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Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Ty Warner Sea Center
211 Stearns Wharf
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 962-2526
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(805) 962-2526
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
4 reviews for Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History Ty Warner Sea Center
Extra star for the staff and volunteers who were SO friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable. They really seemed like they enjoyed what they were doing and enjoyed talking to the visitors. Oh, and these volunteers were about 13 years old. How cute to have these kids pulling up plankton and placing it in microscopes for us, ringing us up in the gift shop, and pulling sharks out of tanks so we can pet them. You didn't have to ask them much, they would offer information just as you needed it. They really knew their stuff.
There isn't a whole lot here, so don't expect Sea World or the Long Beach Aquarium, but there is enough to entertain you for an hour and a half or so. And if you are going to be strolling along Stearn's wharf, why not stop in and pet a shark, hold a star fish, or let some hermit crabs crawl in the palm of your hand. It's about 8 bucks for adults and it all goes to a worthy cause.
Highlights: Petting the little sharks, holding the crabs and starfish, the actual shark eggs with living embryos inside (they are weird!! They look like transparent envelopes, not actual eggs), the octopus that was trying to open a jar with his snack inside, and pregnant the dolphin corpse. Eeesh, what a stench.
It has a lot of interactive stuff to do, mainly geared for kids. But we adults enjoyed ourselves and even bought trinkets for the well stocked gift shop.
I find it hard to beleive this is not reviewed yet. If its posted someone where else, let me know.
People thought this was:
- Cool (1)
The Ty Warner Sea Center is possibly the main attraction at Stearns Wharf. Sure, there are places to eat on the wharf, but where else on the wharf can you pet a shark, starfish, or sea cucumber? Nowhere...unless you fall off and end up under it.
The Ty Warner Sea Center is actually a branch of the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History. But, like many marine facilities of its kind, setting up shop on/near the ocean really ups your credibility. Access to an endless supply of fresh ocean water don't hurt neither. Two floors of exhibits, displays, and interactive materials are here to educate and entertain you. My personal favorite is the shark tank on the main floor. Sharks, rays, and skates are gently brought to the surface (by hand) so that patrons can pet them. Directly across from this exhibit was my daughter's favorite display. A tide pool tank, complete with incoming tides, houses a walk-through tunnel for the kids. A movable magnifying glass is even attached to one of the tanks for the kids to get closeups of the crabs, fish, and sea stars within. Pretty cool stuff.
As a small scale facility, don't come here expecting to be wowed (like the Aquarium of the Pacific or the Monterey Bay Aquarium). What you will find is a decent set up that entertains the young 'uns while educating them a little. If you're on Stearns Wharf, the Ty Warner Sea Center warrants a visit.
People thought this was:
- Useful (4)
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A little center with some great offerings. We loved the interactive exhibits on camouflage. My kids got to touch a real shark! Wow! We got to see the shadows of unhatched baby sharks as they wiggled around in their egg sacks or mermaid purses as they are called. The gift shop pricing was great and both of my kids talked me into purchasing t-shirts and a number of trinkets that qualified for a discount with our reciprocal institution membership.
People thought this was:
- Useful (1)
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- Cool (1)
Great look at local marine animals. Don't expect penguins and killer whales. It is small, hands-on and fun. If you don't scuba, this is the best way to get to know all the beasties that are out there under your surfboard.
