Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, New London County, United States | Aquarium

Welcome to the Mystic Aquarium, Mystic, United States. Mystic Aquarium, one of America’s leading Aquariums, showcases the living collections, science and conservation work of Sea Research through exhibits, demonstrations and educational programs, emphasizing hands-on, interactive, live animal contact experiences for all ages. Hosting more than 750,000 visitors annually, the Aquarium is open year-round and is Connecticut’s largest non-casino attraction. Mystic Aquarium is one of the few in North America housing Beluga whales and other rare and remarkable sea creatures.
The Institute for Exploration at Mystic Aquarium is a base for famed oceanographer and explorer Dr. Robert Ballard, widely known for his discovery and preservation of the HMS Titanic, Bismarck, PT-109 and many others. Dr. Ballard’s advancements in deep sea technology have made it possible to uncover secrets of the world’s oceans and bring them in real time to young people across America. These discoveries are featured in Dr. Ballard’s ever-changing Challenge of the Deep exhibition at Mystic Aquarium.
Mystic Aquarium was founded 35 years ago by scientists and researchers, including the inventors of “Instant Ocean”, a formulation that enabled Aquariums anywhere to provide pure, perfectly balanced sea water for their marine life collections. Since then, the organization has conducted pioneering research on animal disease, animals and ecosystems, and other facets of inquiry that have contributed significantly to the knowledge base of aquarists and marine biologists internationally. The Aquarium’s Marine Animal Rescue Clinic has for 25 years been a leader in rescuing, rehabilitating and returning stranded marine animals to the wild. A Sea Research Center at Mystic Aquarium, now in the planning stages, will provide appropriate laboratory and classroom space for the expanding field of marine animal research.
Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is a popular attraction, learning center and cultural resource. It is unique among Aquariums for its association with Dr. Robert Ballard and its impressive, growing scientific research base, making it especially broad and deep in its representation and celebration of our ocean planet.