New England Aquarium (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is New England Aquarium?
What makes it 81% Couple-Friendly: Pairs can stroll the multilevel tank, share quiet views of sea turtles, and add a whale-watch or 3D film for a date, yet crowds and many children may reduce intimacy at peak hours.
Positives:
- Free waterfront exhibits: The outdoor Marine Mammal Center is included with general admission and open daily.
- Flexible ticket bundles: Add the Simons Theatre film for $5 more per adult to extend your visit.
Challenges:
- Ticket line waits: Main entrance can get busy; lines form quickly midday, especially on weekends.
- Limited encounter slots: Animal encounters sell out; book Harbor Seal meet-and-greet well in advance.
What is New England Aquarium?
- A public aquarium on Boston’s Central Wharf waterfront
- Home to a 200,000-gallon Giant Ocean Tank encircled by a multilevel spiral walkway
- Houses thousands of marine animals, including sea turtles, sharks, penguins, seals, and sea lions
What is so special about New England Aquarium for couple trip?
- Share intimate views of seals and sea lions along the free waterfront exhibit.
- Explore the four-tiered Giant Ocean Tank together for unique photo ops.
- Cozy up in the Simons Theatre for a 3D nature film at a small extra cost.
- Extend your adventure with a whale watch cruise and save on tickets.
Recommended visit duration: 3-5 hours
Why 3-5 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can explore core exhibits and optional add-ons without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in New England Aquarium
Marine Mammal Center on the Harborwalk:
Observe Atlantic harbor seals and California sea lions at no extra cost.
Tip: Stroll hand-in-hand early or late for quieter views by the water's edge.
Giant Ocean Tank:
Walk the multilevel spiral to see turtles, tropical fish, and rays up close.
Tip: Lean against the acrylic windows at the top level for shared photos.
Simons Theatre 3D Documentary:
Watch five-story-high nature films in immersive 3D.
Tip: Bundle your ticket online ($5 extra) and arrive 15 minutes early for best seats.
Boston Harbor Whale Watch:
Board at Central Wharf for a 3–4 hour cruise spotting humpback and minke whales.
Tip: Book through the Aquarium box office to save 10% on admission tickets.
Harbor Seal Animal Encounter:
Spend 30 minutes in a private meet-and-greet with Atlantic harbor seals.
Tip: Reserve at least two weeks in advance; experience slots fill quickly.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to New England Aquarium
- Buy tickets online: Purchase general admission and film bundles in advance to skip the ticket line.
- Time feedings: Check feeding times at arrival and plan exhibits around penguin and seal presentations.
Reviews of New England Aquarium
JCH
This aquarium was small, overpriced, overbooked, crowded, bunch of kids running around, screaming and crying, women with huge strollers blocking the paths, having to wait forever to see certain exhibitions. The penguins and seal exhibit were closed so we got a $5 discount?? It was honestly a glorified fish tank. And the experience was akin to being stuck on a plane with screaming kids. And, this ...
Ashley Gray
We stayed up in Boston for a weekend and finally made the stop at the New England Aquarium..def totally worth doing at least once if you’re local(ish). The giant ocean tank is unreal… you can stand there forever and just watch everything swim around. And the penguin area? Hands down the family favorite. It’s a solid way to spend a few hours- not a whole-day thing, but perfect for kids (and adults...
Eva B
This is a really fun and big aquarium to visit with family and friends. It takes about 2-3 hours to see everything this place has to offer depending on how fast you go around. There are a lot of creatures and things to see with the main focus being on the huge african penguin exhibit and the huge cylinder tank. It is very fun to look at the penguins during mealtime because thats when the staff are...
yuliet Mendoza Gomez
We had a beautiful experience at the New England Aquarium. Everything was amazing, well organized, and truly enjoyable. I absolutely loved it, and my children loved it even more. The exhibits are beautiful, educational, and engaging for all ages. It’s a wonderful place to visit as a family and create unforgettable memories together. I have nothing but love for this experience. I 100% recommend i...
David Pyle
So I will preface this review by saying I have been to over a hundred zoos and awuariums over the last 6 years. This aquarium is pretty decent. A good variety of different fish, and overall they do have as good a layout as they can with the space they have. Pros: Variety Bright colored exhibits Good signage about animals Cons: Price for size Very tight space inside Bad signage on where to go n...
When is the best time to visit New England Aquarium (Boston, United States)?
Plan whale watches between mid-May and November when humpback sightings peak. Check the Aquarium calendar for film screening times.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| General admission for 2 adults | USD 61.8 |
| Whale watch cruise for 2 adults | USD 160 |
| Total Estimated | USD 221.8 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of New England Aquarium
Address: 1 Central Wharf, Boston, MA 02110, USA
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About New England Aquarium
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+1 617-973-5206Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, couple trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, couple trip
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