Huntsman Marine Science Centre | Fundy Discovery Aquarium

Negative experience: The animals were lovely, but we were disappointed with the painting we purchased. We thought we were buying a framed painting, but it was removed from the frame and we were given just a print on paper — it didn’t look like an original artwork from the artist. It felt more like a printed copy. We paid $38 for this, on top of the aquarium tickets. Not happy with the “painting” purchase.

Fantastic experience: Cute little aquarium with open water exhibits, seal feeding, rare lobsters (blue, split, and orange) and more. Great learning opportunity.

Fantastic experience: We did the crab grab and had a blast. Very knowledgeable and fun to find the crabs.

Negative experience: Way overpriced for a 30 minute visit

Fantastic experience: Had a blast with my family. Really enjoyed watching the seals but especially doing the "crab grab" on the beach to help record the invasive green crabs!

Fantastic experience: We all loved this place! The whole family, little ones and adults. The lobsters were crazy huge! Haven't seen them that big since I was a kid myself. The staff were pretty helpful and engaging with the touch tank. The star was definitely the leopard(i think) seal swimming and splashing. A great learning experience for kids to be engaged. Made a great school field trip for us.

Negative experience: Seals are the best thing they have there. It is very small, hardly had any fish with some tanks being very dirty.

Fantastic experience: Definitely worth a visit! A small aquarium but what it lacks in size it makes up for with fun activities for the kids.

Positive experience: Informative and modern design. Small but lots of local marine fish. Seals too

Fantastic experience: We had a blast. The touch pools were a big hit and the seals were very active. Friendly staff. It's not a huge aquarium but worth the visit!

Positive experience: Nice little aquarium..but the price for an adult to get in was pretty steep in my opinion. Not as many things as we thought. I'd say $10/ 12 bucks would be fair. Friendly staff though.

Fantastic experience: Cute aquarium. They had 2 touching pools, where you can hold starfish and crabs. They also had lots of small tanks to look at and seals.l I got my tickets online, and it holds your spot all day.

Fantastic experience: An amazing institution, with an aquarium, gift shop, laboratories, and more. Staff are all very friendly and clearly love what they do! Definitely the flagship attraction of St. Andrews...

Fantastic experience: Kids really enjoyed the touch pool sea animals. They were able to touch a variety of cool sea creatures. Overall its a small place but its fun for the kids.

Fantastic experience: Great family time there... such a beautiful place.

Fantastic experience: We went to see the seal manly. Was there for their dinner and it was a great experience to see them. The attendant were very knowledgeable and in joy to share their knowledge with us. Welcoming environment and easy to move around. Lots of beautiful information about the marine life in this gorgeous corner of the world. Thank you for all you do and beautiful life you bring to these animals.

Fantastic experience: Really fun, daughter had a great time. Not as big as I remembered but still fun for the family.

Positive experience: I went here in the summer. The aquarium is pretty small but it is very educational and had some fun displays. You don't need much time but it is worth checking out.

Negative experience: I left feeling depressed and ripped off. The touch tanks were cool but seeing the seals in that tiny enclosure was so sad. Not worth the money imo

Fantastic experience: Really enjoyed our visit here! Loved the seal!!

Positive experience: Prior to Covid the Huntsman Marine Science Center was a gem located in St Andrews, NB. It was a tradition that my daughter and I visit each summer, she would spend hours at the touch tank, it sparked her interest in marine biology. We visited this past weekend, we were disappointed. No one engaged with my daughter and I, very disappointed.

Fantastic experience: Don't let the grumpy one star reviews deter you from visiting the Huntsman Marine Science Centre. Our kids ages 5-10 absolutely loved it. Snorkel the seal was a hit (aim to be there for feeding time) after feeding he might disappear for a bit to nap. The touch tank was great (yes not like the big one folks are complaining about) and the employee was very kind and knowledgeable and helpful with the kids. The large tanks for viewing were very entertaining to watch all the creatures. The tanks downstairs are great too, lots of awesome fish and creatures to view. The cutest seahorses you'll ever see. Definitely a visit to this well cared for spot!

Positive experience: Step into this charming aquarium, a small yet delightful haven for marine enthusiasts. While not sprawling, it boasts a delightful array of creatures from seals to jellyfish, even a lovable lone seal. Witness seal talks at 11 am and 4 pm, a treat for all ages. Don't be deceived by the size – interactive touchpoints offer kids an unforgettable experience. It's a little gem where marine wonders come alive, perfect for a family outing.

Positive experience: Beautiful place to visit but was kinda disappointed with what little is available to see there in sea life. The seal tank was also very cloudy. It wasn't clear to see the seal.

Fantastic experience: Two adults and one 7 year old booked a Tidal Crab Beach Walk. It was a most engaging and informative experience for all. We were part of a data collection team and had to find, measure, identify the sex, mark the crabs, and carefully return each one to the beach. We recorded all of the data. Along the way we learned about the beach, the crab and other creatures we found as we searched for crabs. Nicole, our guide, was excellent. I would highly recommend this tour. This tour also allows you access to the centre itself and to the feeding of Snorkle, the seal. We found a New Brunswick treasure!

Negative experience: This place is a waste of money. Literally took 4 minutes to see everything. 15$ p.p. I understand that it's mostly funding for research, but they should charge less and ask for DONATIONS from visitors. Not impose it on everyone. Just my opinion

Negative experience: Well, let me tell you, this place was a major letdown. The so-called "new" touch tank they have now is a measly 2x5 ft, and they only have star fish, crabs, and clams. Talk about a downgrade! The old touch tank area is practically empty. The whole point of the place was the big touch tank, so with it gone it lost all the excitement. Apparently, they made the change after Covid to interact more with guests and keep the animals safe. But seriously, were they not concerned before? Also, there was no seal anymore cause it never showed the whole time we were there. I spent a whopping half hour there, and let me tell you, it was boring. Definitely not worth the drive. Save your money and skip this place. Trust me, it's a big disappointment, especially for the kids. The first picture is the “new” touch tank. The 2nd and 3rd picture show the old tank, and it's clear that they had almost nothing there.

Fantastic experience: This place is a must stop for our family when we do our Yearly Saint Andrew's trip. The staff here are fantastic and knowledgeable and we're extremely patient while my 3 kids surrounded the touch tank. They were informative and helpful the entire time. The experience is around 2 hours if you explore the full inside and take your time to explore the beach out back as well. You can go walk on the ocean floor when the tides are our which is always our favorite part of the experience! 10/10 would reccomend.

Fantastic experience: Omg my kids absolutely loved this place!!! There is so much to see and learn. They loved the touch tank and the seals. And they were mesmerized by the ghost jellies. They even had some wonderful art to view. Definitely be back for another day trip

Negative experience: Changed so much since covid. No touch tanks anymore except a tiny 4 foot tank. Barely anything here anymore, water is so dirty in the tanks you can't see anything. Went through the whole thing in 15 minutes. Not worth the money or time!!!

Fantastic experience: Nice aquarium with some interesting and educational exhibits. Make the most of your visit with one of their science experiences. Great for kids.

Negative experience: We should have checked first, we went because of the touch pool - it was closed. Such a disappointment.

Negative experience: Certainly not worth the cost! Very little in observation tanks, couple of lobsters you could have seen at sobeys , couple of starfish that’s it and they were few and far between , and downstairs very little to see, water unclear in some tanks, only one seal and he faced the corner all the time, never moved couldn’t even see him. No longer allowed to roam the shores without joining a tour group with a guide (probably an extra cost and must be booked in advance. Floor downstairs was wet the entire time. Waste of time and money, extremely disappointing second visit for us.

Fantastic experience: Pretty good little aquarium for a small town. My family, especially my 3 yr old, had a BLAST!! Favourite parts, of course, were the touch pools and seeing Snorkel the seal. Wish we could have seen the seal talk program, alas we were too late for the first and too early for the second. ‍♀️ Would definitely recommend this place if you're visiting St Andrews and surrounding area....especially if you have kids.

Fantastic experience: Lots to offer from kids to adults. The staff is fantastic and knowledgeable. Merchandise, craft shop as well.

Fantastic experience: We enjoyed it! It took about 3 hours to do all that we wanted to do. The highlights were the touching tank, which was excellent and very interesting for young and old alike and the stairs down to the water where we found thousands of creatures and fossils. The seal was hard to find as his dad had just passed away when we were there. We felt badly for him as it was really clear he was hiding away and wanting to be let alone. Lots of interesting fish and crustaceans to see and local info. Worth the stop for sure.

Positive experience: We had a great day at the museum and aquarium this summer. There were a couple of exhibits that were out of order, but my kids loved the interpretive touch tank and seeing all of the live specimens. The boardwalk to the beach was great and we liked exploring the shore line. It would be nice if there was a trash receptacle for folks to discard litter they find on the beach. Price of admission was fair, gift shop is pricey, experience was worth it.

Fantastic experience: The Huntsman is an excellent place to learn about the diverse marine life in Atlantic Canada. The displays range from large tanks featuring schools of fish to interactive touch displays where you can let starfish crawl in your hand. The variety of marine life is impressive, and the staff are knowledgeable. This marina is a great way to spend an afternoon.

Fantastic experience: Is small but is great. Don't forget see the seal show.

Positive experience: Interesting, but disappointed that for the price that there wasn't more. Was expecting a touch tank (thought they used to have one).

Fantastic experience: Very interesting and the granddaughter enjoyed the visit

Fantastic experience: We were heartbroken to read of Loki's passing just a few days short of our visit. Loki and Snorkel were always a highlight of our visits to the aquarium. Swim well Loki, you are missed!

Fantastic experience: Always a great time for all ages.

Fantastic experience: Delightful aquarium and knowledgeable staff. Can walk down to a rocky beach to explore during low tide. If you know you will have rainy weather, consider signing your kid up for one of their educational programs. I wish I had known before we visited.

Fantastic experience: Such a lovely place to take the family! Touch tanks are really cool, so much to learn. Check the tide schedule before you go as there is beach access to explore (best when tide is out).

Positive experience: Aquarium was ok. We had gone 3 years ago before Covid-19 and it was awesome! My son was 9 at the time and had lots of fun at the touch tanks, especially the manta rays, and watching the seals. This time there wasn’t any manta rays and you had to wait for staff to be at the tank to touch the animals. It was a little disappointing! For a younger child it would probably still be fun but for older children not so much.

Fantastic experience: A great place to show the knowledge of marine life , small but just fit the small town

Fantastic experience: Took my daughter there and we both had soo much fun!! Her favorite part was the dad and son seals. My favorite was the jellyfish. So much to see and learn and touch!! The 2 touch tanks were great!!

Negative experience: Pros-Decent place...friendly and staff great for giving info about each animal Cons- not enough there and a little pricey for next to nothing. Needs more animals or to be expanded.

Positive experience: cute spot, loved the gift shop. not much there when it comes to fish to see, but non the less it was a nice trip. the staff were kind of rude in my opinion from the two people that i spoke to. not like mean where i would tell someone not to go but just seemed irritated & one of the women working butted in on a conversation between my friends and i and wasn’t overly friendly but maybe they were just having a rough day i dont know. but overall it was a cute place to go while visiting from out of province

Positive experience: The kids will enjoy it, seems alot smaller than it used to be, also the touchtank has been moved to a small table sized tank with limited options. overall it's a little pricy but a great family experience.

Negative experience: Very disappointed in the atmosphere and staff not very knowledgeable with the exbits.... and the price was very expensive for what they open and able to do

Positive experience: Small aquarium with a few fish tanks and the star of the show are 2 seals and there's a small tank where kids can pet a crab and a starfish. Don't expect a Ripley's experience but good enough for an hour's fun for most kids. You can also access the beach from there. Entrance is about 15$ for adults and kids under 3 for free. Ample parking space.

Fantastic experience: It was a great time for all of us. My son's girlfriend's 3 year old daughter loved the touch tank and all the fish tanks and seals. The employees were all very knowledgeable and helpful.

Positive experience: Super small, quick to walk through. Although im sure my kid could have spend all day at the touch tank. The seals are neat, but their enclosure is so small. I feel terrible. The one seal was doing the same swim, over and over, just a big circle, which tells me hes bored and or stressed. Theres an interactive area for kids too, but two of them all the objects were taken out, i assume because of covid. It was quick and easy to sign in/pay. They dont accept cash. You can walk down to the bay of fundy as well. The gift shop was soooo small which sucked. 3/4 of it was ridiculously expensive stuffed animals. If i do ever come here again it wont be for a very long time.

Fantastic experience: Enjoyed seeing all the different sea creatures always see something different

Fantastic experience: It was great. So much more to see than I remember as a child. My family really enjoyed our day there.

Fantastic experience: Kids had a great time looking at the different sea creatures. It was my first time here aswell and I really enjoyed learning about the different fish and sea creatures. I got to hold a star fish and see a woman get soaked by a huge fish lol (total fluke) . I also enjoyed going outside and seeing all the scenery and going down on the beach. Lots of memories created here.

Positive experience: Although somewhat pricy the young man on level one was very informative!!

Negative experience: Drove down from saint john to take the kids to see the aquarium and was told they were at capacity witch is fine. But what isnt fine is that my 7 year old autistic son who had to use the bathrokm was not allowed to use the bathroom so we had to leave and decided not to go back. Will not be returning

Fantastic experience: What a delight to have gone on the the Citizen Science Marine Cruise! This experience is truly one of a kind. It has given us lasting memories that we will cherish. Laura and the two captains, Gary and Pat, were exceptional guides. We learned so much about the local marine life in Passamaquoddy Bay. And bringing these marvels back to the lab to learn and view was outstanding.

Fantastic experience: A fun and Educational experience with friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Negative experience: We use to go all the time and had a great time. This year, there's barely any fish. Touch tank is closed. They don't accept cash. Blaming covid for everything. If they are so concern about Covid, they would actually have soap in their dispenser in bathroom. Disappointed.

Positive experience: Good place but not a lot of sea lives. The place isn't that large either.

Negative experience: We were disappointed when we visited. Most of the exhibits were either closed or badly in need of repair. Also having been to other aquariums (Ripleys in Toronto, and several in Florida) this was quite small. We could get past the size, as obviously our opinion is coloured by prior experiences, but the lack of exhibits or badly maintained exhibits make this a bummer. Would not recommend.

Positive experience: A very small aquarium with star fishes, lobsters, sponges and seals. Children’s can have a good time here. Staff is following all the Covid-19 rules and restrictions.

Fantastic experience: Great place to sea local marine life. We very much enjoyed going to Huntsman Marine Science Center. Lots of variety of wildlife and very well displayed. I wish we could have played with the touch tank, but because of covid we couldn't. Now more reason to come back next year. I very much enjoyed the displays. They showed as close as possible how these marine life would live out in the wild. I will certainly be coming back at some point and I highly recommend if around St.Andrews to stop by.

Fantastic experience: Fun little spot to see marine life up close. The library has free passes in August, so its a great time to take advantage.

Positive experience: It's a 10 minute stop. 28 bucks for two people...not really worth it.

Negative experience: Disappointed that exhibits were closed and no touch tank but still same rates for entry

Fantastic experience: It was very nice but because of the restrictions related to covid-19 we were unable to do a lot of the usual activities inside the museum

Fantastic experience: Kids love it. it's a small aquarium, has two great touch tanks. staff is really friendly and knowledgeable. we sign the kids up for the day camps every year at spring break. they love it.

Fantastic experience: A great place to visit whether you're a student, an adult, or a child. The touch tank is massive, there are many unique lobsters, different kinds of local fish, a couple of harbour seals, seahorses, a children's area, a beach, and outdoor area to explore. There's also an excellent gift shop, stocked with amazing resources to learn more about the intertidal zone and temporary shark tattoos. Love this aquarium!

Positive experience: Great touch tank, seals were cool to see. Even the little games for kids were very nice and meant well to lean about the animals and sea creatures. Only gave a four because I thought price a bit steep.

Fantastic experience: A Wonderful place for the family or solo. Great displays, hands on water tank, seal and fish tanks.

Positive experience: The touch tanks were incredible but beyond that, there is really nothing else to do or see here.

Positive experience: Only gave a 4 because of the smell. Lovely touchtank and the seal feeding is fun to watch.

Positive experience: Staff was sparse. The staff around the touch tank friendly. Admission expensive.

Negative experience: 8 of us came, and although, it was fun seeing the creatures, We are dissatisfied, as I thought there would have more to see for the price .

Fantastic experience: Great aquarium! It does a fantastic job of showcasing all the amazing sea life in the Bay of Fundy. The seals are the most fun, as on some days they will even play with you through the glass! Great kids areas, with fun activities designed to teach children as they play.

Negative experience: Call before you go to make sure it's still open for the season. Spent an hour driving there only to be greeted by a cranky staff member telling us they are closed for the season even know it says nothing about being closed on their website.

Fantastic experience: Excellent experience my Kids love it Did you know that The Huntsman Marine Science Centre is a registered, private, not-for-profit research and science-based teaching institution located in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. The Huntsman was established in 1969 by a consortium of universities, government departments, and private sector interests.

Fantastic experience: My kids loved it, educational, great variety of local marine life, nice gift shop, great beach area and beautiful views.

Positive experience: Overall a good experience, the touch tanks will be a hit for everyone old and young, their seal feedings are the best time to see the seals although they do still swim around you'll get a great view of them feeding. The rest of aquarium isn't too bad, lots of information to read but not a whole lot of different aquatic animals to see.

Fantastic experience: Visit every time we are in St.Andrews!! Staff are very friendly and knowledgeable. take the kids and let them touch the Marine life in the touch tanks! It's pretty fun for the old farts to!!

Fantastic experience: A special piece of southern NB and a great place to learn about our marine life

Fantastic experience: Great place to spend time with the kids. They can touch different fish and love feeling them in their hands. Lots of educational activities for the kids to do as well. Nice gift shop with lots of treasures for the kids to buy and bring home to remember their day. New zip line for the kids outside as wells as bells the kids can play music on. You can even walk down to the beach and explore even more. Staff are super friendly and helpful, ready to answer all the questions the kids have.

Fantastic experience: We went here with my grandchildren who were four and two ...they loved it .

Positive experience: The touch tank is amazing but the Marine center is quite small.

Positive experience: Nice staff, giant touch tank, and good seal exhibit. A little small for the price of admission and looks like it could use some upkeep on our family's visit.

Positive experience: Great little aquarium with lots of potential! Admission was very expensive considering the size of the aquarium and the small amount of exhibits....

Fantastic experience: Kids absolutely loved it. They saw the seal feeding, staff was very knowledgeable. Highly recommended.

Fantastic experience: Are great local educational and interesting place for the whole family to interact with the marine environment and learn about current scientific projects and industry partnerships.

Fantastic experience: Take the behind the scenes tour it's well worth the money. There was only 3 of us in the tour so it was fun. Be there early to watch the feeding of the seals and learn about the two they have.

Fantastic experience: Its always a great time for the kids!!

Fantastic experience: It was fun! I liked the seals

Positive experience: Not the largest but unique . Admission a bit pricey but surely going to a good cause, education and research.

Fantastic experience: My kids really enjoyed the hands on marine exhibits! Would return again.

Positive experience: saw some seals, seahorses, lots of fish, live lobsters and lots of different sea creatures, and also a huge lobster hung on the wall, i swear it's about 4 feet tall.

Positive experience: Of course “discovery” is a code word for “children’s”—maybe 25% of the space is just a playroom. The variety of sealife in the aquariums were limited (and as in all aquarium it seems, were largely mislabeled). The touch tank contained only perhaps 6 or 8 species. About 1/2 the exhibits concentrate on aquaculture, but don’t go into adequate detail (on the scope, variety, and techniques) to adequately cover the subject of aquaculture in Nova Scotia.