Among the many attractions of San Francisco’s waterfront is the Aquarium of the Bay at Pier 39.
This popular destination for visitors to the city by the bay showcases the marine life of the San Francisco Bay and surrounding waters.
Known for its diversity of maritime species, the aquarium is a great way for adults and children alike to learn more about the bay’s animals and their habitats while enjoying their natural beauty.
The Aquarium of the Bay has three main sections. The largest, Under the Bay, consists of nearly a hundred metres of underwater tunnels which allow visitors to get close to the colourful marine wildlife of California, including seven different species of shark.
The Discover the Bay exhibit showcases individual species such as the moray eel, the pipefish, and California’s state marine fish, the Garibaldi.
The final section, Touch the Bay, allows visitors to touch sea life such as bat rays, leopard sharks and sea stars. This section is particularly popular with younger visitors.
The aquarium’s appeal is testified by the over 600,000 people who visit it every year, especially during the summer months, when the aquarium has the longest opening hours: from 9 in the morning to 8 in the evening.
Tickets can always be purchased at Pier 39 and Pier 41, but to avoid queues or find special deals you’ll just need to have a look online, where reduction coupons are also available.