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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

Guest behavior guidelines

The safety of our guests, staff, volunteers and animals is of high importance to us. Our Guest Policies establish guidelines for guests to follow while enjoying our exhibits and learning about the Aquarium’s mission to inspire conservation of the ocean.

These guidelines are not intended to be all-inclusive, situations may surface that the guidelines do not specifically address. In that event, as in all others, guests are expected to follow the direction of Aquarium management and security staff who will take appropriate action to ensure the safety, security and well-being of our guests, staff, volunteers and animals.

Prohibited conduct

  • Unsafe behavior: Unsafe behavior that endangers people or animals, disrupts other guests’ ability to enjoy their visit, or interferes with business operations will not be tolerated. Accessing restricted areas and/or tampering with Aquarium equipment, facilities or systems designed for guest safety is strictly prohibited.
  • Verbally abusive or offensive language: Verbally abusive or offensive language and/or gestures directed toward guests, staff members and volunteers is not permitted.
  • Inappropriate behavior: Inappropriate, disruptive or abusive behavior including uninvited physical contact, harassment, vandalism, theft, violence or the threat of violence, possession of illegal substances/items, or any other illegal conduct is not permitted.
  • Mistreatment of our exhibit animals is strictly prohibited. No foreign objects may be placed in the exhibits at any time.
  • Alcohol: Guests who choose to consume alcohol must do so responsibly, and guest impaired by alcohol will be denied entry or asked to leave the Aquarium. No guest under age 21 may possess or consume alcohol at any time on Aquarium property. Underage drinking and/or providing alcohol to those under age 21 is strictly prohibited. Alcoholic beverages purchased outside of the Aquarium are not permitted in the Aquarium.
  • Drugs: Guests impaired by drugs will be denied entry or asked to leave the Aquarium.
  • Attire: Attire should be appropriate for a family environment. Clothing that exposes excessive portions of the skin or contains offensive language or graphics may be viewed as inappropriate for a family environment. Shoes with wheels may not be used on Aquarium property.
  • Costumes: Costumes may only be worn by guests 12 years of age or younger. Costumes must be family-friendly and may not contain any weapons that resemble or could easily be mistaken for an actual weapon. Costumes may not contain sharp objects, pointed objects or materials that may accidentally injure another guest, staff, volunteer or exhibit animals. Costume masks/face coverings, cannot be worn by any guest, regardless of age, during their visit.
  • Parental and guardian responsibility: Parents and guardians are responsible for the behavior and supervision of their children. This responsibility applies at all times, even if the minor is not in the physical presence of parents or guardians. Guests under the age of 14, including members, must be accompanied by someone age 14 or older to enter the Aquarium. For all school programs, attendees under the age of 18 require an adult chaperone over the age of 21. School programs require one adult for every ten children.
  • Solicitation: Solicitation, distribution and posting of literature of any kind on or at Aquarium property is not permitted without prior Aquarium consent.
  • Photography: Photography, videotaping and recording for commercial purposes is prohibited.
  • Resale of tickets: The resale of Aquarium tickets or sale of membership cards for temporary use is not permitted.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is committed to providing a safe work environment in which our employees and volunteers are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere which prohibits discriminatory treatment from anyone, including sexual and other forms of harassment including abusive conduct. We prohibit the harassment of any employee or volunteer by a visitor, regardless of whether that harassment is targeted specifically to the employee, based on race, sex, color, creed, religion, age, national origin or ancestry. Offending visitors will be asked to leave the premises should such discriminatory treatment occur.

Prohibited items on Aquarium property

For the safety of guests, staff, volunteers and exhibit animals, all bags are subject to search. Refusal to bag search may result in non-admittance to the Aquarium. Prohibited items are listed below.

  • Firearms, ammunition and similar items.
  • Weapons or items that may be used as weapons, including knives, sharp tools or other sharp instruments.
  • Mace/pepper spray or other chemical weapons and similar items.
  • Balls, balloons, frisbees, skateboards, skates, shoes with built-in wheels.
  • Bikes, scooters, Segways and similar devices (unless used as an ADA mobility device).
  • Alcoholic beverages not purchased on site.
  • Animals, except for service animals as defined in the ADA.
  • Spray paint, permanent markers.
  • Food or drink not purchased on site.
  • Coolers or ice chests. Exceptions are made for infants and those with special medical needs.
  • Two-way radios like walkie-talkies and other transceivers.

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.  

Failure to act in accordance

Failure to act in accordance with Guest Conduct Policies may result in:

  • Intervention by Security, Management staff, or law enforcement.
  • Confiscation of illegal/prohibited items, which may be turned over to law enforcement authorities.
  • Request from Security or Management staff to leave Aquarium property.
  • Revocation or suspension of Membership privileges, if applicable.

Agree to our terms and conditions

In addition to these guidelines, you will be required to agree to the terms and conditions for ticket purchase and attendance in order to reserve a visit.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium appreciates your support and thanks you for your cooperation.