Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 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 - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 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
Duration: More than 3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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See what travellers are saying
- PriceTheOrgan234 contributionsStill one of the best aquariums in the worldMy wife was keen to revisit this having been 20 years ago. The otters were still utterly enchanting and the other displays/shows informative and well designed. Definitely a great way to spend 3 hours in Monterey.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 April 2023
- JSB915Northbrook, Illinois586 contributionsAmazing Interactive AquariumWhat an experience! This aquarium tops all, by far. The exhibits are fascinating, serving up interesting facts and history in an interactive manner. Overall, very well-organized, clean with helpful guides throughout who were happy to tell you more. I particularly liked the ability to go out on expansive open decks to experience pacific coastal environments up close. The ticket cost was well worth it! Can’t wait to go back!!Visited April 2023Travelled with familyWritten 15 April 2023
- Christine DClarence Center, New York98 contributionsBeautiful but expensiveA beautiful but expensive experience. We did not have small children with us, so we saw everything in under two hours. Most importantly we felt that the sea creatures were treated well and had spacious clean habitats. Much better than others we have seen. The entry cost was expensive and there was nothing we found affordable in the gift shops. I hope these costs are going directly to the care of the animals.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 8 June 2023
- Hayley AWakefield, United Kingdom176 contributionsGreat day out!We had a great day here! The exhibits all looked clean and well maintained. The touch pool were supervised by really enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff. We really enjoyed the talk given by Becky at sea otter feeding time!Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 July 2023
- Voyage54431325785Atascadero, California15 contributionsBest Aquarium in the West!!well the Monterey Bay Aquarium is still one of the best aquariums I know in the entire world. I haven't been to all of them but the ones I've been to in the midwest in the East and in Europe This one is still the big winner. I haven't said anything about it since 2012 so it's been a number of years and many of the major exhibits have changed and they've always changed for the better. I always buy annual subscriptions so that I can share my guest passes with other people and it's really the way to go I encourage people to get the annual support and then you get two passes for you and your honey and two guest passes which you can use again and again for your friends. introducing more people to this aquarium is fabulous. the open ocean is such a stunning sight to see the big fish swimming around right in front of you you just can't beat it. the kelp forest is always got a crowd and is always just wonderful especially when the divers go in and feed the fish it's beautiful the Otters isn't forever popular place however for me I like the otters in Morro Bay they're just right there in the wild and there's a whole lot of them and it's really fun watching them raise their babies. I recommend the aquarium with Two thumbs up and a hip hip hooray let's all go to MontereyVisited June 2023Travelled soloWritten 7 July 2023
- 808nlcHonolulu, Hawaii24 contributionsMUST VISIT!!This is a MUST SEE place when in Monterey. Pros: Lots to see the animals seem to be well cared for Cons: Crowded We went on a Saturday morning and it was CROWDED!! There is a lot to see, the tanks are clean, animals seem well cared for… We had a great time. We will definitely be back next time we are in MontereyVisited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 10 July 2023
- HoneylocketWales, United Kingdom126 contributionsExcellentAmazing aquarium - a must do in Monterey. We went late in the afternoon and towards the end or our visit essentially had tank exhibits to ourselves. Really, really impressive. Friendly volunteer staff! Worth the steep ticket price.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 20 July 2023
- TinkytinksterCheadle, United Kingdom41 contributionsJellyfish AwesomeAbsolutely loved it but was relieved our kids were older as it was crazy busy. The large tanks with massive fish were great but the jelly fish were simply awesome. At €220 it’s not cheap but we’ll worth a visit.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 22 July 2023
- CoastrunnerCoronado, California26 contributionsA must experience.This was not my first visit, but I found new things to enjoy. The aquarium is possible the best in the world, and the thousands of visitors there with me attest to that. The exhibits are well planned, highly educational, and cover the entire spectrum of life in the ocean, with the focus on the marine area of Monterey Bay. The exhibits displaying many species of jellyfish were particularly fascinating.Visited July 2023Written 26 July 2023
- Thomas JSun Prairie, Wisconsin81 contributionsNeat aquarium...way too many peopleThere were a lot of great tanks and presentations but there were so many people it was impossible to see some of them my h less even move in the tighter places. Pick an off time (day or season) if you want to actually enjoy it. $60/tic is a ton to spend for 2 hours...sure if you watch every presentation and read every placard it might take you 4 hours.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
14,460 reviews
Excellent
10,153
Very good
2,873
Average
1,028
Poor
269
Terrible
137
kairlotta
Salt Lake City, UT129 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
This was a bucket list item and at $60 per adult, I gasped a bit, but it was totally worth it. We went on a Wednesday afternoon and it wasn't crowded at all. Remember to purchase your tickets in advance. Don't forget to go outside and see the views from the patio. I really enjoyed seeing all the exhibits, especially Dory and friends.
Written 11 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica
Dallas, TX4 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
Everything here is amazing! I wish I lived in the area to purchase a membership and visit often. Worth the ticket price IMO.
Written 7 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeri Jo S
Longmont, CO68 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
The line was super long but we decided to hop in it anyway. I was impressed how quickly it moved and it didn't seem overly crowded inside. Unlike some aquariums you don't end up going the exact same direction as everyone else. The entire staff was helpful and friendly. The outside areas are so amazing and a great way to enjoy the bay and get some fresh air.
We hadn't planned on getting food but did and were pleasantly surprised. Great food and crazy about of choices. It is pricey but at least it's quality food.
We hadn't planned on getting food but did and were pleasantly surprised. Great food and crazy about of choices. It is pricey but at least it's quality food.
Written 26 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BigMisterJones
Ratley140 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Excellent all round. We went during a busy time so the place was pretty packed out - that was the only downside. The exhibits, however, were beautiful and the staff & volunteers were informative and friendly. Super places to sit outside too to see the local wildlife. Would come back again.
Written 25 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen O
Boston, MA67 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We stopped into the Monterey Aquarium for a few hours while we were on a road trip in CA. It was a great way to spend an afternoon. We followed easy to read road signs to a public parking garage a few blocks from the aquarium. The aquarium had lots of interesting and educational exhibits - we particularly enjoyed the octopus, the penguins and the exhibit on the Deep. There were lots of hands on exhibits for children, a nice cafe/lunch area with many food options, plenty of restrooms and lots of windows to see the ocean. We highly recommend!
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alaina
3 contributions
Jun 2023 • Business
I can't stop talking about my experience at the Monterey Aquarium. My favorite part was the Sardine room... It was mesmerizing to say the least. I also loved the art that was made from recycled ocean plastic and the fact that they have educational information on how to save the oceans.
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valerie G
North Port, FL207 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
This aquarium had a lot to see but was very crowded the Friday we were there in February. You had to stand in lines gathered in front of all the tanks in order to see anything. Despite the crowds we were impressed with all the animals and had a great time during our visit. We even saw a humpback whale out in the bay behind the aquarium. I was very impressed with the amount of research and discoveries made by the scientists and staff working here. Lots of information to read and the staff was helpful and informative during our visit. Everyone working was friendly and I really enjoyed listening to them educate the children and guests. The tickeing at the front is a huge pain if you didn't buy tickets in advance, which was my biggest complaint here. You'll find like 200 people standing out in front of the place on their phones attempting to buy tickets upon arrival. Definitely buy in advance!
Written 22 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jaskel08
California249 contributions
Feb 2024
This is the crown jewel of the city/bay! It’s a must see/do if you have kids. Best aquarium we have been to. It is absolutely amazing. There isn’t much more I can say that others haven’t already…….. so I’ll focus on the negatives/concerns so that you can be better aware/prepared.
1. Purchase your tickets in advance and online, not when you get there.
2. With an advance ticket purchase, there is no specific time from which you are supposed to enter. In other words, there can be a long line to enter – even with those tickets.
3. If you go on a weekend, it can be very busy/crowded. With people layers-deep at some points, it can make it hard to enjoy some of the exhibits.
4. With some sections, the lighting is very dark. Keep a close eye on your kid, he/she can easily get lost/separated.
5. If one didn’t know, the aquarium is set up specifically for kids, but those of all ages can enjoy.
6. Parking can difficult on weekends. We ended up parking four blocks away. Not the end of the work though.
7. Only one “theatre” where they showed videos. Would be nice if there was a second for variety’s sake.
8. Also, not a lot of live presentations – at least when we were there.
9. Not as many bathrooms as I would expect. For example, the whole northern wing, there were no bathrooms – had to go upstairs or go to the cafeteria in the south wing.
But regardless of the negatives, this place is amazing and is a must….. especially if you have kids. We highly highly recommend it.
1. Purchase your tickets in advance and online, not when you get there.
2. With an advance ticket purchase, there is no specific time from which you are supposed to enter. In other words, there can be a long line to enter – even with those tickets.
3. If you go on a weekend, it can be very busy/crowded. With people layers-deep at some points, it can make it hard to enjoy some of the exhibits.
4. With some sections, the lighting is very dark. Keep a close eye on your kid, he/she can easily get lost/separated.
5. If one didn’t know, the aquarium is set up specifically for kids, but those of all ages can enjoy.
6. Parking can difficult on weekends. We ended up parking four blocks away. Not the end of the work though.
7. Only one “theatre” where they showed videos. Would be nice if there was a second for variety’s sake.
8. Also, not a lot of live presentations – at least when we were there.
9. Not as many bathrooms as I would expect. For example, the whole northern wing, there were no bathrooms – had to go upstairs or go to the cafeteria in the south wing.
But regardless of the negatives, this place is amazing and is a must….. especially if you have kids. We highly highly recommend it.
Written 19 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terhi R
Vantaa, Finland10 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Went there with my 3 year old. He was amazed about everything. Otters and penguins were fun, quite active and cute of course. Place was packed on sunday morning so could not see everything. Also it was a suprise that no selling of tickets onsite, fortunately there was free wifi so we could do it online.
Written 18 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael B
Sydney, Australia77 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
Excellent aquarium that is easy to navigate and has many interesting exhibits. This place was really well laid out and made it a very nice visit.
Written 4 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EMonVACAY
los angeles321 contributions
Do tickets sell out? Just wondering if I should buy weeks in advance or if I can buy a couple days prior to arriving. Thank you!
Jessica
Dallas, TX4 contributions
I’m not sure on this, but they do require you to buy tickets ahead online versus purchasing them onsite.
Am I allowed to bring water flask with me in the aquarium, it's brita water bottle, I'm wondering if I'm allowed to take it with me inside?
Jeri Jo S
Longmont, CO68 contributions
Yes, you can.
Are there in and out priviledges?
Megan G
Rosamond, CA30 contributions
No need to return
Mkoenigs
Wichita, KS2 contributions
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, Canada221 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
ca190 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, CA51 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!
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Claim your listingMONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Monterey Bay Aquarium
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Monterey Bay Aquarium:
- Monterey, Carmel & Pacific Coast Explorer from San Francisco (From $195.33)
- Historic Cannery Row: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of John Steinbeck's Monterey (From $13.11)
- Vacation Photographer in Monterey Bay (From $455.85)
- Private Photo Session with a Local Photographer in Monterey Bay (From $455.85)
- Family-Friendly 17-Mile Drive 2.5-hour Electric Bike Tour (From $123.11)
- 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
- (0.27 km) Big Sur Adventures
- (0.18 km) Monterey Waterfront & Cannery Row Tours
- (0.25 km) Segway Tours Monterey