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Seymour Marine Discovery Center

100 Shaffer Rd, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
831-459-3800
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Ranked #5 of 31 attractions in Santa Cruz
Type: Aquariums, Science Museums
Description: See a wide variety of marine animals at the University of Californias research lab.
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54 reviews from our community

Visitor rating
    29
    22
    3
    0
    0
Date Rating
Sonoma, CA
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

This little gem is peacefully tucked away. I'm not big into the science thing but I really enjoyed this visit. The docent led our tour and was engaging and easily taught me much about marine science in a short time. The touch-pools are great -- sea stars, anemones, swell sharks...

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See 2 more reviews by SonomaNative for Santa Cruz
2 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 22 April 2013 via mobile

Visited the center on spring break with my 15 and 13 yo dtrs. Loads of interesting information on past and current research projects, as well as the ecology of the area. Makes you feel like you are getting a sneak peak of current research. Take the free docent led guided tour, we got to see the dolphins they were working... More

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Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 April 2013

It's on the smaller side but it was very educational. We got to touch a small shark, star fish and other small marine animals. Take the outdoors tour when you go!!

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See 2 more reviews by Abbytalksalott for Santa Cruz
Burney,Ca
Senior Contributor
30 reviews 30 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 18 cities Reviews in 18 cities
74 helpful votes 74 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 April 2013

This is a very educational base attraction, which is fine. Don't go expecting a huge aquarium. It has some nice displays and a huge whale skeleton near the entry. Also, if you go out the back door, it's a short walk to the cliffs overlooking the ocean.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 4 more reviews by NorcalTraveler for Santa Cruz
Folsom, California, United States
Senior Contributor
26 reviews 26 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 11 March 2013

This place is little gem! We stumbled across a small sign on the road that read "Aquarium" so we followed it to the Discovery Center. First thing you see when you pull in is a huge whale skeleton. It's really facinating to see that large of an animal so close up! There are great college kids inside at the touch... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
See 7 more reviews by Marino C for Santa Cruz
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 February 2013

As an adult, I found it very educational and interesting - it would be great for kids. You get to pet a shark.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 2 more reviews by alcaldeellen for Santa Cruz
mlautamo, Admissions Coordinator at Seymour Marine Discovery Center, responded to this review
2 March 2013

We're so glad you enjoyed our center as an adult! We try to provide a variety of exhibits that appeal to both the younger and older crowd - thank you for your review! More

Santa Cruz, California
Senior Contributor
46 reviews 46 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 January 2013

Like the gift shop! The rest is a little tedious. Save your time to go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 21 more reviews by Tidetalker for Santa Cruz
mlautamo, Admissions Coordinator at Seymour Marine Discovery Center, responded to this review
2 March 2013

We're so glad you enjoyed our gift shop and hope that you'll return again. We offer docent-led tours that enhance your visit and provide a more in-depth look at the research taking place at Long Marine Lab. Engaging with our knowledgeable crew of volunteers also makes a visit to our center more interesting - you never know what you might... More

Santa Cruz, CA
2 reviews
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 January 2013

The Seymour Center is an interesting institution in a beautiful location! They have an amazing shark touch tank, a variety of aquariums with interesting and exotic animals, and a bunch of interesting and interactive exhibits that get you excited about some of the more boring aspects of marine biology. Also, their docents are super knowledgeable!

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
mlautamo, Admissions Coordinator at Seymour Marine Discovery Center, responded to this review
2 March 2013

Thank you for the glowing review and we're so happy to hear you had such an amazing time at our center! We pride ourselves in having a well-trained crew of passionate volunteers to help bring our exhibits to life. Hope you come again! More

London, United Kingdom
Top Contributor
149 reviews 149 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 63 cities Reviews in 63 cities
248 helpful votes 248 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 December 2012

If you visit this coastline based discovery centre, certainly sign up for one of the free docent led tours as you will get to see the dolphins, and seals - which otherwise cannot be viewed.

Was this review helpful? Yes 3
See 2 more reviews by LondonUnveiled for Santa Cruz
Walnut Creek, California, United States
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
3 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 25 November 2012

This lab is not as big as even a quarter of Monterey Bay Aquarium (entrance fee is not as expensive either), but it is elegantly laid out and focused more on education. Kids will get chance to touch some sea animals. The lab staff are friendly and knowledgeable. The short trail outside the lab is as great. We got lucky... More

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