Aquarium of the Pacific

Aquarium of the Pacific Review

Sea lions, nurse sharks, and octopuses, oh my!—this aquarium focuses primarily on ocean life from the Pacific Ocean, with a detour into Australian birds. The main exhibits include lively sea lions, large tanks of various sharks and sting rays, and ethereal sea dragons, which the aquarium has successfully bred in captivity. Welcoming visitors to the aquarium's Great Hall is the multimedia attraction, Penguins, a panoramic film that captures the world of this endangered species. (Ask for show times at the information desk.) Be sure to say hello to newest resident Ollie, a sea otter rescued off the Santa Cruz coast as a baby in 2010. For a nonaquatic experience, head over to Lorikeet Forest, a walk-in aviary full of the friendliest parrots from down under. Buy a cup of nectar and smile as you become a human bird perch. If you're a true tropical animal lover, book an up-close-and-personal Animal Encounters Tour ($90) to learn about and assist in care and feeding of the animals; or find out how the aquarium functions with the extensive Behind the Scenes Tour ($38.95). Certified divers can book a supervised dive in the aquarium's Tropical Reef Habitat ($299).