Viator Rating : 4 (298 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 6.4/10 (Solid Experience)
Aquarium of the Bay
Aquarium of the Bay: See Sharks & More!
120
Overview
See the amazing sea life at the Aquarium of the Bay! It's in San Francisco, right on PIER 39. This place is home to over 20,000 animals that live in the San Francisco Bay and the ocean around it.
Get ready to walk through clear tunnels and see sharks and rays swimming all around! The Aquarium of the Bay is not just fun, it also teaches people about taking care of our oceans. It's a great place to visit for people of all ages. You can see river otters playing and sea stars up close. The Aquarium has different areas. Discover the Bay shows animals that live in the bay. Under the Bay is a tunnel where you walk under the water and see sharks!
This ticket gets you into the Aquarium of the Bay. Food and drinks are not included. You can buy photos to remember your visit. There is no hotel pick-up or drop-off. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (8 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Guide Reliability (8 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (5 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Logistics (6 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Pacing (5 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Instagram Factor (6 - Scenic) : Some good photo moments
Guide Quality (6 - Adequate) : Informative but average
Highlights
See Sharks Up Close: Walk through clear tunnels and watch sharks swim all around you!
Meet River Otters: Watch playful river otters swim and play in their habitat.
Explore the Bay's Animals: Discover over 20,000 animals that live in the San Francisco Bay.
Easy to Visit: Located on PIER 39, near shops, restaurants, and Alcatraz ferries.
Sentiment Analysis
Visitors loved seeing all the sea animals up close, especially the sharks and otters.
-
Many people thought the clear tunnels were amazing because they could see the fish swimming all around them.
-
The aquarium is in a great spot on Pier 39, so it's easy to get to and see other things nearby.
-
Lots of visitors learned new things about sea animals and why it's important to protect them.
Some visitors felt it was too crowded, making it hard to see everything.
-
A few people thought it was a bit expensive for the size of the aquarium.
The Journey
Aquarium of the Bay
Dive into the underwater realm of the Aquarium of the Bay, nestled on San Francisco's iconic Embarcadero. This unique aquarium is dedicated to showcasing the diverse marine life of the San Francisco Bay and its surrounding waters. Home to over 20,000 animals residing in 700,000 gallons of meticulously maintained bay water, the aquarium offers an immersive experience where you can observe captivating creatures like jellyfish, octopus, and sharks up close. Explore exhibits highlighting the bay's ecological significance, learn about conservation efforts, and discover the intricate relationships within this vibrant aquatic ecosystem. A visit promises both education and wonder, making it a must-see destination for marine enthusiasts.
Discover the Bay Exhibit
Immerse yourself in the vibrant ecosystem of the San Francisco Bay at the 'Discover the Bay' exhibit. Witness the kaleidoscope of marine life native to these waters, from the bright orange garibaldi and elusive green moray eels to the dazzling array of colorful rockfish. Uncover the secrets of anchovy behavior, learn how the bay serves as a crucial breeding ground for perch and countless other fish species, and gain a deeper understanding of the ecological significance of this dynamic environment. This exhibit offers a captivating glimpse into the delicate balance of life beneath the surface, making it a truly enlightening experience.
Under the Bay Exhibit
Venture beneath the surface and embark on an unforgettable underwater journey through the 'Under the Bay' exhibit. Wander through a 300-foot tunnel system of crystal-clear glass, providing an unparalleled view of the fascinating fish and marine life thriving in the San Francisco Bay and the adjacent Pacific waters. Marvel at the ethereal beauty of mesmerizing jellyfish, encounter a colossal Pacific octopus, and observe the graceful movements of rays and sturgeon. Encounter a variety of local shark species, including sevengill, leopard, soupfin, and spiny dogfish, as they glide effortlessly through their aquatic domain. This immersive experience offers a unique perspective on the underwater world, making it a highlight of any visit to the Aquarium of the Bay.
Know Before You Go
This ticket includes admission to the Aquarium of the Bay. It does not include food, drinks, or souvenir photos, which are available for purchase inside. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are not provided. The Aquarium of the Bay is located at the foot of PIER 39.
Hot Tip
Visitors suggest going early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds. This way, you'll have more space to enjoy the exhibits and see the animals without feeling rushed. Also, take your time in the tunnels to really soak in the experience of being surrounded by sea life!
Review Summary
Customers find this experience highly educational and engaging, with knowledgeable staff members who can answer detailed questions about the animals and marine life[1]. Visitors appreciate the convenient Pier 39 location, the variety of sea creatures on display, and the ability to explore exhibits at their own pace, making it an ideal addition to San Francisco sightseeing itineraries.
Location
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
San Francisco
$129
Vantigo: Cruise San Francisco's Soul in a Groovy VW Bus!
5.0
(736 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Vantigo's VW bus tour offers a unique San Francisco experience, navigating through 14 districts with Alcatraz and Golden Gate views. Discover the city's history, from the Gold Rush to Silicon Valley, with insightful local stories. Enjoy photo stops and a fresh perspective, perfect for first-timers and locals alike.
San Francisco
$239
Yosemite & Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco
4.9
(3659 reviews)
Duration: 840
minutes
The Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco takes people to Yosemite National Park. Many say it's the most beautiful of all the national parks. This bus tour shows visitors the best spots, like Bridalveil Falls and Tunnel View. See El Capitan and Yosemite Falls. The tour also includes a walk into a grove where giant sequoia trees grow. This is an adventure that brings nature to life.
During this trip, travelers will stop at places like the Bridge to Yosemite to see the scenic beauty. The tour will guide people through Yosemite Valley Overlook and Yosemite Falls Trail. The experience allows visitors to see the vast landscape of Yosemite Valley. There will be stops for photos with Sentinel Falls and the grand El Capitan.
The tour includes park fees, hotel pick-up and drop-off from some hotels in San Francisco, and all activities. It does not include food, drinks, or tips. Pick-up and drop-off are not available from homes or hotels outside of San Francisco. This small group tour ensures more time to explore with fewer passengers.
San Francisco
$85
San Francisco Love Tour: VW Hippie Bus Adventure!
4.9
(2815 reviews)
Duration: 120
minutes
The San Francisco Love Tour offers an unforgettable city sightseeing experience aboard a groovy 1970s VW Hippie bus! It's a far-out, authentic, and totally unique way to see San Francisco. This narrated tour is packed with fun facts and stories about the city's history and culture.
What can people expect? The bus cruises through iconic neighborhoods and past famous landmarks. This includes must-see spots like Haight-Ashbury, the heart of the hippie movement; bustling Union Square; the Civic Center with its grand architecture; and, of course, the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. The tour also winds along Lombard Street, known as the "most crooked street in the world," and visits the lively Fisherman's Wharf. Other stops include Chinatown, North Beach (Little Italy), The Castro, The Mission District, Golden Gate Park and Hyde Street Pier / Aquatic Park.
The San Francisco Love Tour includes a professional driver/guide who will narrate the entire tour. It excludes gratuities and hotel pickup/drop-off. With over 2,500 five star reviews, the operator is known for excellent quality and low supplier cancellation rates.
San Francisco
$129
Vintage VW Wine Adventure: Painted Ladies & Sonoma Valley Delights
4.9
(372 reviews)
Painted Ladies Wine Country Tour: Explore San Francisco's history in a vintage VW bus before indulging in Sonoma Valley's finest wines. Visit three award-winning wineries, including a unique wine cave. Enjoy an Italian lunch with wine tasting. Conclude with vineyard exploration and memorable photo opportunities.
San Francisco
$695
Painted Ladies Tour: VW Bus San Francisco Adventure
5.0
(123 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Painted Ladies Private San Francisco Tour offers a unique way for friends and family to see the city in a restored vintage Volkswagen Bus. This private tour is perfect for making a visit to San Francisco truly memorable. The tour is customized to fit what people want to see. It can be a trip to see the city's best spots or a drive down Highway 1. The goal is to create a perfect plan for the day, making any occasion special.
During the tour, guests can expect to see many famous San Francisco landmarks. This includes the Painted Ladies, Fisherman's Wharf, and the Golden Gate Bridge. The tour also goes through unique neighborhoods like The Haight, The Castro, and The Mission. People will hear stories about the city's history and culture, including tales of rock stars from the 60s like Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix.
This experience includes bottled water, snacks, and a professional guide. The tour also provides access to areas where large buses can't go, like the Painted Ladies and Lombard Street. Guests can enjoy local craft beer and wine or bring their own drinks. Hotel pickup is available from hotels in Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf. What's not included is gratuity; a credit card is needed for guide tips, which are 15%, 18%, or 20%.
San Francisco
$86
Chinatown Walking Tour: Food, History & Flavor
4.9
(568 reviews)
Duration: 180
minutes
Explore San Francisco's Chinatown on foot with the Chinatown Walking Tour: Food, History & Flavor. This tour takes visitors beyond the typical tourist spots to experience the hidden gems of this vibrant neighborhood. Instead of seeing Chinatown from a bus, people can discover its back alleys, food markets, and local restaurants.
Participants will visit the iconic Dragon Gate, a traditional Chinese archway that marks the entrance to Chinatown. They will also wander through the bustling Stockton Street markets, where locals shop for fresh produce, seafood, and other Asian ingredients. A highlight includes a visit to the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, where they can see how fortune cookies are made by hand and enjoy a fresh sample.
This culinary tour includes a feast of dim sum, BBQ pork buns, dumplings, and more at local favorite spots. All food and non-alcoholic drinks are covered, ensuring a satisfying culinary adventure. Participants will also explore Waverly Place, admiring the colorful temples tucked away in this hidden alley. The tour provides an unforgettable taste of Chinatown's authentic flavors and cultural heritage.
Nearby Events
Levi's® Stadium
Sep 20
1:25 PMBuy Tickets: San Francisco 49ers vs. Miami Dolphins at Levi's® Stadium
San Francisco 49ers vs. Miami Dolphins at Levi's® Stadium delivers a high-stakes NFL Week 2 matchup as both teams launch their 2026 campaigns. The 49ers, aiming for a 3-0 start, face the Dolphins in a rivalry game with deep historical ties, including four home wins and seven all-time victories for the 49ers. This contest features two elite franchises with championship aspirations, promising intense play and strategic brilliance on the field. The Dolphins enter their 57th NFL season and 61st overall, showcasing a dynamic roster ready to compete against top-tier opponents. Levi's® Stadium, located in Santa Clara, California, is renowned for its modern architecture and world-class fan experience, offering easy access and premium amenities for every attendee.
Palace of Fine Arts
Aug 13
8:00 PMChris Ramsay Live at Palace of Fine Arts
Chris Ramsay brings his captivating lecture to the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco, where the renowned puzzle master and mentalist unravels mind-bending enigmas and shares insider stories from his record-breaking feats like solving the Rubik's Cube blindfolded. Attendees can expect an interactive seminar blending escapology, memory challenges, and YouTube-famous stunts that have garnered millions of views.
Chris Ramsay, a Scottish content creator turned international sensation, captivates with his expertise in puzzles, card magic, and extreme challenges featured on shows like Fool Us. His events promise intellectual thrills and surprises for fans of brain teasers. The iconic Palace of Fine Arts, a stunning 1915 World's Fair landmark with Roman-inspired architecture, offers a majestic backdrop amid its serene lagoon setting.
Oakland Arena
Aug 29
8:00 PMBook Tickets: J. Cole Live at Oakland Arena 2026
J. Cole: The Fall-Off Tour brings the legendary rapper to Oakland Arena, delivering an electrifying hip-hop experience that supports his seventh and final studio album, The Fall-Off. Fans will witness Grammy-winning artist J. Cole perform iconic tracks alongside new music from the 2026 release that many critics have called his most personal work yet.
J. Cole stands as one of the most influential voices in modern rap, known for lyrical depth and storytelling that resonates across generations. Oakland Arena, a premier venue in California, hosts top-tier concerts and remains a favorite destination for music lovers seeking an immersive live experience.
The Regency Ballroom
Sep 15
8:00 PMSee Starbomb & Epic Rap Battles of History Live in SF: Tickets Now
Starbomb w/ Epic Rap Battles of History brings their first-ever tour, 'Starbomb: Probably The Only Tour Ever,' to The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco. This electrifying live event features the iconic musical trio Starbomb performing their parody rap hits alongside the legendary comedy battle group Epic Rap Battles of History, who are joining the tour as supporting artists. Fans can expect a unique blend of high-energy musical performances and satirical historical showdowns that have defined both groups' online success.
Starbomb is renowned for their humorous, video-game-inspired rap songs featuring voices of players Dan Avidan, Arin Hanson, and Brian Wecht, while Epic Rap Battles of History has captivated millions with their viral video series pitting famous figures against each other in fictional rap duels. Their collaboration marks a historic moment for fans of digital comedy and music. The Regency Ballroom, a celebrated venue known for hosting major concerts and immersive experiences, provides the perfect atmospheric setting for this groundbreaking tour.
PayPal Park
Aug 08
6:00 PMBook Tickets: Chivas Guadalajara vs FC Dallas at PayPal Park
Chivas Guadalajara vs FC Dallas brings the excitement of the 2026 Leagues Cup Phase One to PayPal Park in San Jose, CA. This group stage match features two historic clubs competing for early tournament points, with live coverage available on Apple TV and ESPN. FC Dallas faces a challenging lineup including Club Deportivo Guadalajara, Querétaro FC, and Toluca FC in the 2026 Phase One matches, making this a critical showdown forMLS standings. Chivas Guadalajara, known globally for their passionate fanbase and undefeated home record in domestic league history, continues to dominate Latin American soccer with iconic players and a trophy-laden legacy. PayPal Park, the home of the San Jose Earthquakes, offers a modern soccer-specific stadium experience with premium seating and vibrant atmosphere.
Levi's® Stadium
Oct 10
7:00 PMBruno Mars Romantic Tour at Levi's Stadium Tickets
Bruno Mars – The Romantic Tour at Levi’s® Stadium unites global superstar Bruno Mars with special guests RAYE and DJ Pee .Wee for a stadium-sized pop spectacular. Celebrating his first full headline tour in nearly a decade and tied to his upcoming fourth solo album The Romantic*, the show blends new material with the chart-topping hits and high-energy production that made his 24K Magic World Tour a phenomenon.[1][2][3] Fans can expect his signature mix of pop, funk, soul, and showmanship, supported by dazzling visuals and a powerhouse live band as part of one of the biggest global outings of 2026.[1][2][3][6]
Bruno Mars, a 16-time GRAMMY-winning artist known for era-defining anthems like “Uptown Funk,” “Just the Way You Are,” and “24K Magic,” returns to the road after acclaimed Las Vegas residencies and collaborative success with Anderson .Paak as Silk Sonic.[2][3][5][6] Rising star RAYE and Anderson .Paak performing as DJ Pee .Wee bring additional star power, while Levi’s® Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers and a premier Northern California venue for massive concerts and major sporting events, provides an immersive, state-of-the-art setting for this tour stop.[4]
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in San Jose
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in San Jose From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Private Sightseeing Tours & Arts & Theatre in San Jose. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View San Jose Activities