Since 1957, the New York Aquarium has been a part of the legendary Coney Island boardwalk experience. Operated by the Wildlife Conservation Society, the aquarium's 14 acre facility is packed to the gills, boasting 8,000 aquatic animals in exhibits designed to promote advocacy of issues facing our oceans and its inhabitants.
If you aren't a SCUBA enthusiast, the Explore the Shore allows you to experience a 400-gallon tidal wave crashing overhead without leaving dry land. The seasonal touch pools and observation tanks allow visitors to interact with the aquatic ecosystem with areas featuring exotic species like electric eels and masses of glowing Moon Jellyfish. Conservation Hall features three distinct habitats: a tropical coral reef complete with "Nemo's", an Amazonian flooded forest complete with a school of piranhas and an African freshwater lake with some of the most unique species on earth. Outside at the Sea Cliffs, penguins, sea otters, walruses and seals will provide endless entertainment with optional educational talks and daily feedings for public viewing. To rest your legs, visitors can sit and be mesmerised by sharks swimming with gigantic stingrays and sea turtles in huge floor to ceiling tanks, see Happy Feet in the New York Aquarium's 4D theatre or enjoy the Sea Lion Celebration at the Aquatheatre.
Following the Sea Lion Celebration, you can get up close and personal and get a kiss from a sea lion. For an additional fee, you can participate in a small group, hands-on encounter lead by an animal trainer complete and have your photo taken with one of the stars of the New York Aquarium.
Take the F or Q train to the W 8th Street / NY Aquarium, cross the pedestrian overpass over Surf Avenue and take the steps on the far side down to the entrance to the Aquarium parking lot or take the N or D trains to the Coney Island / Stillwell Avenue Station, head south on Stillwell, turn left on Surf Avenue, the aquarium is ahead on your right.