The Maritime Aquarium

No visit to Norwalk is complete unless you make a stop at the The Maritime Aquarium in South Norwalk. As one of the top attractions in New England, the Maritime Aquarium appeals to the wonder in all of us for the creatures of the sea. This state-of-the-art facility has over 75 live exhibits featuring more than 2,700 marine animals. You will even find some furry creatures, like meerkats and tamarins! The stars of the aquarium are the cute and playful harbor seals while the Touch Tank is another top attraction. Get up close and personal with stingrays, sharks, jellyfish and intertidal animals, such as horseshoe crabs. 

If you’d rather be on the seas, The R/V Spirit of the Sound, is the aquarium’s 64-foot all-aluminum catamaran that cruises the Long Island Sound. Launched in 2015, as the first research vessel in North America with hybrid-electric propulsion, this revolutionary vessel runs on electric power which is virtually silent. The public cruises available year round include something for everyone including Seal-Spotting & Birding, Sunset, Marine Life Encounter, Norwalk Islands Cruises and More! 

The Spirit of the Sound can also be booked for private charters, school or group charters. For private charters—think family occasions, special events or business outings. For school and groups think, study cruise programs onto Long Island Sound.

The Aquarium is open, but you must plan your visit with them by reserving tickets ahead of time; this is to ensure visitors enjoy a safe, entertaining, and educational experience. They have procedures in place in order to adhere to the recommended guidelines by the State of Connecticut and the C.D.C. For more information and to reserve your tickets, go to the Maritime Aquarium’s website: https://www.maritimeaquarium.org.