New York Aquarium: America’s oldest aquarium
The New York Aquarium opened in 1896 and is the oldest aquarium in the United States. Home to over 500 marine species, it spans 5.7 hectares across Coney Island in Brooklyn.
Booking Ticket for the New York Aquarium
What You Should Know About the New York Aquarium
- The New York Aquarium was founded in 1896. Originally, it occupied Castle Clinton in Battery Park, at the site where you now buy tickets for the Statue of Liberty. The aquarium moved in 1957 to its current home at Coney Island, in the southern part of Brooklyn.
- The aquarium is run by the Wildlife Conservation Society, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting animals and their habitats. The organization also manages New York’s zoos, including the Bronx Zoo and the Central Park Zoo. In total, the organization employs 4,000 people working in about 60 countries worldwide.
- The New York Aquarium is home to more than 8,000 animals representing 500 different species. These range from California sea lions and walruses to octopuses, sea otters, jellyfish, sharks, and rays. New species arrive each year. In 2025, for example, the aquarium welcomed its first seahorses, an endangered species.
What to See at the New York Aquarium
- The New York Aquarium spans more than 5.7 hectares (14 acres), roughly the size of 8 football fields. It’s an expansive facility with plenty to explore.
- The tanks and exhibits recreate each species’ natural habitat as closely as possible. You’ll feel like you’re taking a journey around the world, from the Atlantic to the polar regions and the Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
- The highlight of any visit is the spectacular shark tunnel. A glass tunnel lets you walk through a tank filled with sharks—an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike. Another standout is the Aquatheater. Three times daily, sea lions perform amazing acrobatics here, guided by their trainers.
- Nearby, you can touch starfish and crabs in the touch pool. Aquarium staff are on hand to guide you and explain each species. The aquarium’s mission is to educate visitors about marine life and inspire conservation efforts.
Book Your New York Aquarium Tickets
- Save time at the entrance and secure your visit by purchasing tickets in advance on our CNEWYORK site. Go to our New York Aquarium ticket booking module. You’ll also save on currency exchange and bank fees by paying directly in euros, Swiss francs, or Canadian dollars.
- Select your visit date and number of visitors, then complete payment. Book a bit in advance—tickets are sent by email within 48 hours of purchase, subject to availability. The aquarium is one of Brooklyn’s most visited attractions.
- Your ticket includes aquarium entry and one 4D cinema screening. Taxes are included in the price.
Practical Information
- Address: 602 Surf Avenue, Brooklyn, New York. The aquarium sits directly on the Coney Island waterfront boardwalk, next to Luna Park, Coney Island’s famous amusement park. You can easily visit both in one trip.
- Subway: W 8 St-NY Aquarium station (F and Q lines).
- Hours: Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm on weekdays and until 5:30 pm on weekends and school holidays. Last entry is one hour before closing.
- Admission: To skip the line, book tickets in advance using our New York Aquarium ticket booking module.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age to visit the New York Aquarium?
The New York Aquarium welcomes visitors of all ages. The facility offers educational programs and activities for everyone. It’s designed to be very family-friendly, with plenty for children. Children under 2 enter free.
How long does it take to visit the New York Aquarium at Coney Island?
If you’re in a hurry, you can see the entire aquarium in about an hour. But take your time—there’s plenty to see. Most visitors spend 2 hours inside. If you want to catch the shows and activities, add another hour. The aquarium easily fills a morning. Afterward, grab a hot dog at Nathan’s, visit Luna Park, or take a walk along the beach or toward Brighton Beach.
New York Aquarium in Photos
