Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay and its collection

Aquarium of the Bay is an aquarium in San Francisco, United States.

The collection concentrates on species of the local bay and of the connected rivers and watersheds reaching up to the Sierra. It is one of seven bodies under its parent, Bay Ecotarium, and is both a Smithsonian Affiliate and a city-certified Green Business.

Animals and collection

Animals on show include sevengill sharks, leopard sharks, River Otters, sturgeons and rays.

Exhibits

Smaller tanks hold moray and monkeyface eels, anchovies, rockfish, perch, decorator crabs, urchins and garibaldi. A contact pool holds leopard sharks, skates, bat rays, anemones, sea stars and sea cucumbers.

Conservation and approach

The mission was refocused in 2005 on ocean conservation and climate action, and teaching centres on those themes along with habitat protection. Education work has reached over 220,000 local pupils and teachers.

What the venue says

• walking through the 300-foot transparent acrylic underwater tunnels surrounded by sharks, rays, and giant octopuses
• interactive _Touch the Bay_ pool to gently feel sea stars and rays
• watching river otters play
• PIER 39 offers a full day of fun with waterfront dining, local shops, family-friendly attractions, and iconic bay views—all just steps away from the aquarium.
• 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. We recommend booking convenient and affordable parking in advance through SpotHero, the nation’s leading parking reservations app.
• The facility is fully wheelchair and stroller accessible.
• Elevators connect all exhibit levels, and the natural flow of the exhibits is easy to navigate.