Business & Tech

Monterey Bay Aquarium Announces Reopening Plans

Find out when you might be able to snag tickets for one of California's most renowned, beloved aquariums.

The aquarium will reopen to the public May 5 for general admission.
The aquarium will reopen to the public May 5 for general admission. (© Monterey Bay Aquarium Photo by Randy Wilder)

MONTEREY BAY, CA — The Monterey Bay Aquarium will reopen May 15 following an unprecedented 13-month closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
New rules will be in effect for visitors, including online-only ticket sales, required face coverings and timed-entry.
All guests age 3 and older, as well as staff and volunteers, will be required to wear a face covering and follow appropriate physical distancing practices. The aquarium will also direct all foot traffic through the exhibit galleries along one-way paths, and it will no longer allow guests to reenter after they leave the aquarium following their visit.
The opening for the general public will follow a two-week period beginning May 1 where only members of the aquarium will be allowed.
Reservations can only be made through the aquarium's website at https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/.
Online reservations will be available beginning at 9 a.m. for the following dates:

  • April 26 for member reservations for visits between May 1 and June 30;
  • May 5 for general admission tickets for visits between May 15 and June 30;
  • June 1 for general admission tickets and member reservations for visits through July 15;
  • June 30 for general admission tickets and member reservations for visits through Sept. 6.

For the first two weeks, the aquarium will be open Thursdays through Mondays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will be closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Seven-day-a-week operations will resume starting Memorial Day Weekend.


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