When you stand on the Monterey bluffs and look at the bay, the vast expanse of marine protected areas may inspire you to learn more about conservation of the ocean and its creatures. That’s exactly the mission of the innovative Monterey Bay Aquarium, a window into the habitats and sea life of one of the world’s richest marine regions. More than 35,000 creatures representing over 550 species fill 34 galleries here. It can be daunting to get to everything in a single visit, and one of the best additions to your time at the Monterey Bay Aquarium is the Personal Guided Tour. On this customized tour, aquarium staff can answer any questions you have about the animals and exhibits and then take you behind staff-only doors to watch how the animals and marine life are cared for. The six Southern sea otters are the crowd favorites at the aquarium, so arrive early for the three-time-daily feedings to get a good look at them.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
Monterey Bay Aquarium
Lisa Corson, AFAR Media
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Raw sardines
I always thought California’s wonderful Monterey Bay Aquarium should pick a day when they send all their fish away for 24 hours, and replace them with the one billion *photos* of fish that have been taken there over the years. Something’s got to be done with all these pixels, right? It’s possible I haven’t thought this through fully.
Experience the Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquariums is arguably one of the best aquariums in the country. The variety of ocean environments available to see is really impressive. Try to visit in the off season and/or on a weekday for minimal crowds and easy access to the knowledgable volunteers. The sea otter feedings and kelp forest are notable.
First trip to Monterey Bay Aquarium
Fun and educational but crowded
