Tentacles on display
Visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium in Monterey County
“Wow that is awesome”, a wide-eyed kid blurts out to his friend who nods in agreement and adds ‘ yeah pretty cool!’ That is the typical consensus all day long at the new Tentacles exhibit which just opened at the Monterey Bay Aquarium – a new exhibit of never seen before collections of squids, octopus and cuttlefish, making up this family of sea life called Cephalopods. These marine sea creatures are marine mollusks related to sea slugs and snails. Because of the short lifespan of these Cephalopods (most living an average 6 months) and the complexities of maintaining this special exhibit, it has been a difficult venture, but something that the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium enthusiastically creates.
Big reef squid at the Tentacles exhibit
Visit the regular and special exhibits at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
This was the exhibit that I saw when I was last here in Monterey, but the neat thing is that there are rotating shows to explore along with all the regular displays and attractions to enjoy around the museum grounds.
You can sign up for a variety of guided tours and even back tours of the operations to get a look at how things really work behind the displays and how it takes a village to make this museum run properly.
Big Fin Reef squid at the Tentacles exhibit
Gorgeous Tentacles Exhibit
The Tentacles exhibit draws you in completely into its cool, dark and surreal world of fantasy like creatures, starting with the almost glow in the dark Cephalopods called Big Fin Reef Squid. These ghostly white creatures with invisible fins glide in strange sideways gestures unlike movements you would equate to these creatures, their zig-zag motions looks so strange and other-worldly. Close by are the even more colorful sea creatures called Chambered Nautilus with their distinctive round patterned shell that gives it their iconic name – propelling their huge shelled bodies in strange and fantastical rhythmic motions – it is mesmerizing to watch them in their environment.
The Tentacles exhibit is filled with wow factor – showcasing Cephalopods that have never been seen in public and premiering in this show. One of the most outstanding creatures are the colorful red octopus called Flapjacks found in the deepest and darkest areas of the ocean floor in Monterey Bay. Red lights illuminate the dim curved tank to mimic their dark environments and the flapjacks float around like bizarre strange ghost-like caricatures. Even more reclusive are the little amazing octopus genera called the Flamboyant Octopus getting their name from their colorful rainbow accents as they bump around and float in comical and random bumper car like motions.
Flamboyant cuttlefish
Giant Pacific Octopus are active and hungry
Museum exhibit layout
The entire exhibit is very well laid out with interactive exhibits and child friendly educational tools and signage. This is one of Monterey Bay Aquarium’s most challenging and will soon to be popular exhibits – despite the difficulties of replenishing and maintaining the Cephalopod displays. In any case, you should come down soon to visit all the new and cool octopus, cuttlefish and squids at the show, and don’t be surprised if you are also ‘oohing’ and ‘aaahing’ throughout the entire exhibit.
Here are some highlights from the other exhibit areas of the aquarium
Monterey bay sea life – main displays
Visit the permanent exhibits at the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
When visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium, make sure to explore its captivating permanent exhibits. Here are some highlights to enhance your experience:
- Kelp Forest: Immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of the Kelp Forest exhibit. Marvel at the towering kelp stalks as they sway with the current, while colorful fish, sea otters, and other marine creatures navigate through this vibrant underwater ecosystem.
- Open Sea: Step into the Open Sea exhibit, a massive tank teeming with a variety of pelagic species. Observe mesmerizing creatures like sharks, tunas, and sea turtles as they gracefully swim through the open waters, providing a glimpse into the wonders of the ocean’s vastness.
- Sea Otters: Don’t miss the adorable and playful sea otters exhibit. Watch these charismatic animals swim, play, and groom themselves, showcasing their remarkable agility and endearing behaviors.
- Penguin Colony: Visit the Penguin Colony exhibit and observe the energetic antics of African penguins. Marvel at their unique behaviors and social dynamics as they waddle, swim, and interact with each other in their specially designed habitat.
- Rocky Shore: Explore the fascinating Rocky Shore exhibit, where you can observe tide pool inhabitants up close. Discover a diverse array of marine life, from colorful anemones and sea stars to scuttling hermit crabs and elusive octopuses, all thriving in the ever-changing intertidal zone.
- Splash Zone: Engage in interactive experiences at the Splash Zone, a hands-on exhibit designed for younger visitors. Explore touch pools, learn about marine life through playful exhibits, and participate in educational activities that foster a deeper understanding of ocean ecosystems.
Throughout your visit, take advantage of informative presentations, feedings, and educational talks that provide valuable insights into the aquarium’s inhabitants and conservation efforts. The Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a truly immersive and educational experience for visitors of all ages, allowing you to appreciate the beauty and importance of marine life and its conservation.
Jellyfish on display
Jellyfish on display at the Jellies exhibit
Inside tips to visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium
When planning your visit to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, here are some inside tips to make the most of your experience:
- Arrive Early or Late: The aquarium tends to be busiest during midday, so arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon can help you avoid the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
- Check the Feeding Schedules: The aquarium offers scheduled feedings for various exhibits throughout the day. Check the feeding schedule beforehand so you can plan your visit accordingly and witness these fascinating feeding sessions, which provide unique insights into the animals’ behavior.
- Attend Presentations and Talks: Take advantage of the aquarium’s informative presentations and talks. These educational sessions cover a wide range of topics related to marine life, conservation, and research. Attending these presentations can enhance your understanding and appreciation of the exhibits.
- Explore Beyond the Main Exhibits: While the Kelp Forest and Open Sea exhibits are popular, don’t miss the chance to explore the smaller, more intimate exhibits. From the mesmerizing jellyfish displays to the fascinating seahorse habitats, these lesser-known exhibits offer captivating experiences and often have shorter queues.
- Utilize the Audio Guide or Mobile App: Consider using the aquarium’s audio guide or mobile app to enhance your self-guided tour. These resources provide detailed information about the exhibits, animal species, and conservation efforts, offering a more immersive and educational experience.
- Plan for Breaks and Dining: The aquarium offers several dining options, including cafés and restaurants, where you can take a break and enjoy a meal or snack. Take advantage of these facilities to recharge and refuel during your visit.
- Visit on Weekdays or Off-Peak Seasons: If possible, plan your visit for a weekday or during off-peak seasons. This can help you avoid larger crowds and have a more relaxed experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the exhibits without feeling rushed.
- Stay Hydrated and Wear Comfortable Clothing: The aquarium can get quite warm, so be sure to stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle or taking advantage of the drinking fountains available throughout the facility. Additionally, wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking, as you’ll be exploring the exhibits for an extended period.
Jellyfish ballet
More details to visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Tickets are $39.95 for adults and $24.95 for children 3-12. Discounts are given for Seniors and Students.
The Aquarium is located on Cannery Row and is open daily. Check the website below for hours and more information.
Most hotels offer two-day passes for the price of one day, just ask with your hotel about this pass.
There are two dining options available at the aquarium – a casual cafeteria style and a fine dining restaurant called Cindy’s Waterfront named after Cindy Pawlcyn, the James Beard Award-winning creator of Mustards Grill in Napa Valley and the culinary partner of the aquarium since 2010.
For updated information on the aquarium, you can visit their website here.
What to see more of Monterey and Carmel?
weekend getaway to Carmel by the Sea
Enjoying a day in Monterey and Pacific Grove
Exploring Moss Landing in Monterey
Final thoughts
Outside of the new Tentacles exhibit, there are many popular on-going exhibits to discover at the aquarium including: the Jellies exhibit, Open Sea Exhibit, a whole section of plastics, junk and garbage taken from the ocean and turned into art and the permanent sea-life collections. There is so much to see at the aquarium that you can easily spend an entire day enjoying the exhibits, special events and even take a behind the scenes tour of the facilities to see how everything operates from the back-end.
Conclusion visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium,
In conclusion, visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium offers an incredible opportunity to explore the wonders of the ocean and deepen your understanding of marine life and conservation. By following inside tips such as arriving early or late, checking feeding schedules, attending presentations, and exploring beyond the main exhibits, you can enhance your experience and make the most of your visit. Whether you’re captivated by the Kelp Forest, mesmerized by the Open Sea exhibit, or enchanted by the playful sea otters, the aquarium provides a memorable and educational journey into the underwater world. Soak up the knowledge, marvel at the diverse species, and create lasting memories as you immerse yourself in this remarkable destination of marine discovery.
If you enjoyed reading this post on the Tentacles on parade at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, please do share it with any of the social media buttons below, thanks so much for visiting.
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Interesting shots Noel. That Flamboyant Cuttlefish certainly lives up to its name. 🙂
Yes, it hasn’t been shown in public before it, I think a first for Monterey Bay
Beautiful and captivating series!
I love sea creature, so fascinating to watch. Some really great photos here, you’ve captured the colours and the details so well.
We absolutely love the Monterey Bay Aquarium! I think it is the best one I have ever been too! I love the otters and I’ve been trying to think of a reason to go back, plus tentacles are awesome so I see a day trip in our future!
Awesome photos, especially the jellyfish! This makes me want to go to an aquarium, or learn to dive.
Aweosme photos, especially the jellyfish! This makes me want to go to an aquarium, or learn to dive.
Wow! The aquarium seems so lovely, and so do the fishes! I am very bad at taking photos of the indoor aquarium where the light setting is really bad, and the fishes/sea mammals keep moving! Your pictures are just so perfectly composed!
Great pictures. I like the video about the gracious Flapback Octopus.
Great pictures. I am sure it would be even better seeing the fish right in front of you. Makes me wanna pass by the aquarium on London Southbank.
I love your photos, the images of the big fin squid and the jellies.
These photos are so stunning! I love aquariums and am amazed by the diversity of marine life in our oceans!
It looks absolutely amazing! Especially the octopus. I’ve never been to such a big Aquarium but it’s on my bucket list!
You capture the essence of marine life beautifully. I wonder what kind of camera gear you used to shoot these photographs? What kind of lens/settings? Love it!
Off hand, I think I brought my Canon 7D and had 2.8 24-70mm lens, usually I shoot manual in a higher ISO to capture darker environments naturally
Aquariums are my absolute favourite places! Really cool pics – especially those jellyfish 🙂
Aquariums are my absolute favourite places!! Totally cool pictures – especially those jellyfish 🙂
Please tell me those tentacles on the roof also move 🙂
Seeing the Nautilus takes me back my days of studying geology. I think I’m right in saying that is one of the oldest animals still alive on the planet today (if memory serves me correctly, around 200 million years old, but don’t quote me on that).
Oh I’m so excited… I just read about this fun new Octopus exhibit at the aquarium and can hardly wait to go. I’m waiting a few weeks though until my niece gets here from Georgia. She’s 14 and this will be a fantastic little outing for her and I. Your picture are stunning and thanks for the tips!
Beautiful shots of the jellyfish, you captured the colors very nicely. They are otherworldly creatures!
I loved the orange jellyfish, so beautiful…never seen them myself (and I´ve seen a lot of jellyfish)
I love aquariums (aquaria!) This one looks great. I’d like to recommend the Atlantaquaria in Galway, Ireland, if you’re ever in the neighbourhood. So much fun, the staff were great and it was a really good day out, especially for kids!
You’ve captured this sea life so well that I was expecting the still shots to start moving around. Looks like a great exhibit. I didn’t realize there were octopus in Monterrey Bay.
For some reason, Octopuses (Octopi?) have always scared me, seeing that photo with the tentacles against the screen really gave me goosebumps 😮
Mesmerizing, Noel. I bet it was hard to stop watching them.
Stunning photos!
I especially like the last few pictures of the jellies,
I especially like the last few pictures of done jellies,
The jellyfish photos are just amazing!!
Fantastic post. I love the pic with the three jellyfish, so well composed. I would love to visit a tentacle-themed aquarium exhibition, octopi are my favourite marine animals! Thanks for sharing!
I don’t know why but for some reason Nautilus has always excited me the most. It’s so unique and mysterious. Thanks for great photos.
Woaaah! So many tenticles on show! Always reminds me of that scene from ‘Oldboy.’
Beautiful pictures! I especially love the ones of the jellyfish, which I’m fascinated by. They’re so beautiful to see, but I certainly don’t want to see one in the wild!
I haven’t been to Monterey but it looks amazing. I studied cephalopods in college and they’re one of my favorite marine creatures, they’re absolutely fascinating! I’ll have to check out this exhibit, I’d want to stay there all day!
Hi Samantha, Yes it is easy to spend an entire day here checking out all the amazing exhibits.
Pictures are so lovely; the aquarium ought to be paying you…
Lovely pictures – nice clear colours!
I must commend you for these pictures because I know that whenever you try to take pictures in a dark aquarium it can be really tough. You have done a great job here capturing the intricate details on some of those species.It does seem a little expensive but I am sure it is worth it.
I think the Monterey Aquarium is an awesome place to visit – and that’s before the tentacles exhibit. I have no doubt I would be an enthralled as the kids.
So cool 🙂
How wonderful! I am jealous beyond belief! The flapjack octopus and the nautilus look fascinating to watch and the first photograph of the jellyfish is absolutely stunning. Would love to see the bumper cars in action too. Fabulous post.
Oooh Noel, you’re not joking about the WOW factor!! This is amazing, the colours are out of this world, at least out of the man-made world – and what a photo opportunity, that you took 200% advantage of!
I love those photos of the squid and one in the shell. I agree with your observations of the tentacles exhibit, but, as you pointed out, the jellyfish exhibit is pretty amazing, too.
Fantastic photos Noel. The creature in the red and white shell looked like something from Dr. Seuss. I’m always a sucker for the jelly fish exhibits at the aquarium. I find them so peaceful and calming, like your life slows down when you are watching them. We have a pretty amazing aquarium here in Boston too.
Gorgeous pictures. Love the four jellies with blue background.