Aquarium of the Bay puts the full depth of San Francisco Bay on display across a series of immersive exhibits at the iconic Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf. Home to more than 20,000 aquatic animals, the aquarium is built around the unique ecosystem of the bay itself, showcasing species that live in these waters year-round. The centerpiece of the experience is the walk-through tunnel system, where sharks, bat rays, and dense schools of anchovies move all around and overhead.

The Bay Lab touch experience gives guests of all ages a chance to interact directly with sea stars, anemones, bat rays, and small sharks, with naturalists nearby to answer questions and guide every encounter. For animal lovers, the four North American river otters are a perennial highlight. On average, a full walk-through of all exhibits takes about 90 minutes, and daily programs can extend the experience further. As a non-profit institution, Aquarium of the Bay also carries Smithsonian affiliation and is certified as a San Francisco Green Business, making the visit as meaningful as it is memorable.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: All age groups are welcome. Minors under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: Children 3 and under years old can join for free but need to be signed up at the time of reservation.
• Individuals with disabilities: The aquarium is mostly accessible. Wheelchairs are available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis (photo ID held during use).
• Languages: Audio guides available via QR codes throughout the aquarium in English, French, Italian, German, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin, and Spanish.
• Pets: No animals allowed on Pier 39, with the exception of service animals.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: Approximately 60 minutes to walk through all exhibits at an average pace. Scheduled presentations may add 10 to 20 minutes.
• What's included: General admission to all exhibits, including the walk-through tunnels, Bay Lab touch tanks, river otter habitat, and all permanent displays. Tickets are valid for the full day once redeemed.
• Who will be present: Interpretive naturalists are stationed throughout the aquarium and are available to answer questions and assist with hands-on encounters.
• Specific rules to follow: No outside food or drink permitted, except closed-top water bottles.

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: This is an indoor experience.
• Arrival: The aquarium is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM). Advance ticket purchase is recommended to avoid lines.
• Parking: No dedicated parking lot. SpotHero is recommended for advance parking reservations. Guests who dine at participating Pier 39 restaurants can receive validated parking from the Pier 39 Garage.
• What to bring: Closed-top water bottle (the only outside beverage permitted)
• Restrooms/lockers/changing rooms: Restrooms are available on site. No luggage or stroller storage is provided at the aquarium; guests should check with the San Francisco Welcome Center on the 2nd floor of Pier 39.

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for any other experience in our marketplace, free of charge, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 24 hours before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 24 hours in advance means losing the value of your experience.