We had such a great time at Monterey Bay Aquarium!…read more The aquarium is absolutely beautiful, and there is so much to see. We especially loved the jellyfish, the huge fish in the massive tanks, and the incredible ocean exhibits. One of my favorite areas was the immersive display where you can stand behind the glass with water flowing above you -- it feels like you're right inside the ocean! And here's a great tip if you have a SNAP/CalFresh EBT card: the Aquarium participates in the Museums for All program. You can visit for FREE with a valid EBT card and matching photo ID, and the benefit includes up to 3 additional guests. Even better -- there is NO limit on how many times you can use this benefit. So yes, you can come back again and again! You also get 10% off at the Aquarium Café. The café is surprisingly large, and we really enjoyed the food -- lots of fresh, healthy options and a great place to take a break during your visit. We visited on a Monday and it was still quite busy, but honestly, the exhibits were so impressive that the crowds didn't stop us from enjoying the experience. Definitely a place we would love to visit again!

Honestly, it is very expensive and they dont have very many animals. The aquarium in Newport, KY is…read morebetter. It's in a beautiful location-which you can enjoy for free. Ok for kids, but I wouldn't go again.

While the exhibits were well maintained, the aquarium itself was rather small…read more Admission was $31 for adults and there were few discounts available unless you qualified as a senior or used the Museum For All pass, which reduced admission to $5. There wasn't much foot traffic when we arrived at opening, and the employees were efficient from check in through the gift shop. We finished the entire aquarium in about 45 minutes. The entrance opened into a large tank filled with plump schools of sardines. A few additional exhibits led into the photo area. The souvenir photos came out crisp, though it was amusingly obvious that we had been photoshopped onto grainy animal backdrops. Interestingly, the path then led outdoors to the next exhibit area, guided by chalk markings on the ground. There were five species of jellyfish displayed in beautifully illuminated tanks before entering a surrounding glass tunnel featuring sharks, rays, and a variety of fish. There were occasional shark presentations, though I was disappointed there wasn't a designated seating area. Everyone awkwardly stood off to the side while trying to listen to the educational talk. Fortunately, the sharks themselves were active and impressive to watch. The final section featured a stingray touch tank. Surprisingly, there wasn't an easily accessible hand washing station immediately afterward. The turtles were active, the snakes were peacefully lounging, and although there weren't many otters, they appeared healthy, sleek, and well cared for. Ironically, the gift shop was the most well stocked with a wide variety of souvenirs. The photo package cost $35 and included a magnet. Despite what some reviews suggested, it never became crowded during our visit, so arriving near opening seems to be the best strategy. This makes for a pleasant addition to a day exploring San Francisco, especially given its convenient location near the pier. However, I wouldn't visit expecting an experience comparable to some of the country's more renowned aquariums.

For children or a rainy day activity, this was a nice aquarium. As an adult, I spent only 30…read moreminutes without reading many placards, and 1/3 of the time was spent waiting for the elevator to get to the different levels. I didn't see any stairs as an option. I had an aquarium pass through my Go City pass and after the North Beach tour (also included in the Go City pass) that ended at Pier 39, I thought going to the aquarium would nice since it was "free," as opposed to $30.48 for an adult. The underwater tunnels were nice, and I really enjoyed the touch tank to touch a purple sea anemone. I have never touched on in the wild, and after asking the staff a stupid of question of whether it stings or not (duh, likely not since it is in a touch tank), I put my finger out. No sting but the sea anemone grips your finger with the tip of its tentacles and it is like scotch tape. I hope it doesn't hurt the anemone when we pull our finger away. The water looked clean, but I got to wonder with all those unwashed fingers and hands going in the tank. The sea otter exhibit was cute if you could catch them when they swam. The aquarium was small enough that no one would get too tired walking through it. The wait for the elevators on a non-busy weekday detracted from the visit. There should be staff directing patrons to stairs if they prefer, then the visit would have been fine for me. On the bottom floor for the first elevator after the jelly fish, there was a photographer to take pictures before you can get to the elevator. Even if you don't want a picture, you have to wait for the elevator. It was not a busy time for the aquarium but the lines and wait for the elevators detracted from the experience. I didn't notice dirty or unwell fish, since that would have made me sad. Compared with the California Academy of Sciences aquarium on the lower level, this aquarium was quieter. The Academy of Sciences aquarium's wall size aquariums reflected the excited children's voice and loud adult voices to a point it that it was noise overload and combined with the dark, blue, low ceilings contributed to a claustrophobic effect.

Adj: marvelous marine center…read more This is the UC Santa Cruz's marine research center. We've been here several times, but I keep forgetting to write a review. It's a gem, maybe I'm secretly and subconsciously gatekeeping, who knows lol. Anyways on this latest visit, only the little one wanted to go with me so the two of us had some mom and son bonding time. We both had a great time, we share a same fascination with natural wonders and laugh at silly things, so it was a terrific time. Most of marine center looks about the same, but they added and changed some things. We looked at the long timers in their aquarium tanks and enjoyed and marveled at how interesting and unique they look and took lots of pictures of them. We also spent a good amount of time learning about the sea creatures in the touch tanks area where you're allowed to gently touch sea stars, sea urchins, anemones, and sea snails, as well as non animals like sea weed, (empty) shark eggs. All fascinating! Afterwards, we went out to the back and this time there were no tours to join, so we just walked along the trail and enjoyed looking out at the Pacific Ocean, at the native plants growing all over, and listened to the waves crashing against the rocks. Overall, another lovely visit to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, and a wonderful time of bonding for my son and me as we discovered and discussed the various different marine creatures who call this place home. Please check out my pictures to include the gift shop ones.

Keep it Reel Marine…read moreScience Center is run by the University of California Santa Cruz (UCSC) and is located right on campus. They focus on the education of ocean research and the conservation of our oceans. The Good: * Good place to bring young kids as it's not very large, and you can see the whole thing in way less than two hours. * One-mile loop trail along the UCSC campus if you want to add a little hike to your visit. * Guided tours available, as well as self-guided. * Hands-on experiences--they currently even have a shark in the touch tank! * Picnic areas outside with an ocean view. * The whale skeleton outside is pretty "bitchin'." * EV charging available. * Bike rack. * Buy tickets online or at the door. * Very affordable at $12/adult and $9/student. The Meh: * Hours and days change depending on the season. The Ugly: * Paid parking during the week, but free on weekends. Conclusion: Great little museum located right on the coast, but don't expect it to be an all-day affair.

If you are looking for quality healthy gold fish, House Goldfish is the place to go. Binh and the…read moreteam have the best in town.

Binh was amazing he explained clearly and patiently on the difference of species of gold fish he…read morehad and guided us in getting the fish which we needed. He has an amazing collection of gold fishes. Highly suggest this place and Binh for getting fancy gold fishes

Great freshwater shrimp variety. The prices are the best in the San jose area too! Every time I…read moreneed to get some quality shrimp, this is the place I hit up.

Line: none Parking: lot in front…read moreService: nice Came here looking for shrimp and plants - they have both. They have a great selection of fish as well. And their betta fish are not in cups. Note the plants are not labeled and would have to ask the staff.

Thank you to my sister for planning a day full of fun and swimming for our family's kiddos!!…read moreLocated in Newark, Silliman Activity and Family Aquatic Center seems to have it all. This community center has an indoor water park, fitness center, and aquatic program offerings for people of all ages. Our visit primarily surrounded the 32,000 sq ft water center. This water center consists of a lap pool, a kiddy activity pool, a 15 person jacuzzi, and a lazy river. Unfortunately, the jacuzzi and lazy river was closed during out visit this past weekend. Fees are required for each person entering the pool area- regardless of whether they decide to swim or not. Bathing suits are required to enter the pool with the exception of a t-shirt worn over a swimsuit. No outside food or drinks, aside from bottled water, is allowed. With that said, food|snack offerings through Ollie's Poolside Cafe. The menu consists of hot dogs, chicken nuggets, tater tots, fries, nachos, and soft serve. Seating is first come first serve but there is plenty to go around. My sister was kind enough to plan for a group cabana space for an additional fee which is highly recommended on busier days where seating could be scarce. Highlights of choosing Silliman: *The facility is super clean *Showers and changing rooms are spacious *Parking is free *Admission is affordable *Water is heated *Events & Parties Reservations accepted 5/5 stars. This was fun for our entire family!! So much fun that I may look into celebrating an event of my own here.

I will give this place 4 stars for now. I will just write from what I saw and what i experience at…read morethis place. Facility was clean. Friendly staff. We came here for a birthday party. They rented a room away from the swim area. We thought we was here for the swimming. Lol but it was okay for us not to swim. We still had fun at the party. You can just a drop in for the swim activities for $13. Which is not bad. No food allowed in the swim area. You bring food but you have to eat at the lobby area which is not alot of seating area. Barely to none to seat on. I will do a follow-up review when we visit this establishment again.

I have gotten to know James, the owner of Aqua Bonsai, over the last 4 years - and I feel very…read morethankful for the knowledge he has taught me and for the wonder and harmony of life that he has brought into my home with his fish tanks. I have my own little fresh water eco-systems where I can watch photosynthesis takes place - and share this miracle with children and adults who are entranced by these lovely tanks James is amazing in so many ways. He is kind, responsible, extremely knowledgeable - and he is brilliant when it comes to setting up a fresh water fish tank! He has done this work for years and he knows so much about the right soil, the plants, the best water to use, how to keep your tank algae free - plus he teaches you how you can maintain your tank without having to put in that much effort. Also, when you need help, you can hire him - and he brings everything you need to keep your tank in the best condition - so pure and clear and beautiful! You can watch him work and learn from his soft-spoken knowledge - or you can go about your work as he gently clips and plants and cares for your tank. I have a large fish tank James has helped me maintain for four years - and I also purchased a bonsai tank from him that I have in my office. You can see what his bonsai tanks look like by going to his Aqua Bonsai site or you can visit his home - where you can see the variety of lovely tanks that you can purchase - or you can ask him to design a tank that's just right for you like I did. His prices are very good. James has truly earned my respect over time - and I give him the highest recommendation. Linda Skerbec

Love their products and the customer service is superb! For the past 6 years, James maintains both…read moremy office and home fish tanks periodically. He's very easy to work with and always teach me how to take care the tank and fishes with his new techniques. Highly recommended!