Mystic Aquarium is a pioneer in offering guests a variety of up close animal encounters.
In an effort to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet, our encounter programs offer guests a unique experience that fosters a deeper appreciation for animals here at the Aquarium and in the wild.
Please note:
General admission not included in encounter pricing unless otherwise noted.
Seals up Close
$119 Non-Members, $109 Members
During this up close and personal encounter, guests will experience exclusive access to one of Mystic Aquarium’s resident harbor seals. The 40-minute program allows for interaction with these captivating creatures and the animal care experts who care for them. Get to know more about our beloved harbor seals including their natural history and adaptations, animal care and enrichment training, and current conservation issues.
To ensure guest safety during the animal encounter, Mystic Aquarium staff will first discuss safety protocols with program participants. Guests are required to wear a personal flotation device for the duration of their encounter program. An Aquarium staff member will at all times be responsible for monitoring guest conduct and behavior.
Encounter occurs rain or shine and is available May through October. Online sales begin in April.
Penguins up Close
$119 non-members, $109 for members
Enjoy an exclusive opportunity to meet a penguin and learn about animal care from our Penguin Trainers! The Roger Tory Peterson Penguin Pavilion is among the most popular exhibits here at Mystic Aquarium – take this opportunity to go behind the scenes and get up close to our colony of African penguins.
Encounter occurs rain or shine and is available year round.
Beluga Encounter
$179 non-members, $169 members
Enjoy a classroom introduction and preparation (approx. 20 min.) followed by a 20 minute in-water experience where you’ll pull on waterproof waders and go waist-deep in the Arctic Coast exhibit to meet a beluga. Learn about the species and try your hand at directing a behavior. Feel the whale’s melon and finish with a posed photo with a beluga. A question and answer session is available to conclude the program.
To ensure guest safety during the animal encounter, Mystic Aquarium staff will first discuss safety protocols with program participants. Guests are required to wear a personal flotation device for the duration of their encounter program. An Aquarium staff member will at all times be responsible for monitoring guest conduct and behavior.
Encounter occurs rain or shine and is available May through October. Online sales begin in April.
Paint with a Stingray
$50 non-members, $40 members
Step into the Ray Touch Tent and help our staff during a private feeding and enrichment session. This interactive experience allows you to work side-by-side with our Aquarists to provide enrichment for our stingrays. You’ll achieve a better understanding of stingrays and their natural behaviors all while providing them with various stimuli.
Encounter occurs rain or shine and is available year round.
Proposing?
Surprise your true love with a memorable marriage proposal at Mystic Aquarium. There are several packages to choose from; all tailor-made to create a memory to treasure for a lifetime.