Norwalk, CT - Maritime Aquarium has announced a few July event highlights.
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.
Fireworks Cruises
Celebrate the Fourth of July with The Maritime Aquarium! Passengers aboard Spirit of the Sound will enjoy unique on-the-water views of Rowayton and Norwalk’s fireworks displays.
Cruise times:
- Rowayton fireworks: Sunday, July 2 at 7:45 p.m.
- Norwalk fireworks: Monday, July 3 at 7:45 p.m.
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.
Fireworks cruises are 3.5 hours long. Passengers must be at least 42 inches tall, and those under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Tickets can be purchased for $75 at www.maritimeaquarium.org.
Marine Life Encounter Cruises
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.
Marine Life Encounter Cruises will be held on Thursday, July 6; Friday, July 7; Saturday, July 8; and Sunday, July 9 at 1:15 p.m. Check www.maritimeaquarium.org/events for additional dates, times, and price.
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, July 7 at 6:30 p.m. for a TGIF Cruise. Passengers will arrive back from this 90-minute cruise with enough time to enjoy a late dinner just steps away in SoNo.
Check www.maritimeaquarium.org/events for additional dates, times, and price.
Greens Ledge Lighthouse Tour
The Maritime Aquarium and The Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society will hold the second of three public cruises to the recently-restored Greens Ledge Lighthouse – one of the only active lighthouses in the world offing full-access – for an exclusive tour on Saturday, July 8 at 9 a.m.
This excursion is approximately 3 hours long. Passengers must be at least 42-inches tall and wear sturdy, close-toed shoes. Sandals and flip-flops are not permitted at the lighthouse, where guests will be walking up and down steep stairways.
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 SUMMER HOURS (July 1 – Sept. 4):
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily.
ADMISSION PRICES:
Aquarium only: $31.95 adults; $27.95 seniors (65+); $22.95 children (3-12).
Add a 4D movie: $7 per person ($6 for members).