New York Aquarium

The New York Aquarium on Coney Island will captivate and educate the entire family with 14 acres of superb exhibits

A Giant Sea Turtle at the New York Aquarium
A Giant Sea Turtle at the New York Aquarium cc licensed photo by jamieleto

Since 1957, the New York Aquarium has been a part of the legendary Coney Island boardwalk experience. Operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the aquarium's 14 acre facility is packed to the gills, boasting 8,000 aquatic animals in exhibits designed to promote advocacy of issues facing our oceans and its inhabitants.

If you aren't a SCUBA enthusiast, the Explore the Shore allows you to experience a 400-gallon tidal wave crashing overhead without leaving dry land. The seasonal touch pools and observation tanks allow visitors to interact with the aquatic ecosystem with areas featuring exotic species like electric eels and masses of glowing Moon Jellyfish. Conservation Hall features three distinct habitats: a tropical coral reef complete with "Nemo's", an Amazonian flooded forest complete with a school of piranhas and an African freshwater lake with some of the most unique species on earth. Outside at the Sea Cliffs, penguins, sea otters, walruses and seals will provide endless entertainment with optional educational talks and daily feedings for public viewing. To rest your legs, visitors can sit and be mesmerised by sharks swimming with gigantic stingrays and sea turtles in huge floor to ceiling tanks, see Happy Feet in the New York Aquarium's 4D theatre or enjoy the Sea Lion Celebration at the Aquatheatre.

Following the Sea Lion Celebration, you can get up close and personal and get a kiss from a sea lion. For an additional fee, you can participate in a small group, hands-on encounter lead by an animal trainer complete and have your photo taken with one of the stars of the New York Aquarium.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

New York Aquarium Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays

  • Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Address: 602 Surf Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11224, USA

Phone: (718) 265-3474

Official Website: New York Aquarium

New York Aquarium Reviews

Rated 4.2 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating Me and my friends went here for a birthday party and we loved the exhibits. There is also a show with the Sea Lions and Seals it is very fun and you learn about the animals while watching them perform tricks. I personally love the shark exhibit as it has many informational aspects and the tunnel in which the tank of animals is around you (as well as above you, great for photos). The gift shop is cool as it has many great things for kids like stuffed animals and jewelry. Overall a great experience (also just a tip buy your tickets beforehand. It makes it easier so you don't have to wait).
Zaya Rochester - 4 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating An amazing aquarium! If you can manage to go on a weekday, or as soon as it opens on a weekend, it's super quiet and empty. Really makes you feel like you're underwater. The tunnel and canyon's end tanks are my favorites. I wish they had more special programs though, like wild encounters or special feedings to watch like they do at the zoos. I'd love to see the shark feeding.
Jelly Yee - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating great place!!! There are many types of beautiful and rare fish that you don't see in any other aquarium. I walked alone and really enjoyed every moment. There is a place outside with pools and you can see seals. The place is cozy and nice with a good atmosphere.
shilo Ronen - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating We (a couple without kids) had an awesome time here. There are a lot of great exhibits and a wide variety of animals to be seen. Considering the quality, location, and history of the institution, tickets are a good value — especially after a discount through our union.
Peyton Watson - a week ago

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5 Star Rating We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. You can see all the exhibits in about two hours (including time for a snack at the cafe). Staff are friendly and helpful. They clearly are working on the infrastructure and exhibits, but what is open is really well done. Great for families with kids. Lots of kid-centered exhibits and activities.
Bryn Dews - 4 months ago

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Directions

Subway Line Nearest Station Walking Time
F or QWest 8th Street / NY Aquarium2 minutes
N or DConey Island / Stillwell Avenue10 minutes

How to get to New York Aquarium by Subway

Take the F or Q train to the W 8th Street / NY Aquarium, cross the pedestrian overpass over Surf Avenue and take the steps on the far side down to the entrance to the Aquarium parking lot or take the N or D trains to the Coney Island / Stillwell Avenue Station, head south on Stillwell, turn left on Surf Avenue, the aquarium is ahead on your right.

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