Located on the Riegelmann waterfront in Coney Island in the New York borough of Brooklyn, the New York Aquarium is the oldest aquarium in the United States. Initially opened in 1896 in the former Castle Garden circular fort in Battery Park in Manhattan, it has since been relocated in 1957 a Coney Island.
The aquarium is managed by the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), a body that also manages the four New York zoos. Structure it occupies almost 14 hectares and hosts more than 350 species of aquatic fauna. A interesting visit to do with family and children or as a couple.
La mission of the aquarium is to sensitize visitors and public opinion in general about the problems that afflict the ocean and its inhabitants, safeguarding and preserving the various ecosystems. Various special exhibitions, public events and research on the marine environment are organized throughout the year.
The program of breeding of seahorses. The main program of the aquarium, however, is the New York Seascape, one designed to restore and protect the waters of the sea surrounding New York and the marine species that inhabit them.
Visit of the aquarium
The New York Aquarium consists of five exhibitions: Aquatheater; Conservation Hall; Sea Cliffs; Sharks, Rays & Turtles; and Ocean Wonders: Sharks. Inside the aquarium it is possible to discover and admire aquatic species such as: African penguins, bull sharks, California sea lions, walruses, seals, sea otters and stingrays.
Il Sea cliff it hosts all those oceanic species that spend most of their time along the rocky coasts. Among the main combinations of these places: penguins, sea otters and seals
In 'Aquatheater sea lion shows take place three times a day. The show schedule varies seasonally. It is advisable to check the list at the entrance for the times of the daily shows.
For ocean lovers in the exhibition Conservation Hall you can admire the colorful marine life that animates our seas in the large Glover's Reef aquarium.
If you want to know the marine species that you might encounter diving in the stretch of sea off the Coney Island waterfront, in the exhibition Sharks, Rays & Turtles you will see sharks, rays, sea turtles and many other species.
The main attraction of the aquarium however is Ocean Wonders: Sharks!, a huge tank with about 3 million liters of water that is home to hundreds of aquatic species including various sharks. Within this exhibition, many curiosities about these animals are explained, which fascinate and create fear at the same time.
Do not miss the visit of Bathysphere, a submarine used in the 30s for the first historic underwater voyages to discover the marine world and on display exclusively at the aquarium.
The New York Aquarium also houses a 4D theater, which combines the projection of a 3D film with extra sensory effects. Between Novelty 2021 we find Spineless, an exhibition on marine invertebrates and PlayQuarium, a new highly interactive exhibition.
The New York Aquarium is located near the famous Coney Island funfair. Therefore, you can combine a visit to the Aquarium with that of the characteristic amusement park located on the beautiful New York beach or eat the famous hot dogs at Nathan's!
Opening time
The aquarium is open 365 days a year and the animals are exhibited all year round. There duration of the visit is about 2 hours. Aquatheater shows are weather dependent.
Summer opening hours
Winter opening hours are valid from the beginning of April to the first Monday of September
- aquarium opening at 10:00 in the morning
- last admission at 17:00
- aquarium closes at 18:00
Autumn opening hours
Winter opening hours are valid from the first Tuesday of September to the end of October
- aquarium opening at 10:00 in the morning
- last admission at 16:00
- aquarium closes at 17:00
Winter opening hours
Winter opening hours are valid from the beginning of November to the end of March
- aquarium opening at 10:00 in the morning
- last admission at 15:30
- aquarium closes at 16:30
Ticket prices
Le ticket fares to access the New York Aquarium are:
- ticket cost for adults (ages 13 and up) - $ 19,95
- ticket cost for children (3 to 12 years) - $ 14,95
- free admission for children from 0 to 2 years
- ticket cost for Senior (65 years and over) - $ 17,95
How to reach us
The New York Aquarium is easily reachable from Manhattan and other New York neighborhoods. The aquarium is located near several metro and bus stops. L'address is: Surf Avenue and West 8th Street, Coney Island
It is advisable to take the lines of the metro F or Q to West 8th Street Station in Coney Island. Or if you prefer the bus you can use the B36 line to Surf Ave. and West 8th St., or the B68 to Neptune Ave. and West 8th St.
One is available parking for a fee. The car park opens 30 minutes before the Aquarium opens at 9:30 am.
Car parking rates:
- 0 to 3 hours - $ 18
- 3 to 4 hours - $ 25
- more than 4 hours - $ 40
