Monterey Bay Aquarium

Description

An aquarium located on, and extending into, Monterey Bay. Although the word "aquarium" usually conjures up images of tropical fish, the Monterey Bay Aquarium also has exhibits with sharks, octopi, sea birds, a kelp forest, and its "trademark" animal, sea otters. In addition to its many aquarium exhibits, a number of special tours are available, including sailing trips into the bay and "behind-the-scenes" tours of the museum.

Photography is permitted at the aquarium, but the use of camera flashes is prohibited in some areas.  (Some of the sea creatures on display are extremely sensitive to bright light.)  Keep an eye out for signs regarding the use of photographic flashes.

Oh, and if you should find yourself hungry at the end of the day, it's best not to ask the staff where you can find a good seafood place.  Voice of experience, trust me.

Main Web Site

http://www.mbayaq.org/

Location

886 Cannery Row, Monterey, CA

Drive Time

from Ames (per Google maps):  1 hour and 32 minutes

Public Transit

Hours

7 days a week:  10 AM to 6 PM

Sat and Sun, July 5 through August 31:  10 AM to 8 PM

holidays:  9:30 AM to 6 PM

(closed December 25)

Cost

$24.95

$22.95 with student ID