Mystic Aquarium is a marine life aquarium in Mystic, Connecticut, that opened on October 6, 1973. Founded with industrialist Kelvin Smith as its primary early shareholder, the aquarium was sited on the Connecticut shoreline for its scenic coastal setting and maritime heritage, and it now operates as a subsidiary of the Sea Research Foundation, Inc.
Today Mystic Aquarium is home to roughly 10,000 animals representing more than 300 species, drawing over 700,000 visitors annually. It holds AZA and AMMPA accreditation and is best known for its beluga whales, the only ones in New England, along with one of just two U.S. facilities to house Steller sea lions.
Stats at a Glance
- Location: Mystic, Connecticut
- Opened: October 6, 1973
- Beluga habitat: 1-acre Arctic Coast, 760,000 gallons
- Species: More than 300
- Animal count: About 10,000
- Annual visitors: Over 700,000
- Famous for: New England’s only beluga whales
Animals and Exhibits
Mystic Aquarium’s signature exhibit is Arctic Coast, the largest outdoor beluga whale habitat in the United States. The beluga population grew to six in July 2026 when Nunavik, a 16-year-old male transferred from Georgia Aquarium, joined the aquarium’s five existing belugas — longtime residents Juno, Natasha, and Kela, along with Sahara and Jetta, survivors of a 2021 transfer from Marineland Canada — as part of a coordinated effort among accredited aquariums ahead of a larger rescue of belugas from the now-closed Marineland Canada facility.
Beyond marine mammals, visitors can explore a ray and shark touch pool, an African penguin colony, and a jelly gallery filled with drifting invertebrates. The aquarium has also hosted immersive, rotating exhibits such as Dino Seas, expanding its offerings well beyond a traditional aquarium format.
Mission and Recognition
Mystic Aquarium positions itself as a research and conservation institution as much as a visitor attraction, operating under the nonprofit Sea Research Foundation and participating in ocean science and animal rescue work. Its accreditation from both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums reflects that dual mission of public education and animal welfare.
In 2014, the aquarium received the National Medal for Museum and Library Service, a recognition of its community and educational impact. That combination of hands-on exhibits, conservation research, and cold-water species rarely seen elsewhere in the region has made it a fixture of southeastern Connecticut tourism.
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Mystic Aquarium FAQs
Where is Mystic Aquarium located?
Mystic Aquarium is located in Mystic, Connecticut, along the state’s southeastern shoreline.
When did Mystic Aquarium open?
Mystic Aquarium opened on October 6, 1973.
How many beluga whales does Mystic Aquarium have?
Mystic Aquarium’s beluga population grew to six when Nunavik, a 16-year-old male, arrived from Georgia Aquarium in July 2026, joining five existing belugas — including longtime residents Juno, Natasha, and Kela — in the Arctic Coast habitat, home to New England’s only belugas.
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Photo: –Grondemar / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.