Have you ever wondered what lies underneath the waters of San Francisco Bay? If so, we’ve got the perfect place for you to find out!
The Aquarium of the Bay San Francisco houses over 20,000 species of sea animals and offers unique underwater experiences for the entire family. From feeding seals (and other finned friends) to meeting ferocious sharks, this San Fran aquarium lets you discover the beauty and diversity of California’s aquatic life.
Whether with family, friends, or partner, a trip to the Aquarium of the Bay is always fun and magical
Sounds fascinating? Great, let’s dive right into thrilling under-the-bay adventures! Here’s a sneak peek of what’s in store on your visit to the Aquarium of the Bay San Francisco:
What’s inside?
Taking a good-sized chunk of Pier 39, the Aquarium of the Bay features an extensive collection of local sea critters—from cute to menacing—in five exciting exhibits and galleries:
- Discover the Bay
One of the first critters you’ll see are the curious-looking Moray eels. Image credits: David Clode on Unsplash
Discover the Bay is the first gallery you’ll stumble upon once entering the aquarium. Here, you’ll get to learn all about San Francisco Bay’s rich ecosystem and animals that are local to the area. In this gallery, there are seven habitats that house over 1,000 aquatic critters, such as the brightly-colored Garibaldi, the green Moray eels, newly hatched Skates, and many more.
- Go With the Flow
Chance upon these unearthly looking aquatic creatures! Image credits: Joel Felipe on Unsplash
Seen the colorful fishes? Next up inside the Aquarium of the Bay San Francisco is the 725-gallon tank filled with swimming Moon Jellies. These strange yet magical creatures will captivate you as it floats and goes with the flow!
- Under the Bay
Eyes up and ready to marvel at the swimming fishies! Image credits: @milenarosaboni on Instagram
Feel like you’re truly under the sea when you walk along the gallery’s 300-feet long tunnel. Prepare to marvel at the schools of rainbow-colored fish, giant rays, and sharks. On the Near Shore Tunnel, you’ll even come face-to-face with the humongous Giant Pacific Octopus, the largest and longest-living octopus species in the world!
- Touch the Bay
Teach the little ones about the amazing world under the bay! Image credits: @lina___xo on Instagram
One of the things that make the Aquarium of the Bay truly a special place is its interactive “touch” zones. With a dip of your fingers, you’ll be able to pet baby sharks, rays, sea stars, and sea anemones. Moving forward to Bay Lab, you’ll encounter several land-dwelling animals like tortoises, frogs, and chinchillas.
- River Otters
River Otters can hold their breath underwater for up to 8 minutes. Image credits: Andreas Schantl on Unsplash
Of course, no visit to the Aquarium of the Bay San Francisco is complete without making a pit stop at the River Otters' habitat. Meet the aquarium’s four friendly river otters: Shasta, Ryer, Baxter, and Tahoe. They're all rescued from the Bay’s polluted river system, and now reside full time in their cozy cribs!
How about special tours?
Spot the sea lions of Pier 39! Image credits: @telhicoop on Instagram
- VIP Experience
Aside from the exhibits, guests can also opt for an even more immersive experience with the VIP Experience! As the Animal Care Team prepares for the aquarium opening, you’ll get a chance to ask questions, learn about conservation projects, and meet the sea animals before everyone can. The VIP Experience ends with an exclusive otter training show.
- Pier 39 Seals
And don’t forget the sea lions! The star of Pier 39 captivates all folks with their playfulness and charms. Head to the aquarium’s Sea Lion Center to get your facts straight about these cute flippers. After which, you can spot them outside sunbathing and lounging around the pier area.
Aquarium of the Bay San Francisco opening hours
Monday - Sun: 11 AM - 6 PM
For Holidays
- Thanksgiving Day: 11 AM - 3 PM
- Christmas Eve: 11 AM - 3 PM
- Christmas Day: Closed
When is the best time to visit?
To avoid crowds, the best day for your visit is during a weekday. You’ll have the entire aquarium to yourself.
Where is the Aquarium?
Aquarium of the Bay is located at Pier 39, The Embarcadero and Beach Street, San Francisco CA. Getting to this San Francisco top attraction is easy by car:
- From East Bay via TOLL Road: Take Exit 2B Harrison St., and left to Embarcadero.
- From North Bay via Golden Gate Bridge: Take Highway 101 South, exit to Marina Boulevard, and onto Bay Street. Right to North Point and left to Grant Avenue.
- From San Jose/ South Bay via 101 North: Exit Fourth Street, and onto Bryant Street. Turn left to Embarcadero Street.
For those who prefer traveling by train, you can get off at Embarcadero Station and walk towards Market Street and Main Street, where you’ll take a transfer to MUNI F-Market Street Car.
Nearby San Francisco attractions to check out:
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
- Madame Tussauds
Any travel tips I should know?
- Put on your mask if you’re unvaccinated!
- No need to reserve your visit—just show your pass. The Aquarium of the Bay now operates at full capacity!
- Pets are not allowed.
- Come in the morning when it’s less crowded. Often, the crowds love to flock to the aquarium after noontime, so it’s good to keep this in mind when you visit.
- Don’t forget to bring your cam to remember the day!
Where do I buy tickets to the Aquarium of the Bay San Francisco?
You can purchase your tickets at the official website, or here’s an even more option: grab ‘em from Klook! Enjoy up to 10% off on your Aquarium of the Bay tickets, plus instant confirmation on your booking!
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