Visitor FAQs

For a smooth entry process, buy your tickets in advance. 

Tickets must be purchased through Monterey Bay Aquarium’s official site. The Aquarium doesn’t partner with any third-party organization to sell and distribute tickets.

Arrive any time up until an hour before closing. Aquarium hours vary. Check out our hours and schedule for specific dates and times. No reservations required for members.

EBT/CalFresh cardholders do not need to purchase tickets online in advance, and instead can arrive at the Main Entrance and present their EBT card with a matching photo ID to receive free admission. Learn more about Museums for All.

Tickets are now available through September 7, 2026. Get tickets now.

Tickets are non-refundable.

General admission tickets: If you can't come on the day of your scheduled visit, you have until 4 p.m. PT that day to exchange your admission ticket(s) for another available date. Tickets can be exchanged multiple times for later dates as long as they have not been used and the exchange takes place before the deadline.

To exchange your entire ticket order, you will need to log in to your account, visit "My tickets" and click the "exchange" link next to your tickets. If the price for the tickets on the new date you select is higher, you’ll be prompted to pay the difference. The Aquarium does not refund the difference for exchanges to lower-priced tickets. Subject to availability.

If you only need to exchange a portion of your order, whether one or several tickets, please call 831.648.4800, option 3, to complete your exchange. We are available Monday-Sunday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Tour tickets: If you have booked a tour, you can exchange your tour tickets up to 60 minutes before your originally booked time. Tours can be exchanged online in your account or by calling 831.648.4800.

Underwater Explorers: If you've booked an Underwater Explorers session, you can exchange your tickets for another date (subject to availability). We require 48 hours' notice for exchanges. Please call 831.648.4800 to exchange tickets.

Each guest is issued their own ticket with an individual QR code that we will scan when you arrive at the Aquarium. On mobile devices and smaller browsers, you may need to swipe or use the arrows above your ticket to take you to the next one.

The deadline to contact us about exchanging or refunding tickets purchased before our March 2020 closure was June 13, 2021. Those tickets are no longer valid and we cannot process an exchange or refund.

No. Beware of third parties offering discounted tickets—the only place to purchase legitimate admission tickets is on our website. We also do not participate in any reciprocity programs with other zoos and aquariums. We are a nonprofit organization, and revenue from admissions supports our operations and animal care. We also rely on donations to fund our conservation and education initiatives. View our financial statement and annual review.

We work with nonprofit organizations and government agencies to provide free access for those who might not otherwise be able to afford admission through our Community Group Visits (formerly Free to Learn) and Museums for All programs. Learn more about our access programs. 

The Aquarium works with nonprofit organizations and government agencies to provide free access for those who might not otherwise be able to afford admission through our Community Group Visits program.

We are currently not accepting new applications for partners to join our Community Group Visits program.

Yes! Anyone who receives SNAP / CalFresh can visit the Aquarium for free. Show your valid SNAP EBT card and a matching photo ID at the Main Entrance to receive free admission for the SNAP EBT cardholder and up to three additional guests. Learn more about our access programs.

Unfortunately, we're not able to donate tickets at this time.

No, we do not offer gift cards. However, we do have the option of purchasing gift memberships for a unique and thoughtful present.

We no longer have any entry requirements relating to COVID-19.

When arriving at the Aquarium, please have a ticket ready for each guest, regardless of age (tickets for visitors ages four and under are free). As long as the QR code can be scanned, it does not matter if the ticket is on a mobile device or printed. Members and their guests will present their digital or physical member cards.

Many guests arrive right at opening—you may experience quicker entry if you arrive later in the day.

Visit our directions and parking page to view a map with locations of nearby parking garages, lots, and metered parking.

While we don't offer public parking on site, guests with disabilities may park for free on surrounding streets at any metered parking space (except those with a yellow top) by displaying a disabled person or disabled veteran placard or license plate. More information is available by calling the City of Monterey Parking at 831.646.3953.

No. You are welcome to stay and explore until we close for the day. You can also give yourself a handstamp at the exit for re-entry later that same day. Visit our hours & schedule page to view our most up to date hours and to plan accordingly. Our last entry is one hour before closing.

Yes. You're welcome to exit and re-enter the Aquarium. Once you enter, should you need to leave and come back, you can stamp your hand at our main exit. When you return, you will join the re-entry queue at the entrance.

Our tours let you see behind the scenes of our world-class exhibits. You can view availability and make reservations online or check in at the Membership and Tours Center when you visit. You can also call us at 831.648.4800, option 3, Monday through Sunday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

We do not offer sleepovers. 

Members enjoy express entry when they arrive at the Aquarium, discounts on tours, invites to member-only events, and early member openings around major holidays.

Members also receive a 10 percent discount in the Aquarium Store and in the cafe. You may also use your member discount in our online store. To access your member discount code, log in to your member account and visit the "My membership" tab.

All members already have an account in our system, but if it will be your first time logging in as a member, connect your account to get started.

Wireless internet is available at the Aquarium free of charge. You can browse the internet with your Wi-Fi-enabled cell phones, tablets, and other devices. For more information, please visit the Information Center.

The Aquarium strives to be fully accessible to all, including guests with mobility devices such as wheelchairs and motorized scooters. Wheelchairs are available free of charge and on a first-come, first-served basis at the Information Center. Learn more about our accessibility options.

Unfortunately, we don't have lockers available for rent to store your belongings. 

Yes, we have several stores at the Aquarium where you can purchase items from our unique collection of toys, apparel, books, gifts, jewelry, and more during your visit. You can also visit our Aquarium Store located at 585 Cannery Row (which is now open to the public) or shop our online store.

Learn more about shopping and dining at the Aquarium.

Strollers and wagons are permitted throughout the Aquarium, except in the aviary, the mezzanine of the Sea Otters exhibit, and the Auditorium. We have designated stroller parking areas throughout the Aquarium. We ask that you be considerate of other visitors as they're navigating dark galleries to see the exhibits.

For the safety of our visitors and the marine life we exhibit, all bags, backpacks, and packages may be inspected before entering the Aquarium. During peak seasons, holidays, and weekends, you may experience a brief wait to allow for security screenings.

Refer to our Aquarium Behavior Guidelines for more information.

Outside food or drink is not permitted in the Aquarium, with a few notable exceptions:

• Guests with medical conditions that require access to food.
• Small snacks and reusable water bottles are welcome—we have refill stations throughout the Aquarium!
• The Aquarium Cafe and coffee bar are great for a quick bite or a meal for the entire family. Note that seating in the Cafe is only available for Cafe patrons.
• If you need to leave the Aquarium, be sure to grab a hand stamp on your way out, which will provide re-entry to the Aquarium for the remainder of the day.
• There are a number of great picnic sites within walking distance from the Aquarium, including Lovers Point, Berwick Park, and San Carlos Beach, as well as dining options along Cannery Row.

• There are a number of great picnic sites within walking distance from the Aquarium, including Lovers Point, Berwick Park, and San Carlos Beach.
• Please follow posted signs, be mindful of wildlife, and dispose of all waste in the proper receptacles.
• If you would like to return to the Aquarium after your picnic, be sure to grab a hand stamp near the exit before you leave. This will provide re-entry to the Aquarium for the remainder of the day.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium welcomes trained service animals that meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standard. 

Service animals must be under control at all times—either harnessed or leashed—unless these devices interfere with the service animal's work or your disability prevents the use of these devices. In these cases, you must use voice, signal, or other effective methods to maintain control of the service animal.

Service animals aren't allowed in the Aviary, the All About the Animals Tour, the Family Adventures in the Animal Care Tour, or during the Albatross Encounters at the Kelp Forest exhibit.

If a service animal becomes disruptive (jumping, barking, growling, biting, attempting to bite, or relieving itself), you'll be asked to remove the animal from the Aquarium.

A card with this information will be provided by Security staff for each guest with a service animal upon entry.

If a service animal needs to relieve itself during your visit, there are outdoor spaces nearby the Aquarium along the Recreation Trail and by the bus turnaround. Remember to get a handstamp before exiting to re-enter the Aquarium.

For the safety and welfare of our animals, we don't allow pets or emotional support animals inside the Aquarium. However, we do offer reentry, so you can leave during your visit to spend time with your emotional support animals and return after. Remember to grab a hand stamp at the exit before you leave.

There are several pet boarding facilities and pet-sitting services available in the Monterey area. Call the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau at 831.657.6400 for recommendations.

Refer to our Aquarium Behavior Guidelines for more information.

The Aquarium utilizes a low-frequency magnetic scanner during guest entry. This is not an X-ray machine and is safe for all guests and staff. This system is designed to reduce unnecessary bag checks and enhance the safety of all guests.

Refer to our Aquarium Behavior Guidelines for more information.

Each summer our Underwater Explorers program welcomes kids ages eight to 13 to surface-scuba dive in the Great Tidepool. Learn more about Underwater Explorers.

Yes. If you lose an item during your visit, please check in at the Information Center. If your item has been found, Security will return it to you. You can also submit a lost and found report online.

During your visit, you're welcome to take photos and video for your personal use only. Commercial photography is allowed only with prior written permission from our Public Relations Department. For your safety and the safety of other visitors, we prohibit the use of tripods and monopods in the Aquarium. Drones are not allowed inside the Aquarium.

Please turn off your flash when taking photographs inside the Aquarium. You'll get better photos without your flash—and our animals and other visitors will thank you! 

You’ll find professional photo postcards of many of our animals in our gift stores, as well as in our wallpaper collection.

The coastal areas of Monterey County usually enjoy temperatures averaging 57 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. It's a good idea to dress in layers as temperature and wind conditions may vary throughout the day and it can get cool, even during the summer.

We have an average of 1.8 million visitors each year, with 2.1 million visitors in 2015. The total number of visitors since opening has been 59,931,209 through 2016.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation owns and operates the Aquarium. It's a public nonprofit organization, established by David and Lucile Packard in 1978.

The Aquarium is almost entirely self-supporting. The annual budget is met with income from admission fees, our membership program, business sponsorships, grants from individuals and businesses, evening events, gift shops, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Cafe. We receive occasional government grants for specific projects and programs.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has established—and strictly enforces—a No Weapons of Any Kind policy to ensure an enjoyable experience for all our guests and to reduce any potential risks to your safety. Weapons include (but are not limited to) firearms (including toys and replicas), chemical or electronic "non-lethal" devices or sprays, impact weapons, knives or other sharp instruments. Signage on Aquarium property states weapons of any kind are not permitted. Visitors are prohibited from carrying firearms—concealed or not, and regardless of whether the owner holds a permit.

The Aquarium utilizes a low-frequency magnetic scanner during guest entry. This is not an X-ray machine and is safe for all guests and staff. This system is designed to reduce unnecessary bag checks and enhance the safety of all guests.  

Refer to our Aquarium Behavior Guidelines for more information.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a drug-free facility. Drug use of any kind is strictly prohibited on the premises.

Refer to our Aquarium Behavior Guidelines for more information.

Museums for All is a signature access program of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Association of Children’s Museums, to encourage people of all backgrounds to visit museums regularly and build lifelong museum-going habits.

Anyone enrolled in federal food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is eligible for the Museums for All program. SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) and P-EBT aren't eligible for this program.

Museums for All is part of our commitment to expand access to the joy and wonder that a healthy ocean provides. By removing a financial barrier to access, we’re inviting more people to join in our mission to inspire conservation of the ocean.

People receiving federal food assistance benefits can visit the Aquarium at no cost. By presenting a valid SNAP Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and a matching photo identification at the Aquarium’s Main Entrance, visitors gain admission for the SNAP EBT cardholder, plus up to three additional people.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the name of the federal food assistance program. CalFresh is the name of the SNAP program in California. Other U.S. states may run SNAP under different names. Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows SNAP participants to pay for food using SNAP benefits.

No. Museums for All admission is only available at the Aquarium’s Main Entrance for visitors who present a valid SNAP EBT (or CalFresh EBT in California) card along with a matching photo ID.

Guests visiting through Museums for All are welcome during all regular Aquarium operating hours and days.

No, the SNAP EBT card is only for identification purposes. If a visitor meets the criteria, admission is free for the cardholder and up to three additional people.

Yes! We offer Museums for All guests a 10 percent discount at  the Aquarium Cafe. If you’re planning to enjoy food or drinks at the Café, just let the cashier know you’re visiting through Museums for All to receive a 10 percent discount.

No. Only recipients of SNAP EBT benefits are eligible for free Aquarium admission through Museums for All. Other programs that use EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) as an operational system, including WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children), P-EBT (pandemic EBT), and SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) are ineligible for Museums for All. 

There is no end date for Museums for All. We are pleased to participate in this program for the foreseeable future.

Each valid SNAP EBT card along with a corresponding photo ID allows free admission to the Aquarium for up to four people: the SNAP EBT cardholder and three other people.

Children ages 4 and under receive complimentary Aquarium admission and do not count against the four visitors.

No, there is no limit to the number of times people can visit through Museums for All.

Members and donors can visit the Aquarium without a reservation by presenting a digital member card upon arrival. We’re excited to launch digital member cards to provide convenience to our members and help us reduce plastic use.

Access your digital member and guest cards by logging in to your member account online. You are welcome to download them to your Apple Wallet, save them as an image on your phone, or print them out to keep with you.

When you arrive at the Aquarium, hop into our member express entry lane located at the entrance, and present your member cards and photo ID for quick and convenient entry.

When accompanied by a member, children ages four and under do not need a reservation to visit.

Each guest card allows one guest per day to enter as long as the membership is active. This reusable plastic guest card allows your guest to enter the Aquarium when visiting with or without you. 

• If you currently have a membership that includes guest cards, your old cards will still work. If you need a replacement, please feel free to contact us at 831.648.4880. If you have never received guest cards, we will mail them to you soon.
• You will also notice digital guest cards in your online member account. You’re able to use these only when you accompany your guests to the Aquarium. This helps us protect the integrity of our transferable guest card program—a unique benefit we're pleased to continue to offer.
• Guest cards are intended solely for friends and family. They may not be resold or used for commercial or promotional purposes. We reserve the right to deactivate the guest passes if they violate our policy. Commercial use includes the advertisement of cards for monetary gain (social media, vacation rentals, ad websites).

Yes! Member and guest cards issued in the past will work as long as the membership is currently active.

A printout of a digital guest card can be used only when you accompany your guests to the Aquarium. This helps us protect the integrity of our transferable guest card program—a unique benefit we're pleased to continue to offer.

Member cards are now digital! Access your digital member and guest cards by logging in to your member account online. Once logged in, click the "My Account" tab to view all available member cards. You can download them to your Apple Wallet, save them as an image on your phone, or print them out to keep with you. Please have your ID ready when presenting your member card.

Yes! Members enjoy express entry to the Aquarium. When you arrive, hop into our member express entry lane located at the entrance, and present your member cards and photo ID for quick and convenient entry.

To use one-time admission tickets, you may reserve their visit through your online account. Simply log in to your donor account on our website and complete the booking process to choose a date for your guests to visit. For assistance with booking, call the membership call line at 831.648.4880 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST except for holidays.

If you’re interested in bringing a guest, you may upgrade to a donor level with guest card benefits or purchase a daily admissions ticket for them.

Digital cards are located in your online account. Follow the directions provided by Apple Support on how to add your cards to your Apple Wallet.