Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is one of five facilities in North America which is home to Beluga whales.

Exploring Your National Marine Sanctuaries

In this original new exhibit Dr. Robert Ballard takes us on a personal journey to some of America's most protected marine sanctuaries. The best part is that you won't have to leave Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration to take the tour!

Unlike many national parks, marine sanctuaries are off-limits and diving in those areas is discouraged and many times, prohibited. That's what makes this exhibit, located in Challenge of the Deep, so special. These treasured marine locations will now be brought to you.

Some of the exciting things you'll be able to explore:

• Exclusive video footage from Dr. Ballard's recent exploration to the Flower Garden Banks in the Gulf of Mexico
• Historic shipwrecks of the Great Lakes in Thunder Bay, Lake Huron
• U.S.S. Monitor site off the coast of North Carolina. The Monitor was the first ironclad ship ever to serve in battle and was sunk during the Civil War (1862).
• LIVE, high definition video link to Monterey Bay in California where guests will be able to look in on California Sea Lions, harbor seals and sea otters as they frolic and forage in their natural habitat. The link will make use of four cameras and a live audio feed.

So, don't worry about packing your wetsuit or getting a permission note to explore some of our nation's most beautiful and exclusive treasured marine sanctuaries. Challenge of the Deep is now bringing those National Marine Sanctuaries to you. Come dive in and visit!