ZooCalifornia, US

Aquarium of the Bay

Experience the vibrant marine life of San Francisco Bay up close.

About

Experience the vibrant marine life of San Francisco Bay up close. Located at the historic Pier 39, Aquarium of the Bay is dedicated to protecting, restoring, and inspiring conservation of the San Francisco Bay and its watershed. Home to over 24,000 local marine animals from more than 200 species, this unique institution offers an immersive journey into the aquatic ecosystems that define Northern California's waters. It provides an exceptional opportunity to connect with the underwater world and understand the delicate balance of its inhabitants.

Visitors can marvel at mesmerizing exhibits like the 300-foot-long acrylic tunnels, where sharks, bat rays, and swirling schools of anchovies glide overhead, creating an unparalleled underwater experience. The "Go With the Flow" gallery showcases hypnotic Moon Jellies and Pacific Sea Nettles, highlighting the beauty and fragility of these invertebrates. Playful North American River Otters, including rescued residents Shasta, Ryer, Baxter, and Tahoe, enchant guests with their antics, serving as ambassadors for watershed health. Other highlights include colorful Garibaldi, Moray Eels, Rockfish, and the impressively intelligent Giant Pacific Octopus.

More than just an attraction, the Aquarium of the Bay is a center for education and conservation, engaging the community in vital efforts to protect marine life. Through interactive displays, touch pools with sea stars and small sharks, and daily animal feedings and naturalist presentations, it fosters a deeper appreciation for the Bay's natural beauty. It’s a memorable destination that leaves visitors inspired to become stewards of the marine environment, offering a fun and educational experience for all ages right on San Francisco’s iconic waterfront. Turn your visit into a safari! Use the Snappit app to scan and log wildlife sightings here.

The Aquarium of the Bay first opened its doors on April 19, 1996, originally under the name "UnderWater World." From its inception, the focus has been on showcasing local aquatic animals indigenous to the San Francisco Bay and its surrounding rivers and watersheds. The signature attraction, then as now, involved two long acrylic underwater tunnels filled with approximately 770,000 gallons of San Francisco Bay salt water, housing thousands of marine creatures. Since 2005, the Aquarium has intensified its mission to enable ocean conservation and climate action, both locally and globally. It operates as one of seven institutions under its parent company, Bay Ecotarium, which is the largest watershed conservation organization in the Bay Area. A significant addition to the animal collection was the North American River Otter exhibit, which opened on June 28, 2013, highlighting these creatures as indicators of a healthy water system and bringing awareness to their conservation. The Aquarium is also recognized as a Smithsonian Affiliate and a certified Green Business by the city of San Francisco, underscoring its commitment to environmental stewardship.

What to do here

Enjoy daily animal feedings and engaging naturalist presentations. Scan QR codes for information in multiple languages.

Seasonal info

Winter may feature "Otter Snow Days" and a larger congregation of sea lions at nearby Pier 39.

Accessibility

The aquarium is mostly wheelchair accessible, with paved pathways and accessible restrooms. While the external elevator may be out of service, visitors can use Pier 39's internal elevator, exiting on Level 2 and proceeding through the gift shop to reach the main entrance. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis, requiring a photo ID for use.

Don't miss

Under the Bay/Near Shore Tunnels

Walk through 300-foot acrylic tunnels surrounded by sharks, bat rays, anchovies, and sturgeons.

Go With the Flow

Witness the hypnotic dance of Moon Jellies and Pacific Sea Nettles.

North American River Otters

Observe the playful antics of rescued otters like Shasta, Ryer, Baxter, and Tahoe.

Discover the Bay

Explore seven diverse habitats showcasing colorful local species such as Garibaldi and Moray Eels.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

North American River Otter

Leopard Shark

Crystal Jelly

Ling

Sturgeon

Octopus

Sea Star

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

Loading map…

Good to know before you go

Book Tickets Online

** Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to ensure faster entry and potentially save time.

Parking

The Aquarium does not have its own parking lot. Utilize the public Pier 39 Garage or other nearby parking facilities. Booking in advance via services like SpotHero is recommended.

Public Transportation

Take advantage of public transportation. Presenting a valid Bay Area public transportation pass may offer discounts on admission.

Check Daily Schedule

Consult the Aquarium's schedule for daily animal feedings, naturalist presentations, and any special events to enhance your visit.

No Outside Food

Outside food is not permitted, but closed-lid drinks are allowed inside the Aquarium. There are many dining options available at Pier 39.

No Luggage Storage

The Aquarium does not provide storage for personal items or strollers. Visitors are advised to check with the San Francisco Welcome Center at Pier 39 if storage is needed.

Frequently asked questions

: A1: Aquarium of the Bay is home to over 24,000 local marine animals from more than 200 species found in the San Francisco Bay and nearby waters. You can see a variety of sharks (including Broadnose Sevengill, Leopard, and Soupfin sharks), graceful Bat Rays and Skates, captivating Moon Jellies and Pacific Sea Nettles, and playful North American River Otters. Other fascinating creatures include swirling schools of Anchovies, colorful Garibaldi, Moray Eels, Rockfish, White Sturgeons, and the Giant Pacific Octopus.
: A2: Yes, Aquarium of the Bay is largely wheelchair accessible, featuring accessible pathways and restrooms. If the exterior elevator is unavailable, guests can utilize the internal elevators within Pier 39, exiting on Level 2 and entering the Aquarium through the gift shop. Wheelchairs are also available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis with a photo ID.
: A3: Most visitors find that a comprehensive tour of Aquarium of the Bay, taking in all the exhibits at a comfortable pace, typically lasts between 90 minutes and 2 hours. This duration allows time to experience the walk-through tunnels, observe the various marine animals, interact at the touch pools, and perhaps catch an animal feeding or naturalist presentation.