Take a Trip Under The Sea at Monterey Bay Aquarium

What an amazing place! The aquarium is beautifully curated and has an excellent display of natural exhibits. We particularly loved the kelp forests and jelly fish. We went at opening on a Tuesday and didn’t have to queue. Tickets were purchased in advance but some friend we were travelling with struggled to checkout online so chose to buy theirs on site. This took no longer than five minutes. They only downside were a few of the sizes of exhibits. The penguins were in a small room with what seemed like no fresh air or access to daylight which felt wrong. Just a blue painted ceiling. Also, the sea otters had what seemed like a small tank. Although it was deep, they explained they can’t have real kelp as they’d destroy it, and they can have hard shelled food as they’d break the glass trying to open them using natural behaviours.

I had an amazing experience at the Monterey Aquarium! The variety of marine species is impressive, and their commitment to conservation is admirable. The vibe of the place is great, and the staff is really friendly. If you are in California, you definitely need to check it out! Highly recommend.

If you're visiting Monterey, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is an absolute must-see. This year, it was by far the best aquarium I've ever been to. 💕 I was impressed by the enthusiasm and knowledge of the staff, many of whom were volunteers dedicated to educating visitors about marine wildlife. The interactive exhibits were perfect for keeping kids engaged while learning about these amazing animals. One of my favourite exhibits was the sardine and anchovy display. The circular tank simulated the natural swimming patterns of these fish, allowing visitors to observe them in a realistic environment. Overall, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is a fantastic experience that I highly recommend, and it felt like it was designed by people who love and want to protect Marine wildlife in Monterey. Simply phenomenal and artistic 😀

It's such a wonderful place to be. Aquarium collection and life presences are wonderful. Colors various fishes, jelly fish, baby wales , penguin. IT IS a great place for families, friends, and relatives. Especial family with children they will enjoy very much, 💙🩵 .

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is an awe-inspiring experience, with some of the largest tanks and most impressive marine life displays you’ll ever encounter. From full-size tuna and hammerhead sharks to enormous sea turtles, otters, and starfish, the variety and scale of marine creatures here is truly remarkable. Each tank brings the ocean’s wonders up close, creating an immersive experience that delights visitors of all ages. Having visited several times, I noticed recent improvements in the aquarium’s educational technology, designed to captivate and engage younger generations with fascinating, interactive displays. These enhancements add a fresh layer to the aquarium’s offerings, making it even easier to connect with and learn about the amazing animals on display. While our weekend visit with a large group made it feel somewhat crowded, this bustling atmosphere added to the energy of the space. For the best experience, I highly recommend purchasing tickets online in advance and using the convenient QR code to skip the line. Arriving early is also a great tip, allowing you to explore each exhibit at your own pace before the larger crowds arrive. With so much to see and learn, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers an unforgettable journey into the depths of the sea.