Maine State Aquarium

The Maine State Aquarium, located on the shores of West Boothbay Harbor and operated by the Maine Department of Marine Resources, is a beloved public attraction dedicated to showcasing the rich marine life of the Gulf of Maine. Visitors can observe native species including lobsters, skates, small sharks, sea anemones, moon jellies, squid, and bottom-dwelling fish in a variety of thoughtfully designed tanks. A highlight of the facility is a 26-foot minke whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling, along with interactive touch tanks featuring tidepool creatures such as sea stars and coastal invertebrates. A newly added Learning Lab expands the educational experience with hands-on displays about sharks and Gulf of Maine stewardship. The aquarium reopened in 2025 with new exhibits, making it a refreshed and engaging destination for families and nature enthusiasts visiting coastal Maine.