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Categories: Aquariums, Nightlife, Food
886 Cannery RowMore than 15 species of seahorses and their kin-one of the nation's largest collections of these charismatic animals. http://bit.ly/uyc37
Announced 45 hours ago
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I love this place! Loved it as a child and now I absolutely love bringing my daughter here. An educational and fun-filled trip for all ages! You literally can spend hours gazing at all of the different exhibits. I've been here multiple times and I swear, I see something new every time.
They recently opened the new splash zone which is way better than I had expected from what their website noted. Tons of hands on activities for infants, toddlers and adults. There's a great interactive area where kids can create waves, tide pools, and wet areas where the kiddies can throw on smocks and splash around. They even have an indoor play area with a under the sea theme where kids can get dressed up as their favorite sea creatures and bounce around in.
I highly recommend to make it there early so you can catch all of the feedings. My favorite is the kelp forest, sea otter and outer bay feedings. Bring your digital and video camera..there's so much to see!
Such an easy going family atmosphere. What's great is the little ones walk away learning so much while they have hours of fun. Buying the membership is worth it. Plus you feel like you're doing your part in supporting the Monterey Bay research :)
As a child I wanted to be a Mermaid. Which is odd because I grew up in Phoenix and rarely, if ever went to the ocean.
Instead of indulging my oceanic passions in salt water, I would spend hours in our pool. I can hold my breath up to 3 minutes sometimes more. I would float near the bottom of the pool and watch my shadow on the bottom. Imagining my shadow was the Mermaid in the wild.
So if you cant imagine at all but I love going to the Aquarium. I love it so much. I could spend hours looking at everything.
Do you even know how bad I want to go swimming in one of those tanks? Except the one with the Hammer Heads. Those guys are way to fast and scary for me. I just want to go into that one tank with all of the kelp growing and flit around like a fish to.
The Jelly Fish exhibit was really beautiful. It was like a bunch of 80's era peach and white prom dresses just casually floating around. Really mesmerizing.
The touch ponds are some of my favorite. I could pet a pink Star Fish all day if I could. Oh, I also got to pet a real Abalone, kind of weird.
However the skates didn't want to be touched. It actually seemed like they hated us and didn't want to be near people anymore. It made me sad.
Now the Sea Horses. Who knew Sea Horses were so fricking cute?! The mini ones were the most precious things I have ever seen. Really hard to photograph but the most adorable thing under the sea.
The Penguin exhibit smelled really fishy. They were cute and you could tell they were really relaxed and just chilling out in their habitat.
My most favorite, favorite, favorite exhibit was the Sea Otters. I would give anything to be able to jump in there and swim with them also. My husband said they looked remarkably close to our Wiener Dog.
They are so amazing. I love them. We even got to see a real wild one out in the open when we were standing outside over looking the ocean. Dare I say the Sea Otter is one of my most favorite animals.
People are rude here and have no sense of their surroundings and also people let their children act terribly but forget about that. Focus on the fish and be patient until they get the hell out of your photo op.
Maybe one day after I win the lottery or a mysterious relative leaves everything to me I will donate money to build a cool new exhibit and then maybe they will let me go swimming like the Mermaid I always wanted to be.
Wanted to be? Who am I kidding, I still want to be a Mermaid.
We went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium on Sun 11/8/09. It's best for locals to go when the tourist are gone.
We got there after 10am. We parked in a garage off Water St which charges money to park - we paid $15 for 5 1/2 hr maximum $18.
We saw:
Penguin exhibit feeding at 10:30am - there's African Penguins so the same as SF Cal Academy of Science. It's on the 2nd Fl. If you're close to the window they ask you to move 3 ft & sit on the floor, so if u get there early sit on the 2 benches.
Outer Bay Exhibit feeding 11am Tues, Thurs, Sat & Sun- we went to the lower level and we had to stand to see them. Maybe it's better on the 2nd Fl.
Kelp Forest Exhibit feeding - 11:30 & 4p. They have someone on the outside talking we had Michelle, Chuck was the diver. Chuck hand feed the sharks squid & smelt. If on the lower level you can sit on the carpet or on the benches or allow the stairwell. 2nd Fl standing only. We were on the 2nd Fl.
We also saw Mysteries of the Deep in the Auditorium 2pm. It's a silent film and the lady narrates. Ok, we did fall asleep a bit.
See Otter Exhibit feeding 1:30pm. Stand in the center windows. We were on the far Rt window on only one was close for us to see. Center has best views of them doing their eating & training. Lasted like 5 mins.
Sea Horse exhibit was ok - We liked it. Kinda small exhibit. Things in there: Weedy Sea Dragon; Pipefish; Lined Seahorse; Leafy Sea Dragon; Pacific Seahorse; Potberry Seahorses; Dwarf Seahorse; Banded Pipefish; Longsnout Seahorse; Yellow Seahorse; Alligator Pipefish; White Seahorse. Now thru 2012.
Hovden Cannery - about canning sardines in Monterey, John Steinbeck & Ed Ricketts. I still need to read Cannery Row & Tortilla Flat.
Bat Ray touching pool - B. touched one, said it was smooth, no spine. don't grab or scatch -it scares the rays (sign said).
See the aviary birds & blackfooted penguins before 5pm - that's when they go to sleep.
Octopus in Ocean's Edge - just clings to window, boring. Other things in that area: Sheep Crab; Wolf-eel & Lingcod; Sea Pen (cool); Flat Fish (cool); Sand Dollars (cool).
Portola Cafe & Restaurant looked good.Pizza, sandwiches & soup (Lt side) $5.75 slice/$8.50 sandwiches; grill, salad & soup (Rt side).
Small cafe for coffee, cookies, etc in the main area to the left of the Cafe.
They have many gift shops.
Hrs: 10a-6p daily except Christmas!
Summer (Memorial Day-Labor Day) & holiday hrs: 9:30am-6pm; Sat & Sun from July 5-Labor Day until 8pm.
Prices:
Adults $29.95 (18-64 & not in college)
Child $17.95 (3-12)
Sr 65+ & students (13-17 or in college) $27.95
Two hr drive from Fremont to Monterey each way.
PS: You can bring in your own food, you just can't eat or drink in the Aquarium. I brought a backpack & it wasn't checked. Eating outside is fine. Water is available in the Cafe.
Coming Spring March 29, 2010: Hot Pink Flamingos. Why flamingos in an aquarium? Oh well, I want to see them!
website:
http://www.montereybay.../
Tip for those going Nov 21 & 22, 2009 Feathered Birds:
http://www.montereybay...
This place was such a dream to visit, and I thoroughly enjoyed every part of this beautifully well-kept aquarium- from the whimsical touch tide pool of pink + orange starfish to the alien wonders (jellies) that floated aimlessly to and fro, without a single care in the world.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a truly magnificent place to spend the day. Highly recommend the daily sea otter feeding (3:30pm), as well as the kelp forest feeding (4pm). The adorable otters were uber-playful and out-going, and seemed to really enjoy the energy of the audience. The kelp forest feeding features an enormous floor-to-ceiling tank that is home to (obviously, kelp) spotted sharks, stripefish, and other odd-looking fishies. As a special treat for Halloween this past Saturday, the Great Pumpkin in a scuba suit fed all the kelp forest dwellers.. so cute :)
The boy and I took in the magnificent views of the ocean, waved to kayakers passing by, and used the powerful magnascope stations to find sea lions sun-bathing on a distant rock.
I spent a good half hour next to the manta ray tank, still my FAVORITE feature of the MBA, despite the fact that one of their gigantic deep-sea cousins murdered our beloved Croc Hunter, Steve Irwin :(
The giant octopus was scrunched up in a corner, which was a frightening sight to see for me, because I was shocked at how long it took me to locate it even in such a small confined TANK. Imagine all the creatures lurking in the Big Blue- primary reason why I do not swim in the ocean. Nope. Still, it was amazing to see such a wondrously shy monstrosity so up close.
The new "Secret Life of Seahorses" exhibit includes over 15 species of seahorses. And let's not forget that these little wonders are also the world's most devoted fathers- the males give birth! Gotta love that.
I could have watched the jellies huffy puff around their illuminated bubble-shaped tanks all day...can't wait to return for another visit soon!!
*Remember, although ticket prices are a bit hefty ($30/person), the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a non-profit organization- so these fees contribute to the continuation of their work towards marine life preservation + education. It's definitely a win-win for everyone.*
Surface Scuba Dive for kids 8-13 was the coolest thing my boys did on this vacation! Scuba gear, tanks and all; they got up close and personal with the marine life in the cove. All the exhibits are beautifully done and the touch pool is so fun for the kids. We love that Monterey has kept the quaint feel of the town around it even though it's a major tourism spot.
Wow! What an amazing place! I've heard the hype surrounding the Monterey Bay Aquarium for as long as I can remember. And as I was taking a recent road trip up Highway 1 on the California coast, I decided to add an extra half day in just to check this out for myself. And I must say, it was well worth it! Absolutely extraordinary! The monterey bay is well worthy of it's reputation. Never been to an aquarium quite like it. Huge underwater displays showing glimpses into the life that goes on under water that you'd never otherwise be able to see unless you were in..oh..I dunno...a submarine with windows??
I had to ask questions of the staff a couple of times and found them all to be wonderfully helpful and informative. I think that all of the staff here must have training in teaching because it all comes so second nature to them. Even when I was asking questions not related to the Aquarium (like where I could find the nearest bank of america...) they were on top of it. Fantastic!
My favorite parts were the very popular jellyfish tanks and the wonderful exhibit on Seahorses. Even though I was there by myself, I could certainly appreciate how the Aquarium was set up to be equally enjoyable to both Kids AND adults (or at least helping adults to feel like big kids...;-)
Only downside: The price. It's a bit pricey. But then, it is a pretty big tourist destination - so I guess it's par for the course in that dept.
Great cafe for lunch, great views of the Monterey Bay all around, and very helpful and friendly staff.
Can't wait to come back with my family some day!
I made a day trip to the Monterey Bay Aquarium when I was living in the south bay with a couple of friends also in the San Jose / Santa Cruz area. Between the 1 1/2 hour drive both directions, spending 4-5 hours in the aquarium, and sitting down for lunch in the cafeteria at some point, this made a perfect day-long adventure.
Monterey Bay Aquarium is pricey, but the money goes to a good cause. They also offer student, senior, and youth discounts, which is nice. When you come to the aquarium, you're met by an impressive gigantic wall of tons of fish. This is one of the most impressive parts of the aquarium and really gives you an idea of the massive size of this place. Keep going through, and you're met by a great number of treasures, from penguins to sea otters to areas where you can touch crabs, and, yes, tons and tons of fish. Make sure you view the daily feedings they offer while you're there as well as take advantage of some of the interactive activities. Ok, so they're really oriented at kids, but I think they're fun for all! If you truly take advantage of all the aquarium has to offer you could be most of the day.
I can't give Monterey Bay Aquarium 5 stars because, as impressive as it is, I still felt it didn't compare to my childhood fantasy aquarium, the Shedd Aquarium. In fact, I was a bit disappointed during my visit because they lacked things such as dolphin tours and exhibits. That said, it is still the best aquarium on the west coast. If you're in this part of the country and haven't visited, what are you waiting for?
Great aquarium.Lousy restaurant so the stars are for the aquarium itself The displays, the layout and the setting are absolutely the best! The Jelly exhibit has probably been burned into international conciousness by now. This is a must do place on the Monterey Peninsula whether you live here or visit. You will learn and you kids will be enthralled.
But a big PS: Don't eat in the restaurant! It is a busy busy turnstile like place with industrial food quality. I think they save the good fish to feed in the aquarium. Visit the aquarium for the exhibits then drive over the hill to Carmel and try Flaherty's for fresh non touristy seafood, then spend a few bucks at Tiffany's and go for a walk on the beach. A perfect day.
Quite possibly one of my most favorite museums here on the West Coast. There is just SO much to do and see here and all the docents are super knowledgeable and friendly. There's always something new to see and learn here and everything is super interactive so it's a great place to take kids and anyone who wants to learn a little bit more about marine biology.
Despite how great all the exhibits are, I couldn't help but notice there was something amiss in the Outer Bay exhibit. Where are all the TUNA? Sea turtles? Or the giant Sunfish? In such a great big tank and all this species missing, it was a little too obvious. The aquarium is looking to remodel this exhibit sometime Fall of next year and possibly will not be completed until 2011. I cannot wait to see this exhibit back and better than ever!
I absolutely love all aquariums, how can you not?!
One of the best part of Monterey Bay's is the HUGE aquarium wall (Kelp Forest?) that is at least 4 times your height. They even have pseudo bleacher/stadium seating because you could really sit there for a while and see a million different things. Including some glimpses of large and stunning sharks!
This aquarium is huge. Lots of different exhibits to visit and ground to cover. I really liked the penguin habitat and the special otter one. You can even walk outside on an upper deck and look out at Monterey Bay and see the seals. This whole property is just really well done - don't live life without having been here!
If you visit any aquarium this is the one you need to visit. Set right off John Steinbeck's Cannery Row is a magnificent palace of learning. It is also set in the beautiful city of Monterey also. One of their trademark exhibits is their kelp forest. It's just amazing.
My favorites are the huge two story aquarium with gigantic fish swimming in it, the penguins, and the otters. I could watch those things all day! Call ahead to see when all the feeding times are, the diver talks while in the exhibit.
It can get busy here, so I would go early. Parking is in one of the many structures in the area. There is plenty of places to shop and eat in the area as well.
This is a fantastic aquarium to see Jellies, Seahorses and Sharks. Way to go Monterey. They have managed to make this place kid friendly without dumbing things down. (OK so my husband spent quite some time trying to catch plastic fish with the claw hand in the kids area but we really did appreciate the live shows and people on hand explaining everything).
The cafe serves good quality food (if you avoid the fried menu) at moderate prices and had a pleasant sitting area to eat. It's quite amusing that you can also go into a seafood bar right beside one of the large tanks downstairs. Talk about interactive menu.
Sidebar: I notice a lot of people get run out of here by people's ill behaved children. It would be nice to have 16+ evenings or maybe a later 21+ time slot with cocktails? The Academy of Sciences does the latter and it's very popular.
ME: I can't believe the Monterey Bay Aquarium makes that guy stand out on Cannery Row dressed like a big shrimp. John Steinbeck is rolling over in his fucking grave right now.
HIM: Um, that's not the Monterey Bay Aquarium, that's the Bubba Gump Shrimp Company.
ME: Really?
HIM: Really.
ME: Wow. That shit actually exists?
HIM: Yeah.
ME: Wow.
HIM: I know. That poor shrimp. I mean guy.
ME: I don't know...what's the going rate for shrimpsuiting these days?
HIM: ...
ME: To what kind of benefits is a shrimp entitled? Is there a Shrimp's Union?
HIM: Shush. He's right there. He can hear you.
ME: *inhales deeply* RUN FOREST, RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!
SHRIMP: *gasps, stumbles over big invertebrate tail*
HIM: Look what you did. You scared the shrimp! You're such a--
ME: What? What am I?
HIM: Nothing.
ME: What? A shrimp-kabob? Shrimp creole? Shrimp gumbo?
HIM: Stop it.
ME: Pineapple shrimp? Lemon shrimp?
HIM: *walking quickly ahead*
ME: Coconut shrimp? Pepper shrimp, shrimp soup, SHRIMP STEW?? SHRIMP SALAD, SHRIMP AND POTATOES, SHRIMP BURGER, SHRIMP SANDWICH???!!!!!!!!!!!!
*stops, turns, looks at SHRIMP*
SHRIMP: Oh, aren't YOU original. Stupid tourists.
ME: Stupid is as stupid does.
SHRIMP: *rolls big buggy shrimp eyes*
As striking and effervescent as the big faux shrimp was, he paled in comparison to the real thing at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. And while the $29.95 admission fee would likely have bought me a lot of shrimp next door at Bubba Gump's, the psychedelic jellyfish and mystical sea dragons alone made it worth every penny, even if I didn't get to eat them with Remoulade Dippin' Sauce.
The Aquarium doesn't really need my measly little review to add to its 600+ reviews but here it is.
Go for the Sea Otters and the various Jelly Fish.
Pet some slimy things and some weird things at the two different touch counters.
Hand Sanitizer is good since there are usually lots of snotty little kids screeching and running around.
And if anyone can tell me how to coax a giant octopus into my purse help a sista' out.
I think other Yelpers have done a nice job of pointing out all the good things about this attraction. I'll add my own two cents here by saying the price is pretty overwhelming, which makes it a tough destination to visit for a regular middle-class family. Really, there should be a discount for CA residents, or something to that effect ($3 from AAA ain't exactly a massive discount!).
I'm lucky enough to have been able to afford to bring visiting guests here recently. $25 per person puts this place in a pretty elitist category, in my opinion. Many families would have to save quite a while to afford that and, if they had the cash, would likely take their kids to Great America since it allows them an all-day experience that lets them get a bit of energy out. Yes, the money goes towards a good cause, but try explaining that to a single parent who is watching every dime.
Beautiful place if you have the cash.
Kelp forest feeding was definitely educating :) the diver was so cool! it was definitely great for kids too since you may ask questions as the diver answers while hes in the water feeding fishes!
My favorite exhibit was The Secret Lives of Seahorses, who knew that Male can give birth! only in the seahorse family!
The Outer Bay exhibit was also veryy cool. It was crowded with lots of kids! I was pretty amazed.
If you bring kids, definitely stop by the touching exhibits too so they can get a feel of starfish and clams!
I love Monterey Bay Aquarium, afterwards, you may also enjoy some really delicious clam chowder in breadbowl on the stores nearby. :)
Definitely will come again! (since they're opening a Flamingo exhibit in 2010)
This is the place you should take a date to. I took my girlfriend here on our second date and it was one of the best ideas I ever had. We had a great time looking at different fishes, sea creatures, birds, cute otters and so much more. The time we spent here was great, we had a blast just walking around and having fun. The aquarium was much more than your typical dinner and a movie. Not to mention it being romantic being by the ocean. The gigantic aquarium made was mind blowing. The fishes that looks like a face was kind of creepy though. Definitely will be coming back.
i havent been to this place since i was young so it was
refreshing to come back. i still love your jellyfish section.
always the best to see. the kelp forest & feeding show
is still the same as i remember. the penguins we're sitting
on their eggs when i came which was cute but kind of
boring. we came in the day they got a sun fish so it was
kind of exciting to be on of the firsts to see it. im upset that
they got rid of the great white shark they had just a week
before we came. the cafe smells awesome even though
we saved our appetites for carmel. the bf & i love the skates
display & if we could, we'd steal them. lol. the only thing i
really complain of is the lack of tropical fish. there was like
4 small tanks with the bright & cute fish. thats it. i want more!
I'd like to be...under the sea...in an octopuses garden in the shade....
Less of an educational aquarium (not enough little information plaques for my taste) and more of an underwater fantasy world.
Before coming to this aquarium I never considered architecture or interior design to be integral to a museum; now I do. Everything in here makes you ooohhh and ahhhhh in a delightful way.
I don't know much more about jelly fish or seahorses due to my trip to this aquarium but I do know that I would like to have a few as pets that could double as wall decorations. What a conversation piece!
If you're in the area you should definitely shell out the $30 to visit this place. Think of it more as a ride than an aquarium and you'll be happy. You can also part with your money a little easier knowing that the Monterey Bay Aquarium is committed to promoting conservation. Be sure to grab a "safe fish guide" on your way out so you can make better decisions when dining out and you don't end up eating the last piece of blue fin tuna on the planet.
And, I implore you, for the love of little plaques, please read them, and then follow their instructions to not use flash photography. If your camera flashes and you scare the fish then it ruins it for everyone. You selfish, endangered species eating, bastard....
Ahem. I like the aquarium.
Last came here five years ago with my husband, and I thought it was pretty nifty. This time around we have two kids, so now it just seems awesome! It did seem a bit pricey. But I kept telling myself that if we didn't pay admission how could they keep up the good work that they are doing? It's not like it's a museum with paintings, this is a living breathing museum.
I don't quite remember everything I saw on my last visit, but I swear there are some new exhibits. I think the Seahorse exhibit is new. And it was sooo neat! I love seeing the baby seahorses. So cute. It was pouring rain when we went (and yet it was still packed!). So we didn't get to (or want to) do the outdoor stuff.
My son was so amazed as soon as we walked in. He's only 4, so he wasn't too interested in learning anything. My daughter who is 1 also loved it. I think she just loved walking around and following her brother though. It's not a ginormous place, but I was surprised at how long it takes us to get through an exhibit. The kids just don't want to leave. Towards the end, they were pretty aquariumed out and seemed less interested in seeing anymore fish.
All in all it was a good experience, and I'm glad we stopped by on our way back home from SF, despite the storm. Apparently they are building a new flamingo exhibit next year. So we will definitely be back to see all the new changes.
We have been to alot of aquarium's and this is the biggest i believe and the best location. You can sit outside and relax and check out the ocean. There is alot of people here and is very crowded and lots of activities and things for the kids. It would have been better if it wasnt so crowded.
Obviously this place is great. It's pricey, but if you figure that some of the $ goes to ongoing education and conservation it's easier to swallow the high admission costs. But: I really enjoy the new California Academy of Sciences, and several times have told people how much I love the aquarium parts of that museum and have been told "Sure, it's fine, but it doesn't compare to Monterey." And I just want to add, now that I've seen them both: yes, it does.
Sort of felt left like there was more to be desired.
soo many kids even for a monday!
This place is so classy. It's in no way just for children or families. Anyone can enjoy walking through the exhibits, relaxing to the music (yes, music!) that seems to guide your mood (-tranquil). There is so much to see, one really needs to alot a few hours at least. The Sea Horse exhibit is awesome, and mesmerizing. I've never even imagined that there are critters like this living on the planet!
The service personnel are genuinely interested in educating the public. They're very interactive, even the volunteers are wonderful!
Two things though:
One is that the price is almost prohibitively high, but fortunately there are ways to get discounts. Just hunt around on line first for coupons or hotel packages.
If all else fails, buy your tickets at the AAA office for a 3 dollar per ticket discount. (and save time standing in line).
The other is the cafe is very limited and over priced. So if you have a family, be sure you eat first before entering.
All in all a fantastic attraction in a spectacular location.
They outdid themselves w/ the Secret Lives of Seahorses exhibit.
Def. worth a trip to Monterey.
I also read on the news that they caught a Great White Shark in August 2009, so when we were there, they had someone who would help point it out to us. Impressive!
FYI, the sunfish is no longer there. It got too big and they had to let it go. Boo. =( They told me that they are currently looking for another sunfish to replace the previous one, so... I guess we'll just have to wait.
I've been to this aquarium a few times since I was a kid. I went last weekend w/ my bf and it's… Read more »
The special exhibits are always worth an extra trip.
The Jellyfish and currently the Seahorses are beautifully designed and a pleasure to see. The special exhibits will suprise you, educate you and entertain you. You can appreciate them as art or science.
It's a shame that they are temporary. They should pass them on to other aquariums.
The current Great White Shark is a sweet little miss. She passed by the glass and gave us a toothy grin with a bit of gore hanging from her teeth.
I'd give it 3 stars, but we came during otter week, and the sea otters were flipping adorable.
I think the last time i came here was for a elementary school field trip....10+ years ago.
But coming back...nothing has changed. Same exhibits, with crazy fish, seahorses, and what not..
but i swear there was a tunnel that you got to walk through...where the flip is the tunnel? or were we thinking of something else?
Good spot for a hot date and some cupcaking, but get ready to shell out ~$30 per person.
Unless you're a kid, or a parent of kids, this place isn't THAT exciting. Sure, there are a few must see classic exhibits (Jellyfish, Otter), but the amount of kids running around and the large crowds on the weekends make this place difficult to enjoy yourself. If you really are interested in the hyped up Secret Lives of Seahorses exhibit, I would recommend you visit it the first thing in the morning. During the afternoons, it gets so packed in there that it feels and smells like a crowded gym.
It also saddened me as I was walking around the aquarium that I was hungry for some classic Fish and Chips, potentially a cousin of the fishes I was viewing.
Such a beautiful and clean place! Great, happy, staff and wonderful exibits!! I want to go again soon!!
You shouldn't miss the seahorse exhibit this year!
I love everything about the Monterey Bay Aquarium since my first visit back in 1986. I have been a… Read more »
When you hear about aquariums and you're not really a marine aquatic major something in college...it doesn't really excite you when you are going on a trip like this one. But to be there is something different. I didn't expect that seeing schools of fish right in front of me would leave me in amazement. My fiance was beside me staring at me when he noticed i was frozen in amazement with my mouth open.,seriously I wasn't expecting a reaction like that as well. Giant aquariums with fishes,corals right there before your eyes moving is like..wow. you have to really be there, its much better in reality than just words! The 2nd floor of the building is for kids,lots of activities for them to keep entertained and they wouldn't think that this trip is a bore.
Highlights: Sea Otters, Penguins, Jellyfish
Lowlights: Crowds, Maze-like map
Seriously, the Jellyfish are amazing. Check them out. The sea otters are really amusing too, although you're definitely going to be fighting the crowds to get a good view. Get there early to get a good seat for the sea otter feeding, and don't let the little brat kids running around get in front of you.
Definitely worth checking out once every year or two.
One of my favorite places in CA, no in the U.S.
This was my first Aquarium experience in my life. Can you believe this? In my life? lol I used to say "Why do you wanna see fishes?" But this experience blew the idea away.
The best sea creature I love now is 'Seahorses.' There was a Seahorse exhibition, and I saw a lot kinds of them. Some looked like just seaweed, and some looked very beautiful. They were just amazing. Have you ever seen a seahorse blinking? Those tiny eyes blinked and I was just mesmerized. And it was such a shock that male seahorses get pregnant. lol
This place is very nice for kids. There are areas where kids can actually touch those sea creatures and learn from staffs. Very educational, right?
I will come back here as soon as I come to San Francisco.
My husband escorted me on my first trip ever here last week! It'd been about 10 years since his last visit. This is a world-class aquarium, so the high entrance price is totally justified.
One practical lesson we learned was: Don't rush here on a non-summer/non-holiday weekday. I think we'd have enjoyed ourselves even more had we waited till about noon to enter. The line was long by 10 a.m., but it moved fast. The downside was the crowds that first entered. Nothing against school tours, but they are loud! After the kids had gone through their displays, it was a much more quiet experience.
So glad the Jelly Fish Exhibit was still on. For as much as I gross out at the site of a jelly washed on shore, I was even more amazed by their beauty behind glass :-) Absolutely amazing colors, textures and movements.
The Sea Horse Exhibit was stellar as well. How can you not love a sea horse?!
The Kelp Forest was my favorite big tank. And I loved the creative blend of outdoors with indoors via the Tidal Wave pool (outside it looks like a regular display of glass and water splashing over rocks, but inside you get to have the tidal wave rush over your head) and the Bat Ray/Coastal Birds area (you can gently pat any brave rays that come close enough to you - roll up your sleeves - and then walk through an outside enclosure and see birds up close).
The Octopus diplay was disappointing since you couldn't really see it. Bunch of suction cups up in corner. I wanted to see it from above, creeping around.
Fun exhibits for the kids...young and old. Who knew a sea cucumber feels like air? (I'd eaten a couple bites in China years ago and they are rubbery when cooked.) Great Otter and Penguin displays where you can observe feeding times.
Definitely worth the trip and the tickets to go inside.
Get your tickets ahead of time and avoid the line. Fantastic on a nice day!
I saw my first great white shark here last weekend!
Don't forget your Macro lens
-s
I've been to a number of aquariums around the U.S. and this is undoubtedly the best one I've seen yet! I'm disappointed in myself for not reviewing it before. Granted, there are no grossly large creatures here but they have such an impressive variety. Plus, it keeps getting better and bigger! I'm loving the new seahorse exhibit, although other new parts were a little too interactive and not living displays.
Membership is definitely worth it! Not only to support the aquarium but you'll want to come back!
We were fortunate enough to win 4 tickets to the Aquarium for the second year in a row. When we heard there was a Great White Shark on exhibit, we high-tailed it down the coast to see their latest resident.
Our good luck streak continued as we pulled up in front of the Aquarium. A primo parking place that even had a little bit of time left on it opened up right in front of us. Word to the wise: parking is metered, pricey and well-patrolled even on a Sunday. Be prepared and bring lots of quarters. $0.25 buys you a whopping 10 minutes, so you will need 12 quarters at a minimum to enjoy a nice visit to the aquarium.
There is a long line to purchase tickets, but people who have already purchased (or won) their tickets can walk in another door without a wait. Our first stop was at the far right of the Aquarium. The lower level of the Outer Bay exhibit. This is the best place to view the new Great White Shark - she likes to hang out at the bottom of the tank. Of course, there are all sorts of awesome fish in there: ginormous tuna, Hammerhead Shark, Galapagos Shark, and a brilliant school of anchovies. I'm not really sure how that school of fish survives, but they swim around unmolested by the predators in the tank.
The new Seahorse exhibit is awesome too. Make sure you carve out some time to hang out in there. It is located right next to the shark exhibit.
There is so much other stuff to see in here, but with 600+ reviews, I think only the new stuff warrants mention. This place is very kid-friendly, but keep a close eye on them. There are hoards of people milling about this place and children can get lost in the shuffle easily.
Ouch, the price tag of admission.....no problem, make sure stay at least 2 hrs!!!
anyhoo, the touch pool is pretty awesome. one of the volunteers at the sting ray pool was giving raw shrimp and squid to patrons to feed...i was able to have a nice size shrimp and the string ray nibbled!!! it was super scary, b/c the mouth felt all jelly like....but fun!!!
i love love love how kid friendly MBA is, so many volunteers who smile and are willing to help, even taking pictures! there is a lot to do, and by far, our favorite exhibit was the jellyfish!
coming here made me wish i had kids....but MBA is awesome, b/c there are certain exhibits in which strollers are to be parked...none of that running over your feet and obstructing view crap....
Although the first tank of fish we saw..mackerel and tony was already hungry =(
I love this place, but when we went the place was packed like sardines!! Every exhibit was elbow to elbow, shoulder to shoulder. It was really hard to enjoy myself. There was even a roller coaster line to buy tickets. I've been to the aquarium many times, and I've never seen it like this.
I definitely won't be coming during the summer. I'll come again during the winter, when summer tourists and summer vacation families are elsewhere.
Can't wait to see the seahorses, wild otters, marine animals, w/o having to fight my way to the glass. I'll see you in the Off Peak Season!
BTW, I didn't see the sun fish in the outer bay exhibit, which made me very very sad. :(
The aquarium is awesome. The Outer Bay tank is breathtaking. I could sit in front of that huge window for hours. So much to see. It's easy to spend 6 hours here. Check out the touch pools. Take advantage of the volunteers to answer your questions. We ate at the restaurant and it was good, no need to leave for lunch.
Carmel, CA
Category: Parks
Monterey, CA
Category: Bookstores
Monterey, CA
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Monterey, CA
Category: Boating
Monterey, CA
Category: Parks
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