Monterey Bay Aquarium

Discover the marine habitats of Monterey Bay at their local aquarium.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is known for its regional focus on the marine habitats of Monterey Bay. This aquarium is one for firsts because they were the first to exhibit a living kelp forest. Their biologists have also pioneered the animal husbandry of jellyfish and were the first to successfully care for a great white shark from 2004 through 2011. This aquarium is known for its research and organization efforts with a focus on otters, tunas, sea birds, and sustainable seafood. The Monterey Bay Aquarium helped create momentum for the establishment of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, one of the largest marine protected areas in the United States. Built at the site of an old sardine cannery, this coastal aquarium has turned into a great architectural achievement. They have won numerous awards for their exhibitions of marine life, conservation efforts, and educational programs.

The main attractions of the aquarium include the kelp forest exhibit, an open sea wing, jellyfish tanks, coral reefs, an aviary, and more. You will notice that the kelp forest exhibit is nearly three stories high, growing giant kelp at an impressive average of four inches a day. Here, you will see indigenous species of fish from Monterey Bay including rockfish and leopard sharks. The open sea wing is the aquarium’s largest tank with 1.2 million gallons of water holding sea turtles, a large school of sardines, stingrays, hammerhead sharks, tunas, mahi-mahi, barracuda, and many other creatures. Monterey Bay Aquarium is open from 10 am to 5 pm and admission costs $35 for children (5-12), $40 for youth (13-17), $50 for adults (18-64), and $40 for seniors (65+).