Aquarium of the Bay

Category: Aquarium

Address: PIER 39 The Embarcadero &, Beach St, San Francisco, CA 94133, USA

Phone: +14156235300

Opening hours

Sunday: 11AM–6PM

Monday: 11AM–6PM

Tuesday: 11AM–6PM

Wednesday: 11AM–6PM

Thursday: 11AM–6PM

Friday: 11AM–6PM

Saturday: 11AM–6PM

Reviews

Beka O'Meara (Beka)

May 30, 2022

Mehhhh....I've been to several aquariums and this one ranks rather low on the list. It had some good features for sure, like the walk through tunnels and touch tanks, which is why it got three stars. However the fish themselves looked really bored. Can a fish look bored you ask? Yes. They can. The areas they're in aren't enriching like their natural habitats would be. The octopus was cool as even sleeping but octopus are fun for hide and seek, but in too small of a tank. The otters were also sleeping, though that is no fault of the aquarium. I saw no staff to ask questions of except by the touch pools, and the signs explaining the exhibits were faded, old and scratched up, making them hard to read. We were expecting to spend an hour or two in there - and easily doing it in a half hour, I say it's not worth it. Also, as someone who needs to sit regularly, there is quite a lack of sitting areas and benches in this place, so it's not very friendly that way. However since it's very easy and quick to get through I didn't need to sit. As a visitor from out of state, I expected more from an "ocean"/bay aquarium. Save your money from the aquarium and the parking, as parking can be expensive too. Go to another aquarium. This one is a pass IMO.

Alex Rugg Stebbins

Apr 30, 2022

A lovely aquarium. Most of the negative reviews seem to be an issue of expectations. It's small, yes, and you could easily see everything in an hour if you don't linger much. But you could also spend several hours peacefully watching the fish and other critters. The largest animals are some small (nurse?) sharks, probably about 4 to 5 ft in length. Lots of colorful colorful fish and very cute otters. The touching pools were also a cool unique feature.

Christine Missmer

Apr 8, 2022

I've been taking my daughter here since she was 4 years old; she's 15 now and still loves it! There are many species of aquatic animals available to view. Jellyfish, anchovies, Moray eels, skate, and sharks, just to name a few. There's also a tiny Giant Pacific octopus, if you can find it. The tide pool has always been a favorite, however, it took a loss when the starfish population decreased due to Starfish Wasting Syndrome. There are still bat rays, leopard shark, sea cucumber, stars and anemone to have a hands-on (actually, one finger) experience. There's also a large River Otter display room where you can watch a couple of playful otters swim and play their day away. The staff are friendly and those who have been there since before the pandemic are very knowledgeable. The gift shops have plenty of items to choose from. The ladies bathroom is clean; I don't know about the men's bathroom. My only quarrel is that they changed the direction of flow to counter-clockwise. It was confusing when we were in the underwater tunnel and everyone was going the opposite direction than we were. There was less staff to guide visitors through for the best experience possible. This was never a problem in the past. Overall, we had a pleasureable experience. We will go back in the future and I do recommend Aquarium of the Bay on Pier 39 to everyone young, old and in between. I almost forgot to mention that all students and the nine surrounding Bay Area counties receive a locals discount!

Eric Liebman

Feb 26, 2022

Very nice aquarium.. ok, it’s kinda small if you compare to Singapore, Sydney or even Atlanta.. but for $30 entry fee it was a great way to spend 2 hours. Lots of amazing marine life including some cool sharks and a 500lb Bass! Lots of displays to see and ended up with some very playful otters.. all in, well worth it to go visit!

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Questions & Answers

Can I bring toddlers there? My kid is about to be 2 years old. Can I bring her to the Bay aquarium?

Sriram V | Aug 21, 2018
Amal Abdul-Hafez | Aug 21, 2018

It is a great place for young children.

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Do they snan tickets from mobile phone?

Trrail Mobley | Aug 20, 2020
Crystal Hermosillo | Sep 24, 2021

Yes they can

CAN YOU PLEASE RESERVE FOR 05/01/18 4 B/T/S 2 A 1 C TOTAL OF $250.75 1 S 3 3/4 MARIA OLIVARES SFUSD TEACHER

Maria Olivares | Aug 21, 2018
Simon Cope | Aug 21, 2018

Contact The Aquarium directly to book

Can I pay the tickets over there at the entrance or do I have to pay online. Need answers ASAP

Lorena Bucio | Aug 21, 2018
E-san | Aug 21, 2018

You can pay at the door. If you live in a county close by you may quality for a small discount. Just mention that at the ticket booth.

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Is Aquarium of the Bay requiring proof of vaccination to date?

Violeta Christopher | Mar 23, 2022
Redrumsport 559 | Mar 23, 2022

You don't need medicine proof anymore

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can you give me an estimate of how long it takes to do a tour of the whole aquarium? thank you.

Solo solos | Aug 20, 2021
Crystal Hermosillo | Sep 24, 2021

An hour, give or take. Just depends on how long you spend at each spot during tour

Does the aquarium offer family memberships?

Eileen Conry | Aug 20, 2020
Andrea Hernandez | Aug 20, 2021

Will you be open 4th of July?

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How much is admission

Yerenia Alcocer | Aug 20, 2020
Lori Kukuk | Aug 20, 2020

Got it with a goupon.

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Is there a parking lot area?

Mauricio Solis | Aug 21, 2019
Daniel Parker | Aug 21, 2019

Parking on the street or in the parking lots are 12 an hour

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Can u but same day tickets

itsEMMANUEL O | Aug 21, 2019
Aditi Shenai | Aug 21, 2019

Yea and the ticket is valid all day

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Are you opening today??

Daniel Pedraza G | Aug 21, 2019
Brandon Wilson | Aug 21, 2019

Yes

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Will it be open tomorrow, during Martin Luter King Jr. Day?

Antonio Huenchumilla | Aug 21, 2018
R W (RW) | Aug 21, 2019

Call or check the website for availability/ operating hours.

How much is the ticket for Adult?

Olu Folorunso | Aug 21, 2018
Tim Bull | Aug 21, 2018

$24.95 for each adult! $14.95 for each kid.

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How much is admission

Dieter Morales Niebla | Aug 21, 2018
Edward Maldonado | Aug 21, 2018

Cheaper. Not free

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How wheelchair or walker accessable is this aquarium?

beth Wade | Jul 23, 2022
Evan Davis | Jul 23, 2022

The main access for the Aquarium proper is an elevator. The main entrance looks like stairs only, so you might have to look around for the alternate accessible entrance. There are ramps for the few multi level spots. There is a pool where you can lean-over to touch the fish, but I’m not sure how well it’d work with a chair.

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Are small dogs allowed? Not service dogs.

Elizabeth Macias | Apr 22, 2022
Gary M | Apr 22, 2022

I don’t think so. They are pretty strict with the rules around the fish.

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Am I allowed to swim with the exhibits?

Stephen Rainsbury | Mar 23, 2022
nicole witherspoon | Mar 23, 2022

No. Only employees who clean it

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Are they pet friendly?

gordon hancock | Feb 21, 2022
D Fresh | Feb 21, 2022

No pets allowed

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Is it a good for a rainy day visit?

shir kochavi | Nov 23, 2021
Daggubati navya teja | Nov 23, 2021

Yes

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How much does it cost to get into the aquarium of the bay

Brett Page | Sep 24, 2021
Isha Matlapudi | Sep 24, 2021

They have prices on there website so it depends on the amount of people but here are the basic priced. Adult (13-64): $29.25 Child (4-12): $19.25 Children (3 and under): Free Senior (65+): $24.25

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do you a covid19 shots to go in?

Michael Cooper | Sep 24, 2021
Christine D | Sep 24, 2021

No, just to live.

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What day do they open?

Reyna Ventura | Sep 24, 2021
Marco Antonio Ortiz Rodriguez | Sep 24, 2021

Every day, it closes at 6 p.m.

How much do they charge to enter

Reyna Ventura | Sep 24, 2021
Mauricio Salcedo | Sep 24, 2021

32 USD Adults, children, seniors is cheaper.

What are the vaccine requirements?

Sona Midourian | Sep 24, 2021
Bruce Chamberlin | Sep 24, 2021

Just a mask at the aquarium. Restaurants on the pier, checked your vaccination card before they would let you inside. Outside dining didn't require vaccination.

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What is the price for children under 4 years old?

Ann Murray | Aug 20, 2021
Irene Reveles | Aug 20, 2021

Yes I paid for two adults and it was around 16:00 $ each.

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Do you apply senior discounts for your tickets? What is public transportation like from the ferry building to the museum?

A Google User | Aug 20, 2021
Cliff Bargar | Aug 20, 2021

The Muni F line runs straight from the ferry building to the aquarium

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Will you guys be open 4th of July ?

Andrea Hernandez | Aug 20, 2021
Aissa Mae Love | Aug 20, 2021

Pls visit there website to find out more information. Thank u

Is dogs allowed?

lizet vlogs | Aug 20, 2021
Leslie Minor | Aug 20, 2021

Service animals are allowed, they can't be refused but just a pet i am not sure about.

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Is there disabled carts you can rent

penelope Kepa | Aug 20, 2021
Theodore Valdez | Aug 20, 2021

Ahhh, to b honest, I really didn't c any. But, ramps r there.

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Do I need a reservation? I am planning to visit the aquarium on March 30.

Janie Munson | Aug 20, 2021
Olga Vellucci | Aug 20, 2021

It's not necessary but definitely preffered since they limit the amount of people in at a time

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Can you get tickets at the door?

John Johnson | Aug 20, 2021
Michelle Bowen | Aug 20, 2021

At current they are saying you need to book in advance, on-line

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when are they going to open

Alex Hamidi | Aug 20, 2021
Travelgraphist (#TRAVELGRAPHIST) | Aug 20, 2021

You should check the website

Will it be open thanksgiving? And is it open during covid?

mimi brown | Aug 20, 2021
Anton Chuvakin | Aug 20, 2021

Open during COVID but by appointment only

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is it already open?

Lucélia Paz | Aug 20, 2021
David “Kato” Tobias | Aug 20, 2021

Yes it is open, social distancing measures are in place. It is still very very cool. 😎

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I'm coming from LA I bought my tickets on their website and they had me put a time but I wont get there on the time selected can I still go at anytime ? Or it has to be on the time i selected??

toxic_romancexoxo | Aug 20, 2021
Aquarium of the Bay | Aug 20, 2021

Hello, Your tickets are valid for 90 days from purchase. Due to Covid-19 restrictions we require a timed ticket, you may come outside of your time but will be subject to availability for that time period.

What is the entrance price?

Alonso Tinoco | Aug 20, 2020
blockya | Aug 20, 2020

$ 30 dollars. But you have purchase options with citypass and gocard

Is it open on dec 31st?

Andrhey Ferreira Pro | Aug 20, 2020
Rebecca Pannaman | Aug 20, 2020

Call them and ask.

Hello I would like to know if in tie. Po of rain is open there too and everything looks clear behind the glass

Rubi LopDi | Aug 20, 2020
Austin Williams | Aug 20, 2020

Yes, everything is open in rainy weather and behind the glass, but there is a tactile tank.

Can we have a birthday party

risa peoples | Aug 20, 2020
Latae Altmaier | Aug 20, 2020

https://www.aquariumofthebay.org/birthdays/

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How true is that if you carry your Wic folder, do you get a discount?

Mirna M P | Aug 21, 2019
Maria Ernestina Bechaz | Aug 21, 2019

I have no idea what you are asking !!!!!!

How much is the entry fee?

Karen Verdugo Jasso | Aug 21, 2019
Csaba Litkei | Aug 21, 2019

For an addult it is 30$

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Did Octavio the octopus pass away? Last two times we visited to see him and his exhibit was empty.

Picaro Persona | Aug 21, 2019
nitin vyas | Aug 21, 2019

There was a octopus.i didn't know the name.

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Do i also have to buy a ticket for a baby younger than 2 years old?

Edgar Contreras | Aug 21, 2019
nitin vyas | Aug 21, 2019

No

can we bring own food ?

gurpreet judge9 | Aug 21, 2019
R W (RW) | Aug 21, 2019

Lots of available options within Pier 39 or surrounding area, just cant eat or bring food inside.

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are their penguins because i want to see pingu go noot noot

Hyunjin Is hot | Aug 21, 2019
Roscoe Eutsay | Aug 21, 2019

no ... there's not much there at all

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When you arrive there do you have to wait or you can directly enter

mohammed qurashi | Aug 21, 2019
William Castillo | Aug 21, 2019

You have a problem with te he parking vos $ 15/hour

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Is the same price online and at the front door?

Estanislao Rodriguez | Aug 21, 2019
Aditi Shenai | Aug 21, 2019

There are 2-3 online forums. Each offers a different price. They are cheaper than the door price. Children and Senior citizens get discounted tickets

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Can we buy the tickets at the location?

Tere Escobedo | Aug 21, 2019
Arnold Richards | Aug 21, 2019

Yes

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Where and how much is the parking on Sunday?

Sandra Decker | Aug 21, 2019
Pamela Beesly | Aug 21, 2019

There are parking lots nearby, but they are expensive. If you can find street parking, it will be cheaper, but you may have to walk a few blocks.

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How much for adult tickets?thank to you.

Frank Corder | Aug 21, 2019
Chelsea Krahl | Aug 21, 2019

27.00 but Groupon had them for 21.00 kids under 4 are free

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How large is the aquarium? Are there bigger ones in the area other than Monterrey (we've been there already)?

Yaseen Nasser | Aug 21, 2019
manish patel | Aug 21, 2019

It consists of like 3 floors, there are lifts to take you up and down.

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can i show my tickets by phone?

vanessa cruz | Aug 21, 2019
Chetan Belur | Aug 21, 2019

Yes, and they will stamp your wrist; you can go in and out the entire day

Do you allow dogs inside

Sarah Sayles | Aug 21, 2019
Dave Moloney | Aug 21, 2019

I saw a miniature Chihuahua in a lady's bag inside. But I would not recommend a more average sized dog in there. It's a tight space with elevator rides. I think it would bother others and be a poor choice.

I have 4 month old baby .. can we come with my baby?its safe for my baby

Muthu Saranya | Aug 21, 2019
Omar Murcia | Aug 21, 2019

100% safe for baby, pretty big areas so you really shouldn't have any issues...

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What is the best hour to go? I know there are some hours when they feed the animals there.... Thanks

Isidora Jure | Aug 21, 2019
emmanuel tinajero | Aug 21, 2019

3pm

Are you open tomorrow

Kim anh Nguyen | Aug 21, 2019
Jack Wallace | Aug 21, 2019

The Aquarium is open from 10am-3pm on Thanksgiving.

Please let mi saber

Luis Leon | Aug 21, 2019
Stephanie S | Aug 21, 2019

What is the question

Do they allow dogs?

maggie Chalmers | Aug 21, 2019
Gina Oliva | Aug 21, 2019

Only service dogs to my knowledge

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How much to get in there?

Cecil Kalu | Aug 21, 2019
Nelly Beans | Aug 21, 2019

If you buy the City pass it's a great deal for unlimited transit for 3 consecutive days Muni trolleys, buses, and the iconic San Francisco cable car and 9 consecutive days to use various popular attractions. Tickets to California Academy of Sciences Blue & Gold Fleet Bay Cruise Adventure Aquarium of the Bay You also have the opportunity to choose 1 of the following options: Exploratorium San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

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How long to tour

Thor Johnson | Aug 21, 2019
Ronald Jackson | Aug 21, 2019

The tour is roughly an hour. Depends how busy it is. Its a small aquarium with lots of good tanks to see.

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Are there any Great White Sharks at this aquarium?

Catherine Peters | Aug 21, 2019
Jency Petersen | Aug 21, 2019

Great White sharks are not able to survive in aquariums. Maybe that's a good thing... keep them out and free in the wild 👍

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If i arrive by 3:30 is it worth it since it closes at 6?

Amaya Meza | Aug 21, 2019
Martin Gonzalez Muguruza | Aug 21, 2019

Yes its enough to ser everithing

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What is the cost of the entrance

Edwin Magana | Aug 21, 2019
DK H | Aug 21, 2019

Adult 26.95 Children 4+ 16.95 Your in America you will get more respect and answers if you speak english.

Is it open Labor Day?

Ashley Slaughter | Aug 21, 2019
Jonas Kibet | Aug 21, 2019

It is open.

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Are you open all year ?

Debbie Young | Aug 21, 2018
Stephanie S | Aug 21, 2018

Yes. This area can get cold at times because of being so close to the water,so be prepared with jacket or sweater.

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Are you open all year , and how much per adult ?

Debbie Young | Aug 21, 2018
Mahabub Hasan | Aug 21, 2018

24$ per adult

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They let dogs in and it has a cost

Gissel Zambrano | Aug 21, 2018
Gissel Zambrano | Aug 21, 2018

How much

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Why 90 days for the ticket?

Jean Ronel Lorgea | Aug 21, 2018
Rakesh R S | Aug 21, 2018

You can visit any one day of your choice with in the validity

Are there storage lockers for backpacks?

Chava Mitzen | Aug 21, 2018
Brianna Thomas | Aug 21, 2018

No, if you are going on the behind the scenes or feed the sharks tour do not take a backpack. I did. Big mistake.

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How much does it cost per person???

Okami Ulloa | Aug 21, 2018
Arindam Dasgupta | Aug 21, 2018

General admission is $27 for adult and $17 for kids above 3

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How much is admission

Yancy Esquivel | Aug 21, 2018
Angela Espinoza Amor | Aug 21, 2018

Many fatty

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Is there parking?

Ricardo Jeremias Rivas Arias | Aug 21, 2018
Diego Martinez L. | Aug 21, 2018

No there is no parking in there but you can find across the street. There are many places very near to the aquarium bay

Is there a moonfish?

A S | Aug 21, 2018
Diego Martinez L. | Aug 21, 2018

I don't see any moonfish

Hours opened in Summer?

JKN JKN | Aug 21, 2018
Kirk M | Aug 21, 2018

Just checked website in about section and 2018 hours vary. Jan to June 16 daily hours 10am to 6pm, June 17 to Sep 3 it's from 9am to 8pm. How this helps!

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i have a BIG question my sister and her friend found jellyfish eggs on the beach. do you take donations in jellyfish form? PLEASE HELP

tatapeep plus | Aug 21, 2018
TONKA “TONKA101” B | Aug 21, 2018

You can always call the Aquarium of the Bay

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How much the cover

Marisela Mckinney | Aug 21, 2018
Malcolm Quinn | Aug 21, 2018

Go for the City Pass - $89 for adult and $69 for kids. Gets this attraction, Exploratorium, Bay Cruise, Academy of Science (or Art Museum) and unlimited 3 day transport on Muni buses, street cars and cable cars. Really worth it!

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Do they provide free parking or is there a cost?

Jenny Jazel Nevarez | Aug 21, 2018
Kirk M | Aug 21, 2018

If you eat at a restaurant on the pier they'll validate for an hour i believe but the aquarium does not.

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does it have any cost?

Fabiola mosqueda | Aug 21, 2018
Pavel Cordova | Aug 21, 2018

Yes, it has a cost but if you buy the bigbus tickets you will get free.

Is there another number for them ive been trying to call and it doesnt work

Lawrence Flores | Aug 21, 2018
Simon Cope | Aug 21, 2018

Try contacting them via their Facebook page on messenger. Businesses typically respond very fast via that medium

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can you take pictures in the shark tank

Deena Dunniway | Aug 21, 2018
Ginnia Shidler | Aug 21, 2018

Yes

Is the Aquarium of the Bay non-profit? If not, who profits from the sales?

Lara Lancaster | Aug 21, 2018
Kerri Lane | Aug 21, 2018

I heard them say It was non profit during the tour and the money raised goes to helping the fish I believe.

How Able is a handicapped person able to get around all ths attractions? example. crutches? walker? cane? wheelchair?

Roadkill 68 | Aug 21, 2018
Min Kim | Aug 21, 2018

There are elevators.

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How much are ticket and how much do you charge for a 2 year old

Jose Garcia | Aug 21, 2018
Katie D | Aug 21, 2018

Children under 3 are free!

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Are they pet friendly

janessa arguelles | Aug 21, 2018
Kirty KB | Aug 21, 2018

Yes

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How much are the tickets

Sara Guevara | Aug 21, 2018
Matthew Davis | Aug 21, 2018

$26.95 - Adult $16.95 - Child (4 - 12) $21.95 - Seniors (65+) $80.00 - Family (2 Adults + 2 Children) They also offer add ons such as as"feed the sharks" and more for an additional fee

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What is the age range for the kids pass? thanks

вuввlєgumdrσp | Aug 21, 2018
Ashley | Aug 21, 2018

Ages 4-12

What's the cost for admission?

Belinda Lara | Aug 21, 2018
Jonas Kibet | Aug 21, 2018

The admission fee is $26 all inclusive of tax.

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How much to get in

JEANNETTE Felix | Aug 21, 2018
Jenny Sedlacko | Aug 21, 2018

$25 adult / $15 kids . If you plan to be in SF for a couple of days and do more touristy things the citypass is an awesome deal. It's $89 adult / $66 kids but it includes a bunch of different places to visit as well as cable car, bus, and trollies. The aquarium is one of the passes included and you can purchase the citypass at the aquarium ticket window, which is what we did.

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How much is admission

Alejandra Ojeda | Aug 21, 2018
Stef cabnov | Aug 21, 2018

Hello, I did not pay for it xq I went with the citypass of 3dias q that includes that entry, but as general information in SF the tickets to museums average an average of 20-30 $. In citypass we got $ 89 and included transportation and cablecar during 3dias + tickets to several interesting museums. Aquarium of the bay, presents you the fauna of the bay of California, very interesting and the one of the California Academy of Sciences teaches you fauna of many places.

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