Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Located by the oceanfront, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a window into the rich marine life of the area with over 200 exhibits and 80,000 plants and animals on display. Here, you can see leopard sharks weave through kelp forests at one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world, sardines swimming past a 90-foot aquarium window, and cute sea otters frolicking.
Tickets are only available online so be sure to book before you go. There’s also a behind-the-scenes tour for an exclusive peek behind their world-class exhibits.
– Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
14,372 reviews
Excellent
10,098
Very good
2,861
Average
1,016
Poor
266
Terrible
131
Rodney S
Birmingham, AL44 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
The admission price is $60 for adults I feel is to high for what you see. I have been other other aquariums that where better for less. The day I went there was a very long line but it did move fast. Several interesting things for kids. All in all overrated.
Written 28 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mary Penney
Doylestown, PA7 contributions
Mar 2023
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a must-see and must-absorb educational experience. The entire day was filled with beautiful marine life, birds, otters, seals, turtles, sting rays and moon jellies. Around everty corner is an awe-inspiring coenr of the deep sea, coral reef, kelp forest and more. Thank to the staff, scientists, donors and volunteers who devote their lives to this wonderful landmark and educational experience.
Written 17 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
arubaphil
Kinnelon, NJ575 contributions
Feb 2023
The Aquarium is located directly on the Monterey Bay, giving everyone great proximity to the sea life. You will view fish, otters, penguins and other sea creatures close up. There are many interactive exhibits and the aquarium is great for all ages. It's a must visit when in Monterey.
Written 3 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Roger R
Minnesota793 contributions
Mar 2023
Some strange policies and procedures.
1. Senior discount starts at age 70 (first ever for this)
2. Tickets are on line only
Capped off by the high price $50 each senior and $20 to park at the city lot this was an expensive day
It was not readily disclosed that one of the major exhibits was closed (otters)
Great aquarium but with issues
1. Senior discount starts at age 70 (first ever for this)
2. Tickets are on line only
Capped off by the high price $50 each senior and $20 to park at the city lot this was an expensive day
It was not readily disclosed that one of the major exhibits was closed (otters)
Great aquarium but with issues
Written 2 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PastyPerson
Sacramento, CA173 contributions
Feb 2023
This Aquarium is a love letter to California's coastal regions. Everyone who works or volunteers here (and they have a LOT of dedicated volunteers) is enthusiastic about preserving the Monterey Bay and incredibly knowledgeable about the local environment.
When you go, try to sign up for the "Behind the Scenes Tour" - our group was led by a knowledgeable and very engaging volunteer.
Enjoy!
When you go, try to sign up for the "Behind the Scenes Tour" - our group was led by a knowledgeable and very engaging volunteer.
Enjoy!
Written 2 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kelly H
2 contributions
Feb 2023
This is the best aquarium in the US in my opinion. Beautiful animals, lots of facts and good information. Everyone looked well cared for in the exhibits and looked happy.
Written 27 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robbie M
2 contributions
Feb 2023
I spent about 5 hours here with the family taking in all the beauty the ocean has to offer. Very well maintained aquarium and lovely exhibits.
Written 26 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TravelFun_seekerz
8 contributions
Feb 2023
Love this place! Sure there's enough to complain about but we're lucky to have such a great experience available.
Get the complaints out of the way. Yeah, it's kinda expensive. Can be really crowded. The constant game of bumper-strollers is annoying. Some of the stuff is once in a lifetime to see yet the kids complain of being bored after a couple hours... but it is what it is.
Positives, it's just a really special place to see. I appreciate their focus on sustainability; the Seafood Watch cards are educational and convenient. The tanks are amazing. I could sit and stare at the deep water tank all day long. The docents are all very helpful and eager to answer any questions. The folks doing the presentations at feedings are very enthusiastic and engaging for the kids.
For the cost you want to get in all you can see before the kids get whiney. Plan ahead. Arrive at opening and then move around with the Daily Schedule. We caught the otter feeding at 10:30. Kids loved how the otters come right up to the glass. Made our way over to the Deep Sea feeding at 11:00 and that was my favorite. It's amazing to watch the giant swarm of sardines swimming around and feeding as a group. Highly recommend. The kelp feeding was pretty cool, but the kids were more interested in the touch pools on the 2nd floor.
Overall a must-do experience. It didn't look like much of a cost-premium to upgrade from a single day ticket to a season pass but I don't know if its a trip we'd do more than once every year or so.
Get the complaints out of the way. Yeah, it's kinda expensive. Can be really crowded. The constant game of bumper-strollers is annoying. Some of the stuff is once in a lifetime to see yet the kids complain of being bored after a couple hours... but it is what it is.
Positives, it's just a really special place to see. I appreciate their focus on sustainability; the Seafood Watch cards are educational and convenient. The tanks are amazing. I could sit and stare at the deep water tank all day long. The docents are all very helpful and eager to answer any questions. The folks doing the presentations at feedings are very enthusiastic and engaging for the kids.
For the cost you want to get in all you can see before the kids get whiney. Plan ahead. Arrive at opening and then move around with the Daily Schedule. We caught the otter feeding at 10:30. Kids loved how the otters come right up to the glass. Made our way over to the Deep Sea feeding at 11:00 and that was my favorite. It's amazing to watch the giant swarm of sardines swimming around and feeding as a group. Highly recommend. The kelp feeding was pretty cool, but the kids were more interested in the touch pools on the 2nd floor.
Overall a must-do experience. It didn't look like much of a cost-premium to upgrade from a single day ticket to a season pass but I don't know if its a trip we'd do more than once every year or so.
Written 21 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AIR. LAND. SEE...
United Kingdom49 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
I've been lucky enough to visit many aquariums and Monterey is up there with the best!
We spent 4 wonderful hours in the aquarium. Highlights included the kelp forest, the giant Pacific octopus and feeding time with the sea otters. Going outside, the chance to see seals and sea otters in the wild from the deck and through the tower viewers is amazing. The history of the canning factory display is also worth a read.
Every section is a joy and I can't recommend it enough!
We spent 4 wonderful hours in the aquarium. Highlights included the kelp forest, the giant Pacific octopus and feeding time with the sea otters. Going outside, the chance to see seals and sea otters in the wild from the deck and through the tower viewers is amazing. The history of the canning factory display is also worth a read.
Every section is a joy and I can't recommend it enough!
Written 16 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jacob L
2 contributions
Jan 2023
I really appreciated the level of emphasis the aquarium put on the researchers and projects behind the exhibits. Would definitely like to see even more focus on this.
Written 16 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mkoenigs
Wichita, KS
I have a 5 year old. How long, typically, does it take to see the aquarium? I realize each person is different. Just trying to get a general idea to plan our day. Thanks!
Sheina J
Burlington, Canada217 contributions
Depending on your little one’s attention span, you can stick to the sections with live animals rather than the ‘shows’ with narration. They should love the otters, more entertaining than the penguins.
On the whole two hours should be sufficient. No matter how much or little you see you and they will love it!
Laura J
Walnut Creek1 contribution
How much is a membership and how many guest passes come with the membership?
Are stroller wagons allowed?
msk1Ca
ca188 contributions
strollers, yes. Unfortunately we did see the wagons, too. It is a very tight space with many visitors--leave the wagon home!
Dayanara
San Jose, CA50 contributions
Are members guaranteed admission now that tickets must be purchased in advance?
MontereyBayAquarium
1 contribution
Hello there! Reservations are made on a first-come, first-serve basis for all members and guests. Please visit our website to learn more about the new visiting experience.
I would like to become a member of the Monterrey Bay Aquarium
MontereyBayAquarium
1 contribution
Hi Claire! That's wonderful! Thanks for wanting to support us. You can learn more about how to become a member on our website. We look forward to sea-ing you soon!
mrsp81206
Rochester, NY63 contributions
Their website says they open at 10, but do they start selling tickets prior to 10 am? Driving down from San Francisco that day and trying to decide how early we need to get there.
Donnac2009
Winston Salem, NC247 contributions
Booking online is the easiest way to get tickets. Otherwise you will be waiting in line. We got there at 10 and they line was long and moved pretty quick.
Natasha N
Curitiba, PR2 contributions
Estamos indo a Monterrey, é tranquilo comprar ingressos para o Aquarium na hora????
Obrigada
Manoel Peso
Salvador, BA27 contributions
Prezados:
Visitamos o aquário em janeiro/2019 e não havia filas.
Lembre que as férias no hemisfério norte são no meio do ano, mas não creio que encontrem dificuldades pata adquirir as entradas.
Verdade que o preço não é barato, mas vale muito a pena!
Para quem conhece alguns aquários como o de La Coruña na Espanha e o AquaRio , o de Monterey é simplesmente maravilhoso!
Não pense no preço e sim no que vai aproveitar!
Jo F
Bedford, UK4 contributions
Should I buy tickets prior to visiting Monterey aquarium ?? I noticed that you aren’t asked for a specific date that you want to visit ?? Are the tickets valid for any day at any time ?? I don’t want to spend $150 then not be able to get in due to capacity issues. Thank you
Jake S
Alexandria, VA204 contributions
When we brought tickets in advance they were for specific dates. We were advised locally (on the Monterey Peninsula) to be at the Aquarium when it opened (9:30) because it got crowded FAST. There was a modest line already by 9:00 of people waiting to pick up their tickets from the 'will call' ticket booth. The situation is all-around best if you arrive before opening and already have your tickets in hand. That way you skip the secondary lines on the inside of people picking up tickets or trying to purchase tickets. Also, there is NO parking specifically for the Aquarium. There is a nearby City of Monterey parking garage that charges $18/day WITH NO IN&OUT PRIVILEGES! The least expensive parking is on the street, in metered locations good for 2 hours at a time. We were lucky and found one right outside the Aquarium and I went out twice to extend our parking period.
MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Monterey Bay Aquarium is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking Monterey Bay Aquarium tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 7 Monterey Bay Aquarium tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Monterey Bay Aquarium:
- Monterey & Carmel Explorer (From S$141.24)
- Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey (From S$10.75)
- Vacation Photographer in Monterey Bay (From S$370.49)
- Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in Monterey Bay (From S$370.49)
- Coastal Pebble Beach 17 Mile Drive Guided E-bike Tour, Cannery Row (From S$100.89)
- Hotels near Monterey Bay Aquarium:
- (0.18 km) InterContinental the Clement Monterey, an IHG Hotel
- (0.12 km) Ocean Wave B - Monterey Condo - Near Oceanview Row
- (0.14 km) Ocean Wave A - Monterey Condo - Oceanview Cannery Row
- (0.38 km) Spindrift Inn
- (0.64 km) The Jabberwock Inn
- Restaurants near Monterey Bay Aquarium:
- (0.06 km) Monterey Bay Aquarium Cafe
- (0.11 km) Bistro Moulin
- (0.07 km) Monterey Bay Aquarium Restaurant
- (0.21 km) C restaurant + bar
- (0.08 km) Austino's Patisserie
- Attractions near Monterey Bay Aquarium:
- (0.01 km) Monterey Bay
- (0.14 km) Doc Rickett's Pacific Biological Laboratories
- (0.25 km) Segway Tours Monterey
- (0.18 km) Monterey Waterfront & Cannery Row Tours
- (0.27 km) Big Sur Adventures