Encounter Programs at Mystic Aquarium
55 Coogan Blvd.
Mystic, CT
860 572 5955
Hours
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Get in touch with the aquatic world like never before, by getting on the other side of the exhibit rail. Encounters range in duration and expense, but have one thing in common: you won’t stop talking about them!
Beluga Encounters
Touch a beluga and even pat its tongue. Hear it breathe, spout and vocalize. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get to know these amazing mammals as well as their trainers do. Encounters begin with a 20-minute orientation, and conclude with a wrap-up session with a Mystic Aquarium trainer.
Offered daily, May through October, with advance reservations strongly advised. Prices are $159 per person. Children must be over 5 feet; under 16 must be accompanied by adult. Reservations: 860.572.5955 x520 or click for tickets>
Penguin Encounters
During an hour-long intimate encounter, you'll get to see exactly what penguin experts see -- and get a unique perspective on the special world of African penguins. Encounters begin with sessions in Mystic Aquarium's Eco-classrooms, with a penguin walking freely among the group. You'll then be part of a 30-minute session with an opportunity to touch one of the penguins.
Offered throughout the year. Advance reservations strongly advised. Times vary and are subject to change. $79 per person. Children 6 and over welcome; under age 11 must be joined by an adult. Reservations: 860.572.5955 x520 or click for tickets>
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. Reservations: 860.572.5955 x520 or click for tickets>
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. Learn 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. Learn more>
