Well-known aquarium on a rocky coastline with exhibits ranging from otter habitats to touch pools.
At a glance
#4 of 22 Tourist attractions in MontereyLocalGuideWorld score: 4.70
Rating breakdown
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5 ★77%
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4 ★15%
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3 ★4%
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2 ★1%
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1 ★2%
Quick facts
- What is the rating of Monterey Bay Aquarium?
- Monterey Bay Aquarium is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 74,879 reviews.
- How does Monterey Bay Aquarium rank in Monterey?
- Monterey Bay Aquarium is #4 of 22 Tourist attractions in Monterey by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
- Where is Monterey Bay Aquarium located?
- 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA 93940, United States — 1.8 km from the center of Monterey.
- How can I contact Monterey Bay Aquarium?
- Phone: +1 831-648-4800 · Website: montereybayaquarium.org
This is a great aquarium! If you like aquariums, this one is a must visit. They have an excellent rotating schedule of talks and demonstrations from trainers who feed the animals and employees who talk about them. The exhibits are lovely, there are two gift shops, ans there's a lot of places to go outside and enjoy the beautiful views of Monterey Bay. There's even an earth friendly Cafe that uses no plastic.
As an animal loving non seafood eater I was very skeptical about visiting here, but the boss (the wife) wanted to go, so you know.....
MBA is brilliantly laid out with some magnificent sights, that unless you scuba dive or go to the north Pole regularly you won't get to see, so it serves that purpose and then some!
The animals appear to be well looked after and loved by the team there.
The exhibition is technically advanced, interesting, exciting and does nothing but make you smile.
It was without doubt the best aquarium I have ever seen in my 50 plus years and would highly recommend it and learning about everything we do for these amazing creatures and of course the not so good things we as humans do to them in the wild.
Loved it.
MBA is brilliantly laid out with some magnificent sights, that unless you scuba dive or go to the north Pole regularly you won't get to see, so it serves that purpose and then some!
The animals appear to be well looked after and loved by the team there.
The exhibition is technically advanced, interesting, exciting and does nothing but make you smile.
It was without doubt the best aquarium I have ever seen in my 50 plus years and would highly recommend it and learning about everything we do for these amazing creatures and of course the not so good things we as humans do to them in the wild.
Loved it.
It's one of the best aquariums to go. The variety of jelly fishes, I've never seen anything like it. It's stunning!
There are penguins and sea otter feedings to see and different types of sharks and whales... Also, do not miss the diver in the kelp forest.
It should take you around 4 to 5 hours to experience this wonderful aquarium. It can be pretty crowded during the weekends. Parking can get full, there are some street parking spaces available too.
There are penguins and sea otter feedings to see and different types of sharks and whales... Also, do not miss the diver in the kelp forest.
It should take you around 4 to 5 hours to experience this wonderful aquarium. It can be pretty crowded during the weekends. Parking can get full, there are some street parking spaces available too.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium does a great job integrating the local surroundings with the exhibits to make visitors feel connected to their environment. The outdoor spaces remind visitors of the natural wonders that exist around us.
Rosa is adorable and watching her float was worth the price of admission alone.
The deep sea exhibit bioluminescent creatures were awe-inspiring.
The museum also allows visitors to re-enter same day with a hand stamp, which is useful if you want to take a break from the crowds.
Rosa is adorable and watching her float was worth the price of admission alone.
The deep sea exhibit bioluminescent creatures were awe-inspiring.
The museum also allows visitors to re-enter same day with a hand stamp, which is useful if you want to take a break from the crowds.
If you love to learn more about ocean residents and sea life this place is a must! Lots of great exhibits, amazing live narrated films, outstanding tours. Loved penguin and sea otter exhibits. I wish there would be less people, as it was pretty crowded and it was hard to get to some of the exhibits. Still worth visiting and learning more about the ocean and its inhabitants.
The aquarium has lots of fun exhibits. Our favorites were the open sea exhibit, the penguins, and otters.
There are a few exhibits where you can touch and feel sea life. Our kids really enjoyed those.
There's places to buy snacks and food. We were interested in the Cafe but didn't end up going.
There are a few exhibits where you can touch and feel sea life. Our kids really enjoyed those.
There's places to buy snacks and food. We were interested in the Cafe but didn't end up going.
We loved spending our day at this underwater adventure, we probably spent at least 3 hours exploring and learning all about everything, We felt like kids in a candy store. It wasn’t too busy, even with a few schools on field trips. Our overall experience was delightful and it would be worth going again.
A 40 year old world class marine educational center and aquarium for the whole family, young and old to visit. Can easily spend all day here. Only can buy tickets online before visiting or in front of the building using a QR code to enter. You cannot purchase tickets in person.
The Open Sea (1.2 million gallon exhibit), The Kelp Forest, African Penguins, and Jelly Fish are must see exhibits. Definitely make the time to watch the free feeding times and live narration videos in the auditorium. Have the kids learn and touch the hands on exhibits provided by the MBA volunteers.
Great gift shops to bring back meaningful souvenirs home.
Visit during the weekdays during the school year if you want to avoid the crowds. You can easily take a break and walk outside at the back of the building to enjoy the picturesque views of the Monterey Bay.
If you are willing and able to park in Pacific Grove (past the aquarium), 10 min, flat walking path with views of the Monterey coastline, parking is free all day.
Restrooms are perfect for kids and babies (changing tables and kid-friendly height level sinks).
Can easily get your hand stamped for “in and out” access (take a break to eat outside of the aquarium or not).
The Open Sea (1.2 million gallon exhibit), The Kelp Forest, African Penguins, and Jelly Fish are must see exhibits. Definitely make the time to watch the free feeding times and live narration videos in the auditorium. Have the kids learn and touch the hands on exhibits provided by the MBA volunteers.
Great gift shops to bring back meaningful souvenirs home.
Visit during the weekdays during the school year if you want to avoid the crowds. You can easily take a break and walk outside at the back of the building to enjoy the picturesque views of the Monterey Bay.
If you are willing and able to park in Pacific Grove (past the aquarium), 10 min, flat walking path with views of the Monterey coastline, parking is free all day.
Restrooms are perfect for kids and babies (changing tables and kid-friendly height level sinks).
Can easily get your hand stamped for “in and out” access (take a break to eat outside of the aquarium or not).
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