Carmel River Inn | Monterey Hotel |

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Built in 1984, the highly acclaimed Monterey Bay Aquarium is a masterpiece of science and nature. You can feel at one with ocean wildlife, without getting your feet wet. 

Many of the exhibits at Monterey Bay Aquarium are changed or updated on a regular basis, so there is always something new and exciting to do. No trip to Carmel or Monterey is complete without a visit to the aquarium. 

Located on Cannery Row in Monterey, Monterey Bay Aquarium was built to resemble the cannery buildings that once occupied the site. However, the resemblance ends once you enter the building. Inside Monterey Bay Aquarium, a three-story-tall kelp forest exhibit will greet you. The kelp forest sways in the ocean currents as sharks and other Pacific Ocean natives swim in and around the kelp. 

Many of the exhibits at Monterey Bay Aquarium showcase the natural habitats that the animals and mammals are used to in the wild. Sea otters play in a two-story tank that allows you to view them both outside the water and as they dive under the ocean. 

A jellyfish exhibit allows you to enter the silent world of jellies, where you can observe these creatures slowly dancing through the ocean currents. Next to this exhibit is the million-gallon indoor tank. Housing yellow tuna and barracuda, this tank truly makes you feel as though you are in the ocean surrounded by these magnificent creatures. 

The aquarium also has an aviary where shorebirds can be seen in their natural environment. 

Monterey Bay Aquarium can provide fun, education, and entertainment for all the family. 

Where to go – Monterey Bay Aquarium is located at 886 Cannery Row, Monterey. 

What to do – Spend a day at the aquarium, and don’t miss the feeding times. 

When to go – The aquarium is open everyday except Christmas Day. 

Picture courtesy of Monterey County Convention & Visitors Bureau