From jellyfish to stingrays, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is filled with more than 600 species of sea life in several massive aquariums. Watch divers feed fish as sharks circle above barracudas or look for humpback whales in the Pacific from one of the aquarium's viewing decks. Use some tips to save money as you explore this Cannery Row staple in the famed seaside town.
Tickets, Please
- General admission tickets are valid for use anytime within a one-year period from the last day of the month of purchase, giving you plenty of flexibility. If you visit and decide you want to get a membership, the initial purchase price will be applied toward that annual pass. Children, high school and college students and seniors get discounts off the regular adult admission price. You can also pay extra for a behind the scenes tour which explains what it takes to operate the aquarium, from preparing food to marine research projects.
A Package Deal
- Save money on a Monterey vacation by taking advantage of package deals. Monterey Bay Aquarium has partnered with plenty of local lodging options to offer discounted overnight stay and admission ticket combinations. Tickets can be purchased directly from the hotel, motel, bed-and-breakfast and other partner accommodations. Locations offering the deal include Monterey, Carmel Valley, Pacific Grove, Seaside and Pebble Beach.
Avoid the Crowds
- To avoid the larger crowds at Monterey Bay Aquarium, skip the summer and try to come during the weeks after Labor Day in late September and October. You'll also experience smaller crowds by avoiding weekends. The staff at the aquarium suggest touring on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Get more face time with the fish by going early in the day, just after the aquarium opens, and late in the afternoon, a couple of hours before the facility closes. If you get a hand stamp on your way out, you can come back again the same day.
There's an App for That
- Plan your day before your visit by downloading the Monterey Bay Aquarium application for your smartphone. The app provides daily schedules of feeding shows and auditorium programs, as well as facts about the exhibits contained in the aquarium. You'll even be able to check off places you've visited and activities you've done as you tour the facility. The app also allows you to create custom virtual postcards to sent to loved ones from the aquarium.
