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Monterey Bay Aquarium - Site # 140
Explore Monterey Bay, one of the richest marine regions of the world, in this unique aquarium housing nearly 200 galleries and habitat exhibits, and 35,000 animals and plants
	Premium - the most significant sites, worth visiting if you have limited time. Premium sites have high wildlife values year-round, staff on site, interpretive programs and/or displays, and well-developed facilities.
Background:	One of the world's great aquariums, home to nearly 200 galleries and habitat exhibits, and 35,000 animals and plants, most native to Monterey Bay. The Outer Bank wing features open-ocean animals, including a million-gallon indoor ocean that's home to schooling tuna, ocean sunfish, barracuda, green sea turtles, and -- occasionally -- the only white sharks on exhibit in the world. The nearby Drifters gallery is the largest display of delicate jellyfishes anywhere. The Ocean's Edge galleries feature coastal marine life, including a three-story Kelp Forest. Sea water is circulated from the bay through the Kelp Forest, where schools of fishes and occasional divers move amoung the swaying kelp canopy. A wide range of nearshore bay habitats are explored at the 326,00-gallon Monterey Bay Habitat exhibit. Rocky Shore exhibits feature anemone and limpet-encrusted rock, and a walk-through wave crash tunnel. Nearby, shorebirds stroll dunes and beaches in the Aviary. Southern sea otters dive and tumble in a 55,000-gallon, two-story exhibit with underwater views, life-size replicas of other marine mammals hang overhead. Touch pools invite visitors to feel everythng from decorator crabs to bat rays. Outdoor decks wrap overlook Monterey Bay and wrap around the Great Tide Pool, offering views of passing pinnipeds, whales, sea otters and seabirds. Monterey Bay, is one of the richest marine regions in the world, and has been designated a National Marine Sanctuary.
	An exhbit of the historic Hovden Cannery -- the largest sardine cannery on Cannery Row and the last to close. Volunteer guides interpret marine life and exhibits throughout the aquarium. Auditorium programs highlight deep-sea research, sea otters and other marine life.
The Experience:	The aquarium introduces visitors from inland areas, and those who have never been below the surface of the water, to the abundant marine life found in Monterey Bay. It's a first step toward building a lasting connection with the natural world -- one that can be a gateway to other experiences in nature around Monterey Bay and along the California coast.
Viewing Tips:	Excellent year-round viewing of marine life in Monterey Bay from the aquarium decks, universally accessible. Street parking, parking lots. Seasonal shuttle service.
Site Notes:	The mission of the Monterey Bay Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the oceans. Living exhbiits of Monterey Bay marine life, with special exhibitions of marine life from around the world, forge deep connections between visitors and the ocean environment
Festivals & Events:	Free admission offered (by reservation) for visiting school groups Variety of fairs and festivals throughout the San
Viewing Site Hours of Operation are:
Staff On-site:	Yes
Open:	Everday
Hours:	10-6 daily, 9:30-6 summer and holidays
Year Round:	Yes
Seasonal:	Closed December 25
Road Information:	Paved.
	Road Hazards:
	Number of Parking Spaces: 0
	Parking Fee:
	Proximity to viewing area:
	Pull-Through Parking:
	Parking Notes:
How to Get There:	From the north on Hwy 1, look for the Monterey Bay Aquarium exit sign in Monterey. Follow the brown Monterey Bay Aquarium directional signs to Del Monte Ave. On Del Monte, stay in the right two lanes past Fisherman's Wharf then through the tunnel to Foam St. Continue to follow the brown directional signs to Cannery Row parking and the aquarium From south, there are two choices 1. From Hwy 1, look for the Monterey Bay Aquarium exit sign in Monterey. Follow the brown Monterey Bay Aquarium directional signs to Del Monte Ave. On Del Monte, stay in the right two lanes past Fisherman's Wharf then through the tunnel to Foam St. Continue to follow the brown directional signs to Cannery Row parking and the aquarium 2.Exit Hwy 1 at Hwy 68 West/Pacific Grove. Continue 4 miles to David Ave., then turn right and follow David Ave. to the end. You'll see the aquarium and signs for parking on Cannery Row.
Contact Information
Managing Agency:	Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation
Agency Site URL:	http://www.montereybayaquarium.org
Physical Address:	886 Cannery Row Monterey, CA 93940	Agency 2:	886 Cannery Row Monterey, CA 93940
Manager Phone:
Site Phone:	(408) 648-4888
County:	Monterey
Addition Website: