Aquarium of the Pacific – The Ocean and its Ecosystem

 
Aquarium of the Pacific is one of the most phenomenal attractions in Long Beach California. It is located along the beautiful Rainbow Harbour and it is home to a spectacular 11000 and more different marine animals. 
 
There are three main galleries that showcase the three distinct parts of the Pacific Ocean and their unique inhabitants. Here, you will also find outdoor exhibits which include fascinating interactive attractions such as the horseshoe crab touch lab, penguin habitat, etc. 
 
The aquarium is a learning experience for people of all age groups and it features a wide range of shows, events and learning programs. Pacific Visions, the Aquarium of the Pacific new wing, turns the focus on the impact of humans on the ocean world and how to deal with it. 
 
This awesome aquarium not only showcases the beauty of the underwater world but also helps in preserving and maintaining its ecological balance. 
 
The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is not just an aquarium. It is also a venue for several festivals, events and special programs held throughout the year. 
 

 

Why is visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific a must?

 

• A visit to the Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach is an entertainment and as well as an educational experience for everyone. It is a non-profit institution dedicated to the preservation and educational promotion of the world’s largest waterbody: the Pacific Ocean. 

 

• The Aquarium of the Pacific California has three main galleries – The Tropical Pacific Gallery which is the largest of the Aquarium of the Pacific exhibits 

 
The Baja Gallery that features the inhabitants of the areas that are found off the Catalina Coasts. 
 
The Northern Pacific Gallery that has a massive collection of sea jellies, otters and the largest species of the octopus in the world. 
 

• The exhibits in this aquarium are over 30 in number and are displayed in 19 different habitats. The Gulf of California exhibit has a fascinating array of animals such as garden eels, Cortez rainbow wrasses, yellowtail surgeonfish, King angelfish and many more.

 
This exhibit also focuses on the effects of human activities on the ecological system of the Gulf.
 

• The June Keyes Penguin Habitat gives you a chance to get up close to the Magellanic Penguins

 

• The Ocean Science Centre features a wide variety of multimedia exhibits that shows how the Earth has changed over time and the causes of these changes. 

 

• Interactive Exhibits – There are interactive exhibits outdoors that include the Shark Lagoon, Seal and Sea Lion Exhibit, Penguin Exhibit, The Lorikeet Forest and the Marine Life Theatre. 

 

• The Blue Cavern dive – Interact with divers in this massive three-storeyed tank as they clean and take care of the animals within the tank. 

 

• The Molina Animal Care Centre – Visit this fully equipped veterinary hospital where you can observe how the Aquarium of the Pacific animals are taken care of. The Centre also treats rescued animals which are brought to the Aquarium. 

 
The Centre also has a touch pool for the horseshoe crab as well as the sponge and coral exhibits in the aquarium. 
 

• The Ocean Exploration Gallery – This Gallery features the history of the Oceans and its explorations through the ages. The discoveries made during these explorations are represented through photographs, arts, films, videos and special exhibits of the aquarium.

 

• Free live shows – These free live shows are included in your Aquarium of the Pacific tickets. In these shows, you can interact with divers, learn how these animals are cared for, watch how staff interact with the otters, seals, sea lions and other animals, interactive learning programs for kids and so much more.

 

• Aquarium of the Pacific lessons and tours – These classes and tours include Aquarium of the Pacific virtual tours, audio tours, behind the scenes tours where children and visitors go to wet areas of the Aquarium, animal encounters and other learning adventures. 

 

• Annual Festivals at the Aquarium of the Pacific – Almost every month of the year the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach holds themed festivals and events. Some are held within the aquarium itself while others take up more space and are spread out around the Rainbow Harbour. 

 
If you visit during these festivals, they are included in your Aquarium of the Pacific cost. 
 

• Visit the sea jellies tank – Learn about these incredible creatures that do not have a heart, lungs or brain. Get a feel at the touch tanks for moon jellies.

 

• Whale watching and dolphin cruise – Board the Harbor Breeze Cruise and indulge in one of the most spectacular experiences; Aquarium of the Pacific whale watching. The tour goes on for 2 to 2.5 hours each. 

 

• The incredible story of the Southern California Steelhead – The Southern California Steelhead is one of the most unique Aquarium of the Pacific animals when it comes to adaptability and its importance in the local ecosystem. 

 
Learn about its uniqueness at this outdoor exhibit in the aquarium
 

Regular events and shows at the Aquarium of the Pacific

 
The events calendar of the aquarium is a full one and there are a number of virtual shows, interactive sessions, live cams, etc that are being released on a regular basis. Keep track of these events and shows through the official website’s events calendar.
 
Know more about the various events at the Aquarium of the Pacific from their official website
 

• There are regular virtual shows organized especially during this time of the pandemic so you can stay updated with all the activities of your favorite animals and their activities. 

 
Some of the regular events include the Baja Splash Virtual Festival, Sea Fare Virtual Fundraiser, Virtual Southeast Asia Day and lots more. 
 

• Live Cams – Aquarium of the Pacific also runs live shows that are captured by the Aquarium of the Pacific live cams. Bring the Ocean to your home with these incredible live shows. 

 

Experiences at the Aquarium of the Pacific

 
A visit to this aquarium is an overwhelming, multi-sensory experience that is educational, fun, exciting, adventurous and spellbinding all at once. More than 50 exhibits showcase over 11000 different marine animals that inhabit the world’s largest ocean.
 

• A close encounter with the sharks and rays – Connect with the sharks and rays one to one basis and learn from the best what its like to take care of these incredible marine animals. 

 
These are two-hour tours which also include a behind the scenes tour. You not only get to feed and interact with these fascinating animals but you also get to go underwater with one of the larger sharks. 
 
You will need to book the tickets for this tour two weeks in advance and apply your Aquarium of the Pacific membership discount to get a good deal. 
 

• Meet and feed the sea otters – Learn all about this amazing animal from the badger family with a meet the otters’ tour at the aquarium. The tour tells you about the otter’s diet and lets you feed the Aquarium of the Pacific otters from a hole in a glass wall. 

 

• The Shark Lagoon touch pool- Here you can get up close with 150 of these majestic creatures of the sea and even touch some of them. Not all though!

 

• Feed the beautiful rainbow lorikeets – The Lorikeet forest has over 100 lorikeets that eagerly wait for the tiny cups of nectar that you can use to feed them. 

 

• Aquarium of the Pacific Harbor tour – Indulge in a 45-minute narrative cruise along the Long Beach and Los Angeles Harbors. These tours will take you past ports where you get to view ships from across the world. You will also get a glimpse of sea lions in large groups.

 

• Aquarium of the Pacific Night Dive – the Night dive is one of the most popular Aquarium of the Pacific events and its a lively adults-only event where popular bands perform and there are art shows, exhibitions, food trucks and lots of festivities. 

 
You can also take a dive in one of the tanks along with the experts. But you will need certification for this activity. 
 

• Special programs for toddlers and children – this aquarium in Long Beach is famous for its wide variety of activity-based programs for toddlers, children, teens and families. 

 

• Behind the scenes tours – Visitors get to go above the largest exhibit, the Tropical Reef and to feed the fish. The tour also gives an insight on how the Aquarium works right from the process of water filtration to caring for the animals living in the Aquarium. 

 

Animal Encounters at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach

 
There are plenty of exciting encounters that you can enjoy at this aquarium such as petting a sea lion, play ball with a penguin, pet a shark or feed the otters. Every animal encounter is a learning experience that is enriching and exciting.
 
Meet the Penguins – Enjoy a private hangout with the Penguins at the aquarium. Play ball with one of them or let them waddle around you. There are 22 Magellanic Penguins at the aquarium and you can sign up for these encounters to enjoy some one on one time with these magnificent creatures.
 
Meet the Aquarium of the Pacific Octopus – Learn about these amazing inhabitants of the ocean world and interact with an octopus. It is a one hour tour and available for visitors from the age of 7 and up.
 
Experience a close encounter with Sharks – Get up close with the sharks, learn about these gigantic and most misunderstood fish. During these encounters, you will be visiting all the shark exhibits as well as watch as food is being prepared for them. 
 
You can also visit the behind the scene areas and feed some of the sharks.
 
Feed the otters – Meet the Aquarium of the Pacific otters and get the chance to feed them in these exciting encounters. Otters belong to the badger family and get quite aggressive, hence you will be interacting with them through an opening on a protective glass window. 
 
Manta Ray interactions – Feed and interact with Manta rays as they swim around you. Learn about their feeding habits and other details. Tickets for these encounters are priced at $350 each for a non-member and $330 each for members.
 
Get up close with the seals and sea lions – Enjoy an exciting morning with the seals and the sea lions before the Aquarium opens for the public. Enjoy an uninterrupted view of the seals and sea lions from the amphitheatre as they are fed their morning meal and get daily check-ups done. 
 
Feed the Lorikeets – Visit the Lorikeet Forest and feed cups of nectar to the beautiful rainbow Lorikeets. These incredibly beautiful winged animals are on the endangered species list and the Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach is trying to promote knowledge about these birds to revive the species. 
 

Overnight Adventure at the Aquarium of the Pacific

 
If you or your child have always harbored the wish to stay at an aquarium overnight then get ready to fulfil this wish with a stay at the Aquarium of the Pacific at night. This nightly adventure includes craftworks, hands-on activities, a pizza dinner, snacks, breakfast as well as an overnight T-shirt. 
 
The timings are from 5 pm to 7 am the next morning. This requires a minimum 20 person reservation at $90 per person. 
 
School Overnights program – Through this program children from the 3rd to 12th grade can spend the night at the aquarium and enjoy some hands-on activities, learn about the maintenance of the Aquarium and the incredible animals that live here, games and craft activities. 
 
Timing is from 5 PM to 7 AM the next day. For every 10 students, there is one Aquarium of the Pacific free admission for the chaperone.
 
Night photography – If you are a professional photographer or you want to get great photographs of all the exhibits with no crowds around, then book your Aquarium of the Pacific tickets for the Photographer’s only night. 
 
The tickets are priced at $31.95 each for members and $34.95 each for non-members.
 

Virtual Tours at the Aquarium of the Pacific LA

 
Social distancing being the norm everywhere now, virtual tours of our favourite places are the best way to visit them. The Aquarium of the Pacific virtual tour offers you the opportunity to bring the whole  Aquarium to your home. 
 
You can watch what your favourite animals are up to with the Aquarium of the Pacific live cam. The Online Learning Center offers lessons as well as Aquarium of the Pacific pictures of all the animals and their enthralling activities.
 

Special events planned at the Aquarium of the Pacific

 

• Events – The aquarium’s events calendar is packed all year round with shows both virtual and real. There are special events for children, adults, corporates, festivals and so much more. Annual special programs like the Baja Splash Virtual Festival, Seniors’ Day, etc. 

 

• Summer Camp – Aquarium of the Pacific summer camp is being organized as a virtual platform this year keeping in mind the pandemic. The summer camp is being organized in collaboration with the Aquarium of the Pacific Online Academy program. 

 
These are free programs and each session is an hour long. 
 

• Homeschool Holiday – Join homeschool families, networks and students on Aquarium of the Pacific homeschool days. Children learn through hands-on activities, virtual tours, experiments and discovery.

 
This is a free tour for those with Aquarium of the Pacific membership. 
 
Even if you miss the homeschool holiday, you can still avail the Aquarium of the Pacific discount group rates by booking in advance for a group of minimum 10 people. For a theatre or classroom program, you need a minimum of 20 people for group rates. 
 
Cost of the tickets is $7 per participant for non-members.
 

• Spend your special day at the Aquarium of the Pacific – The spectacular backdrop of the aquarium is great for some personal events such as weddings, picnics, meetings, birthday parties, proms and many other special events. 

 
An Aquarium of the Pacific wedding would definitely spell unique and one of a kind theme for your special day. To top it off, the wedding professionals at the Aquarium will ensure you have a memorable day. 
 

• Volunteer programs at the Aquarium of the Pacific – The aquarium has several volunteer programs and internships that are organized for all age groups. As an Aquarium of the Pacific volunteer, you get the opportunity to work closely with the unique animals at the Aquarium and it can be one of the most life-changing experiences. 

 

• The special Aquarium of the Pacific VolunTEEN program is specially meant for high school students between the age of 14 to 16 and offered three times a year. It is an 80-hour program and the volunteers are selected after a very rigorous selection procedure. 

 
The training program is equally extensive and teaches about the Aquarium, its inhabitants and the habitat which the VolunTEENs then interpret to the guests and visitors at the Aquarium. 
 
It is important to remember that volunTEENs do not take care nor train the animals at the Aquarium. 
 

• Special internships – The Aquarium of the Pacific internship program is offered in the Spring, Summer and Fall and the applications can be sent all year round.

 
Applicants can pick from various internship programs such as Aquarist internship, Education internship, Development internship, Green Sustainability internship, Audio Visual internship and lots more. 
 

Shopping at the Aquarium of the Pacific

 
The Aquarium of the Pacific store has a variety of things you can buy as souvenirs or memorabilia to remind you of your visit. There are several items that depict the exhibits, a collection of jewellery, toys and memorabilia that represents marine life, artworks done by local artists and artisans, etc. 
 
You can also use your Aquarium of the Pacific membership discount code while making the purchase if you are a member. 
 
The Aquarium of the Pacific gift shop also has environmentally friendly items made from recycled materials. 
 

Special packages  and discounts 

 

• The aquarium offers a wide range of special packages and discounts making its admission prices affordable for all kinds of visitors. 

 

• Aquarium of the Pacific aaa discount will give you a flat 20% off on tickets purchased from the AAA website or any of the Southern California Auto Club Branch. The date and time must be reserved and each visitor must carry the ticket and reservation confirmation to the entrance of the Aquarium.

 

• Discounts for military personnel – Avail the Aquarium of the Pacific military discount just by showing your ID at the ticket window and get $3 off on Adult ticket price and $1.5 off child admission. 

 

• Corporate Discounts – there are special discount programs for corporations in the form of Aquarium of the Pacific coupons with no extra costs to the company. 

 

• A free day at the Aquarium – Almost every Friday night there is the Aquarium of the Pacific free day. You can get close to the ultimate predators of the Ocean, the sharks at the Shark Lagoon and touch bamboo sharks and other small sharks as well as rays on Shark Lagoon Nights. 

 
There are live bands performing from 6:30 pm to 8:30pm as well. 
 

• Special discount for Teachers – Aquarium of the Pacific teacher discount is a special discount dedicated for teachers from Pre-K to 12, college teachers and professors and grade school support staff. This discount is applicable for the whole of March every year. 

 

• Membership discount – Enjoy amazing benefits and discounts on your Aquarium visits with our Aquarium of the Pacific membership discount. As a member, you can enjoy an unlimited number of visits to the Aquarium for the whole year, exclusive benefits as members and amazing discounts at the Aquarium store and gift shop, cafe, etc. 

 

Aquarium of the Pacific Admissions

 
The tickets to the aquarium can be easily purchased online or even from the ticket window at the Aquarium itself. If you are looking for group tickets or Aquarium of the Pacific discount tickets then there are several notable sites that offer excellent Aquarium of the Pacific deals.
 
General Admission tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific at the gate are priced at $34.95 for Adults, Kid ages 3-11 $24.95.  Experience packages are the best way to get discount tickets for Aquarium of the Pacific.
 
Additional ways to get Aquarium of the Pacific tickets cheap.
 
There are plenty of to her ways to get some of the best Aquarium of the Pacific deals on your tickets
 

• You can get a great deal with your Aquarium of the Pacific discount tickets Costco from the Costco & Ralphs Market. Check your local stores for updates.

 

• With the Aquarium of the Pacific promo code you can get up to 50% off on your Aquarium of the Pacific long beach tickets

 

• Skip the front entrance line with an Aquarium of the Pacific Groupon general admission ticket. 

 
Tips to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach
 

• To avoid crowds go early on weekends and after 2 PM on weekdays especially during the school year. 

 

• The show in the new wing, Pacific Visions Theatre is 180 degrees and may cause motion sickness for children or those who suffer from it. Pick the upper row seats if you have this problem.

 

• While travelling download the visitor’s app so that you can get an Aquarium of the Pacific map, the species identifier and daily schedule.

 

• Get Aquarium of the Pacific Goldstar tickets to get discounted tickets.

 

• If you are visiting Long Beach for the first time make sure you get directions to the Aquarium of the Pacific beforehand. 

 

• A great way to save big money on tickets is to visit the Aquarium of the Pacific in the evenings during summer as the Aquarium stays open till quite late. If you are late enough then you can get in at the general admission price of a child.

 

Where is the Aquarium of the Pacific?

 
Aquarium of the Pacific address  100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802, United States.
 
 If you are visiting from out of town then there are several hotels near Aquarium of the Pacific where you can stay which are within walking distance from the Aquarium. Just remember to take the directions to Aquarium of the Pacific before you leave. 
 

What time does the Aquarium of the Pacific open?

 
General operating hours of the aquarium are:-
 
Monday to Thursday – 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Friday to Sunday – 9:00 am to 8:00 pm
 
The Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach is open throughout the year except on  25th December, Christmas Day.
 
The Aquarium of the Pacific phone number for reservations and support is available on the official website. 
 
Dining at the Aquarium of the Pacific
 
Cafe Scuba is the Aquarium of the Pacific restaurant that serves a variety of snacks and meals that are environmentally friendly. The Cafe overlooks the Seal and Sea Lion Exhibit making it a great place to just relax with a snack or a meal. 
 
The Aquarium of the Pacific food promotes sustainable seafood and water in the future which reflects in their menu.
 
Aquarium of the Pacific yelp has great reviews about the food at Cafe Scuba as well as the ambience. 
 
Parking facilities at the Aquarium of the Pacific
 
Aquarium of the Pacific parking is available at $8 for the day with Aquarium validation and you can keep your car parked in the Aquarium premises while you visit nearby attractions
 
Aquarium of the Pacific jobs
 
Check availability of jobs at the aquarium on the official website or you can also visit the facility to enquire about jobs or internship programs. 
 

Learning and Research at the Aquarium of the Pacific

 

• The Molina Animal Care Centre – This fully equipped Veterinary hospital organizes interactive kiosks to teach children about how the clinic works and how animals are treated here. 

 

• Online Academy – The Aquarium of the Pacific online academy is offering an online educational program that also includes fun and entertaining activities for the public during this time of closure and quarantine. 

 
This program includes videos and interactive live sessions with the Aquarium educators. Programs will be aired live each day and target students of all age groups from kindergarten to twelfth grade. 
 
The Aquarium of the Pacific online academy will keep updating the list of programs accordingly. 
 

• An online academy for Adults – The aquarium’s online academy is also putting up courses for adults where they will be conducting sessions on climate change, Seafood for the Future and the entire series of guest speakers and lectures by experts that visit the aquarium.

 
 All these videos are available on the Aquarium of the Pacific youtube channel. There will also be a series of the Aquarium of the Pacific live streaming videos that will show updates on the animals at the Aquarium and their activities. 
 

Aquarium of the Pacific Jobs

 
The aquarium in Long Beach offers several internship programs which can lead to promising careers in the field of marine science, environmental science and lots more. Follow the updates on the official website on the latest openings. 
 
You can also call the Aquarium of the Pacific for volunteering to learn what are the demands of working with these incredible marine animals.  
 

Other attractions near the Aquarium of the Pacific

 
There are all kinds of attractions near the aquarium to keep both children and adults entertained. Some of these attractions are:-
 

• Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center

 

• International City Theatre

 

• Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach

 

• The Queen Mary

 

• Rainbow Lagoon Park

 

• The Pike Ferris Wheel

 

• Laugh Factory

 

• Sgt Pepper’s Duelling Piano Cafe

 

• Shoreline Village

 

• The Terrace Theatre

 

Restaurants near the Aquarium of the Pacific

 

• Gladstone’s Long Beach

 
This is a seafood and American restaurant located quite close to the Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach. 
 

• P.F. Chang’s

 
This restaurant is famous for its Asian food that is handcrafted and freshly prepared on a daily basis. 
 

• Queensview SteakHouse

 
This upscale restaurant is located on the third floor of Parker’s Lighthouse and serves a delectable selection of South Californian cuisine such as Prime Steak, grilled fish, lobster, etc.
 

• L’Opera

 
This is one of the best Italian restaurants near the aquarium famous for its classic and modern take on Italian cuisine. They are famous for their homemade ravioli, pasta, sauces, breads and desserts. 
 

• Alegría Cocina Latina

 
This restaurant is famous for its Latin American cuisine. There is also live entertainment as well as events held at the restaurant during weekends.
 

Hotels near the Aquarium of the Pacific

 
If you are visiting Long Beach California and looking for a convenient Aquarium of the Pacific hotels, you will be spoilt for choices. There are several starred as well as budget hotels that are at a walking distance from the Aquarium of the Pacific.
 

• Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, Downtown Long Beach

 
Located in Downtown Long Beach, this is an upscale hotel about 0.7 miles from the aquarium. It is a convenient chic hotel right in the heart of the city with all basic amenities and facilities. 
 
The property has an in-house restaurant, a heated outdoor swimming pool, an exercise room and free wifi. 
 

• Renaissance Long Beach Hotel

 
This is one of the most conveniently located 4-star hotels near the Aquarium of the Pacific fitted with some of the best urban amenities and facilities. 
 
It is just a convenient 7-minute stroll from the aquarium and the property has a swimming pool, in-house restaurants, cafe and lounge, meeting space, banquet hall, etc. 
 

• Hotel Royal

 
This is a modern budget hotel about 0.7 miles from the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. All safety measures are in place in tandem with the current pandemic conditions. 
 
The hotel has all basic amenities in place including laundry and housekeeping services, a 24-hour front desk, free wifi, etc. 
 

• Hyatt Regency Long Beach

 
This hotel is located at a convenient 0.3 miles from the aquarium. This is a wonderful 4-star hotel featuring elegantly furnished rooms with free wifi. Amenities include an outdoor pool, fitness centre and business centre.
 

• Residence Inn by Marriott Long Beach

 
This is an elegant hotel about 1.3 miles from the Aquarium of the Pacific. The property has wonderfully furnished rooms as well as an outdoor pool, an open air restaurant, a fitness centre and free wifi among other amenities. 
 

Conclusion

 
The Aquarium of the Pacific Long Beach is a world of incredible marine animals that are waiting to be discovered, myths to be unlearned and minds to be opened. This awe-inspiring place is not just an aquarium but a learning ground that teaches humanity the importance of conservation and coexistence. 
 
The Aquarium of the Pacific new wing, Pacific Visions is a massive eye-opener that stresses on the impact of human actions on the balance of the ecological system. 
 
It gives a platform for young minds to learn about the lifeforms in the Oceans and gives them an opportunity to work up close with the incredible marine animals. 
 
There is so much that this aquarium has to offer besides being just a large and beautiful fish tank.