Quick Links

So much has been said about Massachusetts. From its vast white sand beaches to oceanfront rentals, vacationing options are endless in this part of the world. But there is another popular tourist attraction many vacationers are not aware of, the New England Aquarium.

What is so good about this aquarium that it continues to top the charts in Boston? Well, this place is more than just a typical marine sanctuary. It is the perfect place to explore the deep sea’s hidden treasures.

The following points highlight why the aquarium is that popular.

The Aquarium’s Giant Ocean Tank Experience

The New England Aquarium experience is centered on the facility’s Giant Ocean Tank. Measuring up to 40 feet wide, this tank holds a whopping 200,000 gallons of salty water. The rest of the aquarium is built with this massive tank as the focal point.

Related: 10 Must-See Aquariums In The United States

So unique is the design of the tank that marine sanctuary enthusiasts from as far as Australia want to have a piece of it. The tank has a spiral ramp surrounding the windows giving vacationers an ocean-like experience.

Another reason why the Giant Ocean Tank is worth the experience is Myrtle, a green sea turtle. This turtle has been part of The New England Aquarium for the last 52 years or so. Watching this huge creature paddle through the glass enclosure makes everything look real.

The Aquarium’s All-Inclusive Trait

Inclusivity is something the American tourism industry has been struggling with for some time now. With this aquarium, there is nothing like advocating for inclusivity. The facility was built with the inclusivity aspect deep in its core.

One important aspect showing how inclusive the aquarium can get is its ability to admit vacationers riding in wheelchairs. Everybody deserves a chance to explore those beautiful reefs and no place does it better than this Boston facility.

Related: These 10 Best Aquariums Are Worth A Visit In North Carolina

The other important aspect of inclusivity that makes this aquarium so popular among vacationers is that they admit everyone. From kids and teenagers to adults and the elderly, everyone gets a chance to explore the aquarium’s giant tanks.

Children will specifically have a good time combing through the coral reefs. The multiple pieces of art displayed makes it look much more like a heritage site than a marine conservancy. School-going children are offered real-time practical lessons depicting the history of the deep sea.

Travelers Pro Tip & Cost Break Down

  • 32 dollars for adults
  • 23 dollars for kids

Morning hours can get quite congested as most vacationers are in a rush to complete the aquarium tour and head to the ocean for a good time. Afternoons are best recommended for vacationers seeking to have an intimate connection with the aquarium and its existing forms of life.

New England Aquarium Whale Watch

Although the aquarium doesn’t have whales on its premises, it is still the best bet for a whale-watching tour. New England Aquarium whale watch is a seasonal experience that occurs from April through November. In the past, this aquarium has been trusted by vacationers to organize trips on its behalf and true to its word, it has never disappointed.

The whale experience however requires prior planning. As it happens elsewhere, vacationers are expected to book their slots early enough to give the facility ample time to do the planning. All the facility promises are nothing less than an unforgettable experience.

Over the last few years, the aquarium has partnered with a Boston-based cruise company to provide the best seats for its vacationers. Through the partnership, the aquarium’s adventurers are given top priority putting them in the perfect place to witness the whale spectacle undisrupted.

Part of the whale-watching experience offered by the aquarium is a short trip to the legendary Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary. The sanctuary is a popular sighting for whales, dolphins as well as other forms of marine life. In case no whales appear during the trip, which is very rare, vacationers are given a free ticket to witness the spectacle on their next vacation in the area.

Virtual Animal Tours

Technology is fast consuming in the tourism industry. No place understands this aspect better than the New England Aquarium. With the changing dynamics in tourism, vacationers are beginning to appreciate the need for virtual tours instead of visiting places in person.

The recent Covid-19 pandemic that has since been controlled further exploded the virtual space. With no global travel, firms were forced to be extra innovative. Since the virtual space was not a new thing to this aquarium, the pandemic just gave them a platform to do better.

One thing about this aquarium’s virtual tours is that they are done so well that the streaming parties feel as if they are on the premises.

The streaming is done using high-quality cameras operated by professionals who understand their dynamics. Best still, the narrators are marine experts who explain everything to the finer details.

A Boston experience is incomplete without New England’s Aquarium tour. From its impressive marine life to the well-designed giant tank, no vacationer should miss this adventure. If all other factors don’t sound enticing, then the whale watching trip should do the magic.