Monterey Bay Aquarium

Highlights / General details

For 30 years, the non-profit Monterey Bay Aquarium has been the standard by which all other aquariums are judged. It’s hailed by peers and public alike for its innovative exhibits and unsurpassed visitor experience. Located on the shores of Monterey Bay—the heart of the largest national marine sanctuary in the continental United States—the Aquarium is home to nearly 35,000 animals and plants, in 34 major galleries and nearly 200 exhibits. It’s a showcase for sea life from one of the world’s richest marine regions: from sea otters and jellyfish to great white sharks; from kelp forests and wave-swept rocky shores, to the vast open ocean. Changing special exhibitions, hands-on activities and lively daily programs make the Aquarium a must-see attraction for all ages.

There are aquariums—and then there’s the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Located on Monterey’s historic Cannery Row and overlooking the vast national marine sanctuary it explores, this jewel of California’s scenic central coast is rated No. 1 for families and a Top 10 national attraction. Its spectacular living exhibits explore the diverse habitats of one of the world’s richest marine regions, and well beyond too.

1. Visit “The Open Sea.” Meet amazing animals that make epic migrations across the Pacific. Experience a million-gallon indoor ocean, home to sharks, sea turtles, tunas and more. Live exhibits and multimedia experiences connect you with delicate jellies, seabirds and other ocean animals.
2. The Jellies Experience. Our newest special exhibition is a sensory extravaganza of live exhibits and interactive experiences with a “Summer of Love” feel that introduces unusual jellies not found in local waters—including some seldom seen at any aquarium in the world.
3. Step onto “The Ocean’s Edge.” A dramatic transformation of the Aquarium’s original exhibit galleries awaits. You’ll encounter giant Pacific octopus, large sharks and schooling fishes, shorebirds in a walk-through aviary, a wave crash tunnel and touch pools galore. The lively exhibits incorporate hands-on approaches and important conservation themes, told in engaging and exciting ways.
4. See the Kelp Forest. Immerse yourself in the first and largest living kelp forest created at any aquarium. It’s a magical place of sunlight and sea life. The towering two-story Kelp Forest is filled with fishes, marine plants and invertebrates.
5. Watch the sea otters frolic. Our exhibit otters were all rescued as stranded pups and cannot return to the wild. You can see them above and below the water in a two-story exhibit.
6. Meet our penguins. You’ll find them in Splash Zone, our family gallery. But the penguins aren’t just for the younger set. They appeal to the kid in everyone.
7. Cruise with our sharks. The Monterey Bay Habitats exhibit gives you a close-up view of sevengill sharks and leopard sharks, as well as salmon, yellowtail and other fishes found in Monterey Bay.

While the animals and exhibits are center stage, other daily activities and programs add to the experience too. Feeding shows, auditorium programs, “Discovery Carts” with interpreters on hand and a host of other activities are all part of an Aquarium visit.

The Aquarium’s newly renovated restaurant “Cindy’s Waterfront” and its adjoining casual cafe both offer a farmto-table dining experience created by our culinary partner, acclaimed Napa Valley chef Cindy Pawlcyn. You’ll find beautiful natural history, art and gift items in our gift and bookstores.

Inclusion

Admission to Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Exclusion

Transportation.

Hours of operation Open Daily except Christmas Day (December 25).

Hours of operation

Open Daily except Christmas Day (December 25). Hours of operation vary by season.

Location

Monterey Bay Aquarium - 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940.

All information requested must be supplied or booking is subject to automatic cancellation