Aquarium of the Bay San Francisco: Marine Life Experience

 
Located in the heart of the picturesque Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, the aquarium is not just a showcase of various marine species but a real center for education, conservation, and marine life protection.

Visiting the aquarium, one of the most fascinating attractions in San Francisco, is both an enjoyable and educational experience. It combines entertainment and environmental awareness, making it a fantastic opportunity for the entire family to learn and have fun together.

History of the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco

The aquarium has a long and complex history that dates back to the late 1980s. Initially, the project faced numerous bureaucratic and environmental challenges before becoming a reality. Officially inaugurated on April 19, 1996 (under the name "UnderWater World"), the aquarium was immediately positioned as one of the city’s top educational attractions.

The original structure featured two acrylic tunnels (totaling 110 meters), allowing visitors to walk through while observing marine life all around them. Around 100 species were hosted, all native to the San Francisco Bay, with approximately 4,000 individual animals.

At the time, visitor expectations were very high—approximately 1.6 million visitors annually. Unfortunately, this was overly optimistic, and by March 1999, the managing company declared bankruptcy. In June of the same year, the aquarium was acquired by a financial group and rebranded as "Aquarium of the Bay."

Following an extensive and costly renovation, the aquarium reopened in July 2001 with a much broader exhibit, featuring over 60,000 animals from 273 different species.

A key moment in its history was in 2009 when it was acquired by "The Bay Institute" and became a nonprofit organization with a strong focus on marine conservation and environmental education. Since then, the aquarium has grown and improved, becoming one of San Francisco’s most beloved attractions.

What to See at the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco

The experiences at the aquarium are both engaging and educational. The different thematic sections allow visitors to thoroughly explore the local marine fauna. Here are the highlights:

- Discover the Bay: An area that introduces visitors to the seven main marine habitats of the San Francisco Bay. It features species like moray eels, anchovies, and Garibaldi fish.
- Under the Bay: The most spectacular section of the aquarium, featuring a 90-meter-long underwater tunnel. Visitors can admire rays, sturgeons, sharks, and the iconic giant Pacific octopus.
- Touch the Bay: An interactive exhibit where visitors can touch some species, including sharks and starfish.
- Go with the Flow: A section dedicated entirely to jellyfish, with over 200 mesmerizing specimens of various species.
- North American River Otters: Here, visitors can watch playful North American river otters in a beautifully recreated habitat.

How to Reach the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco

The aquarium is easily accessible as it is located at the famous Pier 39, a popular tourist spot in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf. Here are detailed directions based on your preferred mode of transportation:

- By car: If you have a rental car and are starting from downtown, take Geary Street eastbound to The Embarcadero, then continue north to Beach Street, where Pier 39 is located. Although the aquarium does not have its own parking, visitors can use the nearby Pier 39 Garage.
- By public transport: It’s just as simple. From Embarcadero Station, take the historic F-line streetcar toward Fisherman’s Wharf and get off at "The Embarcadero & Stockton Street."

For those who prefer walking, it’s a 20-minute walk along The Embarcadero from Embarcadero Station to the aquarium.

Alternatively, you can take a bus (MUNI lines 8, 30, and 47) that serves the Fisherman’s Wharf area.

Hours and Tickets

The Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco is open daily from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM, although it may close on holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving—so it’s best to check directly with the institution before planning your visit.
Ticket prices vary by category:

- Adults (13–64 years): $35
- Seniors (65+ years): $30
- Children (4–12 years): $25
- Children under 4: Free entry.

Although there are no free entry days, visitors can save by purchasing the San Francisco CityPASS, a combo package that includes admission to the aquarium and several other city attractions. The CityPASS offers two options:

- San Francisco CityPASS: $87 for adults and $67 for children, allowing access to four attractions.
- San Francisco C3: This option lets you choose three attractions, including the aquarium, for a slightly lower price of $79 for adults and $62 for children. Both options are valid for 9 consecutive days from the first use.



 

Photo by Arushee Agrawal on Unsplash