Aquarium Of The Pacific

The animals of the Aquarium of the Pacific are looking forward to welcoming you back! Take a journey of discovery at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach. Discover sunny Southern California and Baja, the frigid waters of the Northern Pacific, and the colorful reefs of the Tropical Pacific.

Boasting more than 100 exhibits and 19 major habitats, a visit to the aquarium is entertaining and educational in equal measure. You’ll come face-to-face with and even touch the ocean’s ultimate predators in Shark Lagoon, hand-feed colourful lorikeet birds, and watch the Magellanic Penguins play. You’ll also learn about how to conserve and help these fascinating animals and our planet.

What's more, you'll discover Pacific Visions where you explore underwater realms and learn about our oceans. The centerpiece, Honda Pacific Visions Theatre, plays two films throughout the day with multisensory effects. The theatre houses a massive 180-degree curved screen and floor projection disc. You and your fellow viewers will have your full range of vision encompassed, creating a uniquely immersive experience, which is further enhanced by extra special effects such as seat rumblers.

Aquarium of the Pacific exhibits:

Sea Otter Habitat – watch these energetic animals tumble and play as you discover facts about their natural habitat through a host of interactive games. Learn all about their eating habits, kelp forests (where sea otters are most commonly found), conservation issues facing these curious creatures and much more.

Tropical Pacific – With over 1,000 species of colourful, iridescent fish and beautifully vibrant coral, a wander through this gallery is like stepping inside a kaleidoscope. Sea turtles, zebra and blacktip reef sharks, porcupine puffers, and a large blue humphead wrasse are just some of a huge array of sea creatures on show here. They even have a collection of sea dragons: hard to spot, these beauties delicately drift through seaweed beds with what is quite possibly the best camouflage in the underwater kingdom.

Jellies – these see-through marvels are mysterious and fascinating inhabitants of the ocean. Find out more about the important role they play and their long history on the planet – 500 million years to be exact.

June Keyes Penguin Habitat – get up close to twenty Magellanic penguins, explore their habitat, and learn about their issues surviving in the wild. Check out the crawl-in space and you’ll feel like you’re right in the habitat with them.

Lorikeet Forest – this Aquarium of the Pacific exhibit will transport you to Australia where you’ll be surrounded by these beautiful multi-coloured birds. Find out more about their habitat and feeding habits in this 5,400-square-foot outdoor aviary. If you’re lucky you may even get one to rest on your arm – or head.

Shark Lagoon – these creatures from the deep are a highlight of this aquarium. You’ll come nose-to-nose with sand tigers, white tip and zebra sharks, and even stroke bamboo and epaulet sharks in the shallow touch pools.

Pacific Visions - journey inside the stunning glass building to experience a state-of-the-art immersive theatre, interactive art installations, multimedia displays, live animal exhibits, and more

Molina Animal Care Centre – see where the animals get their health checks and view veterinary procedures in action. This 1,800-foot hospital uses cutting-edge equipment to ensure the inhabitants of the centre are always well looked after.

Hours of Operation: Monday - Sunday 9:00am-6:00pm

Highlights:

• Access 19 habitats to see 12,000 animals with Long beach Aquarium discount tickets
  
• Explore educational exhibits about helping the planet at the Los Angeles Aquarium
• The Honda Pacific Visions Theatre with 180-degree theatre screening and special effects included

Know before you go:

• Allow plenty of time for your visit - we recommend around three hours.
  
• Aquarium of the Pacific events are lots of fun for all the family – check out their event schedule on their website.
• Aquarium of the Pacific parking is available just steps away from the entrance.
• Visit The Pike and Shoreline Village for food and shopping.