On Friday, September 1, 2020, we drove to The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk located in the SoNo (South Norwalk) section to spend a an interesting, educational, and fun afternoon learning about their vast collection and "meeting" their charming residents. Interesting to note is that 95 percent of the animals in the exhibits are animals that reside in the Long Island Sound, although there are some non-native delightful Meerkats that captivate visitors with their antics.
Welcome to The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, CT
We always learn something new whenever we visit aquariums. Did you ever wonder how deep is Long Island Sound? It is 330-feet at its deepest, with over 150 documented shipwrecks dating back to 1779. How can Atlantic Salmon find their way back to its birthplace to spawn? The Atlantic Salmon has an incredible sense of smell, which is 100 times greater than a dog.
Come meet Coquille the playful River Otter
There were many highlights of our visit including meeting Coquille, a river otter, who is an enchanting and adorable aquatic clown who loves to show off and engage her audience. We also loved spending time watching the antics of the five harbor seals, Rasul, Ariel, Leila, Polly, and Tillie, who range in age from 30 – 35 years. Interesting to note is that in the wild, the average life expectancy for a harbor seal is between 15-20 years, so they are clearly happy and doing well in their aquarium home. Coming in April 2021, the harbor seals will have an even larger two-level "home", so we are looking forward to returning for their "housewarming."
Harbor Seal resting
Visiting aquariums are always interesting and educational for all ages, and on this visit, we learned about the Giant Pacific Octopus enteroctopus dofleini, whose average weight is 90 pounds with a maximum weight of 150 pounds and an arm span reach of 20-feet across!
Lionfish pterois sp
Danger, danger, invasive species! Lionfish pterois sp are visually stunning however their populations are growing rapidly. One lionfish can lay 50,000 eggs every 3 days, take 1-year to reach maturity, and can have a lifespan of 30-years. With few predators, they are becoming invasive and reach depths of 1,000 feet.
Pacific Sea Nettle
The Aquarium has an extensive collection of jellies and grow 16 species of jellies that they provide to other aquariums. These fascinating creatures are beautiful to watch with their hypnotic and balletic movement, are educationally interesting. Moon Jellies are especially interesting as they have no true stomach, no intestines, lungs, or heart. Visually, they resemble translucent large portabella mushroom caps. We also loved watching the Pacific Sea Nettle Chrysaora fuscesens, a large brown jelly with long dark brown tentacles and light brown frilly tentacles. Another interesting jelly was the Upside-Down Jelly Cassiopeia spimpressive with their frills undulating above.
Sea Horses
Hard to spot but so worthwhile to watch were the Seahorses hippocampus, whose name means horse "sea monster," who is related to the Northern Pipefish. There is something almost magical about the tiny seahorses who swim upright, mate for life, and it is the male who bears the unborn young!
Shark Tank
Sharks! These impressive giants of the deep were breathtakingly beautiful to watch. Sand Tiger Sharks and Lemon Sharks make their home in the 110,000-gallon tank along with other large schooling fish. The Sand Tiger Shark is easy to distinguish from the Lemon Shark by its teeth. The Sand Tiger Shark has long teeth that grow at various angles.
As scuba divers, we have been on many dives where we have seen sharks, however we have never been on a dive inside a shark cage. The Aquarium has a shark cage that visitors can experience (on dry land) while watching a movie of various sharks that swim by the cage opening. Naturally, we had to experience what it would be like inside the shark cage!
Debra C. Argen catching up with the Sea Turtle
We spent 2.5 very enjoyable hours at the Aquarium and could easily have stayed longer except for the fact that it was closing. Do allow a minimum of 2-hours to experience all that the Aquarium offers. There are several restaurants and shops near the Aquarium, so you can easily make a day out of your visit. Also coming in January 2021, the Aquarium will have a new 4-D Theatre, which will give us another reason to return.
VIDEO CLIPS of our trip to The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, CT:
Edward F. Nesta from inside the shark cage – https://youtu.be/2g0QCLgjza0
Debra C. Argen visiting the shark tank – https://youtu.be/uEPofeNrI4E
Dance with the Pacific Sea-Nettles – https://youtu.be/fOPwiqgmm3U
Watch the beauty of the Seahorse and Pipefish – https://youtu.be/nHOcAAW13Ws
Get close and personal with a shark – https://youtu.be/lc_Ln__zyOo
Until our next adventure!
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, CT is open Monday through Sunday from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. Mondays from 10:00 am until 11:00 am are reserved for Aquarium members and their paid guests only.
Important: Tickets must be reserved for a specific time and date. Arrival times are in 30-minute increments, however there is no time limit for your visit.
Masks must be worn due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Admission: Adults (Ages 13 – 64): $26.95, Children (Ages 3-12): $19.95, Seniors (Age 65+): $24.95.
I cannot wait to see you at
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, CT
The aquarium is easily accessible by car, train, bus, or boat. There are several conveniently located parking garages. Visitors can travel on Metro-North. The trip by train via Grand Central Station to the South Norwalk train station is approximately 1-hour. Visit the Metro-North website for information on trains and discount Metro-North Packages. Want to make the trip by your boat? Call +1-203-854-7806 to request fees to tie up at the Norwalk Visitors Dock.
Do allow yourself a minimum of 2-hours (we spent 2.5-hours there) to fully experience and appreciate all that the aquarium has to offer. The aquarium is conveniently located in SoNo near many restaurants and shops so you can easily make it a day trip.
For additional information on The Maritime Aquarium please visit their website: www.maritimeaquarium.org or call them at +1-203-852-0700.
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, CT
10 North Water Street
Norwalk, CT 06854
United States
Telephone: +1-203-852-0700
Website: www.maritimeaquarium.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maritime.aquarium
Instagram: @maritimeaquarium
Twitter: @marimeaqua
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