Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
4.5
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
Located just steps away from the ocean and Santa Cruz Wharf, the Sanctuary Exploration Center features state-of-the art exhibits and interactive displays. This center highlights the special waters of nearby Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. You can explore the sanctuary's remarkable wildlife and ecosystems, such as the kelp forest, various deep sea animals, and migratory species. Explore your role in protecting one of North America’s underwater treasures.
This visitor center provides a range of accessibility features to accommodate families. All of the films and exhibit videos have captions. The exhibits are designed for multi-sensory exploration. Visit our website to learn more information specifically about wheelchair mobility, service animals, sight and hearing impaired assistance, and sensory friendly assistance.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view










Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
289 within 3 miles
Attractions
102 within 6 miles
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
115 reviews
Excellent
70
Very good
30
Average
13
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Genevieve C
Santa Cruz, California, United States2 contributions
Jul 2013
After visiting the Sanctuary I have a greater respect for the valuable gifts our ocean provides us any why it is so important. Great interactive learning as well as a short movie give those of all ages a great time. AND IT'S FREE
Written August 9, 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.
beachwalkeralways
Santa Monica, CA17 contributions
Feb 2014 • Business
Awesome film that gives the history of the area as it relates to marine life. It's only 18 minutes long and continually replays so it doesn't matter what time you arrive to see it. Photography is quite amazing. Across the street from the Santa Cruz pier.
Written February 13, 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.
Donald K
Atlanta, GA87 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
We did not know what to expect but were intrigued by the name. Upon entering a docent gave us a quick view of the place and was knowledgeable so that she could answer our questions. Free admission though we left a donation. Small area upstairs where one can view sea life in the coral zone and at other depths of the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of the USA.
Written July 31, 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.
Hello Donald,
Thank you so much for your review! We are glad that you had a great experience at our facility. We are currently installing some new exhibits and would love to have you visit us again soon.
-SEC staff
Written August 3, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Wynne O
Walnut Creek, CA107 contributions
Apr 2019
This small center looks at the marine world of the Monterey Bay. It is small and accessible for young children. Give it a look as you are heading to or from the Boardwalk. Plus the classroom is a great place to hold a training.
Written March 24, 2020
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.
Samantha C
Montreal, Canada35 contributions
Aug 2015 • Family
My family and I discovered this center while walking down towards the beach. It happened to be free so we decided to check it out and we were so glad we did! The center offers an interesting look at the marine life in the Monterey Bay region. The displays are very interactive and the short movie is well worth a watch! The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable and more than willing to answer any questions. Overall, it was a nice way to spend a bit of time while exploring the Santa Cruz beach area!
Written August 27, 2015
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.
Joseph C
14 contributions
Nov 2014 • Couples
Great staff, educational about the area and its wildlife. Sit through the 15 minute documentary, well worth it!
Written November 22, 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.
1968Travelbug
Simi Valley, CA166 contributions
Aug 2013 • Friends
Wonderful place to see the sea life but unfortunately not a great time to go in the midst of summer. So many people and kids that you could not even get close to see the sea life. Too many people with strollers. I will go again just when all the kids are in school.
Written August 14, 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.
mini
Fremont, CA176,137 contributions
Dec 2019
I had a fun time at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center. It describes the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary and also simiar sanctuarys.
There are good exhibits as well as a short but good movie.
The center is free to visit.
There is also a nice outdoor overlook of the Santa Cruz area.
There are good exhibits as well as a short but good movie.
The center is free to visit.
There is also a nice outdoor overlook of the Santa Cruz area.
Written December 19, 2019
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.
Thank you very much! We love our short film which shows about every 20 minutes in our theater and are glad you loved it too!
Written March 7, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
honeygirl424
Oakland, CA10 contributions
Feb 2017 • Family
This is right be the Wharf/pier and Boardwalk. A beautiful building with great interactive exhibits. There were plenty of things to interest a four year old and the adults. it's not an aquarium- there's no live stuff. But it's free and fun.
Written February 19, 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.
Noreen_8
Melbourne Australia91 contributions
Apr 2016 • Couples
WE did not intend going here but very glad we did, the volunteer workers are so passionate about what they do and it was really interesting to talk to them
Written April 26, 2016
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.
Carol C
Chicago, IL
Is this a safe neighborhood? I booked the Howard Johnson across the street...I have concerns about the neighborhood.
Barbara H
State College, PA194 contributions
I never worried one bit about the safety of the neighborhood. Lots of families were strolling around, a bus route was nearby, etc. Just as safe as any beach-side community in southern New Jersey.
Recently viewed
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingMonterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center (Santa Cruz) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center
- Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center is open:
- Wed - Sun 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center:
- (0.03 mi) NEW! Oceanview Villas w/ 4 Separate King Suites next to Boardwalk & Beach
- (0.03 mi) WOW! Luxury 5000sf Oceanview of Main Beach/Wharf -Families/Corp Retreats/Groups
- (0.03 mi) Luxurious Ocean View Villa GREAT LOCATION across from Beach, Wharf & Boardwalk
- (0.03 mi) New! Luxurious Large Villa BEST LOCATION in Santa Cruz
- (0.03 mi) Howard Johnson by Wyndham Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
- Restaurants near Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center:
- (0.04 mi) Jake's Coffee Bar
- (0.09 mi) Jack O'Neill Restaurant & Lounge
- (0.08 mi) The Picnic Basket
- (0.09 mi) Ideal Bar & Grill
- (0.05 mi) Las Palmas Taco Bar
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Information
| Excellent Reviews | 70 |
|---|---|
| Very Good Reviews | 30 |
| Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center Photos | 47 |































































