Aquarium of the Bay VIP Experience
Aquarium of the Bay VIP Experience
Aquarium of the Bay VIP Tour
Take a personalized, early-access tour of San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay before it opens to the public. Learn from expert guides, observe animal care preparations, and enjoy a special river otter training video presentation.
From
Highlights
Get exclusive, early access to San Francisco’s Aquarium of the Bay with this immersive VIP Experience, a perfect opportunity for ocean lovers and curious minds. Before the doors open to the public, you’ll be welcomed into the aquarium for a personalized, expert-led tour that takes you behind the scenes of one of the city’s top marine attractions.
Watch the Animal Care team in action as they prepare exhibits for the day, and get up close with fascinating marine life including sharks, rays, and playful otters. This small-group tour offers a rare chance to engage with the aquarium’s conservation efforts and daily operations through Q&A sessions and hands-on insights.
The experience concludes with a special video presentation highlighting the aquarium’s river otter training program. Available daily for groups of 3–25, this one-of-a-kind experience is ideal for families, animal enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a deeper connection to the marine world.
- Early Access: Enter the aquarium before it opens for a quiet, exclusive visit.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Join an expert-led walkthrough and see how animal care teams prep for the day.
- Get Up Close: View sharks, rays, otters, and more in a personalized setting.
- Special Otter Showcase: Enjoy a private video presentation on river otter training.
- Small Group Setting: Intimate experience limited to 25 guests, minimum of 3 to run.
Itinerary
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
VIP Entry Before Public Hours (9:30 AM)
15 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedStart your experience with exclusive early access to the Aquarium of the Bay, entering before it opens to the public. Enjoy the tranquil setting as you meet your expert guide.Expert-Guided Tour
45 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedEmbark on a personalized tour through the aquarium’s exhibits. Your expert guide will lead you through the galleries, offering fascinating insights into marine life and conservation work.Behind-the-Scenes Access
15 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedGet a rare look at how the Animal Care team prepares the habitats for the day. Ask questions, observe live preparations, and get closer to sharks, rays, and other creatures than ever before.River Otter Training Presentation
15 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedEnd your tour with a special video presentation highlighting the aquarium’s river otter training program. Witness how biologists use positive reinforcement techniques in animal care.Explore More on Your Own
FlexibleAdmission Ticket IncludedAfter your VIP tour concludes, continue exploring the aquarium at your own pace. Visit your favorite exhibits again or dive deeper into the interactive experiences.
What's included
INCLUDED
NOT INCLUDED
Customer reviews
Additional information
Meeting Point:
- Aquarium of the Bay
- Pier 39, The Embarcadero & Beach Street, San Francisco, CA
- Please arrive by 9:15 AM at the main entrance.
Start Time:
- 9:30 AM daily
End Point:
- Returns to the starting point at Aquarium of the Bay.
Pickup Info:
- No hotel pickup or transportation is included.
- Please make your own way to the meeting point.
- The experience is available daily, excluding Christmas Day.
- You'll gain early access before public hours.
- Includes a special video presentation on river otter training.
- Most travelers can participate.
- A minimum of 3 guests is required for the tour to run.
- Maximum group size is 25 guests.
- Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Infant (Age 0–3): Free admission
- Child (Age 4–12): Child ticket required
- Children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Weather-appropriate clothing (some areas may be cooler)
- Camera (no flash)
- Valid ID for seniors, if applicable
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Surfaces are flat and accessible
- Your booking will be confirmed instantly.
- Cancel up to 48 hours before the experience for a full refund.
- Cancellations within 48 hours are non-refundable.
- Show your mobile ticket at the aquarium entrance at 9:15 AM.
- Staff will direct you to the VIP tour group.
- No printed tickets required.
Location
Provider
Aquarium of the Bay
Frequently asked questions
USD 61.50
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