Tours
All About Animal Care Tour
When
Daily at 2:30 p.m.
Length
Ages
Fees
Ever wonder how we provide top care for thousands of animals? From maintenance of our pipes to creating enrichments for curious critters, our staff have a wealth of knowledge and stories to share. In this hands-on tour, you’ll engage with your tour guide, discover secrets behind the scenes, and feel connected to our amazing animals.
Note: Tour price does not include entry into the Aquarium. Tour tickets must be accompanied by general admission tickets or membership.
What you'll do
- Work as a group to design a new enrichment for an octopus.
- Learn how we train our giant sea bass.
- Find out more about the people who work at the Aquarium.
- Use a refractometer to test the salinity of our seawater.
- Feed the fish from the top of the Kelp Forest exhibit.
Space is limited. We recommend you book all tours in advance.
Things you should know
Arrival time
All tours begin right on time! Please arrive at your designated meeting spot at least 10 minutes prior to the program time. During peak attendance times, such as summer and holidays, please give yourself ample time (at least 30 minutes) to find parking and enter the Aquarium.
Where to meet
This tour meets at the Membership and Tours Center across from the Information Center in the Aquarium.
What to wear
Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you will be moving throughout the Aquarium, both in front of and behind the scenes.
Access needs
- Tours require participants to stand for extended periods of time.
- Tours are wheelchair accessible.
- Sound amplification equipment and over-the-ear headphones are provided but not required.
- ASL interpretation is available upon request and requires two weeks’ advance notice. Please fill out our Accessibility contact form or call us at 831.648.4800, option 3, to arrange.
- For the safety and welfare of the animals in our care, service animals are not allowed on this tour.
Exchanges
Tours tickets are not refundable, but tickets can be exchanged up to 60 minutes before your tour start time. To exchange your tickets you can log in to your account or call 831.648.4800
Other details
- Tour fees do not include Aquarium admission. You must purchase admission or have unlimited admission with a membership for all tours.
- Children under 8 years old are prohibited on tours—even if accompanied by an adult.
- Occasionally, this tour may be modified based on the animals' needs and availability.
Questions?
Call us at 831.648.4800, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Sunday, or visit the Membership and Tours Center in the main lobby of the Aquarium.
More reasons to visit
Tours
Underwater Explorers
Ages 8–13
Let your kids discover the underwater world through surface scuba diving in our Great Tide Pool.
Tours
Family Adventures in Animal Care Tour
Family-friendly tour with hands-on fun, animal care insights, and unforgettable memories!
Find out more – Family Adventures in Animal Care Tour
Tours
Aquarium Past and Present Tour
Follow our guides through behind-the-scenes spaces and hear stories about what makes this a special place.
Find out more – Aquarium Past and Present Tour
Event
Free admission for Monterey County residents
Monterey County residents can enjoy free admission to the Aquarium Sept. 2-14, 2025! Tickets and proof of…
Find out more – Free admission for Monterey County residents