Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration

The facility maintains two outdoor beluga whale habitats, a ray and shark touch pool, African penguin exhibits, and jellyfish galleries across its grounds.

The aquarium began operations in 1973 through industrialist Kelvin Smith, who selected Mystic for its maritime heritage and coastal location.

The Ocean Exploration Center presents discoveries from Dr. Robert Ballard's expeditions, including maps and artifacts from the RMS Titanic exploration.

The institution offers animal encounters programs where visitors can interact with penguins and other marine species under professional supervision.

This facility stands as one of only two locations in the United States that houses Steller sea lions and the sole location in New England with beluga whales.

Location: Connecticut

Inception: October 6, 1973

Address: 55 Coogan Blvd, Mystic, CT 06355, USA 06372

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:00-18:00

Phone: +18605725955

Website: http://mysticaquarium.org

GPS coordinates: 41.37361,-71.95278

Latest update: September 20, 2025 21:00