The Monterey Bay Aquarium is the most popular attraction located right on the ocean next to Cannery Row. This Californian aquarium is filled with mainly local species and also functions as a conservatory and research center. Spearheading the seafood watch list, they are raising awareness about seafood issues and educating patrons on which fish to eat to help sustain ocean numbers.
Hands-on fun at the aquarium exhibits
The aquarium has many exhibits to explore, one of the popular ones is the kelp forest that is 28 feet high filled with leopard sharks, eels and plenty of kelp swaying back and forth. The Sea Otter section is a place where you can see otters play and swim. There are feeding times at both exhibits where you can witness the fish and marine creatures eat. The rocky shore exhibit is a hands-on attraction where you can touch sea stars, rays, and horseshoe crabs.
Be mesmerized by colorful jellies
The most mesmerizing of all the exhibits is the Jellies Experience. You enter a dimmed room to find free-standing tanks filled with ghost-like jellyfish along with walls of colorful jellies pulsating through the water. There are so many species to be found here and they are all in different colors; some in blue, orange, spotted, white and tan. Some are large with the body being as big as your hand and tentacles up to three feet long while others are no bigger than a quarter. You could easily spend an hour in this exhibit, and be entranced by the graceful movements of these sea creatures in the water. This exhibit is a lot of fun and not to be missed on your visit to the aquarium.
Get seafood awareness at Monterey Bay Aquarium
Monterey Bay Aquarium started the Seafood Watch list in 1999 to help consumers and businesses choose seafood that’s fished in a sustainable way that protects the species and their habitat. They have a consumer guide that you can find on their website and a smartphone app that provide the resources right at your fingertips. The guide lets you know which seafood items are the best choices, good alternatives and which items you should avoid. The reports are generated from data received from government reports and fisheries. These guides are updated every six months, and they have partnered with two large food service companies to help strengthen their efforts. Do your part and fish / eat responsibly!
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Operating hours and tickets
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is located on Cannery Row and is open daily from 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM. The prices of ticket are 39.95 USD for adults and 24.95 USD for children (aged 3 to 12 years). There is a 5.00 USD discount for students and seniors. Children under 3 can enter for free. Most hotels in Monterey have packages that include one-day and two-day ticket passes to the aquarium. There’s always something new to see at the aquarium with their rotating spotlight exhibit. Check their website to see what new and exciting attractions they are showcasing when you plan your trip.
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