According to their website, it is the mission of the Monterey Bay Aquarium to inspire conservation of the oceans. This includes both the marine creatures, as well as the various forms of marine plant life. The building in which the Monterey Aquarium is located was once a sardine cannery. The architectural firm Esherick Homsey Dodge and Davis re-designed the building, which opened as The Monterey Aquarium on October 20th, 1984. The initial financial support for the aquarium came from David Packard, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard. Packard actually created some of the aquarium exhibits at his forge in Big Sur. Julie Packard; his marine biologist daughter is currently the CEO of the Monterey Aquarium.
The Sea Otter Research and Conservation program is perhaps one of the most popular projects and exhibits at the Monterey Aquarium. Plagued by disease and parasites, these lovable, teddy bear like creatures were placed on the endangered species list in 1977. Many people visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium for the sea otters alone. Although it’s tempting, don’t fall too deeply in love with any particular sea otter. It is the goal of the Monterey Aquarium to return the sea otters to the water.
The Outer Bay Exhibit also draws many visitors. This one million gallon aquarium is one of the largest aquarium windows in the world. It features marine life that is unique to the Monterey Coastal area.
Other conservation projects performed by the Monterey Aquarium include Understanding White Sharks, Revealing Tuna Secrets, Saving the Seahorses and tagging of Pacific Pelagics. In addition to the conservation projects, the Monterey Aquarium has some exciting exhibits, such as the Kelp Forest, the Giant Octopus, the Sandy Shore and Aviary Exhibit, and the Rocky Shore Exhibit. Families will enjoy the interactive Splash Zone exhibit at the Monterey Aquarium.
If you are searching for a discount to Monterey Bay Aquarium, there are a number of ways to go about finding one. Some hotels, such as the charming Centrella Inn on the Monterey Peninsula have special packages that include a discount to Monterey Bay Aquarium. Even the chain hotels, such as the Comfort Inn Carmel Hill and the Comfort Inn Munras offer a discount to Monterey Bay Aquarium. Certain organization offer coupons for Monterey Bay Aquarium. For example, active military or retired military personnel can obtain coupons for Monterey Bay Aquarium by going to military.com.
Although Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets are available at the door, keep in mind that there may be very long lines during the busy seasons. It’s best to purchase Monterey Bay Aquarium tickets online, or get your coupons for Monterey Bay Aquarium through the hotels. Purchasing your Monterey Bay Aquairium tickets in advance will give you more time to enjoy your Monterey vacation.
