Have you ever fed a ray or touched one as it "flew" by? Now you can!

Ray Touch Pool

Come visit the Ray Touch Pool!
It's not just hands-on - it's hands-in!

Roll up your sleeves, reach in and touch the back of a cownose ray as it swims by! You may even get a playful splash!

Now, kids and grown-ups alike can literally get a feel for these gentle, mysterious creatures, as they gracefully glide just below the water's surface - and within easy reach of your fingertips!

Some say they have a nose like a cow, but these cownose rays are actually related to the shark family, with cartilage and a small, shark-like dorsal fin. They are active and inquisitive, preferring to swim near the top of the tank, unlike other species of rays that rest on the bottom.

And while these Atlantic Ocean natives can be up to 3 feet wide and weigh as much as 100 pounds, cownose rays literally seem to "fly" through the water! That's because their pectoral fins appear to flap up and down like the wings of a bird.

Come and see for yourself why this new exhibit at Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is really making a big splash with visitors of all ages!

The Ray Encounter & Feeding Program takes place at 11:30 am and 1:30 pm Saturday and Sunday.
Ever wonder what it would be like to feed a Ray? In this fun and interactive experience, enjoy getting up close and personal with these gentle members of the shark family as they glide through the water to eat fish right out of your hand.

This program is offered through the Information Booth inside the Aquarium and requires a program fee of $8.00 for members and $10.00 for non-members. Sessions are limited to 10 people per feeding.

*Please note: the Ray Touch Pool will be closed until the end of February.