The Maritime Aquarium The Maritime Aquarium News

snowleopard

snowleopard

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15+ year member
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This aquarium was founded in 1988 and regularly attracts over 500,000 visitors per year, yet I rarely read about it on this site. There are seals, sea turtles, sharks, river otters and even meerkats so there is certainly not a lack of active and charismatic critters. Does anyone want to type up a mini-review? Would it be possible to visit this establishment and then Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo on the same day? I believe that it is less than 30 minutes between the two institutions, and apparently they are both fairly small.

Map of aquarium:

http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/images/stories/pdf/TMA_MAP_2-2012.pdf
 
The aquarium's website features a basic journey throughout the aquarium.
Your Aquarium Journey
As the website wants to make the aquarium seem flawless, I'll add my own personal opinions:
The Harbor Seal exhibit is a bit on the small side.
The North American River Otter exhibit does not have a lot of land space but does have nice views of the otters underwater. Don't expect a good photo of them as they never sit still!;)
The aquarium recently went through a $4.5 million renovation called "Fintastic Refurbishment" that has new exhibits and animals, like a lemon shark, a snapping turtle, fiddler crabs, and more. Plus, an all-new seal show, enhanced lighting for better views, and more! Also, if you want to go to the seal feedings, get there early as spots fill up quickly.
Check out an incredibly rare sight: a calico lobster, blue lobster, and an orange lobster all in one exhibit. The chances of seeing all these crustaceans together is 1 in 900 quintillion.
One exhibit not mentioned on the aquarium journey I shared is Africa: Journey From the Desert to the Sea. This exhibit features lungfish, cichlids, and more. In addition, there are Black Mud Turtles, Madagascan Giant Day Geckos, and Madagascan Ground Boas. One of their most popular exhibits features six Meerkat siblings born at Hogle Zoo. Their exhibit has glass viewing, and a pop-up bubble for young guests to view them up close. It is a decent exhibit where the Meerkats are enriched often.
As for your question about seeing Maritime and Beardsley in a day, it might be possible. Both of the faculties take about 2-4 hours so you might be able to do it. I hope this was an okay review. ;)
 
Thanks very much! You were definitely a help and visiting both attractions in one day might well happen this summer.
 
By the way, since I know you are a little more critical than others on this site, I want to warn you by saying that Beardsley isn't a San Diego or Bronx Zoo, and Maritime isnt' a Shedd or Georgia Aquarium. They are both small institutions that are mostly average exhibits and some mediocre habitats. I am not sure of Maritime's budget, but Beardsley doesn't have the money to fix some of their bad exhibits.:( Just a little beforehand warning.
 
A video on the new Touch a Shark tank, which features Nurse Sharks, Rays, and baby sharks that can be viewed before and after they are hatched.
 
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The Aquarium is seeking volunteers to help with spring tagging sessions, which will contribute to a horseshoe crab census being conducted by Sacred Heart University. Volunteers should be in 10th grade or older. Younger children can assist if working with a parent, teacher or guardian. To volunteer or for more details, call (203) 852-0700 , ext. 2352.
 
snowleopard said:
Would it be possible to visit this establishment and then Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo on the same day? I believe that it is less than 30 minutes between the two institutions, and apparently they are both fairly small.
Click to expand...

Yes, I did it!
But that was over 10 years ago, so both may have changed a bit since then. My main memory of the Maritime Aquarium was that they had a lot of unused space -- they seemed to be a "work in progress" to me. I also remember a lot of non-aquarium exhibits.
 
ANyhuis said:
Yes, I did it!
But that was over 10 years ago, so both may have changed a bit since then. My main memory of the Maritime Aquarium was that they had a lot of unused space -- they seemed to be a "work in progress" to me. I also remember a lot of non-aquarium exhibits.
Click to expand...

Both have changed a little bit since 10 years ago, but nothing big.
 
Well aren't you lucky snowleopard!
This summer, the aquarium is exhibiting a white alligator.
More info on the white gator who used to always be a summer exhibit until last year.
http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/exhibits-a-animals/special-exhibits
On their home page, the aquarium states that this is the rarest animal you'll ever see, which is pretty false.
 

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I spent an enjoyable part of my day at the aquarium today. I haven't been to the aquarium in 2 years, and the refurbishment looks great. The whole place looks a lot better, and more interactive. I think the Loggerhead Sea Turtle has died, but 2 Green Sea Turtles are in its exhibit. Also, the white gator has only 2 days left until he returns to St. Augustine.
 
From the aquarium's Facebook:
Check it out! NEW stage just installed in the Aquarium's theater. Now in addition to movies we can offer live shows: Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Oct. 18; Arctic Explorers, Nov. 29; Adam & Anthony from "Rent", Dec. 6; Sylvia Earle, Jan. 24; Jack Hanna, March 14; Jean-Michel Cousteau, May 20. See our web site for info and advance tix!
 
A Giant Pacific Octopus was recently added to the collection.
The IMAX Theater renovation is almost complete with new comfy chairs with cupholders, new floor and wall treatments, stage for live presentations, and a concession stand. It will open up again on October 19.
 
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