Mystic Country, Connecticut

Free with Admission:

Sea Lion Show

Four California Sea Lions, including a playful juvenile, stage daily shows at the Aquarium’s Marine Theater. Free with Aquarium admission. MORE

Shark Encounters

Ever wonder what a shark feels like? Find out at the new Shark Encounters exhibit. The shallow pool allows for easy reach of these docile, bottom-dwelling sharks. The exhibit houses six white-spotted bamboo sharks, all one to three feet in length. Free with Aquarium admission. MORE

Jellies: The Ocean in Motion

Jellies have no heart and no brains. So what makes them so fascinating? Brilliantly lit tanks give you new appreciation for these simple – yet simply amazing creatures.

Sense-Sational Seas

There are all sorts of animals to see at Mystic Aquarium, but have you ever wondered how those creatures see you (not to mention smell, hear, or detect you with sense that humans just don’t have?) Sense-Sational seas explores the fascinating – and sometimes superhuman – capabilities of all sorts of animals.

Minor Additional Charge:

Deep Sea 3D

What’s it like to go 9,000 feet underwater in pursuit of deep-diving Sperm Whales and the legendary Giant Squid? Hold on for the ride of your life in the 3D motion theater, where a combination of 3D film and special chairs make it feel like you’re really in a submersible!

Deep Sea 3D riders must be 40 inches tall. $3 per person with Aquarium admission. Advance reservations not required. MORE

Ray Touch Pool

Kids and grown-ups alike can literally get a feel for gentle, mysterious cow nose rays, as they gracefully glide just below the water's surface and within easy reach of your fingertips. Want to feed these fascinating animals yourself? Purchase a cup of sand eels and feed them right from your hand. During the program, a staff member will teach you how to use the "cone method" to feed the rays, and you'll learn how and what they eat.

Ray Touch Program is free with Aquarium admission. Cup of sand eels costs $3, and is available from the Information Booth. Reservations are not required. MORE

Birds of the Outback

This amazing interactive exhibit is the only one of its kind in New England --

A 1,200-square-foot enclosed aviary that houses hundreds of colorful cockatiels, parakeets and rosellas. Guests receive a millet seek stick for feeding the birds, most of whom are not shy about landing on (and noisily showing their appreciation for) guests.

$3 with Aquarium admission. Advance reservations not required. MORE

Encounter Program:

Whales Up Close

For young children or those who don’t want to get waist-deep in the water during the Beluga Encounter program, Mystic Aquarium is now offering a way to have an up-close visit with a beluga whale without getting wet! During the new Whales Up Close program, witness a beluga feeding and learn more about these magnificent animals’ special behaviors with only a three-foot-high window separating you from the whale.

The Whales Up Close program is approximately 45 minutes long and takes place daily, with a limit of six people per session. Participants must be 6 years of age or older, and those under 16 must be accompanied by a participating adult. The cost of the program is $49 plus aquarium admission. Although the program can be purchased upon arrival at the aquarium, reservations are recommended. For reservations call 860.572.5955 x520 or CLICK for tickets.

MORE ABOUT THE AQUARIUM