Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Come touch a friendly shark, see how marine scientists work, and take in the spectacular Monterey Bay. Our exhibit hall offers a deeper dive into the adventure of ocean research here in Santa Cruz and around the world. Visit us and explore the fascinating world of marine science and conservation. We look forward to meeting you! The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is a community-supported marine science education center of the University of California, Santa Cruz.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
255 reviews
Excellent
155
Very good
79
Average
15
Poor
3
Terrible
3
akat411
San Francisco, CA138 contributions
Apr 2022
Worth a visit if you're in the area and want to see some ocean research exhibits. It's not very big but there are a number of tanks to see different animals. There is a touch pool to touch sea stars and the best thing was the chance to touch a swell shark. Very cool! We went as a big family group and the kids were engaged. The site is cliff side with a pretty walking path and beautiful view. Would recommend.
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ColoTravellers
Colorado578 contributions
Jul 2011
What an awesome place! Lots of knowledgable volunteers to answer any questions and help show you around. Their entusiasm is infectious. It is relatively inexpensive and you can get a AAA discount as well. We got to pet a shark, hold starfish and get a guided tour of the faciltiy (tour was free). Teenagers had fun as well, not just for little kids.
Written July 11, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
San_Jose_Sharon
San Jose, CA1 contribution
Of course you won't find all the attractions of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, but it is a great bargain and the trip from the San Jose area is much shorter. There are interactive exhibits and aquarium tanks. The staff at the touch pool were well informed and very patient during our recent weekend visit. There are whale skeletons outside for children to climb. Parking was plentiful.
I would budget about 60-90 minutes for a visit. If this matches the attention span of your kids, I would actually recommend it over the MBA which can be overwhelming for small ones.
I would budget about 60-90 minutes for a visit. If this matches the attention span of your kids, I would actually recommend it over the MBA which can be overwhelming for small ones.
Written June 16, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robinelechat
California93 contributions
Jun 2018 • Family
The volunteers who work at the Museum were well-informed and helpful, so I feel bad saying the following.
The museum itself is one small room with several aquariums. For the cost and time involved, my kids get the same pleasure going to a pet store and looking at their aquariums, and birds, etc.
The awesome whale skeleton can be seen from the outside for free.
I think it's worth noting that we did not do the tour.
The museum itself is one small room with several aquariums. For the cost and time involved, my kids get the same pleasure going to a pet store and looking at their aquariums, and birds, etc.
The awesome whale skeleton can be seen from the outside for free.
I think it's worth noting that we did not do the tour.
Written June 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Livesbythec
Devon, UK101 contributions
Feb 2018 • Family
Because of the size it would be easy to assume kids will be in, out and bored quickly, however this is not the case. There is a great mixture of interactive and informative exhibits, as well as amazing volunteers who spent plenty of time with our group of seven.
The kids loved the tide pool, spending a good twenty minutes feeling the texture of sea life, and asking questions of the volunteers (who were just superb). The highlight for most was touching the swell shark in the tank.
Its a great place, tucked away from the busy Santa Cruz scene. It has wonderful views of the coast, plenty of parking and is a sensible price = $28 for our group.
The kids loved the tide pool, spending a good twenty minutes feeling the texture of sea life, and asking questions of the volunteers (who were just superb). The highlight for most was touching the swell shark in the tank.
Its a great place, tucked away from the busy Santa Cruz scene. It has wonderful views of the coast, plenty of parking and is a sensible price = $28 for our group.
Written February 25, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
OldNativeCalifornian
Morton, IL14 contributions
Jun 2016 • Family
This was one of our favorite places. Because it is part of UCSC it is only $6.00 admission. My 14 year old loved it. we went almost every day. Nice gift shop. Petted sharks. We held star fish that were purple, blue, red, orange. We played with anenome and hermit crab. They also told us where to go to see tide pools and the best time of day for tide pools. They have a skeleton of a blue whale and a gray whale.
Written January 27, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kelliewg
Murrieta, CA43 contributions
Mar 2014 • Family
This was our second visit to this center - we specifically drove through Santa Cruz to bring the kids. While it's a small aquarium, it is very hands-on and I appreciated how detailed and educational the display areas are. We enjoyed touching the sharks and the tidepool touch tanks. The walk outside is gorgeous. Well worth a stop.
Written April 24, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It’s great to hear that you came through Santa Cruz specifically to visit our Center – we hope you'll come back soon!
Written April 26, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marino C
Folsom, CA173 contributions
Feb 2013 • Couples
This place is little gem! We stumbled across a small sign on the road that read "Aquarium" so we followed it to the Discovery Center. First thing you see when you pull in is a huge whale skeleton. It's really facinating to see that large of an animal so close up! There are great college kids inside at the touch tanks that are knowlegable and patient. Highly recommend!!
Written March 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CollectingChristie
Seal Beach, CA823 contributions
Dec 2012 • Family
If you visit this coastline based discovery centre, certainly sign up for one of the free docent led tours as you will get to see the dolphins, and seals - which otherwise cannot be viewed.
Written December 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
meade13
Soquel, CA232 contributions
May 2012 • Couples
While small, the Discovery Center is packed with interesting exhibits. You can get a mini education about the local marine resources and species at a fraction of the cost of the Monterey Aquarium. There's also a lovely bluff trail behind the center and two huge whale skeletons .
Written June 6, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bennykerk33
Shakopee, MN
How long is the big blur whale skeleton?
Stevej95060
Santa Cruz, CA56 contributions
Hi, the Blue Whale skeleton is 87 feet long. It's one of only 4 Blue Whale skeletons on display in North America.
Lucile C
Modesto6 contributions
What is the cost for adults>
Colin Archibald
Kingston, TN4,467 contributions
Cost is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors and children. Worth every Penny.
When will it open on July,4?
Portage48
South San Francisco, CA96 contributions
I don't know go online for their hours.
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Claim your listingSeymour Marine Discovery Center (Santa Cruz) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Seymour Marine Discovery Center
- Seymour Marine Discovery Center is open:
- Tue - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Seymour Marine Discovery Center:
- (2.32 mi) Sea & Sand Inn
- (1.33 mi) Mission Inn
- (2.52 mi) Beach Street Inn and Suites
- (2.37 mi) Dream Inn Santa Cruz
- (2.36 mi) West Cliff Inn - A Four Sisters Inn
- Restaurants near Seymour Marine Discovery Center:
- (1.17 mi) West End Tap & Kitchen
- (2.44 mi) Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
- (3.29 mi) Marianne's Ice Cream
- (3.42 mi) Linda's Seabreeze Cafe
- (2.80 mi) Laili Restaurant
Seymour Marine Discovery Center Information
| Excellent Reviews | 155 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 79 |
| Seymour Marine Discovery Center Photos | 112 |





























































