We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The TripAdvisor website may not display properly.
We support the following browsers: Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox. Mac: Safari.
Free Newsletter

Interested in Monterey?

We'll send you updates with the latest deals, reviews and articles for Monterey each week.

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
Show Attraction DetailsHide Attraction Details
Attraction type: Amusement/theme park, Aquarium
Address: 886 Cannery Row at David Avenue, Monterey, CA 93940
Tel: 831-648-4888

Traveler Reviews

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Worth seeing at least once

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Save Review
5 of 5 stars
Saxeygirl 117 contributions
Salt Lake City, UT
Aug 7, 2007
1/1 found this review helpful

Because of some mixed reviews, we questioned whether to spend the time and the money on a visit to the aquarium. We're glad we did. I'll never look at kelp in the ocean in the same way again. I used to view it as rather disgusting "seaweed". Now I know there's a beautiful kelp forest below providing "living quarters" for a miriad of sealife. We learned a lot and enjoyed our visit. We went shortly after it opened in the morning. We were there on Tuesday, July 31, 2007 and although there were a lot of people there, we found that everyone waited their turn to get to the front of the group at each display, viewed the exhibit, and moved on. We opted to park at one of the 4 hour meters on the street, and were able at that time of the day to get one just a few blocks away. We put in money for 3 1/2 hours and made it back with 5 minutes to spare. There are a lot of interactive areas for children, so if you have children in your group you should plan on more time than that . Be sure to allow enough time to see it all. Print your tickets on-line ahead to save the wait.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Too many people for the price

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Save Review
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.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Beautiful!

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Save Review
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.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Great place and not just for children

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Save Review
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.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Best Aquarium in the world!

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Save Review
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.
Was this review helpful? Yes No
Travelers Who Viewed This Attraction Also Viewed
No photo provided
Location: Monterey, Monterey Peninsula
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Monterey, Monterey Peninsula
Price not available
No photo provided
Location: Monterey, Monterey Peninsula
Price not available
Write Your Own Attraction Review
Been to Monterey Bay Aquarium? Share your experiences!
Write a Review
Add Photos
Add Videos

Monterey Bay Aquarium: Management Resources

TripAdvisor has free and easy resources to help you enhance your listing and promote your property.

  • Start Here - Visit Your Owner's Page
  • Add Photo
  • Add Video

Monterey Bay Aquarium Address

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