Yes, the New England Aquarium has sharks on display

The New England Aquarium in Boston keeps several shark species in its exhibits. The most visible are the sand tiger sharks, which live in the main Giant Ocean Tank — a 200,000-gallon cylindrical tank that is the centerpiece of the building. You will also find nurse sharks in a separate touch tank where visitors can handle them under staff supervision.

The aquarium rotates which species appear in certain exhibits, so the exact sharks on view can change. Before you visit, check the aquarium's website or call ahead to confirm which sharks are currently on display and where to find them in the building.

Key Takeaways

  • Sand tiger sharks are the main shark species in the Giant Ocean Tank, the aquarium's largest and most popular exhibit.
  • Nurse sharks live in a separate touch tank where you can handle them with staff guidance.
  • The aquarium may rotate shark species between exhibits, so current displays vary by season and year.
  • The aquarium's website lists which animals are in each exhibit, updated regularly.
  • Visiting hours and admission prices are on the aquarium's official site; plan for at least two to three hours to see the main exhibits.

The Giant Ocean Tank and sand tiger sharks

The Giant Ocean Tank is a 40-foot-tall cylindrical tank that holds 200,000 gallons of saltwater. Sand tiger sharks are the largest predators in this tank and are often the first animals visitors notice when they enter the main hall. These sharks are gray-brown, about 6 to 8 feet long, and have a blunt snout and visible teeth.

Sand tiger sharks are not aggressive toward humans and are commonly kept in public aquariums. They move slowly through the water and often rest on the bottom of the tank. The Giant Ocean Tank also holds sea turtles, rays, groupers, and hundreds of other fish species, so the sharks are one part of a larger reef ecosystem display.

Nurse sharks in the touch tank

Nurse sharks live in a shallow touch tank where visitors can reach in and feel them under the supervision of aquarium staff. These sharks are smaller than sand tigers — usually 3 to 4 feet long — and have a flattened body and barbels (whisker-like sensory organs) around their mouth. They are bottom-feeders that eat crustaceans and small fish in the wild.

The touch tank experience is included with general admission. Staff members are present to explain the sharks' behavior and answer questions. The tank is designed so visitors can safely interact with the animals without stressing them.

Other marine predators in the aquarium

Beyond sharks, the New England Aquarium displays other large predators. The Giant Ocean Tank holds sea turtles, groupers, and rays. The aquarium also has a separate exhibit for moray eels and another for octopuses, both of which are hunters in their own right.

The aquarium's penguin colony on the ground floor is another major draw, though penguins are not sharks. If you are interested in seeing a range of ocean predators, the aquarium's layout lets you move between exhibits in a logical order.

Planning your visit to see the sharks

The New England Aquarium is located at 1 Central Wharf in Boston, on the waterfront near the Aquarium T station. It is open year-round, though hours vary by season. Admission is charged; prices are lower for children and seniors, and some days offer discounted entry.

The Giant Ocean Tank is visible from multiple levels of the building, so you can see the sharks from different angles. Most visitors spend two to three hours in the aquarium. If you want to spend time at the touch tank, arrive early or plan to return to it later in your visit, as it can have wait times during busy hours.

What to expect when you see the sharks

Sand tiger sharks in the Giant Ocean Tank move slowly and deliberately. They do not chase or hunt other fish in the tank — the aquarium feeds them separately. You may see them resting on the bottom or cruising through the middle of the tank. Their size and teeth can look intimidating, but they are calm in captivity.

Nurse sharks in the touch tank are even more docile. They spend most of their time on the sand at the bottom and may not move much while you are there. Staff can point out their barbels and explain how they use them to sense food on the ocean floor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the sharks dangerous to visitors?

No. Sand tiger sharks and nurse sharks are not aggressive toward humans. The touch tank is designed for safe interaction, and staff supervise all contact. The sharks in the Giant Ocean Tank are separated from visitors by thick acrylic walls.

Can I touch the sand tiger sharks?

No. Only the nurse sharks in the touch tank are available for visitors to handle. Sand tiger sharks remain in the Giant Ocean Tank behind glass.

What time of year are the sharks on display?

The sharks are on display year-round. The aquarium operates every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hours are longer in summer and shorter in winter, so check the website before you go.

How big do the sharks in the aquarium get?

Sand tiger sharks in the tank are typically 6 to 8 feet long. Nurse sharks are smaller, usually 3 to 4 feet. Both species can grow larger in the wild, but the aquarium's specimens are within the normal range for their species.

Is there a separate fee to see the sharks or touch the nurse sharks?

No. Both the Giant Ocean Tank and the touch tank are included in general admission. You do not pay extra to see or interact with the sharks.