Ages 21-69
Groups
Your group of fifteen or more guests can access an underwater world of wonder while enjoying special rates, amenities and experiences. Make your reservation today!
Group Experiences
Tour groups, seniors, corporate groups, scout troops, family reunions—or any group of 15 or more guests—are eligible for special group admission rates and perks, including free group leader admission, convenient group dining packages and group experiences.
Group admission rates are available with advance registration only and are subject to ticket availability. A $75 deposit is due three weeks in advance.
Contact Us: 410-576-3833 or reserve@aqua.org
The National Aquarium is situated in the heart of Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor, just 35 miles from Washington DC and a simple 10-minute drive from I-95. Make the most of your time with us in Baltimore by exploring our group itineraries and group dining options.
The National Aquarium and its catering partner, The SSA Group, are happy to provide an array of tasty and convenient in-building dining options for your group, including box lunches and pre-paid food and beverage vouchers.
Please note that, for the safety of our animals and all guests, the Aquarium does not allow outside foods to be brought into the building, nor can we provide storage space for your group's foods or coolers, or indoor dining space for the consumption of outside foods.
Box Lunches
Groups visiting the Aquarium may pre-order box lunches for a quick, convenient dining option. Simply complete the box lunches request form before your visit and let us take care of the rest!
Our Lunch options include sandwiches, pizza, fruit, beverages and more served at a pre-selected, mutually agreed upon time and space in one of our indoor dining areas.
Orders must be placed at least ten (10) days before your visit to the Aquarium and paid in full at least 72 hours prior to your arrival by credit card or check payable to SSA Group, LLC at the National Aquarium. Groups that are tax-exempt must email a copy of their tax-exempt certificate with their order. Submitting this form is not a guarantee of service and is not a contract. You must wait to be contacted by the Catering Sales Team to confirm your order and your time, and you must also sign the contract the sales staff sends you.
For more information, please email CateringNA@thessagroup.com.
Food and Beverage Vouchers
The National Aquarium offers groups of 10 or more guests the convenience of pre-paid food and beverage vouchers which can be used at Pier 3 Cafe, Pier 4 Canteen and other concessions sites throughout the building, allowing members of your group to dine at their leisure without having to reconvene all at once. Simply select the number of vouchers and the dollar amount to be placed on each card.
Food and Beverage vouchers must be ordered at least five (5) business days prior to your visit to the National Aquarium. Orders may be paid by credit card or check payable to The SSA Group, LLC at the National Aquarium at the time of order. Payment must be received before food and beverage vouchers are issued.
For more information, please email CateringNA@thessagroup.com.
We offer age-appropriate experiences for students in grades pre-K through 12 that correspond with Next Generation Science Standards and ignite a life-long love for science and conservation.
Group Admission Pricing
Groups of 15 or more guests may take advantage of special admission rates, including free entry for the group leader. All prices listed are per person and are subject to change. Please note that children ages 4 and under are admitted free and do not count toward the 15-guest group minimum.
Group Admission Adult
$39.95
Group Admission Youth
Ages 5-20
$31.95
Group Admission Child
Ages 4 and Under
Free
Group Admission Senior
Ages 70+
$31.95
Group Admission Group Leader
Free
Bus Parking
Registered groups visiting the National Aquarium via bus or motor coach may enjoy 10-minute access for front-door drop-off and pick-up in Gunther Circle at the Aquarium’s main entrance near the intersection of Pratt and Gay Streets.
Affordable hourly, all-day and overnight motorcoach parking is available nearby by with pre-paid reservation.
Fully Independent Traveler (FIT) Program
Qualified Tour Operators providing services in Baltimore's Inner Harbor are eligible to participate in the National Aquarium's Fully Independent Traveler (FIT) program. FIT tickets are available at the group rates listed above and are valid for one year from purchase date. Operators that sell FIT tickets will have access to official National Aquarium marketing materials, including information cards, banners and online photos.
FIT tickets holders enjoy express entry and are able to bypass the general admission ticket line by exchanging their un-timed FIT tickets for express entry tickets at the Aquarium's will-call window. To apply to participate in the National Aquarium FIT program, simply complete our consignment tickets application. Please email consignment@aqua.org with any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Make the most of your group’s National Aquarium visit by exploring the special amenities and offers available to groups of 15 or more. Our Central Reservations (410-576-3833 or reserve@aqua.org) team is available to assist you Monday through Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm.
Reservations can be made as early as six months in advance. We suggest making reservations at least three weeks in advance of the requested visit date. Reservations can be made up to 24 hours before the requested visit, subject to ticket availability. If you are scheduling a group visit within 21 days of the requested visit date, a $75 non-refundable deposit will be due at the time of booking.
Deposits can be paid by credit card or check. Credit card payments can be made by phone at 410-576-3833, by email at reserve@aqua.org or by fax at 410-986-2334. Checks can be mailed to:
ATT: Central Reservations
National Aquarium
501 E. Pratt St.
Baltimore, MD 21202
If mailing a check, please be sure to allow enough time for the Aquarium to receive the check 21 days before your trip.
Deposits are non-refundable if the reservation is canceled within 21 days of the trip, but the deposit can be applied to future reservations. The deposit is applied to the overall balance of your trip.
Nonprofit organizations are eligible for the standard group discount, provided the group is 15 or more people. Maryland-based nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status can apply for donated Community Connection tickets.
Special needs groups will qualify for group pricing for any group of 10 or more guests. Any individuals requiring one-on-one assistance will receive free admission for their aide or nurse.
Group rates are available for 15 or more paying guests. Children 4 years old and under receive free admission and therefore are not counted toward the 15-guest group minimum.
If you are adjusting your group number by 10 or more people, you must call Central Reservations at least 24 hours in advance. Adjustments of less than 10 people can be made at the will call window at check-in.