convention Center - Children’s Museum

Boston CityPASS®: Save 47% at 4 Top Attractions

6. Boston CityPASS®: Save 47% at 4 Top Attractions

Boston CityPASS has collected the top must-see, must-do attractions and priced them 47% less than the same tickets purchased separately.   Boston CityPASS includes admission to: 1. New England Aquarium- Let your imagination swim wild! Marvel at the bustling penguin colony and soak in views of the spectacular four-story Caribbean coral reef teeming with more than 1,000 animals. Plus, don’t miss seals, sea lions, and the hands-on shark and ray touch tank during your unforgettable Aquarium adventure! 2. Museum of Science- Just imagine getting up close and personal with a 65-million-year-old Triceratops fossil, witnessing an indoor lightning storm and taking a journey inside the human body. With 700 interactive exhibits, exciting temporary exhibitions, daily presentations, and live animals, there is something for everyone! Create, experiment and have fun at the Museum of Science! Plus your choice of admission to 2 of the following: 1. Franklin Park Zoo - Explore 72 acres of wildlife habitat in Boston’s historic Franklin Park. See wild faces from wild places—from fuzzy forest dwellers to winged wonders. Visit Serengeti Crossing to see zebras and ostrich, experience farm life, and visit the tropics with ring-tailed lemur and gorillas. Be inspired by the Zoo’s mission to protect and sustain the natural world and learn how you can contribute to wildlife conservation. 2. Boston Harbor City CruiseEnjoy the sea breeze, spectacular skyline, and ocean views. Discover the historic and contemporary sites and nuances of Boston Harbor during this fun, informative, and fully-narrated 90-minute boat cruise. 3. Harvard Museum of Natural History Spark your curiosity in the natural world at the Harvard Museum of Natural History, located on the campus of the oldest institution of higher learning in the U.S., steps from the picturesque Harvard Yard. See dinosaurs, whales, and hundreds of wildlife specimens from around the world.

Boston: Go City Explorer Pass including 2 to 5 Attractions

7. Boston: Go City Explorer Pass including 2 to 5 Attractions

Ensure a hassle-free trip with a Boston Explorer Pass that is accessible straight from your mobile phone (also available to print) and is valid for 60 days (starting with your first visit). Choose 2, 3, 4, or 5 activities and save time and money compared to paying individual admission prices. Marvel at the wonders of the sea with a visit to the New England Aquarium, explore the city aboard a hop-on-hop-off trolley or choose a Boston sunset cruise. Simply browse your digital guide for where to go next, show your pass to be scanned at the entrance or ticket office, and you're in. Choose any 2, 3, 4, or 5 attractions or tours from the following: Tours and Cruises • Historic Sightseeing Cruise (April to October) • CityView Hop-On Hop-Off Boston Trolley Sightseeing Tour: 1-Day Ticket (April to November) • Boston Sunset Cruise (May to September) • Fenway Park Tour • Boston Bike Rental • Boch Center Wang Theatre Tours • The Harvard Tour Museums and Places of Interest • New England Aquarium • Old State House Museum & Old South Meeting House Combo Ticket • Museum of Science • Harvard Museum of Natural History • Boston Children's Museum • LEGOLAND Discovery Center Boston • Museum of Fine Arts • Salem Witch Museum • USS Constitution Museum • Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum • JFK Presidential Library and Museum • Franklin Park Zoo • Peabody Essex Museum • Peabody Museum of Archaeology & Ethnology Attractions and tours are subject to change. Check the digital guide included in your confirmation voucher for the full list of inclusions, opening times, and reservation instructions.

Ultimate Boston Self-Guided Walking Tours Bundle

8. Ultimate Boston Self-Guided Walking Tours Bundle

Start in the city of Boston and walk in the footsteps of Revolutionary War heroes. Hear the story of Paul Revere’s Midnight Ride and relive the fight for American Independence with a self-guided walking tour of Boston’s Freedom Trail. Immerse yourself in the stories of the American Revolution, the Boston Tea Party, and the Sons of Liberty as you stroll along Boston’s scenic Harborwalk. Uncover Boston's historic and storied past while enjoying its beautiful harbor views between South Station and Long Wharf. Then, travel to the city of Cambridge outside Boston and explore the heart of Harvard University's campus at Harvard Square. Use the app to take a self-guided walking tour that covers must-see campus sights like the John Harvard Statue, Widener Library, and former dorm rooms of famous alumni like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Natalie Portman, and more. Next, discover Cape Ann with a self-guided driving tour along the scenic waterfront. Enjoy the vistas, beaches, and natural beauty of the New England coastline at your own pace. Visit the famous Fisherman's Memorial, beautiful Beauport, all while diving into the stories of Massachusetts of days past. Continue to Cape Cod and see its quintessential lighthouses and sandy beaches. As you drive, learn more about the Cape’s seafaring traditions, Pilgrim history, and miles of beautiful beaches. From Barnstable to Provincetown, visit Nauset Lighthouse, First Encounter Beach, Marconi Station, and more.

Boston: Self-Guided Audio Tour

9. Boston: Self-Guided Audio Tour

Download a vibrant MP3 self-guided audio tour combined with a fully detailed map of the area of your tour. Enjoy the historical city of Boston in the beautiful state of Massachusetts and learn about its long and rich history on a self-guided audio tour. This incredible audio tour will show you sights such as the famous Boston Tea Party Museum and the historical John Adams Courthouse. You will also see the Old State House, the Massachusetts State House, the City Hall, New England Aquarium, and the Market. Educational and informative, this tour delves behind the scenes of old Boston allowing you to discover the city and travel back in time at your own pace. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the sights. 

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What people are saying about New England Aquarium

Overall rating

4.4 / 5

based on 1,964 reviews

Such an amazing time no worries of standing in line waiting to purchase tickets. My children and I had a great experience in Boston, sight seeing , attractions, the whole travel experience in general was just smooth and amazing!! Thanks Boston City Pass

The 2 tour bus drivers we had the pleasure of travelling with were incredibly entertaining as well as full of fun facts, I wish I could remember their names!

A great way to explore both historic and modern Boston with funny, informed guides, especially for those who would find walking physically challenging.

We enjoyed our 2 day tours and information along the way. The drivers were very knowledgeable and fun.

Some guides were better than others, ALL knowledgeable of the areas and history.