Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration Tours

Uncover the mysteries of the bottom of the ocean and its amazing marine animals when you explore this aquarium’s interactive displays and touch pools.

Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration is a state-of-the-art destination for discovery in Mystic. Explore the depths of the ocean as you make your way through the aquarium’s exhibits, watching jellyfish float by and sea lions playfully swimming through the water. Learn about fearsome sharks or feed a ray from your hand. You might spot African penguins, beluga whales and American alligators or see a sea lion take the stage for a live theater show.

Begin your visit to the Mystic Aquarium with a trip through the main galleries. You’ll see a shimmering coral reef and fluorescent corals, as well as a mass of multicolored jellies. Check out loggerhead turtles, moray eels and barracuda, or learn about the story of the aquarium’s green sea turtle, Charlotte. The Shark Lagoon and Shark Encounters exhibits reveal a different side of the much-feared creatures. See stingrays and feel the skin of a ray as it glides underneath your fingers at the Touch Pool.

California sea lions are a breathtaking sight as they whirl around the underwater viewing area. Learn more about these playful creatures at the Foxwoods Marine Theater. More interactive experiences await at the Discovery Lab, where you can learn how to hold a crab. The aquarium’s Arctic Coast exhibit contains the largest outdoor beluga whale enclosure in the country. Kids will delight in the Exploration: Wild exhibit, which takes visitors on an exciting trail through some of the world’s most fascinating habitats.

Make your way along the wooden boardwalk of the Marsh Trek and spy turtles, bullfrogs and ducks amid the lily pads. The 4-D theater and National Geographic Theater are ideal for sitting back and experiencing captivating documentaries on the big screen.

Check the aquarium’s program for feeding times, educational presentations and animal encounters. If you are hungry, take a break at the aquarium’s Penguins Café. Stop by the gift store to pick up a souvenir for your visit.

Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration is less than 10 minutes’ drive from downtown Mystic. Discounted tickets are available for children and seniors. This attraction is open daily except for Christmas Day and Thanksgiving.

Reviews of Mystic Aquarium and Institute for Exploration

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
238
" "5 - Excellent 58.91089108910891%
4 - Good
128
" "4 - Good 31.683168316831683%
3 - Okay
32
" "3 - Okay 7.920792079207921%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 0.24752475247524752%
1 - Terrible
5
" "1 - Terrible 1.2376237623762376%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Jan 1, 2020

Didn’t go there, but have heard about it

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Sep 15, 2019

Only need a few hours. Check for discounts on TripAdvisor or the broachers in the hotel lobby

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler
Aug 22, 2019

Expensive

1/5 - Terrible

Verified traveler
Aug 8, 2019

If you're going to the aquarium, get there early. I wasn't about to wait on a two hour or more line in the heat

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
Apr 29, 2019

Great family attraction

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
Apr 22, 2019

buy your tickets online before you get there as it is cheaper!! definitely a cool place to check out although I felt it wasn't worth what we spent to get through the door..

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.