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Dive into an ocean of adventure at the New York Aquarium, NYC’s only aquarium set right along the iconic Coney Island Boardwalk. Home to over 500 marine species, you’ll come face-to-face with sharks, rays, sea lions, penguins, sea otters, and mesmerizing jellyfish. Don’t miss the highlight – Ocean Wonders: Sharks!, a stunning three-story exhibit featuring 500,000 gallons of water and 18 different shark species.

Your ticket unlocks access to all exhibits, exciting live sea lion shows at the Aquatheater, the immersive 4D Theater, and hands-on touch pools. Book with Thrillark and turn your visit into the perfect seaside escape at Coney Island.

Key Highlights

Ocean Wonders: Sharks!:  get just 9 inches from 18 species of sharks and 100+ marine species
Live sea lion show at the Aquatheater: acrobatics, tricks, and up-close encounters
500,000-gallon shark tank: one of the most immersive shark exhibits in the world
Touch pools: hands-on interactions with sea stars, horseshoe crabs, and rays
Sea Cliffs: seals, black-footed penguins, sea otters, and sea lions in rocky habitat
Spineless exhibit: Pacific octopuses, moon jellyfish, zombie worms, and Japanese spider crabs
Glover’s Reef: Experience a snorkeler’s-eye view of marine life with vibrant displays showcasing a dazzling variety of colorful fish
4D Theater: multi-sensory underwater film experience included with admission

About New York Aquarium Ticket

America's oldest continuously operating aquarium, New York Aquarium, has a new crown jewel, and it's called Ocean Wonders: Sharks! 
This award-winning exhibit is a three-story immersive experience that puts you just nine inches away from 18 species of sharks, plus over 115 other marine species including loggerhead sea turtles and manta rays. It's the highlight of any visit to the New York Aquarium.

Beyond sharks, the aquarium has plenty to offer. Watch California Sea Lions perform in the live Aquatheater shows, go hands-on at the touch pools, and marvel at the ethereal Spineless exhibit featuring giant Pacific octopuses and moon jellyfish. 

Sea Cliffs brings you up close to black-footed penguins, seals, and sea otters in a stunning rocky coastal habitat.

Get a glimpse into the underwater world at Glover’s Reef, where vibrant aquatic displays recreate a snorkeler’s view of colorful marine life swimming in every shade imaginable.

The aquarium is conveniently located on the Coney Island boardwalk, so pair your visit with a stroll along the beach or a stop at the iconic Nathan's Famous. 

Book your tickets on Thrillark and make a full Coney Island day of it.

Inclusions

  • Full admission to all aquarium exhibits
  • Live sea lion shows at the Aquatheater
  • 4D Theater experience
  • Interactive touch pool access
  • Access to the Playquarium

Exclusions

  • Food and beverages inside the aquarium
  • Hotel transfers and transportation
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Parking (available on-site at additional cost)
  • Guided Tour

Insiders' Tips

Visit on a weekday afternoon for smaller crowds and a more relaxed pace.

Additional Information

Opening Hours
  • 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Additional Info
  • The 4D Theater may not be suitable for guests who are sensitive to strobe lights, laser-style lighting, fog effects, or loud sounds. It is also not recommended for individuals with back, neck, or similar physical conditions.
  • Please note that photography and video recording may take place during your visit by a WCS employee or authorized guest. By entering, you consent to the use of your image by these parties.
Child Policy
  • Children under 3 enter free
  • Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult
Restrictions
  • No flash photography near animals
  • Do not feed, touch, or interact with animals outside designated touch pool areas
  • Strollers not permitted in most indoor exhibits. Designated stroller parking available
  • There are no locker facilities
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Quiet zones and headphone zones available for guests with sensory processing needs.
  • Service animals are welcome

Cancellation Policy

Non-refundable: All bookings are final once confirmed. Please review your travel dates carefully before completing your purchase.

New York Aquarium Ticket Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ocean Wonders: Sharks! at the New York Aquarium?
Ocean Wonders: Sharks! is a three-story, award-winning exhibit at the New York Aquarium. It features over 500,000 gallons of water and 18 species of sharks along with many other marine animals. Visitors can get incredibly close to the sharks through specially designed viewing panels.
Are the sea lion shows included at the New York Aquarium?
Yes, live sea lion shows at the Aquatheater are included with admission to the New York Aquarium. These shows are entertaining and educational for visitors of all ages. The 4D Theater experience is also included as part of the visit.
Is the New York Aquarium suitable for children?
Yes, the New York Aquarium is very family-friendly and ideal for children. Kids enjoy interactive exhibits, touch pools, and engaging animal shows. It’s a fun and educational experience for young visitors.
How long does it take to explore the New York Aquarium?
Most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours at the New York Aquarium. This allows enough time to see major exhibits and attend a sea lion show. You may stay longer if you want to explore everything at a relaxed pace.
What animals can you see at the New York Aquarium?
The New York Aquarium is home to over 500 marine species. Visitors can see sharks, rays, sea lions, penguins, sea otters, and jellyfish. The exhibits showcase a wide variety of ocean life from around the world.
Can I visit other attractions near the New York Aquarium?
Yes, the New York Aquarium is located on the Coney Island Boardwalk. You can easily explore nearby attractions like the beach, amusement rides, and local eateries. It’s perfect for planning a full day out by the sea.
Is the New York Aquarium wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the New York Aquarium is wheelchair accessible. Pathways and exhibits are designed to accommodate visitors with mobility needs. Staff are also available to assist when required.
What is the best time to visit the New York Aquarium?
The best time to visit the New York Aquarium is early in the day or on weekdays. This helps you avoid crowds and enjoy the exhibits comfortably. Visiting during cooler hours can also make your experience more pleasant.

Ratings & Reviews

M
Min-jun Huang
5
Travelled August 2026

A great family day out right on the Coney Island boardwalk. The touch tank was a big hit with our little ones....

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A
Aisha Wong
5
Travelled August 2026

The bilingual children's section with its touch tank was perfect for our toddler. The shark exhibit focuses on the marine life right off the New York coast....

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X
Xavier Joseph
4
Travelled August 2026

Our kids talked about the sea lion show for the rest of the day. It gets busy by late morning,...

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V
Vincent Russo
5
Travelled August 2026

The historic aquarium has anchored Coney Island since the 1950s. The reflections on the outdoor glass can make animals tricky to spot....

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A
Aaron Katz
5
Travelled August 2026

For a day at Coney Island, it's the perfect way to escape the heat. Spineless showcases the giant Pacific octopus,...

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A
Andre Coleman
4
Travelled August 2026

The otters tumbling and diving were impossible to walk away from. It can get very crowded by late morning,...

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X
Xavier Okonkwo
4
Travelled August 2026

Blacktip reef sharks cruising over the reef tunnel were mesmerizing. The sea lion show is short for the hype,...

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A
Arjun Park
5
Travelled August 2026

The penguins waddling along their rocky shore were a delight. We spent about two to three hours and saw everything at a good pace....

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R
Rachel Robinson
5
Travelled August 2026

Arrive early on a weekend, as it fills up fast by late morning. The coral-reef tunnel was the one exhibit our whole group agreed on....

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S
Sofia Russo
5
Travelled August 2026

The interactive sea lion show was charming, if a little on the short side. It's smaller than some big-city aquariums,...

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A
Ari Katz
5
Travelled August 2026

Blacktip reef sharks cruising over the reef tunnel were mesmerizing. The sea lion show is short,...

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M
Maria Cruz
4
Travelled August 2026

The Aquatheater sea lion demonstration had the kids cheering. There's a strong conservation message woven through the exhibits....

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A
Amara Simmons
5
Travelled August 2026

Walking through the coral-reef tunnel with sharks and rays gliding overhead was unforgettable....

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J
Jerome Simmons
4
Travelled August 2026

The glowing jellies were the kids' favorite part of the whole day. The shark exhibit focuses on the marine life right off the New York coast....

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J
Jennifer Martin
4
Travelled August 2026

Salt air, barking sea lions, and sharks gliding behind glass. Reflections on the outdoor glass made a few animals hard to see....

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M
Mikhail Kozlov
5
Travelled August 2026

The kid-friendly layout made it easy with little ones. The outdoor exhibits are weather-dependent,...

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J
Jacob Rosenberg
5
Travelled August 2026

Walking through the coral-reef tunnel with sharks and rays gliding overhead was unforgettable....

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E
Ebony Mensah
5
Travelled August 2026

The bilingual children's section with its touch tank was perfect for our toddler. Thoroughly recommend...

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K
Kaitlyn Wright
5
Travelled August 2026

Nurse sharks resting on the bottom while rays glided past was a lovely sight. We loved that the exhibits focus on local New York sea life....

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T
Tatiana Vasiliev
5
Travelled August 2026

The Spineless exhibit, with its giant octopus and glowing moon jellies, was a quirky favorite....

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New York Aquarium Ticket

USD 21.9

Insiders’ Tips

Visit on a weekday afternoon for smaller crowds and a more relaxed pace.

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