Visit the Aquarium
Location
Under the Santa Monica Pier, explore what Heal the Bay’s work is all about: Protecting the people and animals who call the Bay home. With over 100 local species on exhibit, hands-on activities for all ages, and educational programs, our award-winning Heal the Bay Aquarium is the perfect place to immerse yourself in marine science.
Admission
While construction on the Santa Monica Pier bridge is underway, Heal the Bay Aquarium is changing how we welcome visitors. As of October 19, 2026, we will temporarily pause our regularly scheduled weekend public hours and birthday parties. All other aquarium programs continue as planned. In place of weekend drop-in hours, we will host special events and open houses throughout this period. The ocean experience continues!
Contact Us
Questions? Contact us or call (310) 393-6149 x206
Heal the Bay Aquarium
at the Santa Monica Pier
1600 Ocean Front Walk
Santa Monica, CA 90401
Click here to find us.
For the coolest updates and cutest critters, follow us!
What's Going On?
For more info on Aquarium & Heal the Bay events:
Current Exhibits
Touch Tanks
LA’s most colorful stars hang out here, along with hermit crabs, sea urchins, and cucumbers not meant for your salad.
Rocky Reef
Celebrate the subtidal zone with mesmerizing moray eels.
Kelp Forest
Kelp can grow up to 2 feet per day and provides vital habitat for our rockfish, wolf eel, and spiny lobsters.
Shark Nursery
Observe developing swell sharks inside of their egg cases (also known as “mermaid’s purses”) and see newborn baby shark pups.
Sea Jellies
Meditation time. Watching our moon jellies drift and float takes the sting out of a hectic day.
Under the Pier
Get a glimpse of life beneath the Santa Monica Pier. Be sure to double-check the sand: some of our halibut like to lay low.
Sharks
Catch our horn and swell sharks cuddling in this open-top exhibit and let us explain why you have nothing to fear.
Dive Deeper
The ocean experience continues!
Field Trips & Private Tours
Help your students discover how the health of our neighborhoods, watersheds, and communities connects to the health of Santa Monica Bay. Or if you’re looking to book a private tour or event, reach out!
Mobile Touch Tanks
Bring live ocean animals and knowledgeable marine educators directly to you for an interactive experience that sparks curiosity, inspires discovery, and connects people of all ages to our coast.
Aquadopt
When you “adopt” one of the animals, the animal stays with us, but your good karma stays with you. Support our mission to protect local habitats and marine life, and help protect what you love.