From the moment you enter the Maine State Aquarium at Boothbay Harbor you can tell you are in for an aquatic treat.  When you go into the main gallery you’ll think you’ve been transported to a rocky section of the Maine coast.

Many lobsters that defy the usual size and color of traditional lobsters, some up to 23 pounts.  Who’d expect to see a blue, calico or albino lobster? You will at the aquarium.

Your kids will be in heaven playing at the many interactive displays, where they get to hold and touch all sorts of watery creatures.

In the 20 foot long elevated touch tank – the largest in Maine – you and your kids will be amazed by the multitude of invertebrates crawling among the rocky bottom. You can feel the spiny skin of a sea star or sea urchin and, if you’re in a playful mood, get squirted by a sea cucumber or scallop. Then watch as the moon snail pulls in its enormous “gooey” foot and be fascinated by the sea star retracting its stomach. Yuck!…but what fun!!!

At the “Downeast” tank you can watch red sea anemones and purple sunstars cavort in their natural habitat, as live northern shrimp and bottom-dwelling fish make an appearance.

Don’t fall into the 850 gallon tank. It’s filled with sharks and skates. Not to worry. The aquarium staff enjoys guiding visitors on the safe and respectful way to touch these creatures of the deep.

The Maine State Aquarium is located at 194 McKown Point Road, West Boothbay Harbor and operated by the Maine Department of Marine Resources. (207-633-9674)