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 – 6:00 PM
  • Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Friday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 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 Great experience for the whole family! The New York Aquarium is a wonderful place to visit with kids. We loved the sea lion show — it was fun and educational! The shark exhibit is really impressive, and there are lots of colorful fish to see. Everything is well organized and clean. It’s not too big, so perfect for younger kids. We also enjoyed walking along the boardwalk after. Highly recommend for a family day out!
Daria Barashkina - a month ago

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4 Star Rating very cute aquarium! i had been very excited to visit the aquarium as it was my first time in new york, and i was thrilled with what there was to see! i do wish it was more advertised that all tickets must be purchased virtually and in advance. there are a somewhat decent amount of exhibits, definitely take your time on each one. very family-oriented, kid-friendly atmosphere. unfortunately, when we visited, the aquatheater show was canceled, but we still enjoyed browsing and learning! i am personally very passionate about marine life, and observing so many species up close was a fantastic experience. the gift shop is quite cute, but if you are planning on souvenirs make sure to add that to your budget! overall i would recommend to anyone interested in learning more about these amazing creatures, or even just interested in taking a peek into their world😄🦭
kylee nason - a month ago

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4 Star Rating Fun and educational aquarium. It's not too large to get it all in. The staff is knowledgeable. Military and Veteran discount is really good. Free for you and half price for your guests. A percentage discount applies at the gift shops.
coachlunk Rubio - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Great aquarium, plenty to do, loved the walk through tunnel with the albino zebra shark! well spread out and enjoyed a walk day with few crowds. Fair price for all you get to see. loved the shark exhibits. Great for two adults!
Melanie Morgridge - 2 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating It is kind of crowded a lot, but if you put your headphones 🎧 on full volume, that might help. Because animals is really hypnotic and nice to watch. Of course I wish all of the animals were in a nature, but the ones inside is looking good, and been taken care of. Hopefully they are happy and fed 😁 I live here and love visiting this place
Alona Malynska - 3 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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