New England Aquarium

An icon of Boston, this aquarium has a giant ocean tank that mimics coral reefs in the Caribbean.

Beginning in 1962, plans began to build this amazing aquarium. Since 1969, it has been open to the public. Over the years, many improvements have been made, and the owners have added features and exhibits. Just a year after the aquarium opened, the circular, giant tropical coral reef tank was opened. It holds 200,000 gallons of water and spans all 4 floors of the building. As visitors view the tank from the different floors, the layers of the coral reef create different ecosystems.

Depending on when you come, you may be able to watch a scuba diver feed the pufferfish some peas. There are 96 divers at the aquarium. The giant tank was updated in 2013 when it was made into a replica of a Caribbean coral reef that visitors see today. They have a rehabilitation center for harbor porpoises, a harbor seal exhibit, a penguin exhibit, and jellyfish. The aquarium also has sea turtles, sharks, and a touch tank with sharks and rays that everyone loves. Don't miss the sea dragon exhibit, the green anaconda, the giant octopus, and Myrtle, the giant green sea turtle. It opens at 9 am, so come in the morning if you don't like crowds. Visitors can also bring a picnic lunch and use one of the many picnic tables or eat at the cafe. They have a great gift shop too. For an additional fee, visitors can watch an IMAX film or experience an animal encounter. Over a million people visit New England Aquarium annually. It is truly one of the best aquariums in the northeastern United States.