Put on waterproof gear and wade waist-deep into the water of the Arctic Coast exhibit with the whales and trainers. During this 90-minute program, you will be able to touch the whale’s back and belly and see how they breathe, spout and "sing." Aquarium trainers will explain how we care for the whales and demonstrate the way in which encounter sessions are beneficial to the whale’s health and well-being.

Participants must be 5 feet tall and children ages 15 and under must be accompanied by a paying/participating adult.

Includes one admission ticket to Mystic Aquarium and one photograph taken by Sharp Shooter Photography. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to encouter time.

Witness a beluga feeding and learn more about these magnificent animals’ special behaviors with only a three-foot-high window separating you from the whale. After meeting with a trainer in the Beluga Encounter Room to learn more about the whales, you'll be led to a behind-the-scenes area of the Arctic Coast exhibit that is not usually accessible to the public, where you'll come face to face with a beluga whale. As trainers interact with the whale, you'll learn more about its special behaviors, which are taught for regular close interaction that includes daily physical examinations, research, exercise, playtime and learning with the whales – all within a foot of the whale.

Participants must be 6 years old and children ages 6-15 years must be accompanied by a paying/participating adult.

Whales Up Close does not include Admission to the Mystic Aquarium.

In this 60-minute program, one of our penguin specialists will describe these remarkable birds and their care here at the aquarium. Participants also learn about the history of the species and conservation issues affecting these intriguing animals.

Participants must be 6 years old and children ages 6-12 years must be accompanied by a paying/participating adult.

Includes one admission ticket to Mystic Aquarium. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to encouter time.