Mystic Aquarium

New for 2016: Seals up Close! 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.

In this 60-minute program, one of our African penguin specialists will describe these remarkable birds, their care here at the aquarium and the special bond they form with their trainers. Participants learn about the history of the species and conservation issues affecting these intriguing animals. Click here to make a reservation.

Enjoy an exclusive opportunity to meet a penguin and learn about animal care from our Penguin Specialists! 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.

As part of our commitment to enriching the lives of our animals, the beluga staff at Mystic Aquarium have taught our belugas to paint. Just like humans, animals benefit from various types of stimuli. Painting can help ensure an enriching and stimulating environment! Now for the first time, we are inviting our guests to be a part of this experience. During a beluga painting session, trainers will introduce you to the whales. It is a great opportunity to learn more about them, their habitat and conservation of the species.

For young children or those who don’t want to get waist-deep in the water during the Beluga Encounter program, Mystic Aquarium offers a way to have an up close visit with a beluga whale without getting wet. During our Whales Up Close program, witness a beluga feeding and learn more about these magnificent animals’ special behaviors with only a three-foot-high window separating you from the whale.

Mystic Aquarium's Beluga Encounter is a hit among guests. Participants put on waterproof gear and wade waist-deep into the Arctic Coast exhibit with the whales and trainers. This program is designed to help guests better understand and connect with these magnificent animals through an up close experience, and is a great opportunity to learn more about them, their habitat and conservation of the species.

Ever wonder what it takes to train marine animals? Now you can find out! You’re going to love being a Trainer for a Day at Mystic Aquarium. From 1 - 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.

Eager to pop the big question? Surprise your true love with a memorable marriage proposal at Mystic Aquarium. There are several packages to choose from, all tailor-made to treasure the rest of your lives. To make a reservation or for more information, call 860.572.5955 ext. 520 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .