Monterey Bay Aquarium
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Monterey Bay Aquarium - by Zetong Li on Unsplash
Description
Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of California's foremost aquariums with a very strong ocean conservation and educational pedigree. It was developed on the site of a closed sardine cannery on Cannery Row and was the largest public aquarium in the USA when it opened in 1984. There are over 35,000 animals from 550 species on display with a heavy focus on the marine habitats of Monterey Bay. The star exhibits are the 1,200m3 Kelp Forest (8.5x20m) and the Open Sea wing that includes a 4,500m3 tank and 3 galleries focused on jellyfish + plankton, pelagic and "ocean travellers".
Access & Transport
Address: 886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA The Monterey Bay Aquarium is located at the west end of historic Cannery Row. There are several parking options in the area. There is a bust stop (SF, TRLY) next to the building and another one on Wave St (1,2) 150m away.
Instructions & Recommendations
*** At the time of this review update there is still no in-person ticket sales. They must be reserved in advance ***
Environmental & Social
The Aquarium is involved in various research and conservation efforts and often leading the way on legislative issues relating to ocean protection in the country. It also helped revitalized the Cannery Row stretch and employs directly over 500 people
Conclusion
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is an excellent activity for family but suffers from a very aggressive pricing that isn't matched by the good but not exceptional content on offer. The non-profit aspect is only a partial excuse and we would rather see a reasonable entrance fee with a maintained focus on environmental aspects rather than an arms' race to build bigger exhibits and attract more people.
Key positive
Two very impressive tanks
Real conservation and educational effort
Key negative
Expensive
Can be crowded
Suitability
Suitable for all ages and accessible to visitors with reduced mobility
About this Rating
TYPE
Desktop
RESEARCHED IN
Updated in July 2023
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:2h
Monday10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday10:00 - 17:00
Thursday10:00 - 17:00
Friday10:00 - 17:00
Saturday10:00 - 18:00
Sunday10:00 - 18:00