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Exhibit sensory guides

The sensory guides highlight what to expect in each area of the Aquarium, rating noise, visual, touch, and smell. Guidelines are provided by IBCCES. We recognize that we may not have accounted for all sensitivities.

Stimulation rating: 1 (low) → 10 (high)

A view from behind a young guest wearing a striped shirt, watching the giant Pacific octopus spread its arms across the exhibit window

Giant Pacific Octopus

  • Touch = 2
  • Taste = 1
  • Sound = 2
  • Smell = 1
  • Sight = 3

Interactive options available; most items are stationary. Low engagement with this sense. Background music. Noise levels may increase as crowds grow in enclosed spaces. Lighting is generally low, with some brightly lit interactive displays.

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Group of visitors standing in front of large windows of kelp forest exhibit looking at swaying kelp, fish and sharks

Kelp Forest Exhibit

  • Touch = 2
  • Taste = 1
  • Sound = 2
  • Smell = 1
  • Sight = 5

Interactive options available; most items are stationary. Low engagement with this sense. Background music. Noise levels may increase as crowds grow in enclosed spaces. Lighting is generally low, with some brightly lit interactive displays. Includes a daily feeding program.

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Visitors enjoy the Tide Pool Deck as the sun begins to set

Life on the Bay

  • Touch = 2
  • Taste = 1
  • Sound = 2
  • Smell = 3
  • Sight = 3

Interactive options available; most items are stationary. Background music. Noise levels may increase as crowds grow in enclosed spaces. Visitors may notice light outdoor aquatic scents. Lighting is generally low, with some brightly lit interactive displays. Includes access to an outdoor area with bay views.

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A view from behind two young visitors looking into the dark Monterey Bay Habitats window, with a large sturgeon swimming by as the visitors raise their hands

Monterey Bay Habitats

  • Touch = 2
  • Taste = 1
  • Sound = 2
  • Smell = 1
  • Sight = 4

Interactive options available; most items are stationary. Low engagement with this sense. Background music. Noise levels may increase as crowds grow in enclosed spaces. Lighting is generally low, with some brightly lit interactive displays.

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A view of the walkway into the Open Sea showing the low light with sea nettle exhibit on the right wall

Open Sea

  • Touch = 2
  • Taste = 1
  • Sound = 3
  • Smell = 1
  • Sight = 5

Interactive options available; most items are stationary. Background music. Noise levels may increase as crowds grow and during show times. Low engagement with this sense. Lighting is generally low, with some areas offering higher contrast or brightly lit displays. Includes a daily feeding program.

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Young visitors enjoy interacting with three rays at the Bat Ray Touch Pool

Rocky Shore

  • Touch = 5
  • Taste = 1
  • Sound = 3
  • Smell = 1
  • Sight = 5

Interactive options available; most items are stationary. Touch pool available for direct interaction with animals and plants. Background music. Noise levels may increase as crowds grow in enclosed spaces. Lighting is generally low, with some brightly lit interactive displays. Includes the Wave Crash gallery for a stimulating experience.

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A view from behind one adult and two young visitors looking into the sea otter exhibit, where an otter swims with its head above the water, looking back at them

Sea Otters

  • Touch = 2
  • Taste = 1
  • Sound = 3
  • Smell = 1
  • Sight = 4

Interactive options available; most items are stationary. Background music. Noise levels may increase as crowds grow in enclosed spaces. Lighting is generally low, with the addition of natural light in this area. Includes a daily feeding program.

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Download the sensory map

Download

Aquarium Sensory Map

A map of the Aquarium that highlight quiet zones, high-stimulation areas, and tactile experiences.

Download PDF 3.6 MB – Aquarium Sensory Map

Contact us

Achieving our accessibility goals is an ongoing evolution, and we acknowledge that we’re in a process of continuous improvement.

Please reach out with any questions or concerns regarding accessibility for visitors with disabilities by filling out and submitting our Accessibility contact form. You can also call us at 831.648.4800, option 3. We are available Monday through Sunday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pacific Time.

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Accessibility & inclusion guide

We're committed to fostering an environment where differences are accepted, appreciated, and valued.

Read more – Accessibility & inclusion guide

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Explore our exhibits and meet all the amazing and animals that live in waters from the shore to the open sea.

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