Aquarium of the Bay

Why go

Aquarium of the Bay is defined by clear tunnels, local sharks, rays, and near-shore habitats. Another layer comes from the contrast between aquarium tanks and the working bay outside. Plan Aquarium of the Bay by remembering to allow about ninety minutes and expect Pier 39 crowds. After Aquarium of the Bay, choose PIER 39 or Fisherman's Wharf; this keeps Aquarium of the Bay geographically coherent and avoids forcing Aquarium of the Bay into an unrelated crossing.

What to look for

• Look closely at clear tunnels, local sharks, rays, and near-shore habitats.
• Notice the contrast between aquarium tanks and the working bay outside.

The full story

Aquarium of the Bay is a public aquarium located at Embarcadero and Beach Street, at the edge of Pier 39 in San Francisco, California. The Aquarium is focused on local aquatic animals from the San Francisco Bay and neighboring waters. After restoring the aquarium to solvency, BNP Paribus put the Aquarium of the Bay up for sale in August 2005.The Bay Institute was approached to potentially enter a partnership prior to the sale, but the Institute did not have the funds required to purchase the aquarium outright. A local businessman, Darius Anderson, owner of Kenwood Investments, put up the funds to create a competitive bid, with a condition allowing The Bay Institute to purchase it from Kenwood Investments in a few years' time at a predetermined price, which would eventually transform the aquarium's mission from entertainment to a nonprofit education and research center. The Aquarium also has skates, bat rays and thousands of other animals including eels, flatfish, rockfish, Wrasse, Gobies, Kelpfish, Pricklebacks, Ronquil, Sculpin and Sturgeons. When they are caught by crab fishermen and turned over to the Aquarium, giant Pacific octopus are on exhibit.

Useful to know

• For Aquarium of the Bay, allow about ninety minutes and expect Pier 39 crowds.
• Pair Aquarium of the Bay with PIER 39 or Fisherman's Wharf when the route and opening conditions align.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.