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A family of two parents and two young children look listen to a volunteer guide while behind-the-scences at aquarium surrounded by water pumps and piping.

Tours

Aquarium Past and Present Tour

When

Daily at 12 p.m.

Daily at 3 p.m.

Length

1 hour

Ages

Children must be at least 8 years old to join a tour. All children under 14 must be accompanied by a guest age 14 or older.

Fees

General: $29 per person plus admission. Members: $24 per person.

Follow our guides through staff-only, restricted areas to see behind the scenes spaces. Hear insider stories about what makes this place special, explore pipes and machinery, and learn more about how we care for our animals. 

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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

  • See where we prepare food for 10,000+ animals.
  • Peek at the complex network of pipes and machinery that keeps the water flowing throughout our exhibits.
  • Hear stories about the Aquarium’s past and present as you explore staff-only passages and hallways.
  • Find out how we care for the diverse animals that call the Aquarium home.
  • And more!

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.

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

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All About Animal Care Tour

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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