Boston: New England Aquarium Entry + Optional Simons Theatre

Highlights

• See African penguins, a species the Aquarium breeds to ensure its survival
• Enjoy the antics of California sea lions
• Discover piranhas and anacondas in the Amazon Rainforest
• Simons Theatre Combo: See a film on a giant, five-story-high screen

Description

Enjoy skip-the-line entry to the New England Aquarium, where you'll encounter over 800 marine animals, including seals, stingrays, sharks, and penguins. Start your visit at the bustling penguin colony, then marvel at the spectacular 4-story Caribbean coral reef in the Giant Ocean Tank—home to sea turtles, moray eels, and vibrant tropical fish. Stroll along the spiral walkway for 360-degree views of this incredible ecosystem and explore exhibits featuring everything from Pacific reef fish to playful California sea lions.

Opt into the combo ticket for skip-the-line Aquarium admission plus an immersive film experience at the Simons Theatre. You’ll select your film and showtime on the day of your visit at the will-call window. Current films include Call of the Dolphins 3D, Shark Kingdom, and Secrets of the Sea, each offering a unique view into the wonders of the ocean. Film descriptions are listed below.

Your ticket includes access to the following exhibits:

Atlantic Harbor Seals
See two families of harbor seals swim, play, and rest in a 42,000-gallon open-air exhibit on the Front Plaza. Learn more about them during free training sessions held throughout the day.

Yawkey Coral Reef Center
Get an intimate look at Caribbean coral reef life, featuring dwarf seahorses, endangered staghorn coral, and hypnotic garden eels—smaller species not visible in the Giant Ocean Tank.

The Giant Ocean Tank
This four-story centerpiece features a coral reef, large viewing windows, and hundreds of reef animals including sea turtles, stingrays, eels, and fish. The tank reaches 23 feet deep, spans 40 feet wide, and holds 200,000 gallons of 72–75°F saltwater.

Indo-Pacific Coral Reef
A floor-to-ceiling exhibit showcasing the vibrant biodiversity of Indo-Pacific coral reefs, which support thousands of fish species, sea turtles, and even sharks.

Marine Mammal Center
Watch agile California sea lions dart through water in an open-air exhibit. Learn about the threats they face and efforts to protect them in the wild.

Penguins
Over 50 penguins live in a lively colony on Level 1 surrounding the Giant Ocean Tank. The Aquarium breeds African penguins as part of a Species Survival Plan and leads educational efforts about penguin conservation.

If you choose the combo ticket, enjoy one of the following films on a giant five-story screen:

Call of the Dolphins 3D – 45 min
Explore the world of wild dolphins—how they play, communicate, and connect with humans working to protect them.
Shows: 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM, 4:00 PM

Shark Kingdom 2D – 45 min
Join shark heroes Jess Cramp, Liv Rose, and Cristina Zenato in their quest to understand and protect sharks, showing how our future is tied to theirs.
Shows: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 5:00 PM

Secrets of the Sea 2D – 45 min
Discover some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures—from coconut octopuses to pygmy seahorses—while learning about the vital role of marine biodiversity.
Show: 3:00 PM

Boston: New England Aquarium: Entry Ticket

Combo: Aquarium Admission and Simons Theatre Ticket