What if you could explore the kelp forests of California, the icy waters of the Northern Pacific, and tropical coral reefs all in one afternoon?

Welcome to the Aquarium of the Pacific, where 12,000 marine animals bring the world's largest ocean to life along Long Beach's Rainbow Harbor. Since opening its doors in 1998, this 6-acre aquarium has introduced 1.6 million annual visitors to the incredible diversity of Pacific marine life.

Whether you're watching sea otters crack open shellfish, touching rays in interactive pools, or watching divers communicate with visitors through specially adapted masks in the three-story Honda Blue Cavern tank, this aquarium connects people to the ocean in ways both intimate and awe-inspiring.

From Vision to Reality

The Aquarium of the Pacific opened on June 20, 1998, transforming Rainbow Harbor into Southern California's premier marine education destination. Built on a mission to inspire ocean conservation, the aquarium joined the Association of Zoos and Aquariums as an accredited nonprofit institution.

What began as the Long Beach Aquarium of the Pacific has grown into a community powered by dedication. Today, a team of approximately 1,800 people, including more than 1,500 volunteers and 300 employees, ensures every visitor experiences meaningful connections with marine life. This volunteer army reflects the aquarium's deep roots in the Long Beach community and its commitment to hands-on education.

Three Oceans Under One Roof

The aquarium's collection spans three major permanent galleries, each representing a distinct region of the Pacific Ocean. The Southern California/Baja Gallery showcases local waters through exhibits like the 142,000-gallon Honda Blue Cavern tank, where divers interact with visitors using specially designed masks, and a kelp forest habitat teeming with garibaldi, moray eels, and leopard sharks.

The Northern Pacific Gallery brings cold-water ecosystems to life with sea otters, puffins, and diving birds. Meanwhile, exhibits range from intimate 5,000-gallon displays to the massive 350,000-gallon tropical habitat. Special exhibits like June Keyes Penguin Habitat, Shark Lagoon, and the Sea Otter Habitat have become visitor favorites.

Interactive Learning and Conservation

What sets this aquarium apart is its emphasis on hands-on engagement and conservation messaging. Multiple touch pools allow visitors to feel the smooth skin of rays and examine tide pool creatures up close. The 211,000-gallon Seal and Sea Lion Habitat provides viewing from multiple levels, revealing how these animals move through water.

The aquarium's commitment to education extends beyond static exhibits. Rotating displays like "Frogs: Facing a Changing World" and "Stars of the Sea" address current conservation challenges. Divers communicate directly with guests during feeding times, answering questions and sharing insights about animal behavior. This interactive approach transforms passive observation into active learning.

Aquarium of the Pacific Highlights & Tips

• Honda Blue Cavern Tank Don't miss the three-story, 142,000-gallon centerpiece of the Southern California Gallery, where divers use specially adapted masks to talk with visitors while swimming among leopard sharks and giant sea bass.
• Sea Otter Habitat Watch rescued sea otters demonstrate their remarkable tool-using abilities as they crack open shellfish, offering insight into one of the ocean's most intelligent and charismatic species.
• Shark Lagoon Get up close with several shark species in this interactive exhibit that helps dispel myths and promote understanding of these essential ocean predators.
• Touch Pools Multiple touch pool stations throughout the aquarium let you safely interact with rays, tide pool creatures, and other marine animals under staff guidance.
• Prime Location Access The aquarium sits on Rainbow Harbor, within walking distance of the Queen Mary, Shoreline Village, and downtown Long Beach attractions. Consider combining your visit with exploring the waterfront area.
• Behind-the-Scenes Tours Special tours offer access to areas like the top of the 350,000-gallon tropical habitat, providing unique perspectives on aquarium operations and animal care not visible during regular visits.
• Feeding and Dive Shows Check the daily schedule for feeding times and dive presentations when staff interact directly with animals and answer visitor questions in real-time.
• Public Transit Friendly The aquarium is accessible via public transportation, with convenient connections making it easy to visit without driving.

The Aquarium of the Pacific succeeds because it does more than display marine life. It creates moments of connection between a grandmother touching a ray for the first time, a child watching penguins torpedo through water, and a diver explaining how kelp forests function as underwater cities.

With three distinct Pacific ecosystems under one roof and 12,000 animals representing hundreds of species, the aquarium offers something different with each visit. Whether you're a Long Beach local or traveling from afar, Rainbow Harbor's window to the Pacific Ocean awaits with stories that can only be told through the creatures who call it home.