Monterey Bay Aquarium Day Trips & Walks

World Class Aquarium
886 Cannery Row
Monterey,
CA, 93940
United States
Phone No. +1 831 648 4800
Visit Websitehttp://www.mbayaq.org/
Cards Accepted:

Overview

This is one of the best designed aquariums going. A unique feature is the two-story tank, home to a kelp forest in which swim sunfish, sharks, and the occasional diver tasked with squeegeeing the algae off the tank walls. Sand dabs are displayed in shelf-like tanks ideally suited to the flat fish, and a school of sardines swim in an endless circle in their cylindrical tank home. If you want to interact with some aquatic dwellers, you're invited to pet the bat rays (oddly velvet-like). The jellyfish display shows that they are like something from another planet.

Open Hours

Mo to Su from 10:00 AM to 06:00 PM

Upcoming Events Near Monterey Bay Aquarium

Tags

A Day In The City, Five Days In The City, Three Days In The City

Monterey Bay Aquariumby Yahoo | 2009-02-08 00:00:00 |

It was expensive but worth it. It has exhibits for the old cannery as well as all the fish and water exhibits so it was nice to see a that they had tried to keep a bit of the history of the bay alive. There was a kelp forest, a huge underwater ocean with sharks and sea bass, sea horses and sea dragons, and an area you can touch starfish and such in. I got to touch a sea cucumber, which I never thought I would do as I’ve always been a little squeamish about them...they’re weird and ugly and make my skin crawl, but having touched one, I now actually rather like them and can see them as being rather cute in a way! My boyfriend and I also got to pick up a hermit crab each, feeling them crawl over our fingers, and we could touch the stingray too. There was an area where there was sea birds indoors, some of which are rather strange. There were otters and rock fish and everything you can think of. We were in there for an hour and a half but could have easily have spent longer in there

Love it every time!by Yahoo | 2008-10-29 22:26:01 |

I've been to several other aquariums and this is by far my favorite! Yes it can be crowded but that's just because it's so popular. They have a wonderful jellyfish exhibit, and kids really love the otters and penguins (FYI penguins are rather smelly). If you're able to go when they have a great white I highly recommend it as it is a rare and beautiful site to see. For those who have not been, the main focus of the exhibits are on marine life in CA, so don't expect to see a lot of tropical fish. Their deep water tank more than makes up for the lack of "colorful" fish. They also have a wonderful play area for smaller children and many tide pools where you can touch local marine life (although the rays are often too skittish to come near). The aquarium is located near many shops and restaurants so there is plenty to do throughout the day!

Could go everyday!by Yahoo | 2008-05-28 19:38:07 |

My family loves this. We've gone three times and always find something new! The location is great because you can just walk down Cannery Row and grab some lunch and head back to see some more of the aquarium! I would highly recommend everyone go see this!

Best of Montereyby Yahoo | 2008-05-17 06:10:06 |

The Aquarium is the best tourist attraction in Monterey and very much worth the experience. Make sure you check out the shark movie they offer every 30 mins because it is very cool.

A little overratedby Yahoo | 2008-03-27 06:00:48 |

The aquarium wasnt quite what I expected, tons of screaming children, people bumping and pushing you out of the way to look at the exhibits. Its possible my expectations were a little too high, but I was highly dissappointed.

Wonderful!by Yahoo | 2008-03-23 16:05:05 |

Me and my husband and my 3 children were here last week on wednesday. It was 99$ for all of us to actually get in the aquarium but it was worth it. It is very clean and the animals are amazing! I've never seen anything like it. The suveniers were also expensive but we got them anyway. If your looking for a place to have fun and be facinated thats where you should go.

From a local's perspectiveby Yahoo | 2008-03-19 04:53:28 |

I have grown up with the aquarium. I live in Spreckels, it is very close to Monterey. I was born in Monterey, and I have been to the aquarium countless times. I always enjoy it and it never gets old. I love visiting the aquarium! my family and i are members, which means we don't need tickets to get in, and can go a lot. I feel very fortunate.

WONDERFULby Yahoo | 2008-03-10 15:26:09 |

WHAT A WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE. I THINK THE JELLY FISH EXHIBIT WAS ONE OF THE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN. THEY OFFERED MANY HANDS ON EXHIBITS FOR CHILDREN. SO AS A FAMILY DON'T HESITATE TO VISIT. I THINK THE PRICE IS A LITTLE HEFTY FOR A FAMILY BUT THAT IS JUST THE PROBLEM WITH TRAVEL THESE DAYS.

The BESTby Yahoo | 2008-03-04 13:19:51 |

I have been here twice and would go again in a heart-beat if I didn't live in Iowa. Kids of ALL ages have fun here. The little ones like to touch the marine life in the touching pool. I like watching when they feed the fish and talk to everyone from inside the tank. I also like that you can walk outside and see the ocean and where they get some of the marine life exhibited. I always feel comfortable here.

Nice experience!by Yahoo | 2008-03-02 06:10:07 |

Loved all the sea life. This is a fun and wonderful experience for the children. Lots of hands on displays. Disliked the fact that we did'nt see any penguins or seahorses due to remodeling...

TOTALLY WORTH IT!!!by Yahoo | 2008-02-10 04:37:22 |

Everything about Monterey is spectacular. The aquarium is one of the most respected in the world and I now understand why. You feel like your under water with all these strange and beautiful fish. The Sea Otters are a must see, if you want to be there for a feeding arrive early esp if you're vertically challenged like myself. The giant Outer Bay tank is awe inspiring with it's Sunfish and Tuna inhabitants, but the Jellyfish section is so magical and the colors are so vivid. The views outside are amazing with the Seals swimming in the Bay and the Cormorants sitting on the rocks. The staff are very friendly, there is a bit of construction going on currently so getting from the parking structure to the doors is a bit of a trek, but it gives you something to look forward to the next time you go. Take the Coast Highway to and from the views are WOW!!!