Monday 25 July 2011

New England Aquarium

The New England Aquarium has a mission "to present, promote and protect the world of water". They focus on aquatic life but through the exhibits, educational programs and outreach programs the aquarium also aims to raise awareness of all aspects of the environment. The New England Aquarium is involved in conservation projects around the world including Africa and New Zealand extending beyond the Central Wharf in Boston.

Hours of operation at the New England Aquarium Boston are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and 9am to 6pm Saturday and Sunday. There is an IMAX on site as well that's open from 9:30 and on. The IMAX theater offer shows such as Sharks in 3D and prices are $9.95 for adults and $7.95 for children 3-11. Rates at the New England Aquarium Boston are $17.95 for adults and $9.95 for kids aged 3-11. The Whale Watch is rather pricey at $36.70 for adults and $30.40 for children. The aquarium offers a rate of $100 for a family of 2 adults and 2 kids but they don't advertise it in these admission prices online. If whale watching is something you really want to do it might be worth checking out other whale watching tours in the area. If opting for the Whale Watching tour at the aquarium be sure to reserve spots ahead of time. Check admission rates before visiting and expect a regular visit to take at least 2 hours.

The New England Aquarium Boston is fairly compact and the main attractions are seen by following the spiral structure around the Giant Ocean Tank which is located in the heart of the Aquarium. There are many things to do and see at the aquarium. Tucked away in the corners are a few exhibits you might not otherwise see like the "Twilight Dwellers tropical gallery"so check them out too. There's an abundance of other tanks located around the aquarium housing various assorted sea creatures.

Some other exhibits include the Amazon exhibit of frogs and tropical reptiles and a hands-on Edge of the Sea exhibit where kids can pick up crabs, touch anemones and learn about the area's marine animals. Boston New England Aquarium includes other information stations fun for kids. One is a discussion on sharks in the area where many people are surprised to hear that Great Whites do actually swim in the New England area. Another is a recreated natural habitat where sea otters and harbor seals grace the rocky shore-like area.

Another very interesting spot to visit in the Boston New England Aquarium is the Aquarium Medical Center. Here biologists and vets give routine and emergency care to the aquarium's marine animals. The Georges Bank exhibit offers explanation as to why the area has been such a productive fishery historically and also explains how declining fish populations affect everyone.

There are other programs available such as the Sea Lion Show, auditorium presentations, and the Giant Ocean Tank dive where aquarium divers swim inside and hand-feed sea turtles more than twice their size!

Visits to the Boston New England Aquarium are suggested for early morning when it first opens or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and to see the sea animals at their liveliest. The Boston New England aquarium can be reached by car, subway, or foot and is located on Atlantic Avenue in Boston. It 's about a 5 to10 minute walk from the Government Center station where pedestrian signs guide the way. Along the way there is plenty of dining and shopping. A Harbor Cruise offered by the aquarium and a harbor front lunch or dinner is a nice way to fill out the day.

Boston Massachusetts

Boston is one of those cities that encompasses everything across the board with nary a lack of things to do in the bustling city. Often referred to as the "cradle of liberty" Boston Massachusetts is characterized by a combination of skyscrapers, beautifully manicured parks, early-American churches, laid-back college campuses, a variety of residential neighborhoods and lots of inner-city activity. Recently landscaped and re-groomed, Boston Massachusetts is putting its best face forward keeping in tune with the city's vibrant past while moving forward with modern growth for the best of both worlds. The best time to visit the city is in spring or early fall when the days are warm but not too hot and the nights are cool yet not too cold. Summer can be blistering in Boston and winter is cold and snowy.

Boston attractions and events can seem never-ending and the city offers up a buffet of things to do and see. One of the most popular Boston attractions leading a tour into history is the Boston Freedom Trail. This 2.5 mile trail is a really great way to see the city and the sights within it. Boston attractions also includes Newbury Street which is Boston's version of Rodeo Drive and offers a wealth of shopping that spans eight city blocks! Great shopping can also be found at Harvard Square, Downtown Crossing and Copley Place. Back Bay is a beautiful area worth taking a walk through as well the Financial District, Chinatown and the harbor front which is great for harbor cruises or a base from which to go whale watching.

Dining is dotted along the way incase shoppers need a bite in between marathon shopping. Faneuil Hall Marketplace has existed for over 250 years and as for Boston attractions it's top-rated. Everything from shopping and dining to entertainment and events can be found in this "Gateway to the City'. Boston has some very distinct and charming neighborhoods and a walking tour through them is a favored activity. North End is Boston's oldest neighborhood and is a "little Italy" full of historic sights and only a 10 minute walk from the marketplace. Boston subway system is a convenient and affordable mode of transportation and a quick way to get around. Driving can be inconvenient as many streets are narrow and lots fill up fast. Taxis are every where as well.

A Boston vacation can be a great getaway for those looking for many things to do, but it can also be a place to relax, take in some sights and just take it easy among the city's diverse and interesting residents. There are so many activities possible for a Boston vacation including neighborhood tours such as the historical Beacon Hill, concerts, sporting events, dining, shopping and more that its good to plan at least a little before going. If your Boston vacation occurs during April be sure to check out the infamous Boston Marathon. This is a spectacular event where you can feel the adrenaline of the runners as you get near the starting line.

When planning a visit to the city, sometimes a Boston vacation package can be useful and help put vacation plans together a little more smoothly. Often you can save significantly if you choose the right Boston vacation package. Combinations of air and hotels can offer great discounts for travelers. A Boston vacation package might also include dining discounts, fully escorted tours and car rentals.

Travelers can also find a Boston vacation package that suits them best by customizing the package through different options available by the chosen company. However the package works out best, it's a nice way to visit the city and concentrate on the sights and sounds of urban and city life as the most important details are already taken care of. With a Boston vacation package, instead of worrying about hotels, transportation or flights you can worry about which restaurant you want to try or which shop will have that exact souvenir you're looking for.