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.
Paint with a Sea Lion Program
Enjoy a one-on-one interaction with a California sea lion and an animal care professional during this exciting in-person enrichment activity! Start off with a quick safety recap from the bleachers of our Foxwoods Marine Theater then select your paint colors. Next, step on stage and get an incredible view of a sea lion painting! Hear the benefits of this behavior all while learning about California sea lions and their natural adaptations.
After the program wraps, explore the rest of the Aquarium then pick up your dried masterpiece before heading home.
Cost: $139; Aquarium members receive a 10% discount (Aquarium admission not included)
Restrictions: Encounter available for one person; must be 14 or older to participate. For the safety of the sea lion during these unprecedented times, touching will not be permitted.
Sea Lion Up Close Program Package
You’ll meet one of our resident California sea lions during a private session under the guidance of an animal care professional! Step on stage where you’ll practically come foot to flipper with a sea lion. Discover the animal’s unique story and gain a better understanding of training programs, animal biology and natural history plus current conservation issues and how you can help make a difference. Following the short Q&A segment, guests will be invited for an exclusive photo opportunity.
Cost: $150; Aquarium members receive a 10% discount (Aquarium admission not included)
Restrictions: Encounter available for ONE PARTY for up to two participants; must be 12 or older to participate. For the safety of the sea lion under the unprecedented times, touching will not be permitted.
Sea Lion Encounter Program Package
Your group will meet one of our resident California sea lions during a private session under the guidance of an animal care professional. Sit in the stands of the Foxwoods Marine Theater as a trainer invites one of the sea lions out of the water and right in front of you! Discover the animal’s unique story and gain a better understanding of training programs, animal biology and natural history plus current conservation issues and how you can help make a difference. Following the short Q&A segment, guests will be invited for an exclusive photo opportunity.
Cost: $100 ($50 per person with two-participant minimum); each additional participant is an additional $50. Aquarium members receive a 10% discount (Aquarium admission not included)
Restrictions: Encounter available for ONE PARTY with a minimum of two participants and a maximum of 10; children 6 and under must be held by a responsible adult. For the safety of the sea lion during these unprecedented times, touching will not be permitted.
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.
