Take a Trip Under The Sea at Monterey Bay Aquarium

Explore the wonders of the sea including a kelp forest, jellyfish, and open sea exhibit!

Last updated: Aug 2023

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Adult-$59.95; Youth-$49.95; Child-$44.95
272 Miles from you
World Class: Exceptional experiences that are among the best things to do in the world
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Description

Explore under the sea for the day! Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the largest and most renowned aquariums in the world. Home to more than 35,000 animals and plants, representing over 600 species. The aquarium's exhibits showcase the diverse marine life of the Monterey Bay and surrounding areas, including sea otters, jellyfish, sharks, and penguins. The aquarium also has a strong focus on conservation and education, with programs aimed at promoting sustainable seafood practices and protecting ocean habitats. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a popular destination for visitors of all ages and interests, and offers a unique and educational experience for anyone interested in marine life and conservation.

Perfect for

For groups

For families with kids

Chill

TikTok videos

Itinerary

Arrive at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Explore the exhibits at your own pace
Attend scheduled feedings or presentations
Optional: Participate in behind-the-scenes tours or immersive experiences

Location & Hours

886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940

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Working Hours

Mon10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Tue10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wed10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thu10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Fri10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sat10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sun10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Packing List

camera gear
phone charger
dry snacks
hand sanitizer

4.7 ● Google reviews

We hesitated to come here as we thought it was just another standard aquarium. We were very wrong; the layout is thoughtfully done, the exhibits are highly polished and refined. The shows were great; we saw the otter feeding and the Kelp Forest feeding by a scuba diver. Our 4 year old enjoyed the kids areas but overall engaged with pretty much everywhere else too. Overall, I understand why this is rated as one of the best in the world.

If you love to learn more about ocean residents and sea life this place is a must! Lots of great exhibits, amazing live narrated films, outstanding tours. Loved penguin and sea otter exhibits. I wish there would be less people, as it was pretty crowded and it was hard to get to some of the exhibits. Still worth visiting and learning more about the ocean and its inhabitants.

Monterey Bay Aquarium was an absolutely amazing experience! I loved every of it. The aquarium features so many unique animals especially the sea otters! (Rosa was my favorite.) The aquarium was extremely informative and you could see the passion each of the crew and staff had for these animals and ocean conservation. I can't express how much I loved this aquarium. Not only the aquarium but the conservation work and the research the aquarium does in incredible. You can even see wild animals like otters, seals, and osprey from the balconies and binoculars. I came from Los Angeles all the way to Monterey just to go to this aquarium and was definitely worth it!

The aquarium has lots of fun exhibits. Our favorites were the open sea exhibit, the penguins, and otters. There are a few exhibits where you can touch and feel sea life. Our kids really enjoyed those. There's places to buy snacks and food. We were interested in the Cafe but didn't end up going.

Family friendly; little one's will have alot of fun. Aquarium Staff are very helpful, friendly and patient. The "Deep Ocean" section is amazing! Definitely worth visiting again. Buy tickets online in advance!! If you see a super long line to get in, no worries. The line itself goes by very fast and Aquarium Staff do an excellent job with crowd management. $20 parking is just down the street (FYI)!

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FAQs

Do I need to buy my tickets in advance?

Yes. Tickets must be purchased on website as there are no in-person ticket sales. You’re welcome to make a reservation on your mobile device, but to ensure a spot is available, please purchase in advance. Arrive any time up until an hour before closing. Aquarium hours vary. Check out the hours and schedule for specific dates and times. No reservations required for members.

What do I need to bring with me to enter the aquarium?

When arriving at the Aquarium, please have a ticket ready for each guest, regardless of age (tickets for visitors ages four and under are free). As long as the QR code can be scanned, it does not matter if the ticket is on a mobile device or printed. Members and their guests will present their digital or physical member cards. Many guests arrive right at opening — you may experience quicker entry if you arrive later in the day.

Is there a time limit on my visit?

No. You are welcome to stay and explore until the aquarium closes for the day. You can also give yourself a hand stamp at the exit for re-entry later that same day.