The
stunning Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the largest and the most enchanting
Aquariums in the world. This Magnificent Aquarium has one of the largest glass
walls in the world which is almost 54-feet long, 15-feet tall, and 13 inches
thick. Watching the marine life through the glass windows will sweep you off
your feet and take you altogether to a different world. The architecture of the
buildings, the exhibits and the presentation is simply outstanding. Monterey Bay
Aquarium is home to more than 500 species of colorful creatures from the
Ocean including giant octopuses that change color according to their
surrounding, a large variety of colorful Jellyfishes, Star fishes, Rockfish, shy
monkey face-eel, Large Bluefin tuna, Hammerhead Sharks, Sea Turtles, open ocean
Sunfish, Sea Otters, Penguins and many more. Since Monterey Bay Aquarium has
been ranked as one of the top family attractions of America and number one
Aquarium of the nation, it draws millions of visitors each year to experience
the wonders of the Ocean.
Monterey
Bay Aquarium Exhibits:Kelp Forest:
Kelp forest is one of the largest Exhibits in the world consisting of a large three story high glass tank with Sardines, Wolf eels, leopard sharks and several other fishes in it. These fishes live in the kelp forest just as they would live in the wild. The Exhibit is so clear to the eye that it is difficult to tell that there is glass in between you and the fishes. Divers feed the fishes twice in the Kelp Forest Exhibit itself while people watch them do so.
Outer Bay:
This million gallon of sea water exhibit consists of the largest community of the ocean animals found in an Aquarium including massive Bluefin tuna, Hammerhead Sharks, Sea Turtles, open ocean sunfish and more. It is also home to some of the species of Jellyfish. This stunning Exhibit is made up of glass right from the floor to the ceiling and is surrounded by darkness, just the tank is lit up, leaving its viewers mesmerized.
Sea Otters:
This Exhibit is home to Sea Otters that were not able to survive in the ocean. These Sea Otters are fed thrice a day by the caretakers of Monterey Bay Aquarium, people enjoy watching these Sea Otters being fed.
Other Exhibits include Splash Zone and Penguins, Sandy shores, Rocky shore, Mission to the deep, Touch pool where you can touch the sea stars and Oceans Edge. Monterey Bay Aquarium is open every day except on Christmas, no reservation is required but it is better to get the tickets in advance instead of getting them on the spot, just to save some time. It is better to come here on weekdays when the Aquarium is less crowded. Monterey Bay Aquarium is busiest in the summers, holidays and weekends, therefore it is best to avoid these days. Also, it is better to come early in the morning when the lines are not too long. On an average 2-3 hours are sufficient for exploring the whole Aquarium. There is so much to see that its recommended to give it enough time.
Monterey Bay Aquarium Membership:
Monterey Bay Aquarium also offers its membership which is absolutely worth the money if you live close to Monterey or visit it frequently. For a family of four, in just two visits the membership fee will pay for itself. Also, you will avoid the long ticket lines since there is a special entrance for members. Along with this, you will also get a chance to enjoy several other Monterey Bay Aquarium activities that are primarily for members such as - members night, early admission and much more.
Location:
Monterey Bay Aquarium is located on the north end of Cannery Row in Monterey, just minutes from Carmel and Pebble Beach. Monterey is about 125 miles south of San Francisco and 360 miles north of Los Angeles.
Address:
886 Cannery Row
Monterey, California
Tel: (831) 648-4800
Admission Fee:
Adults apx. $25.
Seniors and students approximately. $23.
children (3 to 12) and disabled apx. $16.
FREE for children under 3 years
.Monterey Bay Aquarium Hours:
The Aquarium is open 9:30 - 6:00 summers and holidays, and 10:00 - 6:00 the rest of the year.
Wheelchairs:
Monterey Bay Aquarium is very Wheelchair friendly and Wheelchairs are available at no cost.
Official site: mbayaq.org
