Monterey Bay Aquarium

The world-class Aquarium is on historic Cannery Row in Monterey and open daily except Christmas. Hours at www.montereybayaquarium.org or (831) 648-4888.

9 / 10
3151
ratings
  • Phone

    (831) 648-4800

  • Website

    montereybayaquarium.org

  • Instagram

    montereybayaquarium

  • X (Twitter)

    montereyaq

  • Facebook

    montereybayaquarium

  • Type

    Aquarium

Address

886 Cannery Row (at David Ave.) Monterey , CA 93940 United States

Credit Cards Yes
Wi-Fi Yes

Comments / 370


Keywords:

sea otters penguins kelp forest tours fish aquariums scenic views cute jellyfish discounts exhibits jellies projectors wildlife free Wifi scuba diving comfortable fishing Bay bakeries
Rex Espiritu

'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!

Mike Winston

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

Katie Fahrion

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 •

Wilson Favre-Delerue

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 V

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 Werner

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 Sweeney

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 MacLucas

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 Miniailo

Very good exposition . Lot of aquariums with ocean inhabitants fishes and mammals. Don't miss thematic shows

_

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 Ma

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 Rice

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 Bowles

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.

Varun

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 O

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 Hufford

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 Chang

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 Bone

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 Wehrlie

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 Miller

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 Wohlers

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 Huie

One of my favourite aquariums in the world! Well worth the drive from the Bay Area. Be sure to check out the jellyfish !

Rebecca Wang

Jellyfish exhibits are really fun. Love that they arrange kids and shorter folks in front for feeding shows. Definitely geared towards inspiring kids.

Kevin Flores

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 C

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 Nair

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 Willard

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 Lam

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 Youhas

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 Flamm

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 Clark

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 Lee

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 Conklin

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.

Amelia

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 .

Perla Fdz

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!

eric bornemann

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.

Adaire Salome-Keating

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 Fool

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 Lee

Awesome exhibits and really attentive staff . Highly recommend going to the feeding events (especially otters and penguins ). Very educational

Scott P

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 KLE

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.

Amanda Taylor

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.

Sandra Herrera

Wonderful time at the aquarium . Highlight was the sea otter feeding. A must see in Monterey

Kaustubh Thirumalai

As a friend said, this is a small, but tightly-run ship! Go see the otters and the jellies - they're my favorites!

John Kidde

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.

Lauren Colman

The otter feeding and open sea feeding are absolutely worth it. Be sure to add them to your schedule.

Al B.

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 Wolfe

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 Network

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.

.:. s

One of the best and interesting acquariums around. The staff is ready to educate , and really appreciated the conservation component of this special place.

Similar places nearby :

9.1
Aquarium
The Open Sea

Try the Braised Short Ribs Pappardelle - The perfect amount of beef and pasta - Andy Halvorsen

8.3
Aquarium
Kelp Forest

Beginning on left side you see all sorts of awesome fish in there - Brian Ibarra

9.0
Aquarium
Sea Otter Exhibit

The sea otters are so much fun to watch. - Marni

7.7
Aquarium
Bat Ray Touch Pool

Lean way in. Getting a bit wet is worth the experience. - Buffy

7.8
Aquarium
Splash Zone

Don't miss the third floor outdoor balcony…some of the best views of Monterey Bay! - Eric Andersen

Aquarium
Wave Crash

Gerade für die kleinen ein tolles Erlebnis ???????? - Harald ZimmerPoint

7.6
Seafood
Fish Hopper Seafood & Steaks

The outside market is great. Spicy ceviche is delicious! - X-tina ????

7.3
Seafood
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

Very kind staff. Make sure to ask for the lemonade with strawberries, they're the best. The portions could be a little bigger though. - Karina Lopes

8.1
Neighborhood
Cannery Row

Cool place to take an afternoon stroll! Lots of shopping and restaurants and touristy-type stuff, as well as a nice little beach area and a place to view sea lions and other ocean animals! - Rachel Wolfe