Mystic Aquarium

About

Mystic Aquarium has been one of New England's premier marine science destinations since its founding in 1973, drawing more than 600,000 visitors annually to its 19-acre campus in Mystic, Connecticut—a town already famous for its maritime heritage. The aquarium's mission combines public education, wildlife conservation, and active marine research through its affiliation with the Sea Research Foundation. The aquarium's most beloved residents are its beluga whales, who have been part of the collection since 1981 and remain the most visible symbol of the institution. The massive outdoor beluga habitat allows visitors to observe these highly social Arctic whales above and below the waterline, and the aquarium's beluga research program has contributed important scientific knowledge about beluga hearing, communication, and cognition. An ambitious new Arctic Coast exhibit expansion has significantly enhanced the beluga experience. The African Penguin Coast is one of the largest African penguin exhibits in the country, featuring a colony of more than 50 birds in an immersive outdoor environment. Other highlights include the Exploring the Deep exhibit, with deep-sea creatures lit by bioluminescence; the Shark Gallery; and a large outdoor area housing Steller sea lions. The AquaStudios complex provides immersive digital projection experiences and interactive ocean science stations. Mystic Aquarium participates in AZA Species Survival Plans for beluga whales, African penguins, and several other species. Its proximity to Mystic Seaport Museum (a separate institution) makes Mystic a natural two-day destination for families interested in marine science and maritime history.

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