I’m going to join! Can I start using my benefits right away?

Regardless of how you join—online, in person or over the phone—Aquarium admission benefits are active upon the conclusion of your purchase. Please note, however, that memberships purchased online require a minimum of 48 hours to be processed into our system, which means that access to other member benefits and discounts such as member IMAX passes, whale watch tickets and educational programs will not be available until after that time. To take immediate advantage of any such benefits, please purchase your membership in person in our lobby or by calling 617-973-6555 (Mon. – Sat., 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).

How long is a membership good for? What if I want to upgrade at some point?

Membership is good for 12 months from the time you buy it. If you decide during your membership year that you need to upgrade to a higher level, you may do so at any time. However, please note that we do not pro-rate our memberships. Regardless of when you upgrade, you will need to pay the difference between the full cost of membership level you currently have and the level to which you are upgrading. Also please note that upgrading your membership does not extend your expiration date. Membership discounts are not applicable to upgrades.

NOTE: Attendance at member events and educational programs is limited to the total number of admissions permitted with your membership. Ticketing discounts are limited to the number of guests.

Who can be named on my membership?

You may name up to two adults residing in the same household on your membership. For security reasons, it is Aquarium policy not to put children’s names on membership cards. If you have a nanny/babysitter who regularly brings the children of the member household to visit the Aquarium, we are happy to add his/her name to the member record, but the nanny’s name will not appear on the membership cards and his/her use of the membership will be limited to visits with your children.

I’m a member, but I can’t make it in today. Can I send family or friends instead?

Sorry, membership benefits are non-transferrable, which means that someone from the member household must be present in order for the benefits of membership to be honored.

How do I use my IMAX e-passes?

In February 2010, the Aquarium switched to IMAX e-passes for our members. E-passes are stored in our ticketing system so you simply need to let the reservationist or cashier know that you want to use them. Please note that e-passes are activated as soon as a new membership is entered into the system (there is a processing delay of at least two days when you purchase a membership online) and are valid until the last day of your current membership. When you renew your membership, any new e-passes will become active the day after your previous membership expires.

Any paper passes you may be holding are good through the date indicated on them and may be redeemed in person at the Box Office. You may also make reservations over the phone (617-973-6555, Mon. – Sat., 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) using paper passes, but please remember that you MUST bring the passes with you when you come to pick up your tickets, otherwise you will be required to pay for the reserved tickets.

All passes are one-time-use and cannot be honored after their expiration date.

I understand that I can get discounted tickets for myself and my guests. How does that work?

Members may purchase discounted tickets for as many additional guests as are covered by your membership level. For example, a Patron level membership admits four people (one member and three guests) PLUS discounted admission may be purchased for an additional three guests. Discounted tickets may be purchased online, over the phone (617-973-6555), or in the lobby.

Is any part of my membership tax-deductible?

The New England Aquarium is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The amount of membership dues that is deductible for federal income tax purposes is the amount paid less the fair market value of benefits provided in return, whether used or not. As of June 1, 2010, member IMAX passes are valued at $7.75 per pass provided with your membership level.

Please note that giving society levels (Conservation Society and higher) default to full tax deductibility by not automatically providing IMAX e-passes. Should you choose to accept the IMAX passes for which you are eligible with your giving society donation, your tax deductibility will be affected.

Prices and fair market value are subject to change. We always recommend that you consult a tax advisor with questions.

My child is coming on a school trip. Can I use my membership for that visit?

Sorry, membership admission privileges may not be applied to school trips, group visits, or non-member events.

I haven’t received my membership cards yet and I’m planning a visit!

It does normally take six to eight weeks to receive your membership cards, but that doesn’t mean you can’t visit the Aquarium in the meantime. Simply check in at the Membership Desk in the Main Lobby with your copy of the application form (if you joined when you were here), your confirmation email (if you joined online) or a picture ID with your name/address (such as a driver’s license) and we will be happy to look you up in the system to get you on your way to a great visit!

Have questions that aren’t answered here? Contact Membership at members@neaq.org or 617-973-6555, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.