Monterey Bay Aquarium focuses on the ocean life in the Monterey Bay and other oceans. It not only offers exhibits and information but also puts a strong emphasis on conservation and how we all can help in the efforts.
The aquarium in Monterey Bay is divided into twelve areas. They are Giant Pacific Octopus, Hot Pink Flamingos, Kelp Forest, Life on the Bay, Mission to the Deep, Monterey Bay Habitats, Open Sea, Rocky Shore, Sandy Shore & Aviary, Secret Lives of Seahorses, Sea Otters and Splash Zone and Penguins.
Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Kelp Forest exhibit is one of the tallest aquarium exhibits in the world and stands at 28 feet. You can also see marine animals that live in a kelp forest such as sardines, leopard sharks, wolf eels, rockfish and more swimming in the large tank. Life on the Bay offers view decks of the Monterey Bay and the natural wildlife that calls the bay home. Life-size models and information on the bay’s animal life is also available in this area. The Splash Zone and Penguins area has interactive activities for people of all ages such as a kelp forest walkthrough tunnel, touch pool, water play area and much, much more. Some of the activities start at ages 0-3 years old. A nice guide is available online at the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s website for each age’s group.
Where to Find Coupons & Discounts for Monterey Bay Aquarium?
A senior discount of $27.95 is offered.
A college student discount of $27.95 is offered with valid ID.
A Military Discounts is offered for active and retired military personnel. Tickets must be purchased at certain places ahead of time. For a list of those places, click here.
In 2010 on Veteran’s Day, the aquarium offered FREE entry and a discount at the gift and bookstore with valid ID. You can call the number above to see if they will be doing it again this year.
In the past, the aquarium has offered FREE ticket days to local residents. I have not seen any in the near future but you can check from time to time to see if there will be any available.
The Aquarium works with the Monterey County and City of Watsonville libraries to offer FREE passes for up to six people. You must be a member of the library. A limited number of tickets are given to the library each month.
Coupon codes and printable coupons are sometimes available on coupon websites such as Retailmenot.com and Dealspl.us.
Some corporations and credit unions offer discounted tickets.
AAA members can buy Monterey Bay Aquarium discount tickets at their local AAA office that are discounted $2.
After 4 pm every day, Cannery Row Parking Garages is FREE for local residents with valid ID. This offer is through December 31, 2011.
The aquarium offers Home School Days. These are very popular and have already filled up for 2011. Reservations will be needed and will open for fall of 2012 in early August of 2012. Home School Days offers reservations for up to 10 participants of adult and youth ages for FREE. Children under two do not need to be counted, as they are free already. Home school families are allowed to participate once per school year.
Some local hotels and Bed and Breakfasts offer aquarium hotel packages in combination with aquarium tickets. Some of these hotels near the Monterey Bay Aquarium are Embassy Suites in Seaside, Hyatt Regency in Monterey, Monterey Marriott Hotel, Pebble Beach Company, Comfort Inn-Monterey Peninsula Airport, Courtyard by Marriott in Salinas, Anton Inn and Sandpiper Inn.
A membership offers FREE admission for one year, member’s entrance, discounts on gift shop, bookstore, programs, special events and more.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Details
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is open every day with the exception of December 25.
Hours for the aquarium can vary throughout the year. However, regular hours are from 10 am to 6 pm.
Regular admission prices are Adults $29.95, Student (13-17) $27.95, Children (3-12) $19.95 and children under three are FREE.
Parking is available in parking garages and metered street parking. You can save some on parking by parking your car further out and taking the FREE WAVE visitor trolley to the aquarium.
While no food or drink can be ate inside the Aquarium, there are picnic areas provides behind the Education building and at the outside amphitheatre at the Great Tide Pool.