Norwalk, CT - THE MARITIME AQUARIUM AT NORWALK inspires people of all ages to appreciate and protect the Long Island Sound ecosystem and the global environment through living exhibits, marine science and environmental education. The aquarium is home to over 7,000 animals of hundreds of species including seals, sharks, rays, jellies, turtles and meerkats. Additionally, it offers sensory-enhanced 4D movies, in-person and virtual education programs for schools and families, and public cruises aboard its hybrid-electric research vessel. The Maritime Aquarium is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, and receives support from the State of Connecticut DECD’s Offices of Culture and Tourism. For more information, visit www.maritimeaquarium.org.
New Harbor Seal Pup at Pinniped Cove
The Maritime Aquarium welcomed a harbor seal pup, Sono, on April 5. He is the first harbor seal to be born at the Aquarium since 1989 and is named after the neighborhood of South Norwalk, where the Aquarium is located. He entered Pinniped Cove on May 7 – zipping across the length of the pool, diving to new depths, and exploring the habitat’s caves and alcoves. However, as he adjusts to his new home, he may not be visible to guests at all times.
Pinniped Cove opened in June of 2021. It is eight times larger than the aquarium’s previous exhibit and allows guests to view the seals from three sides and two levels. Visitors can watch daily Seal Training Demonstrations at the exhibit at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
TGIF Cruise
What better way to start off your weekend than with a relaxing boat ride around the Norwalk Islands? Join The Maritime Aquarium on Friday, June 23 at 6:30 p.m. for a TGIF Cruise. Passengers will arrive back from this 90-minute cruise to enjoy a late dinner just steps away in SoNo.
Passengers must be at least 42 inches tall, and those under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Food and drink isn’t available for purchase on the boat. However, guests may bring food and beverages in a small bag or soft-sided cooler. Glass bottles are prohibited.
Check www.maritimeaquarium.org/events for additional dates, times, and price.
Marine Life Encounter Cruise
Explore Long Island Sound on The Maritime Aquarium’s Marine Life Encounter Cruises! This experience reveals the biodiversity of the Sound to passengers with water samples that bring up plankton, fish, crabs, mollusks, and more. Passengers will assist with recording data on their findings. Smaller organisms, like plankton, are examined with a video-microscope.
Marine Life Encounter Cruises are 2.5 hours long and will run through October. Passengers must be at least 42 inches tall, and those under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Sunset Cruise
The Maritime Aquarium will hold a Sunset Cruise on Saturday, June 24 at 7 p.m. This 90-minute cruise features beautiful sunset views of the harbor and the Norwalk Islands as well as native wildlife.
Passengers must be at least 42 inches tall, and those under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Food and drink isn’t available for purchase on the boat. However, guests may bring food and beverages in a small bag or soft-sided cooler. Glass bottles are prohibited.
Check www.maritimeaquarium.org/events for additional dates, times, and price.
4D Theater Movies
Two multi-sensory film experiences each hour.
These cinematic experiences send the action off the two-story screen and over the audience with thrill-enhancing sensory special effects such as bubbles, wind, mists, scents and more.
RIO: The 4D Experience
Explore the sights and sounds of Rio de Janeiro with Blu and Jewel, the last blue macaws on Earth in “Rio: The 4D Experience.” On their journey, the unexpected duo is captured by bird smugglers and must work together despite Blu’s inability to fly. As they try to escape the claws of an evil cockatoo, Nigel, they must dodge beach balls, umbrellas, carnival floats, and beach-goers – finding courage, friendship and love along the way! Featured in digital 3D and brought to life with 4D multi-sensory effects, this is a 12-minute immersive experience for the whole family to enjoy.
BBC EARTH’S OCTOPUS: BLUE PLANET II 4D EXPERIENCE
Inspired by the critically-acclaimed BBC series, Blue Planet II, this special effects experience takes you beneath the surface to explore dynamic oceanic landscapes and one of the most captivating creatures that dwells there: the octopus. Discover how this eight-tentacle wonder masters physical and mental strengths to outwit and escape its underwater rivals in this 12 minute film.
AQUARIUM HOURS:
10 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.
ADMISSION PRICES:
Aquarium only: $29.95 adults; $25.95 seniors (65+); $20.95 children (3-12). Add a 4D movie: $7 per person ($6 for members).
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Call (203) 852-0700 or visit our website at www.maritimeaquarium.org