Birch Aquarium at Scripps (San Diego)

858-534-FISH


Set against a breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Birch Aquarium at Scripps is home to thousands of fish and more than 350 species of Pacific marine life. The 46 tanks exhibit an array of marine life found in waters from the cold Pacific Northwest to the warm tropics.

The aquarium's showcase exhibit is an amazing 70,000-gallon tank, which simulates a kelp forest off the coast of San Diego. During feedings in the kelp tank, divers host an interactive session with visitors to answer questions about the tank inhabitants and local marine conditions. Outside, overlooking Scripps Pier and the ocean, visitors can explore a man-made tide pool, which is home to many intertidal species also found in natural tide pools off La Jolla Shores. The Shark Reef exhibit is also a fun place to watch White and Black Tip reef sharks, Spotted Wobbegons and Nurse sharks.

The aquarium's education department offers classes for children and adults that allow a more in-depth interaction with the marine life at the aquarium and in the wild. Birch Aquarium is also home to the one of the country's largest oceanographic museum.

The Scripps Hall of Oceanography houses an array of historical displays and hands-on exhibits that educate the public about ocean and earth science research conducted at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The Ocean Supermarket is stocked with common household items that contain ingredients from the sea.Morphis: Movieride, is a new exhibit at Birch Aquarium, experience swimming with dolphins, following a water drop or riding through Astro Canyon in outerspace on Morphis, a motion simulator. The aquarium's annual festivals celebrate some of the ocean?s most exciting creatures.

E-mail: aquariuminfo@ucsd.edu