Immediately you have an opportunity to see the equipment for the whole eco-system in the museum, or walk ahead to the exhibit of sea otters. These cute, furry creatures are playful in the water as they hop in and swirl underwater with tiny bubbles trailing behind them. Most of the time, these fur balls lay on their back and float curled up and sleeping. But when they get moving around, especially when it’s time to eat, these critters will bring smiles to their observers.

Don’t miss the Monterey Bay Aquarium café and restaurant. It’s a great way to enjoy a bite to eat and remain at the aquarium. You can eat inside, and if you’re lucky, may spot a seal playing among the waves and rocks outside!! These silly creatures are always a joy to watch. Adjacent is the aquarium’s gift shop where all proceeds go to further educate the public about this amazing and fragile world below the waves.

Hanging from the ceiling above are life sized models of a variety of whales. Some of them are a model of the animal, and others are simply the bones of these magnificent animals. It’s amazing to see just how huge these creatures are!!!

Continue your tour of the sea creatures by exploring two full levels of the Splash Zone which encompasses tide pools and sea critters that kids can see and touch. The Open Ocean exhibit is full of jelly fish and squid. The giant ocean tanks contain huge sharks, schooling fish balls, and huge sting rays!! The fish swimming around is truly memorizing. People can sit and just watch them swim around for hours. The aquarium has different exhibits that change to help educate the public, and keep things new and exciting for everyone. When I traveled there, they had a special exhibit on the flamboyant cuttlefish of Indonesia, and one about the animals from Baja. On the other side of the aquarium is their large kelp forest dedicated to the fish right outside of the harbor. Divers will also sometimes be seen in this tank helping make sure each of the fish are being fed, and staff nearby will be happy to answer any questions that visitors have.

Entrance to the aquarium is $29.95 for children (3-12), $49.95 for adults, and $39.95 for students (13-17 or college ID) and Seniors (65+). However, the aquarium has partnered with many hotels in the area. If you are staying at one of them, you are able to get a 2-day pass for the price of a single day! It’s a wonderful way to fully maximize your experience. There are so many different activities for people, you will always find more to do than you have time. The aquarium also offers activities such as back-stage tours, sleep-overs, and group activities.

For further information, please visit their website HERE.