Unlike most aquariums, The Maritime Aquarium focuses primarily on one body of water: Long Island Sound.

The Congressionally designated “estuary of national significance” is located just outside the aquarium’s doors in Norwalk, Connecticut. 

In The Maritime Aquarium, guests find some 300 species of animals native to the sound and its watershed. Among the animals are sharks, harbor seals, sea turtles, river otters, jellyfish, and a variety of fish and crabs. Memorable encounters include the opportunities to safely touch live intertidal creatures, small sharks, rays and jellyfish. 

Guests and sharks, The Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk, Conn. Credit: The Maritime Aquarium
Guests and sharks, The Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk, Conn.
Credit: The Maritime Aquarium

“We think The Maritime Aquarium is a perfect group-travel stop,” said Dave Sigworth, associate director of communications. “The aquarium can be either the destination of your day-trip outing or as a fun and informative break during your journey between New York and New England.”

With quick on-and-off access from Interstate 95, the aquarium provides an easy, excellent and affordable addition to any itinerary, Sigworth said.

“The best part of a visit to The Maritime Aquarium are the connections that occur,” Sigworth said. “The designs and sizes of our exhibits let guests get close to the animals. They get a thrill looking right into the teeth-filled mouth of 8-foot sand tiger sharks and counting the whiskers of the seals as they swim by.”

Groups can enhance a visit by having an aquarium docent or educator provide a tour of the aquarium galleries. They can even take the group behind the scenes to discover the quality care provided to the marine animals. 

“Time permitting, one of our most memorable options is a 2½-hour study cruise aboard our research vessel out onto Long Island Sound, where participants can have hands-on encounters with animals that we bring up right out of the water right before your eyes,” Sigworth said.

For more information on The Maritime Aquarium call 203-852-0700 or visit maritimeaquarium.org.