The 3 Best Aquariums in Connecticut
With tons of biodiversity and excellent conservation programs, the Maritime Aquarium is the best in Connecticut—but it has some top-notch competitors.
Written by Samuel Todd
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Table of Contents
- #1: The Maritime Aquarium
- #2: Mystic Aquarium
- #3: SeaQuest Trumbull
- What is the best aquarium in Connecticut?
- How to save money on car insurance in Connecticut
- FAQs
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If you’re looking for an unbeatable underwater experience, the Maritime Aquarium is a must-see. Its 7,000 animals, outstanding summer camps, and persistent conservation efforts make it the best aquarium in
Connecticut
.Though the Maritime Aquarium has great reviews, it isn’t the only awesome aquarium in Connecticut. Mystic Aquarium’s marine theater puts on a one-of-a-kind show and SeaQuest’s animal interactions are fantastic for kiddos. So, which one should you visit?
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4.7/5 rating on the App Store | Trusted by 5+ million customers and 7 million cars4.7/5 app rating | Trusted by 5M+ driversAddress: 10 N Water St, Norwalk, CT 06854
Admission cost: Adults (13-64)—$28.95, Children (3-12)—$19.95, Seniors (65+)—$24.95
What makes it special:
For the Maritime Aquarium, the name of the game is biodiversity: with
75 live exhibits
, 363 species, and 7,000 magnificent animals, it’s got something for everyone.If you love seals with silly names, check out
Pinniped Cove
, the largest habitat in the aquarium. By the end of the day, you’ll become best pals with five female harbor seals—Rasal, Ariel, Leila, Polly, and Tillie! Or, if you and your kids are fascinated by sharks, the
Ocean Beyond the Sound
exhibit has you covered. You’ll be able to marvel at sand tigersharks, lemon sharks, and plenty of vibrant fish as they churn through the waters of their 110,000-gallon habitat.Sharks and seals aren’t all the Maritime Aquarium has to offer, though! Keep an eye out for these wondrous creatures during your stay:
- River otters
- Jellyfish
- Sharks and rays (you can even touch them if you dare!)
- Sea turtles
- Stunning corals
- Meerkats
If a one-day stay just isn’t enough for your kids, take a look at Maritime Aquarium’s fantastic
summer camps
. From shark safaris to hands-on educational opportunities, these multi-week programs are sure to delight any aspiring marine biologist.Conservation efforts at Maritime Aquarium
One of the best things about Maritime Aquarium is its transparency and commitment to conservation. They’ve put together an outstanding
full 2021 conservation report
, but we’ll hit the highlights for you here:- Individually caring for 7,000 animals with an 18-person team working around the clock
- STEM education programs taught 38,000 students about animal care and conservation
- Seven research papers published
- $3 million raised in donations to care for their wildlife, along with 14,000 hours of volunteer work at the aquarium
- 250,000+ visitors, like yourself, who are spreading the word on protecting the environment!
#2: Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium
Address: 55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355
Admission cost: $25 to $40, with a small discount for children and seniors
What makes it special:
One word:
belugas
! Mystic Aquarium is home to the largest outdoor beluga habitat in the United States. You’ll get to be up-close-and-personal with the aquarium’s three alabaster-white belugas: Juno, Natasha, and Kela. Okay, the belugas are amazing, but there’s a lot more to Mystic Aquarium than whales. Most notably, Mystic Aquarium boasts a handful of immersive
encounter programs
:- A VIP tour that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at the aquarium’s facilities
- A private group setting with the beloved African penguins
- A feeding and training session with a trainer of the aquarium’s renowned belugas
Last (but certainly not least!), Mystic Aquarium’s
Marine Theater
takes showmanship to the next level. You’ll be treated to an educational and entertaining performance with Mystic Aquarium’s playful sea lions. Whether you’re joining a session at the theater or touring the aquarium at your own pace, be sure to purchase your tickets in advance
.Conservation efforts at Mystic Aquarium
According to their
impact report
, Mystic Aquarium is devoted to “protecting ocean environments through an integrated approach to research, education, and conservation”—and they live up to their mission! Here’s how:- A team of tens of thousands of ocean ambassadors, volunteering to reduce marine pollution and rescue sea creatures
- An animal rescue program that has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing sick or stranded animals since 1975
- A group of marine mammal scientists, doing thorough research on animal behavior and conservation
MORE: How to choose an eco-friendly car
Address: 5065 Main St Ste 1106, Trumbull, CT 06611
Admission cost: Adult (12+)—$16.99, Child—$10.99, 55+/Military/Student—$13.99
What makes it special:
SeaQuest is home to interactive activities galore: you’ll even have the chance to snorkel in an exhibit full of reef sharks, stingrays, and tropical fish! Though SeaQuest is best for birthday parties with children, its 1,000+ animals make for an unforgettable experience for adults as well.
Conservation efforts at SeaQuest Trumbull
On top of offering discounted field trips to inspire students to be advocates for the environment, SeaQuest partners with local nonprofits to support children’s programs. SeaQuest also protects a number of endangered species, including:
- 400 axolotls (critically endangered)
- Four Asian small-clawed otters (vulnerable)
- One two-toed sloth (threatened)
For a better perspective on SeaQuest’s community initiatives, take a minute to check out their
blogs on climate change
.What is the best aquarium in Connecticut?
So, you’ve had a chance to glance over Connecticut’s greatest aquariums—now, which one is best for your visit? We’ll break it down for you:
- If you want lots of biodiversity and a great location along Long Island Sound, go for the Maritime Aquarium. Stay for a couple of hours, then pop over to a local cafe for a wonderful afternoon.
- If you want private interactions and, well, belugas, head to Mystic Aquarium. It’s just a few blocks away from the Mystic Seaport Museum, which will round out your ocean-obsessed day in style.
- If you want group activities for kids, SeaQuest Trumbull is your best bet. In addition to making underwater buddies, you’ll get to hang out with birds, sloths, snakes, and more!
MORE: 8 pro tips for long car rides with kids
How to save money on car insurance in Connecticut
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FAQs
What is the biggest aquarium in Connecticut?
In terms of number of animals, the Mystic Aquarium is the biggest in Connecticut. It’s home to 10,000 unique creatures!
How long should I plan to stay at Connecticut aquariums?
We’d recommend a two to three hour stay at Connecticut’s premier aquariums. Sure, you can pop in and out in less than an hour—but for the full experience, you’ll want to visit most (if not all!) of the aquarium’s exhibits.
