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Monterey Bay Aquarium: Traveler Reviews


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating: 4 of 5 stars 91 Reviews
5.0 of 5 stars
59
4.0 of 5 stars
15
3.0 of 5 stars
9
2.0 of 5 stars
7
1.0 of 5 stars
1
TripAdvisor Popularity Index: #1 of 70 attractions in Monterey
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Attraction type: Amusement/theme park, Aquarium
Address: 886 Cannery Row at David Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940
Tel: 831-648-4888

Traveler Reviews

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Too many people for the price

Monterey Bay Aquarium

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2 of 5 stars
SnowshoeBunny 1 contribution
California
Aug 1, 2007
4/6 found this review helpful

I know that some of the price of my ticket supports the work and educational opportunities of the Aquarium. But even with that deduction, my feeling was that the price was too high for the experience the visitor left with. We went on Monday, July 30th, 2007, on purpose, arriving about two hours after opening. As another reviewer from British Columbia posted, it was so overwhelmingly crowded that one couldn't enjoy the exhibits. People were incredibly polite to one another, not camping too long in front of the smaller aquariums; there were just too many bodies there for the space. I am fortunate to be an able-bodied person; my heart was really moved for those in wheelchairs, along with their caregivers trying to put them into position to be able to see anything, big or small tank. I would compliment the Aquarium for including the relatively new-looking area describing the history of the fish canning business and its effect on the Bay and the fish population. I would also compliment the inclusionary design of many exhibits for children. The best part of the visit was the enthusiastic young lady who had sea jellies outside for us to see while we were waiting to buy tickets.
I concur that perhaps a different ticket selling system should be investigated.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Beautiful!

Monterey Bay Aquarium

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5 of 5 stars
kost44 12 contributions
south florida
Jul 28, 2007

I'll keep this short and sweet.

I have not been to all the aquariums in the world, but have been to a bunch in America. This one is by far the BEST!

Given, I was lucky enough to visit this aquarium when they had the first EVER white shark in captivity, but it was still an amazing site.

I never would have thought that Jellyfish could be so beautiful!

I have been to aquariums in other locations where you would think the aquariums would be great, such as Fl, Long Beach, CA, Hawaii, Vegas, Bahamas, but this one topped them all.

A definite must see if you are driving up or down the California coast

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Great place and not just for children

Monterey Bay Aquarium

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5 of 5 stars
NorfolkSpinone 25 contributions
Norfolk
Jul 16, 2007

This is a stunning, scientifically based facility which offers families and crumblies like us a truly memorable day out. The various tanks are well displayed and I was stunned by the shoreline exhibit where I could walk just a couple of feet from wading birds. (I hasten to add these were rescued birds which will be released if at all possible). There is a legion of friendly, knowledgeable volunteers to help, inform and advise visitors. If you are in the area do not miss it. Be there for feeding time for the rescued sea otters.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Best Aquarium in the world!

Monterey Bay Aquarium

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5 of 5 stars
FISH16 2 contributions
Monterey
Jul 3, 2007
0/1 found this review helpful

Wonderful place to get a feeling of the relationship of all living things, and a fun place to learn to care for our planet!

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Best Aquarium on the West Coast

Monterey Bay Aquarium

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5 of 5 stars
MTpeanut 12 contributions
Bozeman, Montana
Jul 3, 2007
2/2 found this review helpful

This aquarium is by far the best on the West Coast. It's so progressive and fun to explore. They are always taking suggestions for new exhibits and ideas on improving.

Parking can be gnarly, so prepare for that. It's $24.95 per adult to enter, but the cost is nothing when you see what this place has in it.

Sea otters, penguins, jellies, fish, sea turtles, seals, sharks, rays, birds, kelp, sea life.....the list goes on.

Be prepared for a lot of people--this is a popular and really cool destination! There are a lot of cameras and videos going.

LOTS OF KIDS! Go on an off day if that bothers you.

Awesome exhibits! Explore the tide pools underneath the building, too! Sea otters and seals were camped out on the rocks just outside in the ocean. Rent a kayak and paddle around.

Expect to be there for hours! I spent over 3 hours there exploring inside.

I didn't try the food, but my friend said it was "just Ok". But, there are tons of places to eat around.
The gift shop was pretty reasonable, too.

Still a pretty awesome experience.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Monterey Bay Aquarium Address

886 Cannery Row at David Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940
Tel: 831-648-4888