Penguin Encounter Program Package
See an African penguin up close during this encounter. An experienced penguin care professional will introduce you to one of our penguins as it relaxes in the Discovery Cart. You will learn all about these remarkable birds and their history; highlighting their endangered status, Mystic Aquarium’s role in conservation and the world-class care they receive here. Each guest will be invited to pose in front of the cart to snap a commemorative photo of this special meet and greet.
Cost: $250; Aquarium members receive a 10% discount (Aquarium admission not included)
Restrictions: Encounter package available for ONE PARTY with a maximum of 5 participants; children 6 and under must be held by a responsible adult. For the safety of the penguin during these unprecedented times, touching will not be permitted.
Sea Lion Spotlight
While ocean conservation is always in the spotlight here at Mystic Aquarium, during this exciting encounter program, you’ll be able to share the limelight with one of our incredible California sea lion species ambassadors. And, although a VIP seat has been reserved just for you – our special guest – you won’t need it for long!
Join our team of animal care professionals in highlighting critical conservation initiatives during one of the live Foxwoods Marine Theater presentations. Step on stage with a California sea lion and its trainer to showcase a behavior important in the animal’s healthcare and enrichment.
Highlights:
- Enjoy VIP seats and be a star during a live California Sea Lion Training & Enrichment Presentation
- Direct an important animal behavior
- Help share vital conservation messaging with audience members
- Learn about sea lion biology, conservation, research and more
- Commemorate the moment with a photo on your phone or camera
Cost: $25 non-member, $20 member (Aquarium admission not included)
Restrictions: Encounter program available for ONE participant only. Children must be at least 8 years old to participate. Guests are required to wear a personal flotation device throughout the duration of their program (floatation device is thoroughly sanitized after each use). To ensure guest the safety of our guests and the animals, Mystic Aquarium will require compliance to all COVID – 19 safety protocols. A member of the Mystic Aquarium team will also inform program participants of all other safety protocols.
Availability: Daily at 11:30am, 1:30pm & 3:30pm
Reptile Encounter Program Package
Get up close to some of the more rugged animal residents here at Mystic Aquarium! Meet three different reptiles (aquarist’s choice!) and learn about each species’ natural history, care and conservation. Each guest is welcome to pose with a reptile in the encounter for a commemorative photo op. Reptiles in this program’s lineup include snake, lizard or turtle species in our care. Program takes place outside in a tented space; guests are encouraged to dress for the weather.
Cost: $139; Aquarium members receive at 10% discount (Aquarium admission not included)
Restrictions: Encounter package available for ONE PARTY with a maximum of 5 people; must be 6 or older to participate. For the safety of the reptile during these unprecedented times, touching will not be permitted.
Ray Encounter Program Package
Get the splash on safety measures in place for this program before dipping your fingers in the water! Participants will learn about stingray natural history, conservation and husbandry care including a unique enrichment technique involving a canvas, some paint and a specially-crafted device. Enjoy private access to our Ray Touch Tent where you will help an aquarist during a feeding session that includes a special ray painting experience. Choose your two paint colors at the start of the program and watch as the stingrays create your one-of-a-kind masterpiece right before your eyes! Let the painting dry as you explore the rest of the Aquarium and pick it up at the end of your day as a lasting memento.
Cost: $109; Aquarium members receive a 10% discount (Aquarium admission not included)
Restrictions: Encounter package available for ONE PARTY with a maximum of 5 people; children 5 and under must be held by a participating adult for the duration of the program. One painting provided.
💍Dive Proposal
Surprise your partner with an underwater proposal! A member of the Aquarium’s dive team will appear in one of our stunning indoor habitats and reveal a sign that shares your hearts’ desire. Choose from our Coral Reef habitat or the Stingray Bay inside our Main Gallery to pop the question!
Cost: $200 + admission
Restrictions: Must be booked at least two weeks in advance and are subject to availability.
Availability: Open the 1st Friday and 1st Saturday of each month at 11am, 1pm or 3pm; currently only booking the following dates:
- Friday, November 6, 2020
- Saturday, November 7, 2020
- Friday, December 4, 2020
- Saturday, December 5, 2020
- Friday, January 1, 2021
- Saturday, January 2, 2021
