The Maine State Aquarium’s 2025 season begins on Wednesday, June 11, and preparations are going swimmingly. Last year’s grand reopening was a huge hit with over 26,000 visitors, and this year we have more to debut.

We’ve added a variety of Gulf of Maine species to our tanks, including the amazing alewife from the Androscoggin River. A recent bloom of moon jellies in Boothbay Harbor means our moon jelly exhibit is ready for viewing. Along with that is an exhibit on what goes on behind the scenes to care for our animals. Behind the scenes tours of our animal care and filtration system will be available each week. Follow us on social media for more information.

We are excited to announce that starting this year, all ticket sales are online, including at the door. This means tickets are available for purchase now in advance of your visit. Visit our website and click on the link or scan the QR code. If you prefer to buy tickets once at the aquarium, simply scan the QR code at the front door. When you purchase tickets online, you’ll receive confirmation to show at the door.

You can also purchase season passes online and pick them up at the door the first time you visit. Admission is $10 for adults and $7.50 for seniors, veterans/military personnel, and children (ages 3-12). Included with your admission: comes access to our Learning Lab (open to the public for the first time ever). The Lab is designed as an interactive space, and this year it features our Sharks of the Gulf of Maine exhibit. You’ll meet the eight species that inhabit Maine waters and learn about their amazing adaptations and how the Department of Marine Resources tracks them.

Also on display is a life-size model of a hammerhead shark that allows visitors to view up close what makes sharks such efficient predators. Hammerheads don’t live in the Gulf of Maine, but the gentleman who caught this one does, right here in Boothbay Harbor. It’s not every day that someone donates a 500-pound hammerhead, and we’re pleased to have it on display.

Our aquarium shop will open this season as well, and like other state facilities, we will accept credit cards only.

Our season is June 11 through Aug. 31, open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Aquarium is located at 194 McKown Point Road, West Boothbay Harbor.

Follow us https://www.maine.gov/dmr/aquarium and other social media platforms for more information about the season and pictures of our new displays and animals!