Monterey Bay Aquarium

“The mission of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the ocean.”

Opened in 1984 at the site of a defunct sardine cannery, the non-profit public aquarium focuses on marine habitats of California’s central coast, which ranks among the world’s most diverse and spectacular. Approximately two million people visit the oceanfront location every year, which houses more than 35,000 plants and animals representing over 550 species, mostly native to California. The nearly 200 galleries and exhibits include the Kelp Forest, Monterey Bay Habitats, Splash Zone, and Open Sea, the aquarium’s largest exhibit where you can see tuna, sardines, sea turtles, and jellyfish swim in a 90-foot window.

The aquarium also offers various behind-the-scenes tours, daily shows, feedings, and other special events throughout the year.

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