Aquarium of the Bay Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Aquarium of the Bay. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• San Francisco CityPASS®

• Best of SF: Alcatraz Island, Ferry, & Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

• SF: Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Tour with Optional Sunset Tour

• Go City: San Francisco Explorer Pass: Choose 2 to 5 Things To Do

• San Francisco Pass: Save Up to 50% – Includes Big Bus Tours

General admission to the Aquarium of the Bay costs US$30.48, while reduced-price tickets cost US$26.24 for seniors and US$22 for children ages 4–12. Kids younger than 4 get in for free. You can also visit with the San Francisco CityPASS®, which costs US$90.

Yes, the Aquarium of the Bay is worth visiting, especially for families. Sharks, river otters, and more than 24,000 other California marine animals provide plenty for all ages to see, while kids enjoy interactive exhibits such as touch pools and a walk-through fish tunnel. Plus, the aquarium is located at Pier 39, which has plenty of waterside restaurants, a sea lion viewing area, and Fisherman's Wharf nearby to explore after your visit.

Per one customer who booked the Aquarium of the Bay General Admission Ticket, "No matter how many times I've been here, the experience is always like the first. This time [...] they were in the tanks, cleaning. The divers waved at us, and showed how they clean the tanks and feed the sharks. The jelly fish exhibit is my absolute favorite. I can spend hours there. And the staff are so amazing. They have wheelchairs available and you can bring a cane/walker. If you're checking this place out, and have kids, or just love ocean life, this is the place for you!"

Walking at an average pace, you can see the entire Aquarium of the Bay—meaning all the exhibits—in San Francisco in about 90 minutes. Attending a scheduled presentation, such as an otter-viewing party, can add 10–20 minutes to that time, but you can split up your aquarium visit with in-and-out privileges.

The Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco is mostly accessible—visitors using wheelchairs need to take an elevator to the main entrance on the second floor. The aquarium also has wheelchairs that guests can borrow by leaving a photo ID on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Yes, you can bring backpacks inside San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay; however, the aquarium is part of Pier 39, where all bags, backpacks, and purses are subject to inspection without advance notice. Also, the aquarium doesn't have storage for personal items such as backpacks, luggage, or strollers.

Yes, you should prebook admission tickets to the Aquarium of the Bay. While walk-up tickets can be purchased, it's best to secure your entry and avoid waiting in ticket-purchasing lines. The aquarium is one of the most popular attractions on Pier 39, which becomes full of tourists during summer and the holidays.

To avoid tourist crowds, skip a weekend visit, and go to the Aquarium of the Bay on a weekday, but remember that school groups sometimes visit during the week. You can also visit during an event like an otter-viewing party—check the aquarium’s event calendar on their website before your visit.

Yes, you can take pictures at the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco. The aquarium has some particularly photogenic sections, including two underwater tunnels. These tunnels contain about 700,000 gallons (265 million liters) of San Francisco Bay water and are home to sharks, rays, octopuses, and other marine life.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting the Aquarium of the Bay. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in San Francisco:

• Alcatraz

• Golden Gate Bridge

• San Francisco Bay

• Golden Gate Park

• Bay Bridge

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in San Francisco.