Ok, so, this is a bit "afte the fact" but.....I haven't been on a whale watch in about 5 years and let me tell you something....don't wait that long, ever!!! A good friend of mine and I were walking... More >
Ok, so, this is a bit "afte the fact" but.....I haven't been on a whale watch in about 5 years and let me tell you something....don't wait that long, ever!!! A good friend of mine and I were walking around town trying to avoid the usual Sunday Funday bar crawl and decided with literally 2 minutes left to board the ship and act like the 30 somethings that we are!
We ventured out on the boat which does serve some tasty beverages might I add...but that's besides the point! We saw 16 whales and their calves; it was amazing.
My only complaint about the day was the parking....it's probably the most expensive parking deck in the city, yes, it's conveniently located right next door but I would leave early and either park in the North End by TD Garden or you could almost find a parking meter by American Joes and risk getting a ticket that is still less expensive than the parking deck!! Sad but true.
Basically, the take away from this is: next spring, summer'ish make a date, go with a friend....whatever you choose, it's a great time!!
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Oh the New England Aquarium, so many fond memories here. I remember taking multiple field trips here every year from like 4th through the 8th grade. You'd think by now I'd have gotten sick of it,... More >
Oh the New England Aquarium, so many fond memories here. I remember taking multiple field trips here every year from like 4th through the 8th grade. You'd think by now I'd have gotten sick of it, but it's still a blast. I guess I'm just a big fan of aquatic life, but I really do love the set up of this aquarium. Sure, the animals stay the same but they're always entertaining. If you're a sucker like me for cute underwater sea creatures, then I'd definitely recommend this place for casual dates, taking your family (young kids always have fun here), our just being touristy. You can get here easily by means of taking the Blue Line train (the aquarium has it's own stop) and before/after you enter there's a great (albeit pretty dirty/dingy) view of the Boston Harbor. You can even take a whale watching tour - so much fun, but take a dramamine if you get sea sick! I learned the hard way...those boats are fast and extremely shaky. But luckily there were actually a TON of whales and dolphins out which made the trip worth it (some people said they went and never even got to see any, I guess you have to pick the right time of year).
All in all, if you're looking for a fun, casual time with a date, friends, family, or really whoever, this is a great option. Oh and don't forget to ask for a student discount, and also check with your local library to see if they'll give out free tickets (just ask at least a few weeks in advance).
Pros: cheap entrance fee for a casual day of fun
Cons: nothing really!
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One thing to know....BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE. We stood in line for an hour in the cold waiting in line, only to get into another line to actually buy tickets. Shame on the aquarium for not... More >
One thing to know....BUY YOUR TICKETS IN ADVANCE. We stood in line for an hour in the cold waiting in line, only to get into another line to actually buy tickets. Shame on the aquarium for not having a better system, or is it that they want to force us all to buy our tickets in advance? Overall, my children had a great time. Loved the giant turtle & the Imax movie.
Pros: Fun...good exhibits, friendly staff
Cons: Waiting in ticket line was frustrating, Cafe was crowded
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This is a place I regularly bring guests, but it never gets boring. The big tank in the middle is always a highlight. If you get there at feeding time you can see some of the more secretive... More >
This is a place I regularly bring guests, but it never gets boring. The big tank in the middle is always a highlight. If you get there at feeding time you can see some of the more secretive inhabitants.
Pros: Get up close and personal with marine life
Cons: Crowds
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This place is unbelievable it really is a remarkable place to go.You would think you have seen better but you haven't tell you seen all the glory this Aquarium has to offer. there was tons of things... More >
This place is unbelievable it really is a remarkable place to go.You would think you have seen better but you haven't tell you seen all the glory this Aquarium has to offer. there was tons of things to do for kids/adults. you never get board. I went there and spent at least three hours and left and the same day i went again for about three more hours. then from there i went to faneuil in walking distance and enjoyed time there for about two hours.
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great tourist attraction nice place to spend a lazy afternoon. Weekends are really crowded so get there early if you can. Fun for all ages! More >
great tourist attraction nice place to spend a lazy afternoon. Weekends are really crowded so get there early if you can. Fun for all ages!
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I was disappointed in the New England Aquarium. It looks as if it is not well maintained. The building is old, which was expected, but the interior is sad. They could definitely use some updating. I... More >
I was disappointed in the New England Aquarium. It looks as if it is not well maintained. The building is old, which was expected, but the interior is sad. They could definitely use some updating. I imagined it to be more exciting and I'm sure it was many years ago. I heard wonderful things about it from family and friends who visited when they were little.
There were some nice features. The main tank is located in the middle and goes from the bottom to the top floor. A spiral walkway follows it up and there are plenty of viewing windows along the tank. A the top of the tank you can look straight down to the bottom. The penguin exhibit is entirely open air and can be seen from any floor.
In all, I had high expectations and the fish could have looked happier.
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The New England Aquarium is great. They have live shows (dolphins, sea lions) and a giant tank in the center of the building that is 3-4 stories high with a walkway that wraps all around the... More >
The New England Aquarium is great. They have live shows (dolphins, sea lions) and a giant tank in the center of the building that is 3-4 stories high with a walkway that wraps all around the circular tank so you can walk slowly up to the top viewing all the sea life inside of the tank as you journey to the top where you can then look down into the center. It's beautiful. Very moving, especially if you are someone that loves creation in all it's many forms. The center tank contains everything from sharks to string rays and fish of all kinds. It's absolutely amazing. The aquarium has a lot to see, a penguin section, misc. fish tanks of amazing fish, some from the deepest darkest depths of the ocean that you'd never see otherwise... lots of beautiful things to marvel at. The hands on area is my favorite because you can touch starfish and enjoy some of the living things in a small pool using your fingers. I like that, and I'm not even a child! Children love the New England Aquarium, but it's also fascinating for adults without children. There's an omni max theatre showing nature and popular flicks - and the gift show is very nice. The building was just renovated so it's quite lovely inside. You should go if you're visiting Boston, it's quite impressive.
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We went to the aquarium on a weekday and it was wonderful. The first thing you see are the penguins. I love them they are so cute. My nephew loved watching them, we actually had to move him along... More >
We went to the aquarium on a weekday and it was wonderful. The first thing you see are the penguins. I love them they are so cute. My nephew loved watching them, we actually had to move him along to the next attraction. Next time I would love to go on one of the whale watch cruises. I will definitely go back.
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I think that was from the old New England Aquarium TV commercial! Anyway, it is a WONDERFUL aquarium and there is so much to see! The penguins usually are the first stop and you could honestly... More >
I think that was from the old New England Aquarium TV commercial! Anyway, it is a WONDERFUL aquarium and there is so much to see! The penguins usually are the first stop and you could honestly spend hours visiting with them - they are so cute! You can also look in at the little animal hospital they have inside the aquarium. There are LOTS of traditional exhibits that you might expect. There is an enormous sea turtle that you can look down at from above (from the top floor of the facility).
There are also whale watch boats that leave from the aquarium, which I believe are connected with it.
One unique aspect of this place, which most people don't really know about, is that you can book private functions inside the aquarium! I know a couple of people that held their wedding receptions at the aquarium. If you are looking for a unique, non-traditional venue for this type of occasion, this is a place to consider - it would certainly be memorable!
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