Accessibility
The Aquarium is committed to maintaining an inclusive and welcoming environment for all locals and visitors, including those with visual, hearing, physical, and sensory-processing needs. We strive to provide engaging exhibits and educational experiences for everyone.
Mobility Accommodations and Services
Free entry: Visitors using wheelchairs and visitors with visual impairments are welcome at the Aquarium free of charge. Skip the line outside and get your tickets at the Information Desk.
Free wheelchair rental: The Aquarium has wheelchairs that guests may borrow for free. They are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To sign out a wheelchair, please speak to our staff at the Information Desk in the main lobby. A form of ID must be provided to borrow a wheelchair.
Simons Theatre seating: Accessible seating is located at the top of the theater. There is space for up to eight wheelchairs. Elevator access will bring you to the top of the theater.
Family/Companion Restrooms: Two family/companion restrooms are located on level 2 between the elevator and the Harbor View Café. An adult changing table is also available on level 1 of the Aquarium. Please note, that it is not portable or power-adjusted. To access the adult changing table, please inquire at the Information Desk in the main lobby.
Aquarium layout: The Aquarium is open and accessible regardless of physical ability. A QR code to scan a full map of the Aquarium, is available in the lobby. The Aquarium features:
- Many exhibit tanks that either extend to the floor or feature eye-level viewing
- Benches conveniently located throughout the building
- Elevators located in the Tropical Gallery (level 1), in the West Wing special exhibit area (to the right of the exhibit entrance), outside of Harbor View Café (level 2)
- Accessible restrooms in the lobby (level 1) and to the left of the elevator just outside the Harbor View Café (level 2)
Whale Watch accessibility: The Aurora, Asteria, and Cetacea Whale Watch boats offer wheelchair access to the main deck, including the exterior bow, stern, gallery, and a wheelchair-accessible restroom at the rear of the main deck.
Visual Accommodations and Services
Free entry: Visitors using wheelchairs and visitors with visual impairments are welcome at the Aquarium free of charge. Skip the line outside and get your tickets at the Information Desk.
Exhibit design: Many Aquarium exhibits incorporate elements that are helpful to visitors with visual impairments, such as oversized typefaces, bold illustrations, colorful graphics, photographs, and diagrams.
Service dog entry: The Aquarium permits entry to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defined service dogs that are working animals trained to perform tasks for the benefit of individuals with physical or mental disabilities—such as guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, alerting and protecting people prone to seizures, or other tasks directly related to disability. These dogs must always be under control due to the nature of the facility and the animals under our care. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Auditory Accommodations and Services
Exhibit design: Visitors who are deaf or hard of hearing can benefit from description panels throughout the New England Aquarium. These panels include exhibit descriptions, species identification, discussions of conversation issues, photographs, diagrams, and much more.
Text relay services: A text relay service allows individuals with hearing or speech impairment to communicate over the phone through a mediator. You can use a TTY device or cellphone (iPhone directions and Android directions) to dial 711 and be connected with a TRS communications assistant. Once connected with an operator, specify whether you would like to make a text or voice call and provide the operator with the Aquarium phone number: 617-973-5206. This free service will connect you to the Aquarium, where we will answer any of your questions.
Simons Theatre films: The following options are available for selected films:
- Assistive listening devices
- Closed captioning devices: A limited number of devices and reflectors for captioning are available at the theater’s box office 15 minutes before showtime. Please ask the theater director or manager on duty. A form of ID must be provided to borrow equipment. For quicker service, make a request to the Aquarium’s box office when purchasing or picking up tickets or call 617-975-5206.
Service dog entry: The Aquarium permits entry to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defined service dogs that are working animals trained to perform tasks for the benefit of individuals with physical or mental disabilities—such as guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, alerting and protecting people prone to seizures, or other tasks directly related to disability. These dogs must always be under control due to the nature of the facility and the animals under our care. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Sensory-Processing and Cognitive Accommodations and Services
KultureCity certified: The Aquarium is proud to be certified as a trained and trusted advocate for those with sensory needs by KultureCity. Our frontline staff has received training designed to raise awareness of sensory-processing needs. View our social story (en español | en français) on the Kulture City website.
Sensory-processing kits: To help people with special sensory-processing needs enjoy their visit, special kits (which include noise-canceling headphones, fidget tools, picture-communication cards, and a KultureCity VIP lanyard) are available at the Information Desk. A form of ID must be provided to borrow a sensory-processing kit. In addition, guests may check out a weighted lap pad. These items are available for use in both the Aquarium and Simons Theatre.
Sensory cool-down space: A designated area in the lower West Wing and our first-aid room are available for guests seeking a quiet, private space. Please ask staff for assistance accessing these areas.
Family Accommodations and Services
Nursing babies: The Aquarium supports parents’ right to feed wherever they feel comfortable. To access a private space, please inquire at the Information Desk in the main lobby.
Stroller access: Every part of the Aquarium is open to visitors with strollers, though not all of Simons Theatre. Please note:
- In the Aquarium, visitors must always keep strollers with them; they are a safety hazard if left unattended.
- Elevators are located: in the Tropical Gallery (level 1), in the West Wing special exhibit area (to the right of the exhibit entrance), outside of Harbor View Café (level 2)
- Unfortunately, strollers are not admitted to Simons Theatre but are stored in a designated area while you enjoy a film.
Health and Emergency Accommodations and Services
Food allergies: For allergen information or questions regarding menu items in the Harbor View Café, please get in touch with our café managers at 617-590-2540.
Automated external defibrillators: Two automated external defibrillators (AED) are located throughout the Aquarium and one in the Simons Theatre. First-responder personnel has been trained in their use.
Medical and emergency assistance: Please contact a staff member at the Information Desk or the closest staff member to you in an emergency.
Service dog entry: The Aquarium permits entry to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) defined service dogs that are working animals trained to perform tasks for the benefit of individuals with physical or mental disabilities—such as guiding people who are blind, alerting people who are deaf, alerting and protecting people prone to seizures, or other tasks directly related to disability. These dogs must always be under control due to the nature of the facility and the animals under our care. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act.