This aquarium is spread out, with plenty of informative exhibits for children and adults. It's more than only looking at marine wildlife, as some are interactive. We also didn't find it to be too crowded.

I left this visit deeply concerned about several of the animal enclosures, and I think other visitors should know before they go.Sea turtles: Two large sea turtles are held in a single 15,000-gallon tank, and they looked visibly cramped with very little room to maneuver. According to the aquarium’s own public statements, their green sea turtles arrived in 2008 as roughly 4-year-old juveniles — meaning these animals have spent close to two decades growing in the same tank. Green sea turtles reach 300+ lbs and 3-4 feet in shell length at maturity, and federal standards for captive sea turtle housing size tanks to the animal’s current size, not the size they were as juveniles. A tank that was adequate for young turtles in 2008 is not automatically adequate for the same animals as full-grown adults in 2026.River otters: The otter enclosure was similarly small, with the otters swimming back and forth repetitively in what looked like a stereotypic pacing pattern — the kind of repetitive behavior that’s often a sign of inadequate space or stress in captive animals.Jellyfish tanks: Multiple jellyfish tank exhibits had visible black mold buildup on the back walls and sides, and the floor in front of them was soaking wet. This is both an animal-care and a public-safety concern (mold exposure, slip hazard).I want to be fair: this aquarium does good work for Long Island Sound conservation and education, and I’m not the only visitor who’s noticed these specific issues — other reviewers have separately reported the same small otter tank and cramped turtle tank. But I’d encourage anyone considering a visit to look closely at these exhibits, and I’d encourage the aquarium to reassess whether its long-term sea turtle and otter habitats have kept pace with the animals’ growth and needs.

I felt that the aquarium was rather small.The people that worked than were very nice, but I was really disappointed at the octopus tank. I felt it was way too small for that huge creature. Poor thing barely had a place to move around. The seal feeding was delayed because someone had dropped keys in the tank.Why would you have a low lying glass enclosure next to the seals? It should’ve been higher.!!!! I was somewhat disappointed and I would not go back.

I have such a mixed opinion I had to share. Loved: touch tanks, especially sturgeon as that is a new one for me and the employee was very friendly. Loved being able to feed the stingray. The price for what you get was definitely high compared to other placed (I go to many aquariums). The puffin exhibit was nice. I liked that they do a lot of their own breeding, probably a lot of husbandry work done here which is cool. Disliked: It did not flow well (I believe we missed seals?) The animals were labelled but not other interesting info. The jellyfish exhibit was separated (why in two areas?) and again labelled but no info, which ones dangerous? which ones not? It lacked education. I agree with other reviews on the condition of the upstairs animals especially monkeys/sloth. I read the response and nothing like screaming we do the bare minimum. I don't understand the land animals, just be an aquarium and do it well. The employee with the starfish and horseshoe crab was on her phone or ignoring people. Ultimately, the touch tanks made the visit, but for the money, I should at least know more about the animals I am looking at, the monkeys deserve more than a bare minimum checklist, and the employee should be excited to talk to everyone. The animals are absolutely killing it, the humans are dropping the ball.

We had an excellent morning here. Appreciated the opportunity to feed the manta rays, and touch sturgeon. The layout was a bit strange, and could use better signage - the exhibits continue to the left of the seals on the second floor. Informative exhibits, interesting opportunities to view sea creatures in their habitat.