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    Monterey Bay Aquarium

    13,205 Reviews
    #1 of 76 things to do in Monterey
    Features Animals
    Nature & Parks, Zoos & Aquariums
    Open Now: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940-1085
    Open today: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    Save
    ADMISSION TICKETS (1)
    Monterey Bay Aquarium Admission
    From $49.95*
    ADMISSION TICKETS (1)
    Monterey Bay Aquarium Admission
    From $49.95*
    BOOK A TOUR
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    Monterey & Carmel Explorer with optional Aquarium
    Day Trips
    From $94.00*
    Private Full-Day Tour of Monterey with Carmel and 17-Mile Drive by SUV
    Full-day Tours
    From $895.00*
    8,071
    All photos (8,071)
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    Traveler Overview
    4.513,205 reviews
    • Excellent72%
    • Very good20%
    • Average6%
    • Poor1%
    • Terrible1%
    Travelers talk about
    “fish”(1,479 reviews)
    “octopus”(293 reviews)
    “sea otters”(1,045 reviews)
    About
    Located at the ocean's edge, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a window to marine life -- for dive masters and non-swimmers alike. It's home to sea otters, penguins, sharks, jellies and thousands of other marine animals and plants. Its mission is to...more
    Open Now
    Hours Today: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
    See all hours
    Suggested duration: More than 3 hours
    As featured in Guide to Monterey Outdoors
    Contact
    886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940-1085
    Website
    +1 831-648-4800
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    Ways to Experience Monterey Bay Aquarium
    Monterey Bay Aquarium Admission
    95 Reviews
    from $49.95
    More Info
    Monterey & Carmel Explorer with optional...
    23 Reviews
    from $94.00
    More Info
    Private Full-Day Tour of Monterey with Carmel...
    2 Reviews
    from $895.00
    More Info
    3-Day California Coast Tour: San Francisco to...
    50 Reviews
    from $845.00
    More Info
    Reviews (13,205)
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    Show reviews that mention
    All reviews fish octopus sea otters feeding times kelp forest great exhibits behind the scenes all ages open sea world class sardines great for kids marine life monterey bay cannery row tanks aquarium
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    1 - 10 of 10,985 reviews
    Reviewed yesterday via mobile
    Monterey Bay Aqurium

    I’ve been a member for many years and visit about twice per year. As a member I don’t have to wait in lines so if you are not a member try to go early. After all these years I never tire of the aquarium. It...More

    Date of experience: January 2019
    Thank Phillip F
    Reviewed yesterday
    Great Aquarium

    This aquarium is top notch. So much to see, we just did a quick visit but you could easily spend a day here. They focus so much on sustainable fishing and conservation, which provides a little motivation to make better choices. The aquarium also provides...More

    Date of experience: October 2018
    Thank knsking
    Reviewed 4 days ago via mobile
    Good

    It deserves a visit. It’s good, clean and a good attraction to go with kids. Very easy access and nice seaside views.

    Date of experience: January 2019
    Thank 859camilob
    Reviewed 4 days ago
    Great for all ages

    We arrived as it opened and left when it closed. It was one of the best days we had had in ages. We planned the day and fitted in all the feeding sessions and every show in the Auditorium which were really informative and all...More

    Date of experience: January 2019
    Thank J4322DPjanb
    Reviewed 5 days ago
    Beautiful Aquarium

    A wonderful place for children and adults to visit- much to keep you busy. The various birds, seals etc....look well fed, and healthy. And there is a small area where the history of canning of the fish is explained. If you become hungry, you can...More

    Date of experience: January 2019
    Thank Joseph P
    Reviewed 5 days ago via mobile
    Alone time in Monterey

    My husband had business meetings, so I spent my alone time at the aquarium. Warning: it is very expensive ... $50 for adults under 65.. discounts for seniors, military and students . I am none of the above, so I paid full price. It is...More

    Date of experience: January 2019
    1  Thank MKeren
    Reviewed 5 days ago via mobile
    Fun Day Trip!

    The Monterey Bay Aquarium makes a great day trip for families with teenagers. There is plenty to do to keep teenagers busy all day. Everyone's highlight of the day was the private tour of the Sea Otter Conservation. Our guide, Sandy, was fantastic. She brought...More

    Date of experience: January 2019
    2  Thank Mevp3
    Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile
    Fabulous

    My family and I recently had a Behind the Scenes Tour at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. My youngest grandson, age almost 6, loved it as did we all! We were 4 adults and 2 children. We saw the scenes behind the exhibits of the aquarium....More

    Date of experience: January 2019
    Thank cherylyosh
    Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile
    One of my favorite places to enjoy a day out!

    Whenever I visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium I can easily spend the whole day and be quite content! The displays are very well done and I always seem to find something new that I have never seen or noticed before! Beautiful fish and other underwater...More

    Date of experience: December 2018
    Thank CeliaS171
    Reviewed 6 days ago via mobile
    Family of 3

    Visited the Monterey Bay Aquarium with my child who is almost 2. At first we thought the entrance fee was a little steep - USD 49.95 per adult. But we were quickly convinced that it was worth it! There is a kids area that has...More

    Date of experience: January 2019
    1  Thank macjeany
    View more reviews
    123456…1099
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    Questions & Answers
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    Grace T
    October 12, 2018|
    AnswerShow all 10 answers
    Response from alloverglad | Reviewed this property |
    We were there for 2 days and nights. We had a hire car and didn’t have any problems whatsoever. Enjoy the aquarium it’s awesome.
    0
    Votes
    thetwins2332
    September 6, 2018|
    AnswerShow all 2 answers
    Response from BobBlogger | Reviewed this property |
    Not cold and great for any age!
    1
    Vote
    oinkbubbadoo
    September 4, 2018|
    AnswerShow all 6 answers
    Response from kcipielewski | Reviewed this property |
    Hello traveler, sorry I couldn't answer you until now. I don't believe they have lockers big enough to accomodate your needs, however, you can ask the front desk as a courtesy to hold your bags for you and they will! I... More
    1
    Vote
    123456…22
    Travel Forum Posts
    msdj
    Beaverton, OR
    Accessible Tide Pools (19 Replies)
    I know there is a man-made tidepool that is wheel chair accessible but can't find any info on it anywhere now that I need it! My parents are coming out in September and we're going to spend a couple of nights in Newport. What I have planned is whale watching & boat tour in Depoe Bay, Aquarium in Newport, the accessible tidepool, Cape Perpetua.
    July 29, 2009|
    Response fromfootloose57|
    Hi msdj. I think the place you are referring to is at Yaquina Head Lighthouse.
    Sharon B
    Bullard, Texas
    Costal Drive Trip (11 Replies)
    I'm in the process of planning a trip to California with parents and husband. We want to travel the coast line - Hwy 1 starting at Hearst Castle area. I've marked the following places as potential destinations. 1. Hearst Castle, 2. Point Lobos State Reserve, 3. Montery Bay Aquarium, 4. Cannery Row, 5. Alcatrez, 6.Sonoma, 7. Avenue of the Giants. We are flying in on Friday (thinking about Fresno)airport) and will start at Hearst Castle and travel North. 1st question is can we drive and...More
    August 23, 2012|
    Response fromtravelingrunner|
    You could easily spend 8 days in each of those areas, so it will be a tough choice deciding to continue into OR. Are you visiting SF? What are your interests & when is your trip.
    Alice C
    London, United Kingdom
    San Francisco to Carmel (14 Replies)
    Hello folks, my husband and I will be travelling to West Coast USA next Saturday for what we hope will be a fabulous two week holiday. We have planned what we want to see and do except for the San Francisco to Carmel section of the trip. My plan was to travel down the coast and visit the Monterey bay aquarium, go to point lobos and 17 Mille drive as well as taking in Carmel itself however a friend recently did a similar trip and suggested the big basin redwood national park. We will be in...More
    April 27, 2014|
    Response fromarlosmom|
    Unless you have definite plans for activities in Carmel, I think you will find one night is enough.
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