Tours
Underwater Explorers
When
Jun. 13–Sept. 7, 2026
Length
Ages
Fees
In this unique program, kids ages eight to 13 discover how the ocean connects us all—from the marine life to our day-to-day activities beyond the shore. Through a guided surface scuba diving experience in our Great Tide Pool, kids will have the chance to suit up in a dry suit and encounter unique animals while getting a fish-eye view of the wonders of the Monterey Bay. No experience necessary—just a sense of adventure!
Note: Underwater Explorers price does not include entry into the Aquarium. Underwater Explorers tickets must be accompanied by general admission tickets or membership.
Waivers must be completed and signed by the parent or guardian for each participating child. Please fill out the PDF waiver found below and bring it with you on the day of your visit. We will also have paper copies available on-site if needed.
What’s included
- Our certified professional dive leaders guide and assist your child as they discover the amazing animals that call the Great Tide Pool home.
- Your child will get a dive briefing, an introduction to basic scuba diving practices, and a surface scuba tour of the Great Tide Pool, where they’ll learn about the animals they encounter.
- Each child will receive a voucher to enjoy a free hot chocolate at the Aquarium Cafe and a commemorative dive log with their photo to take home with them.
- All equipment is provided, including a dry suit, regulator, air tank, and mask. No bathing suit or towel is required. While leaks are uncommon, we recommend bringing an optional extra set of clothes.
- We keep group sizes small to ensure everyone gets a safe and personalized educational experience. In a typical group, there are three students per instructor, and the program is capped at 12 participants.
Things you should know
Fees
Registration fees don’t include Aquarium admission. You must also purchase tickets to the Aquarium for all Underwater Explorer sessions that take place inside the Aquarium. Adult chaperones must purchase tickets to enter the Aquarium and be present while their child participates in the program. Adults may not enter the water.
Exchanges
Underwater Explorers tickets may be exchanged subject to availability. To initiate an exchange, please call us at 831.648.4800 , extension 3. We’re available to assist you daily from 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pacific Time. Exchanges must be completed 48 hours prior to your originally scheduled program time.
If you become a member after purchasing your Underwater Explorers tickets, please call us at least 48 hours before your program date to receive your member rate. We can’t adjust pricing within 48 hours of the program.
In the unlikely event that conditions make it unsafe to enter the Great Tide Pool, we may have to cancel the program. We’ll make every effort to reschedule your program. If it’s impossible to make arrangements for a participant to attend a later program, we’ll refund the program fee.
Accessibility
In the Underwater Explorers program, we make every effort to ensure participants with disabilities have a safe and supportive opportunity to explore the wonders of Monterey Bay. We have many custom accommodations available to meet the needs of all participants, including multiple "dive buddies" and adaptive dive gear.
Please email underwaterexplorers@mbayaq.org or contact Tori Bartindale-Guffey at 831.648.4918 to learn more about the accommodations we have available. Also check out our Days of Discovery program for more personalized options.
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.
Download
Waiver
Waivers must be completed and signed by the parent or guardian for each participating child.
Download PDF 179.5 KB – WaiverRelated videos
Come dive with us
