If you’re searching for an engaging, educational, one-of-a-kind experience during your next trip to San Diego, California, the Birch Aquarium is the place to visit. This popular aquarium and earth sciences museum is a magical place that offers unforgettable experiences to visitors of all ages.
The Birch Aquarium is affiliated with the world-renown Scripps Institution of Oceanography located on the University of California’s San Diego campus, approximately15 minutes from San Diego’s international airport.
From its stunning location overlooking the Pacific Ocean to its unique collection of marine life and interactive exhibits, there is something extra special the Birch Aquarium located in La Jolla, California.
The Birch Aquarium consists of nine distinct indoor and outdoor exhibits that showcase 6o marine habitats. Inside the aquarium, guests can interact with leopard sharks, seahorses, blue penguins, and loggerhead sea turtles while being surrounded by a 70,000-gallon giant kelp forest.
At the outdoor Tide Pool Plaza and Shark Shores exhibits guests can come face to face with leopard sharks, rays, sea anemones, and other exotic sea creatures.
While all of the exhibits at the Birch Aquarium are worth exploring, if you are interested in participating in more exclusive experiences check out the Penguin and Seahorse behind-the-scenes tours, Expedition at Sea Virtual Experience, or the exclusive Scripps Pier Sunset Walk.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
The Birch Aquarium offers two behind-the-scenes tours led by scientists that provide exclusive access to areas within the aquarium where you can interact with the little blue penguins or learn more about the Seahorse Breeding Program.
Little Blue Penguins Exhibit
In July 2022, the Birch Aquarium welcomed a colony of little blue penguins, also known as fairy penguins. These charming creatures are the newest addition to the Birch Aquarium, which is the only aquarium in the Western United States to have this species of penguin in its facility.
These gregarious birds have a distinct blue color, are less than 12 inches tall, and typically weigh less than three pounds each, making them the world’s smallest species of penguin. Although they are small in stature, the little blue penguins have outgoing, larger-than-life personalities making them some of the most popular residents at the Birch Aquarium.
The new 2,900 square-foot penguin habitat features a massive lagoon that simulates the coasts of Southern Australia and New Zealand where these tiny penguins call home. Visitors can watch the entertaining antics of the “Little Blues” while learning about the important impact they have on ecosystems on both land and sea.
Your general admission ticket provides access to the main Little Blue Penguin exhibit, however, if you want to learn more these amazing animals you can join a guided behind-the-scenes tour of the Penguin Care and Conservation Center. There is an additional cost for this one-hour tour which is offered daily at 1:30 p.m.
Enchanting Seahorse Exhibit and Breeding Program
If seahorses and seadragons are more your style, be sure to visit the Birch Aquarium’s permanent exhibition where you will encounter a wide variety of vibrantly colored seahorses, seadragons, and pipefish.
These whimsical sea creatures play an important role in preserving the world’s ecosystems. Unfortunately, the seahorse population is rapidly declining due to climate change and destructive fishing practices. To counteract this trend, Birch Aquarium created the Seahorse Breeding Program which has successfully bred thirteen different species of seahorses.
If you want to get a closer look at these stunning creatures you can participate in a behind-the-scenes guided tour. During this immersive one-hour tour you will encounter several species of seadragons and seahorses while learning about the Seahorse Breeding Program and ongoing conservation efforts.
The behind-the-scenes seahorse tours are offered daily at 11:00 a.m. Ticket prices are $80 for members and $95 for non-members. Aquarium admission is included in the ticket price.
Virtual Expedition at Sea
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to work aboard a research vessel at sea, check out the Expedition at Sea exhibit. This virtual tour combines art, science, and technology to recreate the experience of working on the R/V Sally Ride, a research vessel named in honor of the famous astronaut and former UCSD professor, Sally Ride.
Guests can immerse themselves in a virtual tour of the R/V Sally Ride, learn about global research efforts, conduct seafloor mapping using augmented reality, view artifacts found in the ocean, and sort plankton like the research scientists do.
Exclusive Sunset Walk on the Scripps Pier
Another unique experience offered by the Birch Aquarium is the Scripps Sunset Pier Walk. The Scripps Pier is normally closed to the public, however, by joining this tour you will have access to the pier and surrounding research facilities.
As the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean, you can take in the magnificent views on this 90-minute walking tour led by scientists from the Birch Aquarium.
This interactive experience provides a unique opportunity to learn about the cutting-edge research being done at the world-renowned Scripps Institute of Oceanography while interacting with marine life such as plankton, squid, and other exotic creatures from the sea.
The Scripps Sunset Pier Walks are held on select Saturdays and Sundays through November 5, 2022, and will resume in the fall of 2023. Times vary based on sunset times. Guests must be at least 9 years old and children under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets for the Sunset Pier Walk are $25 for members and $30 for non-members.
If you’re in the San Diego area, consider stopping by the Birch Aquarium. It’s a great place for the whole family and offers a variety of one-of-a-kind experiences that are sure to entertain everyone.
What you need to know before you go
The Birch Aquarium is located at 2300 Expedition Way in La Jolla, California approximately 15 miles north of the San Diego International Airport.
This attraction is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with the last entry time at 4:00 p.m. Extended summer hours in July and August are from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Advanced reservations are required for all visitors, including members, and must be purchased online. Adult tickets are $24.95. Discounted tickets are available for college students and Seniors (60+) for $22.95, and for children (3-17) for $19.95, and military discounts are also available. Memberships are also available.
For additional information please call (858) 534-FISH (3474) or visit the Birch Aquarium website.