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Monterey Bay Aquarium

Aquarium

Cannery Row, Monterey

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9.2^/10

3,153

ratings

Ranked #6 for scenic views in Monterey
"My favorite animal to visit is the sea otter."(21 Tips)
"My boys loved the penguin feeding."(16 Tips)
"jellyfish exhibits and don't miss the Open Sea Feeding show"(18 Tips)
"Kelp forest feeding is a must."(13 Tips)

370 Tips and reviews

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Rex EspirituDecember 30, 2013
'Twas well worth a visit again a few years ago--and actually less expensive to join as members for a family of eight from out of state to gain admission--for a day filled with wonder and awe to enjoy!
Upvoted Nov 29, 2024
Mike WinstonMarch 6, 2015
Skip the cafeteria and enjoy high-quality seafood with gorgeous views at Cindy's Waterfront instead. Clam Chowder & other seafood dishes is where they shine. Read all about it on WinstonWanders below! Read more
Upvoted 4 weeks ago
Katie FahrionJanuary 17, 2016
Wonderful aquarium!•Staff are very knowledgeable•Scenic view of The Bay•Hands on/interactive exhibits•Must visit the Open Ocean exhibit•Cafeteria provided within the aquarium•
Upvoted Dec 30, 2024
Wilson Favre-DelerueAugust 14, 2016
CROWDED. Try to avoid weekend visits and be prepared for the USD 49.95 entrance for adults. Beyond that, well worth a visit. Jellyfish, otters and sharks all must-see.
Donald VNovember 16, 2017
With free guest passes our visit was even more awesome. This is something you do not want to miss. It the inspiration for Finding Dory. Take the jelly & open sea tour for a cool behind-the-scenes look
Zach WernerNovember 23, 2018
This is one of the most amazing aquariums in then USA and has been since it opened . Not only are the exhibits amazing but they contribute extensive research and conservation to entire Pacific region.
Kevin SweeneySeptember 27, 2021
so many great exhibits. kelp forest is serene. the jellies in "the deep" are spectacular (spot the krill that they've eaten) & the exhibit has a breathtaking surprise at the end. great for kids too.
Jonathan MacLucasJune 7, 2018
Jellies exhibit is amazing! The open see exhibit is amazing! Sea otters are so cute 😀 There is so much to see and beautifully laid out and very interactive. Also check out a show at the auditorium
Igor MiniailoApril 14, 2017
Very good exposition. Lot of aquariums with ocean inhabitants fishes and mammals. Don't miss thematic shows
_December 8, 2014
Majestic! Definitely worth checking out if you have never been there! There are student discounts and some hotels offers 2 days for the price of 1.
Cindy MaOctober 29, 2016
This is the best thing to do in Monterey! Definitely do not miss the feeding shows, the jellyfish exhibit and the Kelp Forest. There's so much to do here!
Elizabeth RiceJune 15, 2016
The staff here is so nice! And the sea otters are adorable. The view from their cafeteria is amazing and super relaxing if you go before or after lunch rush.
Ashley BowlesOctober 18, 2016
Wow! Can't say enough good things about this place. Very expensive, but worth a visit. Go during the week to avoid the crowds. Look up the feeding schedule in advance.
VarunSeptember 10, 2015
Very nice aquarium. Lots of great exhibits including the new open sea section. Also, there are interesting shows in the auditorium. Lines outside are really long, and maybe ease up a bit after 2pm.
Chris OSeptember 15, 2014
If otters are your thing, obviously this is the must go to place. Pay the extra and get the behind the scenes tour. You get plenty of time with staff and can see (obstructed) some surrogate otters.
Lee HuffordMarch 31, 2017
Put it on your Bucket List! If you're in the area and don't make time to visit the Aquarium, you should be ashamed of yourself!!! Must Do List!!!!
Ailie ChangOctober 22, 2017
Bring your Student ID for a discount off admission! Jellyfish exhibit was my favorite. Take some time and watch the daily shows in the auditorium, they are actually very good and informative.
David BoneNovember 11, 2016
Amazing place all around. Take at least a half day to explore with your friends and family. That won't be enough to see all it has to offer. Lot's to do for kids too.
Rory WehrlieOctober 10, 2015
Buy your tickets online. You can skip the line and walk right in. Feeding starts at 10:30, so don't spend your time waiting to get inside. http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/
Sean MillerAugust 21, 2016
A must see if you are in Monterey. Lots of great exhibits with a huge variety of sea life. It can get crowded on the weekends but we don't seem to mind.
Chloe WohlersApril 10, 2016
The jellyfish is a no miss. The kelp forest was magnifasent. To tour the aquarium takes a good 3-4 hours. But seriously though, don't miss the jellyfish!!!!😁😁🐙🐠🐟🐡🐚🦀🐌
Matthew HuieFebruary 6, 2016
One of my favourite aquariums in the world! Well worth the drive from the Bay Area. Be sure to check out the jellyfish!
Rebecca WangJanuary 2, 2015
Jellyfish exhibits are really fun. Love that they arrange kids and shorter folks in front for feeding shows. Definitely geared towards inspiring kids.
Kevin FloresNovember 19, 2016
Been here 5+ times
Awesome exhibits and crew! There's so much to see and learn at the aquarium! Take your time - it's a great place to visit all year long.
James CJuly 29, 2013
Really cool aquarium totally worth it if you have the City Pass from San Francisco. Saves you a ton of money and the huge lines at the front. Go early because it gets packed.
Vivek NairDecember 30, 2023
Need about 2-3 hours to explore every nook and cranny. Tip: the kids filter out by the last hour or so so you get some solo time with the rays in the touch pool. Flipside: birds go to sleep at night.
Brad WillardFebruary 19, 2020
It might be the best aquarium in the world. The deep sea feeding is not to be missed. Watching the dolphin fish change color as they eat is so cool.
Andrew LamAugust 20, 2013
Don't miss the kelp forest, the adorable sea otters, the touch pools, and the Open Sea tank filled with sharks, sea turtles, and glittering schools of sardines swimming against an endless current.
Anthony YouhasJanuary 3, 2015
Aim early or aim late if you wanna avoid the teeming crowds. That said: the aquarium is always a marvelous time. The otter exhibit, the penguins, ocean sunfish when they're on display: just glorious.
Joanna FlammApril 1, 2017
Buy your tickets online ahead of time and skip the line. Need a break from the crazy? Stamp your hand with their cool black light stamp, leave for lunch, and come back refreshed.
Lucie ClarkAugust 13, 2018
Amazing! Well worth the $50 admission, especially as someone who doesn’t usually enjoy this type of attraction I thought it was fab. Definitely recommend!
Kaitlin LeeMay 30, 2015
street parking was a hassle... i almost drove back to uber it. all the way at the end by the mexican restaurant they have 4hr metered parking. be sure to use your student id for a discount
Abbi ConklinApril 30, 2018
The aquarium is amazing, but it’s almost always crazy busy. I was told by someone who works there that weekday afternoons in January and February are the best times to go.
AmeliaJanuary 7, 2020
All the exhibits are great! Otter feeding and Open Sea feeding are very cool, be sure to snag a viewing spot early at these popular attractions.
eric bornemannMay 25, 2021
One of the best aquariums in the world. The size of the tanks makes you feel as if you are actually diving underwater without getting wet.
Perla FdzJuly 2, 2013
Underwater Explorers is a must for first timers! It's $95 but its so worth it!!! Kids ages 8-13 get to swim & touch purple urchins, tube anemone, abalone & any more for 1.5 hour! Amazing experience!
Adaire Salome-KeatingJuly 17, 2014
Reach out and get in touch with the "Tentacles" exhibit they have going on now! Cephalopods galore, from squid, octopus, cuttlefish (they are amazing!) and interactive activities for all.
Lears FoolJuly 6, 2015
While the otters are fun and the jellyfish are beautiful - the true magic of this place is the octopus! So worth waiting for it to dance.
Elynn LeeOctober 7, 2015
Awesome exhibits and really attentive staff. Highly recommend going to the feeding events (especially otters and penguins). Very educational
Scott PJune 28, 2014
The jellyfish exhibit is off the charts. Also if you have never seen a octopus they have several. Be aware the price is a little steep around $40 per adult ticket. But it's worth the money.
IS KLEAugust 23, 2014
Fabulous, interactive, big but can get really crowded. It pays to be a member if you're a local. Feeding time for penguins is neat and sea otters are adorable.
Sandra HerreraApril 23, 2018
Wonderful time at the aquarium. Highlight was the sea otter feeding. A must see in Monterey
Amanda TaylorJune 7, 2013
Free wifi inside the cafe and some other areas! Make sure to check out the observation Deck decks overlooking the bay--you can see otters and seal lions hanging out in the kelp beds.
John KiddeSeptember 25, 2017
Otters, otters, otters. And jellyfish! You can’t go wrong here. It’s a great place to visit and learn about our ocean and the creatures that live in it.
Kaustubh ThirumalaiDecember 23, 2016
As a friend said, this is a small, but tightly-run ship! Go see the otters and the jellies - they're my favorites!
Lauren ColmanJune 2, 2017
The otter feeding and open sea feeding are absolutely worth it. Be sure to add them to your schedule.
Al B.August 13, 2016
LOVE the aquarium. Best in the bay for an amazing experience of the ocean, and get a membership for the price of 1.5 admission!
Rachel WolfeSeptember 27, 2016
A beautiful, well-maintained & simply stunning aquarium...& they charge accordingly. I was prepared to pay a lot to get in, but the price gouging in the gift shops and cafe was borderline insulting.
Social News NetworkAugust 14, 2013
Don't miss the jellyfish or seahorses in this neat little aquarium. It only takes an hour or two to go through, but clear the day and you can explore Cannery Row.
.:. sAugust 19, 2015
One of the best and interesting acquariums around. The staff is ready to educate, and really appreciated the conservation component of this special place.

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