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Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

Photo Credit: Gary Florin and Cabrillo Marine Aquarium

From late December through the end of March each year, gray whales migrate south, away from the chilly northern Pacific waters. And there's no better place to see these beautiful mammals than on one of several whale-watching excursions sponsored by the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium. The whales frequently come close to the boats, allowing for plenty of photo opportunities.

The aquarium, located in San Pedro, is an "educational, recreational, and research facility devoted to encouraging active public participation to promote knowledge and conservation of the marine life of Southern California." And they do a great job of it. On display are 38 saltwater aquariums that showcase sea life native to local waters. Visitors actually can reach out and touch some aquatic friends in the aquarium’s "touch tank." On the ceiling, high above the displays, are life-size skeletons of dolphins and whales.

Cabrillo Marine Aquarium sponsors several annual festivals, including the Autumn Sea Fair festival on the third Sunday in October, which celebrates the wonders of the ocean. In April, Earth Day is commemorated with a clean-up on Cabrillo Beach, as well as offering programs that feature representatives of many local and national environmental organizations. And in January, the Whale Fiesta celebrates the beginning of whale-watching season.

Location
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium is located at 3720 Stephen White Drive in San Pedro. Driving directions and a map can be found at the aquarium’s Web site. Parking on neighboring Cabrillo Beach is free on weekdays; $7 on weekends.

Hours of operation

Cost
Admission is free, but a donation of $5 for adults and $1 for children and seniors is suggested.

Contact information and reservations
For more information about the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium, call (310) 548-7562, or send e-mail to info@cabrilloaq.org.

Disabled access
The aquarium provides disabled access.

Special considerations
Groups of 10 or more are asked to make reservations.

Additional information

• Details about the whale-watching trip can be found at the aquarium’s Events Web page.
• Visit the Cabrillo Marine Aquarium Web site.

Please note
Cost, hours of operation, or other information about this attraction is subject to change without notice. We suggest you confirm with the attraction prior to your visit.