Aquarium of the Bay
Aquarium of the Bay
3.5
10:00 - 17:00
Monday
10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday
10:00 - 17:00
Wednesday
10:00 - 17:00
Thursday
10:00 - 17:00
Friday
10:00 - 17:00
Saturday
10:00 - 17:00
Sunday
10:00 - 17:00
About
Discover the beauty and diversity of Northern California aquatic life at Aquarium of the Bay. Located on the historic San Francisco waterfront at PIER 39, the Aquarium is home to more than 20,000 marine animals including sleek sharks and rays, secretive octopus, hypnotic jellyfish, sparkling anchovies, frolicking river otters, and many more.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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€32.54
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Fisherman’s Wharf
Packed with family-friendly entertainment, quality hotels, and good food, there’s something for everyone at Fisherman’s Wharf. From street performers and historic cable cars to art galleries and museums, a postcard-worthy photo is available on every corner. Bring your appetite: seafood lovers will be rewarded with Dungeness crab and sourdough bread bowls, while Ghirardelli Square will satiate anyone’s sweet tooth after a day at Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. Don't forget to say hello to the adorable sea lions that make this neighbourhood a true San Francisco treat.
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1,109 within 10 kms
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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3.5
1,708 reviews
Excellent
386
Very good
529
Average
552
Poor
176
Terrible
66
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Naomi F
United Kingdom877 contributions
Apr 2020 • Friends
To be honest we only went because we were short on time and had a pass with attraction inclusions - many of which we couldn't use! The aquarium is quite expensive really if you look at the admission fee and in reality the most you get out of it is about an hour. It's not very big at all but obviously the bits they do have is really nice and interesting. My favourite by far were the otters at the end. I'm sure it's great fun for small kids but a family day out in here is a small fortune.
Written 21 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sanjaya Wijeyekoon
Bournemouth, UK587 contributions
Jan 2020
It was a slightly rainy day so we ducked for cover in the aquarium with our 6yr old. The entry ticket price was eye wateringly high but we bit the bullet. It came with a 'free' pass to madame Tussauds a few blocks away. The exhibits were OK although I was expecting more for the price. I think if you made your way specifically to see this you would be disappointed. However, in conjunction with the madame Tussauds ticket which was good fun it was worth it.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kedgej
Chalfont St Peter69 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Very small! Not sure it was worth the money. Very geared up to kids.
There was a squirrel in a tiny glass enclosure which was very sad to see. It was going back & forth as if it was looking for an escape route. More locked up than one of the Alcatraz prisoners of old!
All in all it seemed a bit dingy & in need of modernisation.
There was a squirrel in a tiny glass enclosure which was very sad to see. It was going back & forth as if it was looking for an escape route. More locked up than one of the Alcatraz prisoners of old!
All in all it seemed a bit dingy & in need of modernisation.
Written 29 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tekohiwi
Whitianga, New Zealand599 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
A great aquarium and we enjoyed our time here. There are two levels and both very well done. It is very similar to Auckland’s Kelly Tarlton’s and I believe modelled off his idea. We asked for and received a seniors price so $25 US each with a free pass to Madame Tussaud’s which we used. That’s $78.18 NZ for two and two attractions so we were more than happy. Would recommend it.
Written 29 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KM
85 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
You can almost miss it because it starts right at Pier 39, but it's fantastic. We visited it with the City Pass, and that was a good thing because $42.00 for a ticket is a rush, but it's worth it. The glass tunnels are spectacular. But so are the other rooms. We got to pet a baby shark. Everyone should stop here because it's not to be missed.
Written 20 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Katelynn
Glendora, CA1 contribution
Mar 2021
I did a private virtual tour for about 60 students with my school and it was an amazing experience. I had received several messages from the students saying that it was a super fun event, they loved seeing all the animals, and they really liked how they were able to ask questions to the naturalist. Neha and Hunter did a phenomenal job guiding us around the aquarium and answering any questions we had.
Written 24 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
benhill81
London, UK18 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
$29 and they give you a free Madame Tussaud’s ticket. I didn’t ask for this upsell but perhaps should have as it may have been cheaper.
Pricey for what it is. Went round in 30 minutes. Ok for children who I imagine cause chaos in summer months.
Octopus was best bit. Left a bit cheated but in prime location. Honestly don’t plan on investing a whole day here.
Pricey for what it is. Went round in 30 minutes. Ok for children who I imagine cause chaos in summer months.
Octopus was best bit. Left a bit cheated but in prime location. Honestly don’t plan on investing a whole day here.
Written 22 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurence P
Newhaven, UK439 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
This aquarium was a lot small than we anticipated. The walk through tunnel was excellent, as was everything on display. It was small compared to others we had been to. I would have been disappointed if we paid full price; however, we had entrance on a pass. Don't expect to spend too long here.
Written 18 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mini
Fremont, CA212,212 contributions
Jan 2020
I had a fun time at the Aquarium of the Bay. Its at Pier 39 in San Francisco.
There are three floors. The shark tank walk through is fun.
The sea otters were so cute to watch; they were incredibly active when we were there.
There are turtles, fish, sharks, and more to see. There is a touch pool.
I got the package that included the aquarium and Madame Tussad's Wax Museum.
Its a good aquarium for San Francisco. There are other aquariums such as Monterey Bay which is better.
There are three floors. The shark tank walk through is fun.
The sea otters were so cute to watch; they were incredibly active when we were there.
There are turtles, fish, sharks, and more to see. There is a touch pool.
I got the package that included the aquarium and Madame Tussad's Wax Museum.
Its a good aquarium for San Francisco. There are other aquariums such as Monterey Bay which is better.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Footprints27510
San Jose, CA6 contributions
If you're visiting or even living in the Bay Area, don't bother w/this attraction. It was so TINY for what they charge! What a waste of my $.
If you're in the Bay Area, go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Worth every penny and was voted one of the top aquariums in the country!
If you're in the Bay Area, go to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Worth every penny and was voted one of the top aquariums in the country!
Written 17 June 2004
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, Are there seahorses at this aquarium?
Written 14 October 2018
Yes there are plenty of them.
Written 15 October 2018
Hi, No children under 3 are free
Written 25 September 2018
Sneha R
San Jose, California
Can we bring food from home inside? Where do we eat the home cooked food once we are inside?
Written 5 September 2018
I really didn't see any place inside to eat. I really don't remember seeing any place inside that even sells food. The Aquarium is on Pier39 & there is a lot of food places to eat. You might be able to bring food & eat it somewhere outside. I hope this helps.
Written 5 September 2018
It is a small aquarium & you can probably see it in about an hour or less . To me it was a very good aquarium. I've been to a few throughout Ca. What I liked the best was that it had more than 1 tunnel where fish swim all around you. Overhead & around the sides. It feels like you are scuba diving without getting wet. It is pretty peaceful there & I can spend lots of time in the tunnels.
Written 5 September 2018
Is there someplace to park that's reasonably priced?
Written 30 November 2015
I parked off site and walked (less than 5 minutes). Ended up being less than $10 which is probably the best/safest option.
Written 2 December 2015
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