Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration's Beluga Encounter has become one of the most popular activities at the Aquarium.

Beluga Encounter

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration’s popular Beluga Encounter Program has been a great hit among visitors. The role of this program is to help Aquarium visitors better understand these magnificent animals by having a more intimate experience with them. This is a great opportunity for visitors to connect with a beluga whale and learn about them, their habitat and conservation.

The 90-minute program is broken into three parts. Before getting into the water, participants are briefed on the history and physiology of beluga whales. Next, participants will put on waterproof gear and wade into the waist-deep water of the rocky Arctic Coast exhibit with the whales and trainers. They will be able to touch the whale’s back and belly and see up-close how they breathe, spout and "sing." 

Aquarium trainers will teach participants how we care for the whales and demonstrate the way in which contact sessions are beneficial to the whale’s health and well-being. Program participants will be waist- to chest-deep in water but will not swim with the whales, and all feeding will be done by our trainers. The last "segment" of the program is a debriefing, during which the trainer and those who participated in the program review the previous contact experience.

Beluga Encounter Programs take place daily through October. Individuals participating in the encounter program must be at least five feet tall and able to stand on their own throughout the program. The cost of the Beluga Encounter Program is $159 (non-members) $150 (members) which includes admission to the Aquarium as well as a professional photo of your encounter.

To inquire about one of our programs or tours, please complete our online Program Registration Form. After you complete the form, a Reservations staff member will contact you to obtain payment and finalize your reservation. Reservations are recommended for this program as spaces fill quickly.  For additional information, please call 860-572-5955 ext. 520. Spaces may also be reserved on-site at our Information Booth.

Frequently Asked Questions

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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 & Institute for Exploration 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.

After meeting with a trainer in the Beluga Encounter Room to learn more about the whales, you'll be led to a behind-the-scenes area of the Arctic Coast exhibit that is not usually accessible to the public, where you'll come face to face with a beluga whale. As trainers interact with the whale, you'll learn more about its special behaviors, which are taught for regular close interaction that includes daily physical examinations, research, exercise, playtime and learning with the whales – all within a foot of the whale. You may even get a chance to touch 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. The Whales Up Close program also makes a great gift for family and friends. To make a reservation, please call (860) 572-5955, ext. 520.

*Depends on participant’s height and number of participants in the session.

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is a non-profit organization. All proceeds from this program and others as well as ticket sales go to funding our education, marine research, marine rescue and release and expeditions.