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California Academy of Sciences - Behind-the-Scenes Aquarium Tour

Enjoy a fascinating behind the scenes look at how the California Academy of Sciences biologists care for the 40,000 marine animals - butterflies, fish, penguins, even an albino alligator -that live in this extraordinary building.

The Steinhart Aquarium has been a part of the California Academy of Sciences since 1923. Venture behind the scenes to learn more about its history and how it has changed over the years.

Experience how our biologists care for the 40,000 animals including the inhabitants of the Philippine Coral Reef, the deepest and largest indoor display of living corals. Visit the food prep kitchen and see what Claude, the albino alligator, gets fed for breakfast.

Step inside our salt water mixing room and follow in the footsteps of our biologists by visiting a few of the spaces they work in each day - you never know who or what you will run into as part of this exclusive, hour-long tour.

Experience Includes

  • Go behind the scenes and learn about how biologists care for the 40,000 animals in the Steinhart Aquarium.
  • Tour highlights include special access to staff-only areas and interaction with Academy researchers.
  • Visit the Aquarium and learn how water is piped through the park from Ocean Beach.
  • General Admission is included for guests to explore the rest of the Academy before or after the tour.
  • Enjoy express entry into the Rainforest exhibit and reserved Planetarium tickets.

Terms & Conditions

  • Advanced reservations are required. Please detailed your preferred date at the time of booking.
  • There is a maximum 14 people per tour.
  • All guests must be at least 8 years old.