"The ticket cost seemed too high for the service received. Delayed buses, overcrowding, and limited flexibility made the tour disappointing compared to other transportation options."
Aquarium of the Bay - Ticket Only
Overview
The Aquarium of the Bay includes 300 feet of crystal-clear acrylic tunnels that contain 700,000 gallons of expertly maintained bay water, which is home to about 20,000 marine animals, ranging from octopuses to the notable seven-foot native seven-gill sharks. Visitors can experience the enchanting walls of jellyfish and have the opportunity to touch bat rays, skates, and the fascinating creatures in the "splash zone." This facility provides an engaging experience for all who visit.
About the activity
Free Cancellation
Mobile Voucher
Family Friendly
Instant Confirmation
Highlights
- Approximately 20,000 animals are showcased
- "Beauties of the Bay," highlighting the most vibrant creatures of San Francisco Bay
- A swirling school of anchovies
- River Otters and Giant Pacific Octopus
Itinerary
The Aquarium of the Bay at PIER 39 proudly features 300 feet of transparent acrylic tunnels filled with 700,000 gallons of carefully preserved bay water, which serves as a habitat for around 20,000 animals, including octopuses and remarkable eight-foot native seven-gill sharks. Guests can enjoy mesmerizing displays of jellyfish and have the rare chance to engage with bat rays, skates, and the intriguing "splash zone" creatures. Throughout its fifteen-year existence, San Francisco's magnificent Aquarium of the Bay has hosted over seven million visitors, among whom are more than 100,000 schoolchildren. Your journey through the Aquarium of the Bay commences in "Discover the Bay," where you will meet the unique ecosystems that sustain a diverse array of marine life. With eight exhibits showcasing over a thousand aquatic animals, you will gain a deeper understanding of the beings that inhabit the Bay
Exhibit highlights include:
“Beauties of the Bay”: explore the most vibrant animals of San Francisco Bay, featuring the bright orange Garibaldi (California's State Marine Fish), green Moray Eels, and rockfish in various hues, located in the first exhibit on the right.
River Otters
A swirling school of anchovies – did you know that the lateral lines on anchovies’ bodies function as sensory organs? This adaptation allows them to detect the movement of the school, aiding in their cohesion and evasion of predators.
“Bay Babies” showcases everything from newly hatched skates to juvenile perch and other fish, highlighting the underwater newborns. San Francisco Bay serves as a nursery for numerous fish species.
What's Included
What's Included
- Admission to Aquarium of the Bay
Schedule
- Standard Hours: 10:00am – 5:00pm (Last Entry is 4:30 PM)
- November 26: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Last ticket sold at 2:00 PM)
- December 24: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Last ticket sold at 2:00 PM)
- December 25: Closed (Christmas Day)
- Location: Aquarium of the Bay, PIER 39, The Embarcadero & Beach St., San Francisco, CA 94133
Redemption Info
- You must present your paper or E-ticket at: Aquarium of the Bay, PIER 39, The Embarcadero & Beach St., San Francisco, CA 94133
- Upon exchanging your voucher, you will receive a ticket which should be kept until the tour's expiry date.
- Please be aware that in the event of losing your voucher or ticket, the company will not be liable for any refunds.
Know Before You Go
- GETTING HERE: Getting to Aquarium of the Bay is easy, whether you’re arriving by car, public transit, or on foot along San Francisco’s scenic waterfront. Aquarium of the Bay is located on the iconic waterfront at PIER 39.
- By Public Transit: MUNI and BART both offer easy connections that bring you right to the waterfront.
- By Car: Head toward San Francisco’s PIER 39 where parking is available just steps from the entrance.
- PARKING: Public parking facilities are available at Pier 35 or across from the main entrance at the PIER 39 garage. Please note that Aquarium of the Bay does not validate parking.
- Age Limit: The minimum age required for a minor to enter the Aquarium without adult supervision is 16 years old.
- Storage: Unfortunately, we do not provide storage for personal items. This includes items for groups and class field trips. We advise to check with the San Francisco Welcome Center located on the 2nd floor of PIER 39 on the West side.
- Animal Policy: Unfortunately, animals are not allowed on PIER 39, with the exception of Service Animals.
- Please visit https://www.aquariumofthebay.org/ for exact times.
Cancellation Policy
- To get the full refund, you must cancel your booking at least 24 hours before the activity/tour start time.
- If you cancel your booking less than 24 hours before the activity/ tour start time, you will not get any refund.
- Modifications/ changes are allowed at least 24 hours before the activity/ tour start time. You must contact us through email.
- The activity/tour's local start time determines the cut-off times.
Disclaimer
- The tour operator/ service provider reserves the right to alter, close, or cancel shows, attractions, entertainments, restaurants, shops, or ancillary facilities without prior notice due to city events or force majeure.
- All tours can be modified or cancelled without further notice.
- The itinerary can be changed without prior notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can easily book tours and activities through our website. Simply browse our destinations, select your preferred tour, choose your date and number of participants, and complete the secure online payment process. You'll receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase.
After booking, you'll receive a voucher via email. For hop-on-hop-off tours, exchange your voucher with the bus driver or staff at any designated stop to receive your physical ticket. For other activities, present your voucher (digital or printed) at the meeting point specified in your booking confirmation. Keep your ticket safe throughout the tour validity period.
We accept all major credit/debit cards. You can pay with a VISA debit or credit card, a MasterCard debit or credit card, Maestro, Visa Electron or American Express card.
Please note: We are based in the United Kingdom. Depending on your bank, an international transaction fee may apply. For more details about potential charges, please contact your card provider directly.
Yes. Your payment is absolutely safe with us. All transactions are protected with SSL encryption and processed securely. With our secure online payment system, your information is encrypted and protected against fraud. We use industry-standard SSL (Secure Socket Layer) protocols to safeguard data transfer, and all personal information is stored in secure environments not accessible to the public.
You will receive a confirmation email with your booking voucher immediately after purchase. If you do not receive it within a few minutes, please check your spam/junk folder.If any activity requires manual confirmation from the supplier/ tour operator, your booking will be confirmed within 24 hours.
Still haven’t received it? Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com and our team will be happy to assist you.
Your reference number will be displayed on the confirmation page after you complete your booking and in the confirmation email you receive once your tour is confirmed. All booking reference numbers begin with “ACTXXXX”.
If you don't receive your confirmation email within 30 minutes of booking, please check your spam/junk folder first. If it's not there, contact our customer support at booking@activity-crest.com with your payment details and booking information. We'll resend your confirmation and voucher immediately.
Yes. You can modify your booking after purchase. Modifications depend on the specific tour's terms and conditions. Some bookings allow date changes up to 24-48 hours before the tour, while others may have stricter policies. Contact us at booking@activity-crest.com as soon as possible if you need to modify your booking. Please note that changes may be subject to availability and additional fees.
Please bring a printed copy of your ticket voucher. Some local suppliers also accept vouchers shown on a mobile device (check the activity page for details). A valid photo ID is required for the traveler named on the ticket. For certain activities, a valid ID for each participant may be required – this will be clearly stated on your ticket.
Our cancellation policy varies by tours. Most tours offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. For specific cancellation terms and refund conditions, please check the individual tour page before booking. To cancel your booking, contact us at booking@activity-crest.com with your booking reference number.
Customer Reviews
4.5
based on 2,096 reviews
Rating Distribution
"As first-time visitors, this tour was exactly what we needed. It provided an excellent overview of the city while making every destination easy and enjoyable to explore."
"The buses appeared worn, and some advertised stops were missed without explanation. Poor communication and unreliable service made the overall sightseeing experience frustrating rather than enjoyable."
"The bus simplified our entire trip. Clear routes, frequent departures, and comfortable seating helped us visit famous attractions without worrying about maps or complicated public transportation."
"Riding on the upper deck was the highlight of our vacation. Stunning city views, fresh air, and entertaining commentary made every mile enjoyable and memorable."
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