Mystic Aquarium

If you've never seen a marine show, the sea-lions show here is the place to start. Less gimmicky than similar commercial enterprises in Florida and California, the demonstration illuminates as it entertains and, at 15 minutes in length, doesn't test the attention spans of the very young. The rest of the exhibits are enough to occupy at least another hour. Beluga whales squeal and twirl for their trainers at feeding time, and there are fur seals, endangered Steller sea lions, penguins, and sharks on display with underwater viewing windows. Dozens of rays flutter like butterflies and translucent jellyfish billow and flex in slow-motion dance, a hypnotic display. A 90-minute "Beluga Encounter" program puts visitors right in the water with friendly whales and lets them touch the animals ($159; reservations strongly suggested), and there is a similar "Penguin Encounter" program. Elsewhere, exhibits on the Titanic wreck and other sunken ships, a re-creation of an Amazon rainforest, and a display of glowing, fluorescent coral emphasize conservation and the joys of scientific research.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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