Aquarium of the Bay

The Embarcadero &, Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133

~$30 – $32

Taking a Deep Dive

Step beneath the waves without getting wet. Located at the world-famous Pier 39, the Aquarium of the Bay offers a unique look at the 20,000+ marine animals that call the San Francisco Bay home. From massive sevengill sharks to playful river otters, here is how to make the most of your visit.

The Aquarium

While the San Francisco Bay is one big aquarium in and of itself, simply taking a dive into the ocean is not exactly for everyone. Gladly, you can always just visit the Aquarium of the Bay on Pier 39 and treat yourself to the fascinating world that is maritime life.

The Aquarium of the Bay is dedicated to showcasing the diverse ecosystems that thrive beneath the waves of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding waters. Marvel at the enormous tunnels that transport you through a mesmerizing underwater realm, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by swirling schools of fish, graceful rays, and other captivating sea creatures.

Also consider participating in one of the aquarium’s behind-the-scenes tours or animal encounters. These one-of-a-kind experiences allow you to get a glimpse of the daily operations of the aquarium, meet knowledgeable staff members, and perhaps even touch some of the fascinating creatures that call the aquarium home.

The Highlights: What’s Under the Bay?

Unlike larger aquariums that focus on tropical fish from around the world, this facility is a dedicated sanctuary for local species. It’s the closest you’ll get to scuba diving in the chilly California currents.

• 300 Feet of Crystal Tunnels: The star attraction. Walk through two massive acrylic tunnels surrounded by 700,000 gallons of bay water. Shimmering schools of anchovies, giant sea bass, and graceful rays swim directly over your head.
• Sharks of Alcatraz: Face off with Sevengill sharks—the largest predators in the Bay—and sleek leopard sharks.
• Touch the Bay: A favorite for kids. Get hands-on with juvenile bat rays, skates, and sea stars in the interactive touch pools.
• The Otter Habitat: Meet the aquarium’s “Watershed Ambassadors”—four playful river otters (Shasta, Ryer, Baxter, and Tahoe) who are most active during their daily feedings.

Pro-Tips for a Better Visit

• Timing is Everything: Avoid the midday rush! Arrive right at 10:00 AM to have the tunnels to yourself, or visit after 3:00 PM when the school groups have departed.
• Feeding Times: Check the daily schedule for the Otter Feeding (usually 1:00 PM) and the Shark Talk. Watching the predators eat is a highlight you shouldn’t miss.
• Parking Hack: Parking at Pier 39 is notoriously expensive. If you dine at a Pier 39 restaurant, many will validate your parking for one hour of free stay in the garage across the street.
• The “Twin” Attraction: After your visit, walk to the west side of Pier 39 (K-Dock) to see the famous wild sea lions for free. The aquarium operates the Sea Lion Center there, which provides great context for what you just saw inside.

Frequently Asked Questions

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