Aquarium Of The Bay Vs Monterey
San Francisco is a city that boasts of many tourist attractions, and the Aquarium of the Bay and Monterey Bay Aquarium are some of the top places to visit. The two aquariums are among the best in California, and they offer visitors a chance to explore the underwater world. However, if you're torn between the two, this article will help you decide which one to visit.
Location
The Aquarium of the Bay is located at Pier 39 in San Francisco, while the Monterey Bay Aquarium is in Monterey, which is about a two-hour drive from San Francisco. Both aquariums are located in scenic areas, but if you're in San Francisco, the Aquarium of the Bay is more accessible.
Exhibits
The Aquarium of the Bay focuses on showcasing the marine life found in the San Francisco Bay Area. The aquarium has over 20,000 animals, including sharks, rays, and sea stars. Visitors can also see river otters, sea lions, and other mammals. The aquarium has multiple exhibits, including the Under the Bay exhibit, where visitors can walk through a tunnel surrounded by fish and other marine animals.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium, on the other hand, has a more extensive collection of marine life. The aquarium has over 35,000 animals and plants, including sea otters, jellyfish, and penguins. The exhibits at the Monterey Bay Aquarium showcase marine life from different regions, such as the Kelp Forest, Open Sea, and Sandy Shore & Aviary. Visitors can also see a life-size model of a blue whale.
Activities
The Aquarium of the Bay offers visitors several activities, including a Behind the Scenes tour, where visitors can see how the aquarium cares for its animals. Visitors can also take part in animal feedings and touch tanks, where they can touch rays, sea stars, and other creatures. The aquarium also has a 3D theater that shows educational films about marine life.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium also offers visitors a range of activities, such as guided tours, animal feedings, and touch pools. Visitors can also watch live feedings of penguins and sea otters. The aquarium has a daily schedule of events, including presentations and talks by marine experts.
Admission Cost
The cost of admission to the Aquarium of the Bay is $29.95 for adults and $19.95 for children. The Monterey Bay Aquarium's admission fee is $49.95 for adults and $29.95 for children. Both aquariums offer discounts for seniors, students, and military personnel.
Conclusion
Both the Aquarium of the Bay and Monterey Bay Aquarium offer visitors a chance to explore the underwater world and see marine life up close. However, if you're in San Francisco, the Aquarium of the Bay is more accessible. If you have the time and budget, the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a more extensive collection of marine life and a range of activities. Regardless of which aquarium you choose, you're guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience.
