Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut: A Delightful Marine Experience for the Whole Family

Mystic Aquarium is a gem nestled on the scenic Connecticut shoreline. Here you can explore indoor and outdoor exhibits featuring thousands of amazing ocean creatures. You’ll meet beluga whales, African penguins, colorful fish, and rescued seals during your visit.

At Mystic Aquarium, you can enjoy unique hands-on experiences like touching sharks, stingrays, and exotic reptiles. The aquarium opened in 1973 and has grown to become one of the nation’s leading marine facilities. It’s not just a place for entertainment—it’s a nonprofit organization dedicated to conservation, education, and research that helps protect our ocean planet.

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Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium is home to thousands of marine species that will amaze you. When you visit, you’ll get to see incredible animals like beluga whales, African penguins, sea lions, and sharks up close. These animal ambassadors create a special connection between visitors and ocean conservation.

The aquarium offers interactive experiences that make your visit both fun and educational. You’ll learn about marine life while understanding the importance of protecting our oceans. Each exhibit is designed to inspire wonder and appreciation for the underwater world.

Your visit supports the aquarium’s important mission of conservation, education, and research. The staff provides excellent care for all the animals, ensuring they thrive while helping to educate the public. When you purchase something from their gift shop, you’re also contributing to these conservation efforts.

The aquarium serves as both a tourist attraction and a non-profit organization dedicated to ocean protection. You’ll leave with a greater understanding of marine ecosystems and how your actions can make a difference in preserving our ocean planet.

Rating: 4.5 (16086 reviews)
Location: 55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355
Contact: (860) 572-5955
Website: Visit Website

Understanding Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium stands as one of New England’s premier marine education centers, offering visitors unique experiences with aquatic life. The facility combines entertainment with educational opportunities that highlight ocean conservation and marine biology.

History and Mission

Mystic Aquarium first opened its doors in 1973 as a privately owned corporation. Industrialist and philanthropist Kelvin Smith selected the scenic Mystic shoreline for its rich maritime history and coastal beauty.

The aquarium underwent a significant transformation in 1999 when it merged with the Institute for Exploration, resulting in a $52 million expansion. This partnership strengthened the facility’s commitment to marine research and education.

Today, Mystic Aquarium’s mission focuses on connecting visitors with marine life through direct experiences. The facility serves as a hub for marine research, conservation education, and public engagement with ocean science.

Conservation Efforts

Conservation stands at the heart of Mystic Aquarium’s work. The facility actively participates in research programs that advance knowledge of aquatic animal husbandry, biology, and behavior.

You’ll find the aquarium involved in various initiatives to protect marine environments and the creatures that inhabit them. Their research with beluga whales—the only ones in New England—and Steller sea lions provides valuable insights for protecting these species in the wild.

Through interactive exhibits and educational programs, you can learn about ocean conservation challenges and solutions. The aquarium offers special animal encounters that create meaningful connections between visitors and marine life.

These experiences help you better understand marine conservation needs and inspire personal action to protect our oceans.

Visitor Experience

Mystic Aquarium offers exciting hands-on activities and learning opportunities that make every visit memorable.

Interactive Exhibits

At Mystic Aquarium, you can get up close with amazing marine animals through special encounters. The touch tanks let you feel the texture of stingrays and small sharks as they glide under your fingertips. Don’t miss the penguin exhibit where these charming birds waddle and swim just inches away!

The popular beluga whale habitat features an underwater viewing area where you can watch these gentle giants swim gracefully. Their curious expressions might surprise you as they often approach the glass to interact with visitors.

For a truly special experience, consider booking an animal encounter. These personalized sessions let you meet sea lions, penguins, or even belugas with expert guidance from aquarium staff.

Educational Programs

Mystic Aquarium makes learning fun with programs designed for all ages. Daily presentations by marine experts bring ocean science to life as you learn about conservation efforts and animal behaviors.

Kids will love the interactive story times and hands-on science activities scattered throughout the facility. These quick learning moments keep young visitors engaged while they explore.

School break camps offer deeper dives into marine biology with age-appropriate activities. Adults can also enjoy special behind-the-scenes tours that reveal how the aquarium cares for its residents.

Conservation talks highlight the aquarium’s research work and show how you can help protect ocean environments. These informative sessions create meaningful connections between visitors and marine conservation efforts.