Perhaps you are looking for an underwater adventure. The New England Aquarium awaits you. It stands as a testament to marine conservation and education. Established in 1969, the New England Aquarium has been inspiring millions to protect our blue planet.
As you approach the New England Aquarium on Central Wharf, notice the building’s unique architecture. Some call it brutal because of its concrete exterior. But Peter Chermayeff, the designer, focused on the interior experience. He wanted to create a framework for underwater life.
Step inside the New England Aquarium and be greeted by the Giant Ocean Tank. This massive cylindrical tank holds 200000 US gallons of water. It simulates a Caribbean coral reef. Myrtle the green sea turtle has been a permanent resident since 1970. Loggerhead sea turtles and hundreds of colorful tropical fish also call it home. Sharks, stingrays, and moray eels add to the vibrant ecosystem.
Walk around the spiral walkway. Observe the Giant Ocean Tank from every angle. There are 67 acrylic windows offering unique perspectives. The Yawkey Coral Reef Center sits at the top of the exhibit. It sheds light on smaller-scale Caribbean habitats. Dwarf seahorses and garden eels thrive here.
Don’t miss the penguin habitat at the base of the Giant Ocean Tank. This 150000-US-gallon tray of saltwater houses African and southern rockhopper penguins. Watch them waddle and swim around their artificial rock islands. You can view them from the spiral walkway and every gallery.
Explore the four levels of smaller exhibits surrounding the Giant Ocean Tank. The Tropical Gallery showcases live corals and warm-water fishes. A floor-to-ceiling Indo-Pacific coral reef exhibit holds 9000 US gallons. The Temperate Gallery features goliath groupers, lungfish, and weedy seadragons. Marvel at the mesmerizing sea jellies.
The Freshwater Gallery displays aquatic habitats from the Amazon. See red-bellied piranhas, poison dart frogs, and a green anaconda. An electric eel lurks nearby. The gallery also represents the Connecticut River Valley. Brook trout and Atlantic salmon swim in its waters.
Venture into the Northern Waters Gallery. It contrasts marine habitats in New England and the Pacific Northwest. Observe shorebirds, colorful American lobsters, and a giant Pacific octopus.
Make your way to the West Wing. Here you will find the Trust Family Foundation Shark and Ray Touch Tank. This 25000-US-gallon exhibit allows you to interact with stingrays and sharks. Leopard whiprays and brown-banded bamboo sharks glide through the mangrove habitat.
Since 1977, the New England Aquarium has rescued stranded marine mammals. The Marine Animal Health Care Center opened in 1985. The aquarium now focuses on research and advocacy. It is particularly dedicated to the North Atlantic right whale. The aquarium also rescues and rehabilitates cold-stunned sea turtles.
Before you leave the New England Aquarium, visit the New Balance Foundation Marine Mammal Center. This open-air exhibit showcases California sea lions and northern fur seals. You can even view them from the Harborwalk.
Consider a whale watch tour. From April to October, the New England Aquarium partners with Boston Harbor Cruises. They will take you to the Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary. Here you are guaranteed to see humpback whales, finback whales, and minke whales. You may also spot pilot whales, dolphins, and the endangered North Atlantic right whale.
The New England Aquarium is more than just a collection of marine life. It’s a center for education, conservation, and wonder. As you leave, carry with you a renewed appreciation for the ocean and its inhabitants.