Check in on your favorite animals for the first time in over a year!
Ocean lovers, rejoice! The fascinating Monterey Bay Aquarium, located just 2 hours down the coast from San Francisco, has announced reopening dates in May. The aquarium has been closed since March 13, 2020, but it will now open at 25% capacity since Monterey County entered the California’s red tier several weeks ago.
The general public may visit starting May 15, with ticket sales opening May 5 at 9am PST. Members have been able to reserve tickets and visit since May 1.
Tickets cost $49.95 for adults, $39.95 for youth and seniors, $34.95 for children 12 and under, and there’s free entrance for children 4 and under.
The Monterey Aquarium has outlined some new changes to keep with Covid-19 restrictions and keep guests safe:
- Ticket reservations in advance for scheduled entry date and time.
- Face coverings that cover mouth and nose are required at all times.
- There is a one-way path to follow throughout the Aquarium, and re-entry is not permitted.
- Guests must stay 6 feet apart.
- Guests that feel sick may reschedule tickets for another day.
- Hand sanitizing stations are located throughout the Aquarium.
- You may order food online from the Aquarium’s cafe during your visit. Dining area has extra space to maintain distance between groups.
- The Aquarium is continuously cleaned throughout the day.
- Fresh air circulation has been increased, along with a positive air pressure system.
- Volunteers and employees are available throughout the Aquarium and on open-air ocean view decks to enforce social distancing rules.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium has also released a video detailing these new safety measures so guests know what to expect when reserving their visit:
The Monterey Bay Aquarium opened in 1984 and was the first to exhibit a living kelp forest. It’s known for displaying animals native to the Monterey Bay and beyond, including jellyfishes, octopuses, sea otters, penguins, sharks, and more. The Aquarium has over 80,000 animals and plants representing more than 1,700 species. They also support many initiatives to decrease plastic pollution, promote sustainable seafood, fight climate change, and preserve California’s ocean ecosystems.
The Aquarium will be open to the general public from 10:30am-5pm except for Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and it is expected to open daily starting in June. Visit the Aquarium at 886 Cannery Row in Monterey.
Learn more at the Monterey Bay Aquarium website.
[Featured Image: @montereybayaquarium via Instagram]