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 is required for all Encounter Program with the exception of Trainer for a Day.
Sea Lions Up Close
$119 NON-MEMBERS, $109 MEMBERS
During this up-close encounter, guests will not only meet one of Mystic Aquarium’s resident California sea lions and get a behind the scenes look at the Foxwoods Marine Theater, but will also participate in a 20-minute private training session! During this approximately 45-minute program, guests will receive an exclusive guided tour of the Foxwoods Marine Theater while learning directly from our animal care experts. Discover each of our rescued sea lion’s unique stories and gain an understanding of training programs, animal biology and natural history plus current conservation issues and how you can help make a difference.
Restrictions: Must be at least eight years old; ages 8-12 must be accompanied by a paying participating adult. Maximum of two guests per encounter.
Sea Lions up Close Interactive Program Conditions of Participation
Encounter occurs rain or shine and is available January through April, November and December
Please note: General admission is required for all Encounter Program with the exception of Trainer for a Day.
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.
Restrictions: Must be at least six years old; ages 6-12 must be accompanied by paying, participating adult. Guests are required to wear a personal flotation device during the duration of their program. To ensure guest safety during the animal encounter, Mystic Aquarium staff will first discuss safety protocols with program participants. An Aquarium staff member will at all times be responsible for monitoring guest conduct and behavior.
Seals up Close Interactive Program Conditions of Participation
Encounter occurs rain or shine and is available May through October.
Please note: General admission is required for all Encounter Program with the exception of Trainer for a Day.
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.
Restrictions: Must be at least six years old; ages 6-12 must be accompanied by paying, participating adult; must be able to climb stairs.
Penguins Up Close Interactive Program Conditions of Participation
Encounter occurs rain or shine and is available year round.
Please note: General admission is required for all Encounter Program with the exception of Trainer for a Day.
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.
Restrictions: Must be at least 5 ft tall and be able to stand unassisted for the duration of the program; children under 16 must be accompanied by paying, participating, adult. Guests are required to wear a personal flotation device for the duration of their program. To ensure guest safety during the animal encounter, Mystic Aquarium staff will first discuss safety protocols with program participants. An Aquarium staff member will at all times be responsible for monitoring guest conduct and behavior.
Beluga Encounter Interactive Program Conditions of Participation
Encounter occurs rain or shine and is available May through October.
Please note: General admission is required for all Encounter Program with the exception of Trainer for a Day.
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.
Restrictions: Must be at least six years old to participate in the painting portion of encounter; ages 6-12 must be accompanied by paying, participating adult. Children five years old and under can enter and watch the program but cannot participate in the painting portion.
Paint with a Stingray Interactive Program Conditions of Participation
Encounter occurs rain or shine and is available year round.
Please note: General admission is required for all Encounter Program with the exception of Trainer for a Day.
Trainer for a Day
$389 non-members, $379 members (includes Aquarium admission)
Ever wonder what it takes to train marine animals? Now you can find out! From 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., you will enjoy the company of our animal care team as you explore behind the scenes and learn what it takes to be a marine animal trainer. You will interact with African penguins, beluga whales, seals or sea lions through hands-on, side-by-side training sessions.
Restrictions: Must be at least 13 years old to participate. Guests are required to wear a personal flotation device for the duration of their program. To ensure guest safety during the animal encounter, Mystic Aquarium staff will first discuss safety protocols with program participants. An Aquarium staff member will at all times be responsible for monitoring guest conduct and behavior.
Trainer for a Day Interactive Program Conditions of Participation
Encounter occurs rain or shine and is available May through October.
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.