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Aquarium of the Bay

Highlights

Explore over 20,000 native sea creatures in immersive habitats.

Walk through a 300-foot underwater tunnel featuring fish, sharks, and other sea life.

Enjoy interactive experiences where visitors can touch live animals like sea stars and rays.

Attend naturalist presentations and witness feedings to learn about local ecosystems.

Includes additional access to the Sea Lion Center, Bay Area Model in Sausalito, and the Eco Center at Heron’s Head.

Our San Francisco Zoos

Aquarium of the Bay

An immersive dive into underwater worlds where sharks glide overhead and the secrets of the Pacific come alive.

San Francisco Zoos: Encounter Marine Life along the Scenic Waterfront

The local marine ecosystems come alive along the historic Embarcadero, where interactive aquatic facilities showcase the diverse species native to northern California waters. Guests can walk through immersive underwater viewing structures to watch sharks, bat rays, and schools of coastal fish glide overhead in beautifully maintained habitats. Positioned right on the bustling northern piers, these educational spaces offer a fascinating look at regional marine conservation just steps away from the bay’s wild sea lion colonies.

FAQs about San Francisco Zoos

Where is the main aquarium in San Francisco located?

The facility is situated along the historic Embarcadero waterfront right at the entrance to Pier 39, putting it in the heart of the popular Fisherman's Wharf district.

What specific types of marine life can visitors see at this waterfront facility?

The exhibits focus strictly on local marine life, showcasing thousands of aquatic animals native to the San Francisco Bay and neighboring Pacific coastal waters.

How long does it typically take to explore the full aquarium?

Most visitors spend about ninety minutes walking through the various interactive galleries and underwater viewing spaces at a leisurely pace.

What unique architectural feature allows visitors to walk beneath the marine habitats?

The facility features massive, clear acrylic underwater tunnels that allow guests to walk directly beneath swimming sharks, bat rays, and schools of local fish.

Are outside food and drinks permitted inside the exhibit spaces?

Outside food is not allowed within the galleries to protect the environments, though guests may bring in personal water bottles with secure, closed lids.

Can visitors interact directly with any of the aquatic animals?

The dedicated touch galleries allow guests to safely feel the textures of small tidepool inhabitants, juvenile bat rays, and coastal skates under the supervision of naturalists.

Is the facility fully accessible for individuals using strollers or wheelchairs?

The main viewing areas, underwater tunnels, and interactive galleries are fully equipped with ramps and elevators to accommodate guests with mobility needs.

What other notable waterfront sights are located immediately outside the facility?

The surrounding pier is famous for its vibrant colony of wild sea lions basking on the docks, as well as numerous waterfront dining options and panoramic bay views.