--- title: Aquarium of the Bay slug: aquarium-bay-san-francisco type: attraction sub_type: aquariums & sea life shows source_url: https://www.tripster.com/detail/aquarium-bay-san-francisco city: San Francisco state: CA country: US address: PIER 39 Embarcadero & Beach St. geo: lat: 37.80865 lng: -122.40932 duration: up to 1.5 hrs cancellation_policy: All sales are final. No cancellations or changes. extracted_at: 2026-06-16T16:54:00.580Z price_from: amount: 30.75 currency: USD unit: per_adult availability: InStock rating: value: 4.5 count: 168 scale: 5 ticket_options: - group: Other Options options: - name: General Admission price: 30.75 regular_price: 31.75 savings: 1 ticket_types: - name: Adult (13-64 yrs) min_age: 13 max_age: 64 - name: Child (4-12 yrs) min_age: 4 max_age: 12 - name: Senior (65+ yrs) min_age: 65 - name: Infant (0-3 yrs) min_age: 0 max_age: 3 - name: VIP Experience price: 54.5 regular_price: 57.5 savings: 3 ticket_types: - name: Adult (13-64 yrs) min_age: 13 max_age: 64 - name: Child (4-12 yrs) min_age: 4 max_age: 12 - name: Senior (65+ yrs) min_age: 65 - name: Infant (0-3 yrs) min_age: 0 max_age: 3 --- ## Overview From adorable river otters to green moray eels, explore the marine life below San Francisco Bay at Aquarium of the Bay. Dive deep into the bay (without the diving, of course) to see over 20,000 aquatic animal species including octopuses, jellyfish, and sharks. ## What's Included - Admission to Aquarium of the Bay including access to over 20,000 aquatic animals. - Entry to the Sea Lion Center – PIER 39. - Admission to Eco Center at Heron Park – South end of San Francisco. - Admission to the Bay Model – in Sausalito. ## Ticket Options - **General Admission** — $30.75 (regularly $31.75, save $1.00) Experience several types of sea animals up close and personal with this Aquarium of The Bay ticket that includes general admission to the aquarium for the date and time you select. Explore more than 20,000 aquatic animal species like octopuses, jellyfish, and sharks. - Adult (13-64 yrs) - Child (4-12 yrs) - Senior (65+ yrs) - Infant (0-3 yrs) - **VIP Experience** — $54.50 (regularly $57.50, save $3.00) Experience the various aquatic animals of the Aquarium of the Bay led by an expert. Learn about the various projects of the Animal Care Team as they prepare exhibits for the day. This VIP admission is valid for the date and time that you select. - Adult (13-64 yrs) - Child (4-12 yrs) - Senior (65+ yrs) - Infant (0-3 yrs) ## Good to Know * Plan to spend about an hour and a half to see all exhibits. * Walk through two acrylic tunnels (Near Shore and Sharks of Alcatraz) for a fully immersive experience that allows you to truly explore the Bay. * Aquarium of the Bay is located on the iconic waterfront at PIER 39. * Exhibits feature thousands of aquatic animals and plants. * Interactive exhibits provide visitors with hands-on learning opportunities. * Last entry is 30 minutes prior to closing time. * Aquarium of the Bay does not validate parking. * The aquarium is closed on Christmas Day. ## Cancellation Policy No cancellation policy text provided in the source. ## FAQs ### How long does Aquarium of the Bay take to go through? Generally walking through at an average pace, seeing all exhibits, it takes about 90 minutes. Scheduled presentations can extend 10-20 minutes. ### Is there parking for Aquarium of the Bay? Aquarium of the Bay does not have a parking lot, but public parking and paid metered street parking is available. Parking facilities are available at Pier 35 or across from the aquarium's main entrance at the PIER 39 Garage (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Aquarium of the Bay does not validate parking, but many PIER 39 restaurants do. ### What is the best way to get to Aquarium of the Bay? Aquarium of the Bay is located on the iconic waterfront at PIER 39. Utilizing public transportation is highly recommended. If you are using your own transportation, driving directions to the Aquarium from various destinations are listed below for your convenience: (1) Oakland/East Bay via Bay Bridge – TOLL ROAD: I-80 West, take Exit 2B Harrison St/Embarcadero, Right turn onto Harrison, Left onto Embarcadero (2) Marin/North Bay via Golden Gate Bridge – TOLL ROAD: HWY 101 South, Exit Marina Blvd/Girard Rd, left onto Girard Rd/Marina Blvd, Left onto Bay Street, Left onto Mason Street, Right onto North Point, Left onto Grant Avenue (3) San Jose/South Bay/Peninsula: Either via 101 North, Exit Fourth Street, Merge onto Bryant Street, Left onto Embarcadero OR via 280 North, Exit King Street/Embarcadero (4) Via BART or MUNI: Get off train at Embarcadero Station, go to ground level exiting tunnel toward Drumm Street or Spear Street @ street level. Walk to Market Street & Main Street and transfer to the MUNI F-Market Street Car. ### What programs are available to ticket holders? Aquarium of the Bay hosts several daily programs for guests, including Shark Station, Sharks of Alcatraz, Meet Our Otters, California touch pools, and many “up close and personal” opportunities with several animals. ### Does Aquarium of the Bay allow food and drinks in the aquarium? Closed lid drinks are allowed, food is not allowed. ### Can I bring my dog? Unfortunately, animals are not allowed on PIER 39, with the exception of Service Animals. ### Is the Aquarium wheelchair accessible? The Aquarium is mostly accessible. Behind the Scenes and Feed the Sharks Experiences: Accommodations can be made for standard-size wheelchairs. (Must check with Aquarium Operations prior to arrival by calling the number on your e-ticket.) The Aquarium has wheelchairs to use during your visit on a first come first serve basis, photo ID is held during the use of the wheelchair. ## Reviews > "Beautiful aquarium for 1 or 2 hours" > — Fabian Schäfer, December 2022 > "Bay creatures" > It's not too large so stays length is no more than 1-2 hours. No flash photography. > — Jacquelyn West, July 2021 > "A wonderful experience" > — Sibi s., January 2020 > "Took our son for the first time" > — Kayla Chelman, January 2020 > "Amazing Experience!" > Kids will love seeing the marine life at this aquarium! > — Vladimir German, January 2020 > "visit" > — Duvan Castano, December 2019 > "Not worth the money" > — Ashley Jones, November 2019 > "EASY, MONEY SAVER, AWESOME!!" > FAST, MONEY SAVER > — Vanessa G., September 2019