The aquarium was built inside the shell of the Hovden Cannery, which was the last sardine cannery to close on Cannery Row.
The Kelp Forest exhibit is one of the tallest aquarium displays in the world and relies on sunlight filtered through the roof for natural growth.
The facility operates a highly successful Sea Otter Program that rescues, treats, and releases stranded pups back into the wild.
The aquarium utilizes a massive pumping system that draws thousands of gallons of seawater directly from the Monterey Bay every minute.
The Open Sea wing holds one million gallons of water, housing pelagic species like tuna, sardines, and hammerhead sharks.
The institution pioneered the use of satellite tagging for great white sharks to track their migration patterns across the Pacific.
It was the first aquarium in the world to exhibit a live giant Pacific octopus, a species that is notoriously difficult to maintain in captivity.
The aquarium's Seafood Watch app has become the global industry standard for determining the sustainability of commercial fish species.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is globally recognized for its pioneering success in husbandry, including the first successful long-term exhibit of a great white shark. Located at the site of a former sardine cannery on the historic Cannery Row, it utilizes a filtered seawater system to support diverse marine habitats. Its centerpiece is the 28-foot-tall Kelp Forest exhibit, which features a continuous wave-making machine. The aquarium functions as a major center for marine research and global ocean conservation advocacy. Extensive displays house thousands of sea creatures, ranging from sea otters and octopuses to jellies and sharks. The facility is non-profit and maintains an internationally cited Seafood Watch program to influence sustainable fishing practices.
The upper observation deck of the Kelp Forest exhibit provides an unmatched view of the towering kelp against the sunlight.
Book your entry reservation online well in advance, as tickets often sell out during peak weekend and holiday periods.
Check the daily feeding schedule upon arrival to catch the sea otter and shark feedings, which are highly popular.
Visit the 'Splash Zone' if traveling with small children for hands-on, age-appropriate tide pool exhibits.
Do not attempt to walk through the entire facility without checking the daily feeding and show schedule, or you will likely miss the interactive presentations.
The aquarium is open daily throughout the year, including major holidays.
Flash photography is strictly prohibited near exhibits to prevent startling the animals; maintain low noise levels.
