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

Official Website: New York Aquarium

Fee: Yes

Regular 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

Reviews

Rated 4.2 out of 5New York Aquarium Star Rating

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 - 1 month ago

5 Star Rating Great way to spend half a day with your family, enjoying breathtaking views and learning new things on the way! Carefully designed space, filled with interactive content. On top of it, it feels good knowing that a portion of the ticket price goes to good causes.

Vinko Jukic - 19 days ago

5 Star Rating I would recommend the New York Aquarium to families, couples, and even to go alone. They have a beautiful selection of sea life on display. I would definitely recommend the California sea lion show, the show is probably 20 minutes to a 1/2 hour but certainly teaches all about the animals and how to treat our oceans. The New York Aquarium is very clean and they are big on recycling trash. All the workers are very helpful and kind. We went through all exhibits and saw all sea animals and shows in about 2 1/2 hours. Afterwords, we took a walk down the boardwalk at Coney Island which is located right behind the aquarium. I would also recommend looking into the membership it is worth it and you get discounts throughout the parks. Again, I would recommend The New York Aquarium.

James Wood - 3 months ago

5 Star Rating Incredibly beautiful place that's a must visit while in New York. Children and adults can get lost in the wonder of underwater life while visiting here. There's so much to learn. The staff is kind and attentive and they will answer any questions. The place is free on Wednesdays (with prior reservation) but the $29+ ticket is definitely worth it. They've done an amazing job restoring it after the damage of hurricane Sandy. New York City is lucky to have an aquarium like this. BTW. DON'T MISS THE SEA LION SHOW

Ruben Baltodano - 2 months ago

5 Star Rating It never gets old coming here again and again. I’ve at least been here 10 times by now and have witness how they rebuilt and reconstructed it to how it looks today - with sharks, jelly fishes and aqua theater. The sea lion show is only 7 min long but it’s worth coming to see it at least ones in a life time. It’s amazing how smart they are. Cafeteria is on a pricey side but it’s expected like at any attraction in New York. There a gift shop with good choice of toys and souvenirs. We love the colorful fish and penguins of course too :)

Maria Nova - 2 months ago

Accommodations near New York Aquarium:

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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Photo Gallery

Video


Interesting video showcasing the diverse range of marine life at the New York Aquarium along with the challenges created by Hurricance Sandy and future plans
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