Central Wharf

Aerial shot of Central Wharf plaza in front of the New England Aquarium
Central Wharf Plaza Photo: Vanessa Kahn
The Aquarium is located on Central Wharf, overlooking Boston Harbor, and is part of Boston’s downtown waterfront. Whether you are visiting the Aquarium, seeing a film at the Simons Theatre, exploring our free outdoor art exhibit, catching a Whale Watch or Duck Tour, sightseeing with CityPASS®, or strolling the Harborwalk, we welcome you!
PHOTO EXHIBIT

Voices of the Waterfront

Sentiments from community members eager to provide a resilient and inclusive waterfront will be on display as part of the Voices of the Waterfront photo exhibition. The free outdoor exhibit, presented in partnership with the Coalition for a Resilient and Inclusive Waterfront, showcases 27 large-scale photos of people working together to access Boston Harbor and area waterways.

Voices of the Waterfront intro panel on Central Wharf
Voices of the Waterfront intro panel on Central Wharf Photo: Vanessa Kahn
BOSTON HARBOR CITY CRUISES

New England Aquarium Whale Watch

Sail to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, a rich feeding ground for whales, dolphins, sea birds, and other marine creatures. Stellwagen is home to many species of large whales, including humpbacks, finbacks, minkes, and the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. Naturalists onboard will share knowledge and answer questions. Runs mid-May through November.

New England Aquarium Whale Watch
New England Aquarium Whale Watch Photo: Boston Harbor City Cruises
FOOD & BEVERAGE

Dining on Central Wharf

Whether it’s a casual lunch and cold beverage at Dockside on Central Wharf, our public beer garden, to a cone at Ben & Jerry’s, enjoy a number of dining options right on the Aquarium plaza.

Entrance to Dockside Beer Garden on Central Wharf
Dockside Beer Garden on Central Wharf Photo: Vanessa Kahn
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A Downtown Waterfront for All

Boston’s residents—from every neighborhood—deserve a publicly accessible, resilient, and inclusive waterfront. Learn more about the New England Aquarium’s work to support a Downtown Waterfront for All.

BOSTON CITYPASS

Save With CityPASS®

Sightseeing in Boston? Bundle New England Aquarium admission with 3 more top Boston attractions and save 48% with Boston CityPASS® tickets. Visit the attractions at your own pace, in any order, over 9-days. One easy purchase and mobile ticket delivery save you time and money.

Save 48% at 4 top attractions with Boston CityPASS®
Boston CityPASS®
EXPLORE THE CITY

Boston Duck Tours

With the option to depart from the Aquarium, world famous Boston Duck Tours are a convenient and fun way to learn about the city of Boston. The 80-minute tour will guide you through Boston’s many historical landmarks and unique neighborhoods—from land and sea.

Boston Duck Tours stops in front of the Aquarium
Boston Duck Tours stops in front of the Aquarium. Photo: Vanessa Kahn

Harborwalk

Enjoy a piece of the 43-mile Harborwalk, which stretches from East Boston to Dorchester. Along the Harborwalk, observe maritime industrial areas and working ports, go for a swim, visit parks, explore museums, sample foodie destinations, and more.

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