Get closer than you ever thought possible to these amazing animals.  Take part in an Encounter Program.

Animal Encounter Programs and Special Programs

Beluga Encounter:

Ever wonder what it would be like to touch a whale?
Each Beluga Encounter begins with a 20-minute orientation. Next you will spend approximately 20 minutes wading in the water with an experienced trainer and the whales. With the animal right beside you, you’ll hear it breathe, spout and vocalize. You’ll get to touch the animal and even pat its tongue. You’ll also see first-hand, how these amazing mammals are trained. It’s your chance to get to know these animals almost as well as we do. Your hands-on encounter concludes with a wrap-up session with our trainers.

All in all, our Beluga Encounter is an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience one of nature’s most beautiful mammals in the most intimate and informative way possible.

How do I make arrangements?
You may make arrangements on the day of your visit subject to availability. However, reservations are strongly suggested. Call 860.572.5955 ext. 520 to make a reservation. You must pay with a credit card at this time. Beluga Encounters are offered seasonally (spring-fall).

Can my child participate?
Children under 16 years of age must be accompanied by a paying parent or guardian. You must be at least 5 feet tall with no physical limitations. Children may participate as long as they meet this requirement.

Can I purchase this as a gift?
To purchase a gift certificate, call the above number. We will ask your name, address and phone number and the name and information of the recipient. Payment is required at this time. We will send you a gift certificate that you can present to the recipient or we can send the certificate directly to the recipient. The recipient will then call us at their convenience and make a reservation for a specific date. A confirmation letter and additional information will then be sent to them.

What should I wear?
While you are in the water you will wear waders which we will provide. We suggest long pants and socks to wear under these. You will be outside during the wading portion so dress appropriately for the weather. Bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Jewelry or personal items are not allowed.

Can I take pictures?
If another person accompanies you, that person may take still or video pictures from the public area while you are in the water. If you would prefer more close up pictures, you may provide our staff with a disposable camera and we will be happy to take pictures for you. Professional  photographers will be on hand to take pictures.

Can I cancel if necessary?
You may cancel 48 hours ahead of time and receive a full refund. Or you may reschedule if necessary. This is a rain or shine program.

All program details and prices are subject to change.
May $130.00
June - September $159.00
October $119.00
Offered Daily 
(except Wednesday):
10:45, 12:45, 2:30
Wednesday: 12:45, 2:30

Penguin Encounter:

Who doesn't love penguins?
But do you really know what these lovable little creatures are like? You can find out, first hand, in our Penguin Encounter. During this hour-long intimate encounter, you'll get to see exactly what our penguin experts see, to help give you a unique perspective on the special world of our penguins

Your Encounter program will take you into one of our Eco-classrooms. You'll sit in a circle as a penguin walks freely among the group, providing you with a unique face-to-face penguin encounter. While there, one of our penguin specialists will describe the Aquarium's animal care and collection management practices. You'll then be part of a 30-minute session with the opportunity to touch one of our penguins. You’ll also learn all about the history of the species and about conservation issues affecting these intriguing animals.

This program offers participants a close-up encounter with an African penguin and an opportunity to learn about important conservation and environmental issues concerning these animals. The program's duration is approximately 60 minutes and includes a 30-minute session with an African penguin. Participants will be able to observe and participate in a training session for medical care as well as engage the birds in enrichment activities.

This program is scheduled to run year round. Times vary and are subject to change.  Please call Reservations at 860.572.5955 ext. 520 for availability and to make a reservation.

What will this cost?
The cost per participant is $79.00 (child over age 6 or adult). General Aquarium admission is included for program participants. MAIFE members receive a discounted rate of $70.00 per person (child over age 6 or adult).

How do I make arrangements?
You may make a reservation on the day of your visit as space permits. However, we strongly encourage you to make reservations ahead of time by calling 860.572.5955 ext. 520. You must pay with a credit card at this time.

Can my child participate?
Children must be at least 6 years old to participate. Children age 6-11 must be accompanied by a participating adult.

Can I purchase this as a gift?
To purchase a gift certificate, call the Reservations Office. Please have available the name and address of the recipient. Payment with a credit card is required at this time. We will send you the gift certificate to present to the recipient, or we can send the certificate directly to the recipient. The recipient can then call us at his or her convenience to make their reservation. A confirmation letter and additional information will then be sent to them.

What should I wear?
You won’t get wet but you may get dirty so bring a change of clothes. Protective overalls are available upon request. Don’t wear open-toed shoes, jewelry or bring sunglasses or personal items into the program with you.

Can I cancel if necessary?
You may cancel 48 hours ahead of time and receive a full refund or you may reschedule if necessary. This program will be held rain or shine as it takes place indoors.

Come watch and learn how we take care of animals, create exhibits, keep the water clean, help stranded animals, and much more!

Special Tours

These exciting "sneak peek" and informative tours are offered by reservation only.  Two weeks notice required.

Guided Aquarium Tour
$60.00 per group
Maximum of 15 people per tour
Reservations are required, please call 860.572.5955 ext. 520

Guided Challenge of the Deep Tour
$40 per group
Maximum of 15 people per tour
Reservations are required, please call 860.572.5955 ext. 520

All program details and prices subject to change. 

The mission of Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization, is to inspire people everywhere to care about and protect our oceans by exploring and sharing their biological, ecological and cultural treasures.