Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration and Immersion Presents are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing oceanographic exploration and marine life education, conservation and research.

Beluga Encounter

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration’s popular Beluga Encounter Program has been a great hit among visitors. The role of this program is to help Aquarium visitors better understand these magnificent animals by having a more intimate experience with them. This is a great opportunity for visitors to really connect with a beluga whale and learn about them, their habitat and conservation.

The 90 minute program is broken into three parts. Before getting into the water, participants are briefed on the history and physiology of Beluga Whales, as well as the ‘ground rules’ for participation in the encounter. Next, participants will put on waterproof gear and wade into waist deep water of the rocky Arctic Coast exhibit with the whales and trainers. They will be able to touch the whale’s back and belly, and see up-close how they breathe, spout and ‘sing’. 

Aquarium trainers will teach participants how we care for the whales and demonstrate the way in which contact sessions are beneficial to the whale’s health and wellbeing. Program participants will be waist to chest deep in water but will not swim with the whales and all feeding will be done by our trainers. The last ‘segment’ of the Encounter program is a de-briefing where the trainer and those who participated in the program go over the previous contact experience. Questions are asked by participants and a better understanding of the Beluga is realized.

Aquarium staff will review a few brief bits of information on the animal’s habitat, and environmental impact by humans. Finally there is a period of discussion where participants share their reactions to the encounter. The Aquarium’s three Belugas range in weight from approximately 1,300 to 2,000 pounds and are very docile, gentle animals.

Beluga Encounter Programs are offered seven days a week, May through October, and last approximately 90 minutes. Individuals participating in the encounter program must be at least five feet tall and able to stand on their own for 90 minutes.

The cost of the Beluga Encounter Program is $159 (non-members) $149 (members) from June 1 thru Septmber 30th and includes admission to the aquarium as well as a professional photo of your encounter.

Rates for May are $130 (non-members) $120 (members).

October rates are $119 (non-members) and $109 (members) 

For reservations, or additional information, please call 860-572-5955 ext. 520. Spaces may also be reserved on site at our Information Booth. Reservations are recommended for this program as spaces fill quickly. 

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is a non-profit organization. All proceeds from this program and others as well as ticket sales go to funding our education, marine research, marine rescue and release and expeditions.